Hollywood and fashion icons gathered in Rome on January 23, 2026, to bid farewell to the legendary designer Valentino Garavani, affectionately known as Valentino. The fashion world mourned the loss of a true icon, as his funeral was attended by an array of celebrities and fashion luminaries.
The Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was the venue for the somber ceremony, following a two-day public viewing at the Valentino Foundation's headquarters. The fashion elite, including Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, and the legendary Anna Wintour, paid their respects. Hollywood's finest, such as Anne Hathaway, were also present, with Hathaway expressing her deep emotions in an Instagram tribute.
Hathaway, who wore Valentino on her wedding day, wrote, 'Now he rests forever surrounded by eternal beauty, a most fitting next chapter for the one true Emperor who gifted us all a legacy of unparalleled magnificence... I love you, my darling, and I miss you already.' Her words captured the sentiment of many, as the designer's influence on fashion was immense.
The funeral saw most attendees dressed in black, a fitting tribute to the designer's signature color, red. However, some chose to wear red as a nod to Valentino's iconic fashion house. Outside the church, fans gathered one last time to pay their respects, their hearts heavy with grief.
Valentino, the 'Last Emperor of Fashion,' passed away at 93 due to natural causes at his Rome residence. His influence on fashion was profound, with his designs gracing the red carpets of the Academy Awards and Met Galas. Celebrities and royalty alike cherished his creations, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who wore a Valentino ensemble for her second wedding to Aristotle Onassis.
The Valentino label has been a staple at major events, with Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Pedro Pascal donning his designs. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, Valentino's impact on fashion is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
