Tributes pour in for designer Valentino, who has died aged 93

Tributes have poured in for Italian fashion designer Valentino, who died aged 93 at his home in Rome on Monday.

Born in Voghera, northern Italy, in 1932, Valentino became interested in fashion from a young age and left Italy to study in Paris. He later returned to Rome and opened his own fashion house in 1959 with his partner, Giancarlo Giammetti.

Throughout his career Valentino has dressed iconic figures including Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn, among others.

Valentino was known for his statement “Valentino red”—a bright red shade that became synonymous with him and his brand.

Valentino famously said, "I know what women want, they want to be beautiful."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has paid tribute to the designer, describing him as an "undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion."

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore a Valentino gown for her wedding to Brad Falchuk, wrote about knowing Valentino in private.

"I was so lucky to know and love Valentino—to know the real man, in private," said Paltrow.

"The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, and his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story.

"I loved him so much. I loved how he always pestered me to "at least wear a little mascara" when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh.

"This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava."

 

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Fellow Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace described Valentino as a "true maestro".

"Today, we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art," said Versace.

"My thoughts go to Giancarlo, who never left his side for all these years.

"He will never be forgotten."

 

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Model Cindy Crawford said in a post on Instagram that she was "heartbroken" by his loss.

"I will always be grateful for the years I had the privilege of working closely with him," said Crawford.

Despite retiring almost two decades ago, his fashion line continues to be a staple at award shows, with actors Hannah Einbinder and Colman Domingo wearing Valentino at this month's Golden Globe Awards.

His legacy will be honoured with a lying in state on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral set to take place in Rome on Friday.