Loss of Valentino, New Era of Fashion Royalty
By Alex Leisk
March 31, 2026
Graphic by Saniya Oak
A wintry cold set over the fashion Roman empire when visionary Valentino Garavani passed away on Jan. 19. For days, his body lay at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, surrounded by friends, long-time collaborators, and glitterati who all bid farewell.
The prominent names on the register include designers Donatella Versace and Tom Ford, infamous editor Anna Wintour, and actress Anne Hathaway, among others. It seems only fitting that the funeral of an esteemed style icon would showcase monochromatic couture.
Like scenes taken from film noir, guests wore apparel pale as bones and black as death itself. Larger-than-life sunglasses covered their eyes which bore the tears for their beloved, glamorous savant.
Mourners’ processions down the basilica’s aisles paralleled the countless models who walked the runway under Valentino’s watchful eye.
“Now he rests forever surrounded by eternal beauty, a most fitting next chapter for the one true Emperor who gifted us all a legacy of unparalleled magnificence... I love you, my darling, and I miss you already,” wrote Anne Hathaway in an Instagram tribute post.
Rosso Valentino, the signature color of the fashion house which bears the same name, can be seen across various eras of the brand’s life. Even more, Garavani had the unique opportunity to own the Pantone color, Valentino Red. A mix of billowing and sheer crimson dresses continued to walk his runways, while scarlet lipsticks, heels, and handbags defined the brand’s lifestyle.
With looks that scream opulence, Valentino adorned countless elites and royalty. Surrounded by public spectacle and sympathy, Jacky Kennedy was emblazoned in Valentino with a lacey, chiffon wedding dress for her second marriage just five years after becoming a widow. Before her death, Princess Diana can be seen mingling with Valentino and donning his signature red dresses in photos taken by Giancarlo Giammetti, co-founder of Valentino.
Two prominent women surrounded by grief and tragedy both shared in Valentino’s tenderness in their darkest moments.
With the loss of designers Valentino and Giorgio Armani in less than a year, the fashion world remains shaken. Onlookers are calling this the end of an era as the companies of foundational designers are passed into new hands. Unfortunately, many fashion houses are taking fewer risks as their namesakes once did, resorting instead to safer lifestyle and tried-and-true fashion trends from the past.
In March 2024, Alessandro Michele became the creative director of Valentino, bringing a triumphant array of voluminous, ruffled looks. Has Michele reinvented Valentino? Will this new era of fashion live up to the expectations set by its eldest and fallen leaders?
These questions remain unanswered as it’s too early to tell. Nevertheless, legacies of prodigies, namely Valentino, will continue to live on and inspire the designers of tomorrow.■
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