The Legacy of Valentino Garavani

How He Redefined Women's Designer Fashion

By Sareena Haq

Graphic by Sisi Chen

On January 19th, the fashion world lost one of the greats. Valentino Garavani, renowned for revolutionizing evening wear and redefining elegance, died at 93 at his home in Rome, Italy. It felt like the end of something bigger than just one designer's life, but losing a piece of what fashion used to be.

If you've ever scrolled through red carpet photos, chances are you have seen Valentino’s work and legacy firsthand. Born in 1932 in a small Italian town called Voghera, he knew his passion since he was just nine-years-old. Watching old Hollywood movies and theater performances, he decided that he would design for women. By 17, he was already in Paris studying at the École des Beaux-Arts, learning from designers such as Balenciaga. In 1959, he opened his first studio in Rome. A year later, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who became his business partner and life companion. Together, they built something everlasting.

What set Valentino apart wasn't just that he could design, but that he understood what women actually wanted. While most high fashion in the ‘60s felt rigid and uncomfortable, Valentino made clothes that moved with them. His gowns were elegant without being stuffy, glamorous without feeling like a costume. There was this ease to his work that made women feel confident, not self-conscious. Designer Oscar de la Renta once said that Valentino understood women better than most designers ever would, and you can see exactly what he meant when you look at his pieces.

Garavani grew his brand to not only be quietly praised but also to be loved loudly by celebrities all around the world. Dresses like Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown and Julia Roberts’ 2001 Oscar look evoke confidence and glamour, showcasing Valentino’s role in shaping memorable moments for influential women in history.

Even now, years after his 2008 retirement and weeks after his death, his influence is still everywhere. The brand continues to exist, inspiring contemporary designers to prioritize timeless elegance and the beauty of women. His whole approach of making clothes that last, that actually mean something, that make you feel beautiful instead of insecure, feels almost radical now when you compare it to the disposable cycle most fashion has become.

In an industry that forgets yesterday's collection before tomorrow's even drops, Valentino's legacy is a reminder that fashion can be more than fast and temporary. It can be intentional and tell stories.