Italian fashion icon and designer Valentino Garavani passed away at the age of 93 in his home in Rome. A funeral was held on January 23rd, 2026 at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs in Rome. Designers in attendance that paid tribute to Valentino’s legacy included Donatella Versace and Tom Ford.
Valentino was recognized as the “last emperor” of Italian fashion. Signature elements in his designs include Valentino red, intentional feminine or romantic silhouettes, perfect proportions, and timeless couture gowns.
Throughout his lifetime he had dressed celebrities such as Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor.
VALENTINO RED
At the heart of Valentino’s visuals is one singular shade ‘Rosso Valentino’. The color was first unveiled in his 1959 “La Fiesta” gown. The warm red tone became more than a signature, but a symbol of empowerment, passion, power, and glamour.
Vogue Italia put a spotlight on the chromatic Valentino red as the centerpiece for it’s tribute February 2026 cover.
Image via Vogue Italia Instagram.
“Among all the colors worn by other women, she seemed to me unique, isolated in her splendor. I have never forgotten her. I think a woman dressed in red is always wonderful, it’s the perfect picture of a heroine.”
Valentino Garavani
The full bleed Valentino red shade serves readers with the reminder that red was not only a color in his palette, but a language of emotion and identity dominant through half a century of couture.
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