Funeral Service for Valentino Garavani
On Friday morning, global fashion leaders and the public gathered in Rome to bid farewell to legendary designer Valentino Garavani. The funeral service, held at the central Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, follows a two-day public viewing at the Valentino Foundation headquarters and marks the final tribute to the internationally celebrated couturier.
Attendees and Tributes
Among those present are prominent figures from the fashion world, including designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace, fashion powerhouse Anna Wintour, and Hollywood stars like Anne Hathaway. Garavani, who died Monday at his Rome residence at age 93, was celebrated for dressing generations of royalty, first ladies, and celebrities. The likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Jordan’s Queen Rania, and Julia Roberts have consistently praised the designer for making them feel and look their best.
Legacy and Impact
Hundreds have already paid their respects to the “last emperor” of Italian fashion at the public viewing. While Valentino maintained his studio in Rome, his collections were often unveiled in Paris. His opulent gowns have been seen at numerous Academy Awards, most notably Julia Roberts’ vintage black-and-white column dress when she accepted her Best Actress Oscar in 2001 and Cate Blanchett’s one-shoulder butter yellow silk creation for her Best Supporting Actress award in 2005.
Personal Tributes
Tributes poured in from leaders across the industry, including his longtime partner, models, and reality TV stars. Elizabeth Hurley said: "30 years of extraordinary friendship… Valentino was always kind and generous to me and my son, whom Valentino called ‘The Little Prince.’" Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore a Valentino dress to her wedding and a bright pink long-sleeved dress to the 2013 Met Gala, said the news felt like the "end of an era." She added that Valentino was a man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends, his dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story.
Final Farewell
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay tribute to the fashion designer, writing that "Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything." The funeral service marks the final farewell to a legendary designer who left an indelible mark on the fashion world.
