Fans, partner pay tribute to fashion icon Valentino, who died aged 93

Mourners gathered in Rome to honour the legendary couturier, whose influence on haute couture and culture spanned decades. Valentino’s partner and admirers hailed his enduring legacy of beauty, creativity and inspiration.

Reuters

20 January 2026 at 11:04:10

Giancarlo Giammetti, partner in business and life of fashion designer Valentino Garavani, speaks to media outside the Valentino Creative Headquarters, following the death of the fashion designer at the age of 93 on Monday, in Rome, Italy, January 20, 2026.

Matteo Minnella/Reuters

Fashion enthusiasts, Romans and tourists paid tribute on Tuesday (January 20) to Italian designer Valentino Garavani, who died a day earlier at the age of 93.

Known in the industry as "the emperor," Valentino scaled the heights of haute couture, created one of the country's most celebrated luxury houses and introduced a new colour to the fashion world, the so-called 'Valentino Red'.

His long-time partner in business and life, Giancarlo Giammetti, said that Valentino's legacy is one of beauty. "Beauty that creates beauty, beauty that helps, beauty that creates culture," he added.

Among the people who left tributes in front of the brand's creative headquarters, near the Spanish Steps, were fashion enthusiasts and young people who considered him a source of inspiration.

"He leaves behind a great legacy, not only for me or for those entering the world of fashion, but for the world of art history and culture itself," said Italian fashion student, Luca Bonil.

The lying in state will be on Wednesday (January 21) and Thursday (January 22), while the funeral will take place in Rome on Friday (January 23) at 11 a.m. (1000 GMT), said Valentino's foundation.

Production: Matteo Negri, Antonio Denti/Reuters