Passing of Valentino Garavani closes an era in 'Made in Italy' history
With the passing of Valentino Garavani at 93_ we witness the end of an era where Italian style reigned supreme. Joining the ranks of departed legends like Gianni Versace and Gianfranco Ferrè_ Valentino_s legacy represents the pinnacle of Italian excellence. His work_ rooted in the elegance of Rome and the industrial chic of Milan_ inspired millions and cemented Italy_s place as the global heart of fashion and creativity.
Giancarlo Giammetti: “Valentino Red will remain a beautiful colour and someone else will carry it forward”
Giancarlo Giammetti—Valentino Garavani_s longtime business partner and companion—remembers the designer as a man who valued the wearer above the concept. “He taught the world how to live with dignity and grace_” Giammetti noted. “Clothes should be defined by what they offer a woman_ not the story the designer wants to tell.”
The pair_s partnership traces back to the 1960s at Piazza Mignanelli in Rome_ now home to PM23_ a sprawling cultural space dedicated to the designer_s legacy. Opened by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation in early 2025_ the 1_000-square-meter venue recently hosted Orizzonti Rosso. The debut exhibition_ which ran through October 2025_ offered a dynamic look at Valentino_s creative evolution_ juxtaposing his legendary gowns with significant works of art.
“We started here_ and this square is ours and will always remain a part of us. Valentino Red will remain a beautiful colour_ and someone else will carry it forward_” he added while speaking to reporters_ as reported by Ansa.
He loved to say “I love beauty_ it_s not my fault”
Founded in Rome in 1960 by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti_ the maison remained under the founders_ control for nearly forty years. In 1998_ they sold the brand to Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali; by 2002_ it had passed to the Marzotto Apparel group.
The label_s ownership continued to shift over the next decade_ moving to Permira in 2007 and then to Mayhoola for Investments in 2012. Today_ the brand is in a transition period toward Kering ownership. After purchasing a 30 percent stake for roughly 1.7 billion euros in July 2023_ the French luxury giant now holds an option to acquire 100 percent of the company by 2029_ following a recent one-year extension of the original 2028 deadline.
