Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known as Valentino, has died at 93, his foundation announced in an Instagram post on Monday.
“Our founder, Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the caption read.
Valentino founded his eponymous fashion house in 1960 and quickly became one of fashion’s defining figures. He was celebrated for his glamorous, elegant designs and his signature shade, “Valentino Red.”
His clothes were worn by numerous celebrities and even royalty, including Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Elizabeth Taylor.
“I know what women want,” he said in “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” a 2008 documentary about his life and career. “They want to be beautiful.”
Here’s how women across fashion and Hollywood paid tribute to the designer after his death.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow paid tribute to Valentino in an Instagram post featuring a photo of her kissing the late designer on the cheek.
“I was so lucky to know and love Valentino-to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story. I loved him so much. I loved how he always pestered me to ‘at least wear a little mascara’ when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh,” Paltrow wrote in the caption.
“This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava,” she wrote.
Paltrow has worn Valentino gowns for many major moments over the years, including the 2013 Met Gala and her 2018 wedding to Brad Falchuk.
Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford paid tribute to the designer on Instagram, sharing a photo of the pair on the runway together.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of Valentino Garavani’s passing. He was a true master of his craft, and I will always be grateful for the years I had the privilege of working closely with him,” Crawford wrote.
Crawford has walked the Valentino runway and appeared in multiple campaigns for the brand over the years.
Carla Bruni
Former French first lady and model Carla Bruni also took to Instagram to share a tribute to Valentino.
“I’m moved by the departure of the immense Valentino who will leave so much beauty in the world. He was a teacher and it was an honor and a great privilege to know him and parade for him and I will always remember his great kindness and infinite elegance,” Bruni wrote in her caption in Italian. “My thoughts are with @giancarlogiammetti and all of Valentino’s family. Rest in peace #valentino.”
Bruni has modeled for Valentino numerous times throughout her career.
Claudia Schiffer
Claudia Schiffer paid tribute to Valentino with a series of Instagram photos, including shots of her with the designer and from her campaigns for the brand.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of my old friend Valentino. He is what true legends are made of, living on forever through the brand he created, the embodiment of timeless elegance and glamour. I loved the special times where I got to bring his creations to life on and off the runway. One of my favourite campaigns was in Rome where I became Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita, a memory I will cherish forever,” Schiffer wrote in her caption.
“I will remember the fun holidays I spent with him in Mallorca, Ibiza and St Tropez. My Valentino wedding gown which I have framed at home as a constant reminder of his gentle, generous, sweet and loyal nature. Having him create my wedding gown was one of the great honors of my life, a moment I will cherish forever. I feel so proud to have been a part of his life. Repose en paix, Monsieur Valentino,” she wrote.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker shared an Instagram post featuring a black background with red text that read “RIP VAVA. May 11, 1932 – January 19, 2026.”
“So many memories. So happy to recall. Of course, wish I had more. For your extraordinary talent, your decadent generosity and your love of all things beautiful, we are all more fortunate for the grand gestures you shared with the world. Godspeed Valentino Garavani,” Parker wrote in her caption.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian shared a series of Instagram Stories featuring photos of herself with the late designer.
“Sweet Valentino. You were magical, so special. Thank you for your magic. Rest in peace,” Kardashian wrote in her caption.
Helena Christensen
Model Helena Christensen left a comment on the Instagram post announcing the designer’s death.
“Such wonderful memories with this beautiful talented man and genius,” she wrote.
Christensen has appeared on the Valentino runway multiple times throughout her career.
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