Valentino Garavani Dies: How Celebrities Are Saying Their Goodbyes

On Monday evening a sad piece of news circulated: the renowned fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died (as TheColu.mn reported). According to his foundation’s Instagram post, he passed away on Monday, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 93. The death of the Italian designer has sent a shock through Hollywood and fashion circles. Stars and his models mourn the Valentino founder.

Heidi Klum (52) is among the supermodels who loved wearing the designer’s creations. On Instagram she shares touching words: “Valentino’s reputation as one of the most creative and talented designers in the fashion industry can only be overshadowed by his kindness and generosity,” Klum wrote. “He was a true legend in every sense of the word. May you rest in peace, and thank you for all the beauty you brought into our lives.” She also posted a photo from the Met Gala in 2003, where she wore one of Valentino’s designs.

Heidi Klum has worn many designers throughout her long career, but her connection to the Valentino house is especially personal: for her wedding to Tom Kaulitz (36) in August 2019 in Capri, she wore a custom Valentino gown designed by then Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli (58).

The designer dressed countless stars in life, including Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), Jackie Kennedy (1929-1994), or Julia Roberts (58). On the red carpet, Anne Hathaway (43), Gwyneth Paltrow (53), Cindy Crawford (59), and Madonna (67) also wore his gowns.

The End of an Era

Gwyneth Paltrow spoke on Instagram about how lucky she feels to have known the true, private Valentino. “The man who loved beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens and a good Hollywood story,” she wrote. She said she loved him, his laughter, and if he ever asked, at least to flutter her lashes a bit when they would meet for dinner. “It feels like the end of an era. I and everyone who loved him will miss him greatly. Rest in peace, Vava,” she added as she bid farewell to the fashion icon. She also shared a photo of herself kissing him on the cheek.

The designer had dressed her, among others, for her 2018 wedding to Brad Falchuk. He also dressed her on the red carpet.

Carla Bruni (58) also spoke up. The former model, who is married to France’s former president Nicolas Sarkozy, said in an Instagram post that his death moved her deeply. “He was a master of his craft, and it was an honor and a privilege to meet him and model for him. I will always remember his great kindness and his endless elegance,” she added. To his former business and life partner Giancarlo Giammetti (83) and to his family, she extended her condolences. (spot)

Also Coco Rocha (37) modeled for him and his brand. She walked in his farewell show in January 2008. Now she mourns on Instagram: “Today the fashion world has lost another giant of our industry and a true gentleman.” She described him not only as a legendary designer but also “a warm-hearted, generous man who shaped fashion with grace, discipline, and beauty. His legacy lives on in the poise, elegance and conviction that defined both the man and his work.”