Who Was Valentino Garavani? 10 Things About the Last Emperor of Fashion
The "Sheik of Chic" passed away at 93 years old.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Jan 20, 2026
The reign of the Last Emperor of Fashion had come to a close. Valentino Garavani, known to the world simply as Valentino, passed away on January 20, 2026. Maison Valentino confirmed the news with “deep emotion and profound affection,” marking the loss of a designer whose vision defined decades of style.
The Italian luxury fashion house remains committed to “preserving and elevating the valued creative, cultural, and human heritage he entrusted to us,” acknowledging that “his unique style and innate elegance will remain forever.”
Valentino pursued beauty in every form, with a restless heart. In a 2005 interview with The New Yorker, as he was gradually approaching retirement, he expressed how he hoped to be remembered.
Today, we mourn and remember the man who translated this obsession with beauty into intricate and thoughtful creations—designed to make every person who wears them feel like the best version of themselves. Find 10 facts about Valentino Garavani ahead.
Who Was Valentino Garavani? 10 Things About the Last Emperor of Fashion
He was 93 years old.
Valentino was born in Voghera, Italy on May 11, 1932. He was 93 years old at the time of his passing.
He was dubbed “The Sheik of Chic.”
He was named after Rudolph Valentino, the silent film star whose most famous work was The Sheik. With his own sophisticated style, Valentino earned the endearing nickname “The Sheik of Chic.”
He retired in 2008.
Valentino presented his final collection as creative director in Paris and retired in 2008. However, he stayed actively involved with the brand. His legacy continues to live on today.
He had a six-decade long career.
Pursuing the path of fashion was a no-brainer for the designer, who discovered his passion at a young age. He left home in 1949—at only 17 years old—to keep studying the art and to engage in competitions, garnering wide acclaim and recognition among fashion communities. He returned to Rome in 1959 to work towards building his own fashion house, and his eponymous brand was established the following year.
His business partner was also his life partner.
At the launch of his brand, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, who brought essential business and commercial expertise. In the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, Giancarlo reflected, “Being the friend, lover and employee of Valentino for more than 45 years required a lot of patience.” Valentino, in turn, said of his partner, “To share life with a person for your whole existence—every moment, joy, pain, enthusiasm, disappointment—is something that cannot be defined.”
He has a star-studded clientele.
Valentino’s first high-profile client was Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor. While filming in Italy in 1960, she came across Valentino and was captivated by his work. She commissioned a white dress, which she wore to the after-party of Spartacus’ world premiere. Valentino went on to dress Hollywood stars, high society figures, and even royalty. Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Princess Margaret were among the women he clothed.
His signature color was Valentino Red.
Valentino Red is characterized by a mix of carmine and scarlet, and a tint of orange. This hue had an elegance that struck a young Valentino. He then introduced it to the fashion world, and the shade became synonymous with the brand.
His all-neutral collection further propelled him into the spotlight.
Valentino Red is iconic, but the designer showcased his versatility with his 1967 presentation, often called the “no-color” collection, featuring only white, ivory, and beige pieces. It was a daring departure from the bold, psychedelic patterns popular at the time. That same year, he received the prestigious Neiman Marcus Award for “Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion.”
He was a jet-setter.
Valentino lived a life as lavish as that of his patrons. He traveled between his many properties in a private jet, including a chateau near Paris said to have more than a million roses in its garden. Always perpetually tanned, he also enjoyed his own yacht. Valentino was deeply committed to the arts, maintaining a collection that included works by Picasso and Miró.
He had a cameo in “The Devil Wears Prada.”
The Devil Wears Prada, one of the most beloved fashion films of its time, captured Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) attending a Valentino show and rubbing elbows with the designer himself, highlighting Valentino’s influence in both cinema and high fashion.
Rest in peace, Valentino Garavani.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.