Valentino, designer to Hollywood's biggest stars, dies at 93

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Valentino, designer to Hollywood's biggest stars, dies at 93

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Fashion icon Valentino dressed royalty and movie stars

20 Jan - Renowned Italian fashion designer Valentino, who dressed some of Hollywood's biggest stars for their most iconic moments, has recently passed away.

Born in 1932, Valentino founded his eponymous label in 1960 and became the go-to designer for the world's most famous women, including Princess Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Meryl Streep, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Among his famous dresses include Elizabeth Taylor's yellow gown for her 1991 wedding to Larry Fortensky, Cate Blanchett's yellow one-shoulder gown at the Academy Awards 2005 where she won Best Supporting Actress for "The Aviator," as well as Julia Roberts' black gown she wore when accepting her Oscar's Best Actress for "Erin Brockovich" - the latter that Valentino said to be a highlight of his career.

Julia Roberts in Valentino gown at the 2001 Oscars

Cate Blanchett in a Valentino yellow dress at the 2005 Oscars

The news was announced by his foundation, Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti via social media on 19 January, writing, "Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones. The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday January 21st and Thursday January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm."

"The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 am," it added. He was 93.