Valentino dies at 93

January 19, 2026

Photographs by Guy Marineau/Penske Media, via Getty Images; The New York Times; Stephane Cardinale/Sygma, via Getty Images; Franco Vitale/Reporters Associati & Archivi, via Getty Images; Toni Anne Barson/WireImage

	By Vanessa Friedman

Hello, Open Thread. Valentino Garavani, the celebrated Roman designer, has died at 93. Below, my obituary, and some other coverage of how he shaped what we wear.

REMEMBERING VALENTINO AND WHY HE MATTERED

A man in an elegant blue-gray suit leans against a rail in a cavernous room filled with dress designs.

Warrick Page for The International Herald Tribune

Valentino Garavani, Regal Designer and Fashion’s ‘Last Emperor,’ Dies at 93

Valentino, as he was called, created one of the most durable and fashionable labels and became an equal of his high society customers.

By Vanessa Friedman

A black and white photo of a young Valentino squatting in front of a female dress form, draping white fabric on it.

Reporters Associati & Archivi/Mondadori Portfolio, via Getty Images

Valentino: A Life in Photos

Valentino Garavani, fashion’s ‘Last Emperor,’ believed in the power of beauty.

VALENTINO OFF THE RUNWAY

At 82, Valentino Is Still the Ultimate Party ‘Get’ in New York

The retired fashion designer is among the most ubiquitous figures on the New York social scene.

By John Koblin

Evan Sung for The New York Times

How to Set a Table Like Valentino

A dinner party with silver and crystal tests Valentino Garavani’s sumptuous approach inspired by the book “At the Emperor’s Table.”

By Vanessa Friedman

… AND ON

In Rome, Fashion Royalty Hails Its King

The designer Valentino has been busy this weekend reaping the rewards of 45 years of being Rome’s most glamorous name.

By Cathy Horyn

Fashion Review

A Final Curtain Call for Valentino

After 45 years as a leading designer, Valentino said goodbye to the fashion world with a haute couture fashion show in Paris. Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier also presented their couture shows.

By Cathy Horyn

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