Romans honor late designer Valentino Garavani as his coffin arrives for lying in state

The late fashion icon Valentino Garavani lies in state at his Rome foundation, as fans, friends, and longtime collaborators pay their final respects before his funeral on Friday.

Reuters

21 January 2026 at 13:31:32

Mourners queue outside the PM23 foundation where fashion designer Valentino Garavani is lying in state following his death at the age of 93, in Rome, Italy, January 21, 2026.

Matteo Minnella/Reuters

The coffin of the late Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani arrived on Monday (January 21) at the headquarters of his foundation in Rome for the lying in state, welcomed by his loved ones and a queue of Roman residents waiting to pay their respects.

Valentino, who died on Monday (January 19) at the age of 93, scaled the heights of haute couture, creating one of the country's most celebrated luxury houses and introducing a new colour to the fashion world, the so-called 'Valentino Red'.

Waiting for the coffin were two long-time partners of the late designer: Giancarlo Giammetti, who founded the fashion house together with Garavani, and Vernon Bruce Hoeksema, former model and fashion entrepreneur.

Among those queuing to pay their last respects to Valentino was Japanese designer Yukie Yokoo, who worked for the brand in both Japan and Italy.

Speaking to Reuters, Yokoo recalled her first meeting with Valentino, when she asked him for a job. "Exactly one week later, he called me and said: come right away," she said.

The lying in state will last until 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: Antonio Denti, Matteo Negri/Reuters