News broke this morning that Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, better known as Valentino, has passed away at the age of 93. Thus far, tributes have been pouring in, reflecting on the impact he had on global style, not only as a legendary couturier but also as one of fashion’s greats and a pivotal figure in Italian glamour.

Valentino will forever be remembered for his signature opulent, elegant style, which graced some of the most glamorous women, from Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor to Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy, and Jennifer Lopez—cementing his status as truly iconic.

Outside of celebrity dressing, he introduced the world to the now-famous “Valentino red”, a rich, poppy hue that has become synonymous with the house since its Spring/Summer 1959 collection, when a red strapless tulle dress called ‘La fiesta’ got people talking. So enduring is its legacy that the colour is now officially recognized by Pantone. This lifelong fascination with red was born of early childhood memories of attending the Opera in Barcelona, where it flooded the atmosphere. To this day, the house never designs a collection without a red dress in tow.

Trained in Paris under legendary names in fashion like Jean Dessès, Christian Dior, and Guy Laroche, Valentino went on to establish his own label in Rome in 1959. Built to honour and celebrate feminine beauty, the brand played a vital role in bringing Italian fashion to the global stage. While retiring in 2007 and concluding his final haute couture show in January 2008, he led the house for over 45 years. And for the finale walk of his final show, all models, of course, wore a red dress.

While the world mourns his passing, his impact, legacy and teachings will continue to live on. His artistic visions revolutionized couture and secured his place as one of fashion’s kings forever.

Feature image via Getty.

Rashida Jones Summer 2024 Cover Shoot
SUIT BY VALENTINO; SHOES BY ANDREA WAZEN; EARRINGS AND RING BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS.
Photography by Erik Carter (Anderson Hopkins)
Styling by Dani + Emma (The Wall Group)
Makeup by Jamie Greenberg (The Wall Group)
Hair by Kylee Heath (A-Frame Agency)
Nails by Miwa Kobayashi
Digital Tech: Joseph Mitchell
Stylist Assistant: Sazja Lincoln
Photo Assistants: Nicol Biesek, Alexa Forester

S Winter 2024 Fashion Shoot
JACKET, SHIRT, SKIRT, AND TIE BY VALENTINO; GLOVES BY CANADA GOOSE; EARRINGS BY MESSIKA.
Photography by Alexis Belhumeur
Model: Yasmine (Folio Management)
Styling by Amanda Lee Shirreffs (TEAMM)
Hair and Makeup by Jiefan Alan (TEAMM) using NARS
Set Design by Vanessa Jackson
Stylist Assistant: Stephane Christinel
Photo and Set Assistant: Aime Elle

S Fall 2023 Fashion Shoot
FULL LOOK BY VALENTINO.
Photography by Ted Belton
Models:Neelam Ahooja
Fashion Direction by Haley Dach and Sahar Nooraei
Hair and Makeup by Julie Cusson for CHANEL Beauty
Photo Assistants: Nigel Tang, Sloane Bartley
Hair and Makeup Assistant: Lauren Jonovich

Lucy Boynton Spring 2023 Cover Shoot
FULL LOOK BY VALENTINO.
Photography by Lea Winkler
Styling by Leith Clark (The Wall Group)
Makeup by Lisa Houghton (Caren Agency)
Hair by Halley Brisker (The Wall Group)
Manicure by Sabrina Gayle (Arch the Agency)
Production by Anastasia Marshall
Photo Assistants: Guy Parsonage, Tom Frimley
Stylist Assistant: Delaney William
Shot on location at Spring Studios