Valentino Garavani, legendary fashion designer, dies
FILE - Valentino Garavani attending the 2019 CFDA Fashion Awards at The Brooklyn Museum on June 3, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
ROME - Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer and founder of the celebrated Valentino brand, has died. He was 93 years old.
A social media post from Valentino's personal Instagram account and his foundation, confirmed the news on Monday.
Valentino, fashion designer, dies
What they're saying:
The social media post said he "peacefully passed away" on Jan. 19 at his residence in Rome "surrounded by the love of his family."
The post's caption also said, "Our founder, Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones."
His foundation said in a statement: "Valentino Garavani was not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a true source of light, creativity and vision,″ the foundation said in a statement posted on social media."
His body will repose at the foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday. The funeral will be held Friday at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome’s Piazza della Repubblica.
Fashion designer Valentino's legacy
Big picture view:
Universally known by his first name, Valentino was adored by generations of royals, first ladies and movie stars, from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Julia Roberts.
"I know what women want," he once remarked. "They want to be beautiful."
Never one for edginess or statement dressing, Valentino made precious few fashion faux-pas throughout his nearly half-century-long career, which stretched from his early days in Rome in the 1960s through to his retirement in 2008.
His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers’ awards ceremony needs. His sumptuous gowns have graced countless Academy Awards, notably in 2001, when Roberts wore a vintage black and white column to accept her best actress statue. Cate Blanchett also wore Valentino — a one-shouldered number in butter-yellow silk — when she won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 2004.
Giorgio Armani died in September
Dig deeper:
This news comes just four months after Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who turned his style and vision into a multibillion-dollar company, died. He was 91.
RELATED: Giorgio Armani, fashion icon, dies at 91
From the executive office to the Hollywood screen, Armani dressed the rich and famous in classic tailored styles, fashioned in super-soft fabrics and muted tones. His handsome black tie outfits and glittering evening gowns often stole the show on award season red carpets.
"I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical," he used to say when asked to identify his clientele.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by Valentino Garavani's Instagram account. This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press contributed.