A farewell ceremony for Valentino Garavani, the man who set beauty standards in haute couture for decades, was held in Rome. On this day, the Italian capital had a special atmosphere: the city seemed to pause, paying tribute to the designer whose creations forever transformed the concept of style and elegance. Despite his legendary status, the farewell was intimate and surprisingly personal.
Words of gratitude came from Valentino’s closest circle. Giancarlo Giammetti, his longtime friend, partner, and muse, could not hide his emotions as he recalled how the designer taught him to appreciate beauty in the details. It was Giammetti who brought Valentino’s last wish to life—to create a farewell where aesthetics and sophistication would take center stage. They reminisced about the famous summer evenings aboard the TM Blue One yacht, where every guest had to follow a strict dress code, as for Valentino, even everyday life demanded refinement.
White hall and flowers
The ceremony began in a hall decorated in dazzling white, where the casket stood beneath a pergola of anemones, camellias, roses, and bougainvillea. About 10,000 people came to pay their respects to the couturier over two days. Among them were his muses—Naty Abascal with her son, as well as Rosario Nadal. Donatella Versace stood out in a strict red outfit, while Maria Grazia Chiuri could not hold back her tears. Giammetti emphasized that Valentino always respected women, never forced uncomfortable looks upon them, and taught them to live with dignity, never losing their self-worth.
There was no bustle in Rome that day. Despite a large security team of a hundred people, everything went smoothly. Luxury cars pulled up to the temple, carrying representatives of the fashion industry, actors, models, and businesspeople. Guests included Alessandro Michele, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Tom Ford, François-Henri Pinault, Antoine Arnault with Natalia Vodianova, as well as Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway.
Music and emotion
The Catholic service was accompanied by works of Mozart, Schubert, and Fauré, and on departure, a forgotten Italian classic—Il nostro concerto—played. This piece, dedicated to love between men, became a symbol of farewell to someone who wasn’t afraid to be himself. The final note was a Puccini aria, adding a special poignancy to the ceremony.
Unlike the grand farewell ceremonies of other fashion icons, Valentino’s farewell was free of excessive pomp. There were no royals or Hollywood divas who usually lend such events their presence. Even the most loyal clients, such as the Queen of the Netherlands, Rania of Jordan, Jennifer Lopez, and Cate Blanchett, were unable to attend. However, many sent flowers and letters filled with warmth and gratitude.
A quiet finale
After the service, Valentino’s coffin was taken to the Flaminio Cemetery, where he was buried in the family mausoleum that he designed together with Giancarlo Giammetti. In this round building with large windows and two cypress trees now rests the man whose name became synonymous with Italian fashion. The gravestone bears only two surnames: Garavani and Giammetti—a symbol of eternal friendship and partnership.
Valentino Garavani’s funeral turned out to be unexpectedly modest for a figure of his stature. Unlike the farewells for Gianni Versace or Alexander McQueen, which were marked by an atmosphere of spectacle and glamour, here everything was imbued with personal memories and genuine sorrow. Even the absence of star clients could not overshadow the significance of the moment—everyone present felt they were saying goodbye not only to a designer, but to an entire era.
Valentino Garavani—a name that has become a symbol of Italian elegance and impeccable taste. His journey in fashion began in the mid-20th century, when he opened his first couture house in Rome. Over decades of work, he dressed royalty, Hollywood stars, and the world’s most influential women. His style was marked by sophistication, attention to detail, and respect for feminine nature. Even after stepping down as creative director, his influence is felt in every collection, and his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of designers. Garavani always stayed true to his principles, prioritizing beauty, harmony, and individuality.
