Tributes poured in on Monday, January 19th for Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian fashion designer who dressed some of the world’s most elegant women, following his death at 93.
“This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed,” wrote actor Gwyneth Paltrow on Instagram, alongside a photo of her kissing Valentino on the cheek.
She recalled a man “in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends”—and who “always pestered me to ‘at least wear a little mascara’ when I came to dinner.”
Valentino’s death comes just months after the passing of another Italian style legend, Giorgio Armani, and tributes came from the global fashion world and beyond.
“Today, we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art,” wrote Donatella Versace on Instagram.
Supermodel Cindy Crawford said she was “heartbroken,” saying Valentino was “a true master of his craft.”
Sophia Loren recalled his “kind soul, full of humanity.” “You were a friend, and your art and passion will forever remain a source of inspiration,” she wrote.
One of the top designers of his era, Valentino’s creations were worn by the who’s who of the international elite, from Elizabeth Taylor and Nancy Reagan through to Sharon Stone and Julia Roberts.
He was best known for his gowns in deep rich “Valentino red.”
A funeral is planned for Friday in Rome, and there will be a lying in state at his company headquarters near the Spanish Steps on Wednesday and Thursday.
