As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, Gwyneth Paltrow wrote an emotional farewell, offering a rare glimpse into the private man behind Italian fashion empire Valentino.
As the industry mourns the loss of a global style icon, Paltrow’s words reveal a more intimate side of Garavani, rooted in friendship, humor and deep personal connection.
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Valentino Garavani remembered through Gwyneth Paltrow’s private tribute
On Monday, Paltrow took to Instagram to share a deeply personal post honoring her longtime friend, Valentino Garavani.
Alongside a photo of herself kissing the icon on the cheek, the actress reflected on the designer she knew away from the spotlight.
“I was so lucky to know and love Valentino, to know the real man, in private,” Paltrow wrote, before describing what mattered most to him.
The “Marty Supreme” star said he was “in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends,” and added that Garavani loved “his dogs, his gardens and a good Hollywood story.”
Paltrow’s tribute also highlighted his playful side, recalling how he “always pestered me to wear at least a little mascara when I came to dinner,” and noting that she loved “his naughty laugh.”
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She ended by calling Garavani’s death “the end of an era,” adding, “He will be deeply missed by me and all those who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava.”
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Garavani’s death confirmed as tributes pour in
Valentino Garavani’s death was confirmed in a January 19 post shared on his personal Instagram account and by his foundation.
The announcement specifies that the designer died in his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 93.
The message also outlined plans to honor his life, noting that a resting ceremony would take place at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, on Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
His funeral is planned for Friday January 23 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
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Industry figures quickly responded in the comments. Pierpaolo Piccioli, the former creative director of Valentino, left a simple but moving tribute in the form of a broken heart emoji, echoing the sentiment felt across the fashion world.
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The rise of Valentino Garavani from Italy to global fashion icon
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932 in Voghera, Italy, Garavani built his career on classical training and relentless ambition.
He studied fashion in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts and at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne before apprenticing with Jacques Fath and Balenciaga.
Garavani then worked for Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, after which he returned to Italy to open his own fashion house in Rome.
A pivotal moment came in 1960 when he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who became both his longtime business partner and, for 12 years, his romantic partner.
Over the next few years, Garavani’s notoriety increased significantly. He finally reached new heights when Jackie Kennedy purchased and wore six of his designs after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
She then chose a Valentino dress for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis, cementing the designer’s place in fashion history.
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Garavani on style, fame and knowing what women want
Valentino Garavani often spoke frankly about his philosophy. In the 2008 documentary “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” he explained his enduring appeal by saying, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.”
His influence extends beyond the catwalks and red carpets. He appeared as himself in the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada” and was the central figure in the 2008 documentary filmed during the last two years of his career.
The film featured appearances from Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, Sarah Jessica Parker and her six beloved pugs.
In 2007, the legend announced his retirement. “At this moment, I have decided that it is the perfect time to say goodbye to the world of fashion,” he said in a statement. The New York Times. “As the English say, I’d like to leave the party while it’s still full.”
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Valentino Garavani’s Final Years, Honors and Enduring Legacy
Garavani’s last haute couture show took place in January 2008 at the Rodin Museum in Paris. The event was emotional for many in attendance.
Blake Lively later recalled, according to PEOPLE“I actually started crying, it was so amazing. It was so special to be here. I felt like I was here for something historic.”
Uma Thurman also described the moment, saying, “I was so sad to see it end. He’s one of the most stylish designers of our time.”
Aside from his fashion shows and designs, Garavani has also received numerous honors over the years.
In 2006, he received the Knight of the Legion of Honor from French President Jacques Chirac, and two years later he received the Medal of the City of Paris.
In 2011, Garavani won the Couture Council Award for Fashion Art and in 2017 he received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.