Global Fashion Icons Gather in Rome for Valentino's Funeral, Honoring His Signature Red Legacy
Fashion and film icons gathered in Rome to honor Valentino Garavani at his funeral, highlighting his profound legacy and the enduring significance of his signature red color.
- • Valentino Garavani died at 93 and was honored in a funeral in Rome attended by global fashion and cinema icons.
- • The ceremony showcased white flowers with subtle red accents, reflecting Valentino's signature color, Valentino red.
- • Anne Hathaway and other prominent figures paid emotional tributes to Valentino's impact on fashion.
- • Valentino red, a ruby shade with blue nuances, is recognized as a key element of Valentino’s legacy and continues to influence fashion.
- • The event concluded a two-day wake at Valentino’s foundation, with fans outside also paying homage in red.
Key details
Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, was commemorated in a solemn funeral on January 23, 2026, at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome. Valentino passed away at 93, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly influenced modern haute couture and the world of fashion. The ceremony brought together prominent figures from fashion and cinema, including Anne Hathaway, Anna Wintour, Donatella Versace, Tom Ford, Alessandro Michele, and Pierpaolo Piccioli. Anne Hathaway, a contemporary muse of Valentino, attended with her husband and delivered a heartfelt tribute, describing him as a “titan of fashion” and a dear friend who brought joy into her life.
The funeral decor featured white floral arrangements and subtle yet meaningful red accents, paying homage to Valentino's iconic "Valentino red." Guests primarily dressed in black, but many incorporated red accessories as a nod to this signature color. The color, described as a ruby red with a hint of blue, has become symbolic of Valentino's brand, conveying luxury, power, and elegance. Vogue Italia announced a collaboration with the Valentino Foundation to recreate this precise shade, underlining its importance in fashion history.
The event marked the conclusion of a two-day wake at Valentino’s foundation, where his coffin was displayed before the funeral. Outside the basilica, fans gathered, some wearing red and holding signs, reflecting the enduring admiration for the designer. Valentino’s influence stretches beyond his lifetime, as Valentino red continues to inspire fashion editors, designers, and enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying his place as a master of couture and a cultural icon in the fashion community.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (3)
Source comparison
Date of funeral
Sources report different dates for Valentino's funeral.
veja.abril.com.br
"His funeral, held at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, gathered a host of fashion and cinema icons."
folhape.com.br
"Celebrities from around the world gathered in Rome on January 23, 2026, to pay their respects at the funeral of renowned Italian designer Valentino."
Why this matters: One source states the funeral took place on September 19, while another claims it occurred on January 23, 2026. This discrepancy significantly affects the timeline of events surrounding Valentino's death and memorial.