Fashion World Gathers in Rome for Valentino's Final Farewell
Global fashion celebrities joined the public on Friday morning to bid a final farewell to iconic designer Valentino Garavani at his funeral service in Rome. The solemn ceremony took place at the central Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, marking the culmination of tributes to the internationally acclaimed fashion legend.
Two Days of Public Viewing Precedes Funeral
Following a two-day public viewing on Wednesday and Thursday at the Valentino foundation's headquarters in the Italian capital, the funeral represented the ultimate tribute to the designer who shaped global fashion for decades. The viewing had already attracted hundreds of admirers paying their respects to what many called the "last emperor" of Italian fashion.
Fashion Royalty and Hollywood Stars in Attendance
Top fashion names, including renowned designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace, attended the funeral service alongside longtime collaborators and industry insiders. Hollywood stars also joined the gathering, with Anne Hathaway making a notable appearance to honor her close friend and mentor.
Anne Hathaway's Heartfelt Tribute
Anne Hathaway, who shared a particularly close bond with Valentino, had taken to her Instagram earlier in the week to pay emotional tribute to the designer. She shared photos of Valentino along with a heartfelt note that revealed the depth of their relationship.
"For the last twenty years, it has been my extraordinary honor to have known, loved and been cared for by the great Valentino Garavani," Hathaway wrote. "He is a beloved, world-renown, Titan of a designer, but he was also my dear and cherished friend who educated me, raised me, sent me flowers every year on my birthday, made me laugh, was my dancing and karaoke partner on so many joyful nights."
The actress recalled how Valentino had offered to create a custom couture wedding dress for her 2012 marriage, "a gesture so generous it still brings tears to my eyes." She concluded her tribute by expressing her love and sympathy for his family during this difficult time.
Public Homage in Signature Red
Outside the church, fans and admirers gathered in a final homage to the designer, with many dressed in red or carrying red accessories. This colorful tribute honored Valentino's signature shade that became synonymous with his brand and aesthetic vision throughout his illustrious career.
The Legacy of Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani, who passed away at age 93 at his Rome residence on Monday, was adored by generations of royals, first ladies, and celebrities. His clientele included iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Jordan's Queen Rania, and Julia Roberts, who consistently praised how the designer made them look and feel their absolute best.
The designer maintained his atelier in Rome throughout his career, while primarily unveiling his collections in Paris. His exquisite gowns have graced countless Academy Awards ceremonies, creating memorable fashion moments in cinematic history.
Notably, in 2001, Julia Roberts wore a vintage black and white column dress by Valentino when accepting her Best Actress Oscar. Cate Blanchett also chose Valentino for her 2005 Academy Awards appearance, wearing a butter-yellow silk one-shouldered gown when she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Valentino's influence extended beyond mere fashion design; he created a legacy of elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty that continues to inspire the fashion industry worldwide. His passing marks the end of an era in Italian fashion, but his impact will undoubtedly endure through the countless lives he touched and the aesthetic standards he established.
