Italian fashion designer Valentino dies

Italian fashion designer Valentino has died, his foundation has said.

Valentino was 93.

"Valentino Garavani passed away today ‌at his Roman residence, ‌surrounded by his loved ​ones," the foundation said.

A lying in state will be held on Wednesday and Thursday to honour the designer.

His funeral is set to take place in Rome on Friday.

Born Valentino Garavani, he became known as simply 'Valentino' - sharing the name with his eponymous fashion line.

The label is best known for creating 'Valentino red' - a dark shade of red that would feature heavily in their dresses.

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay tribute to the designer on social media.

She said: "Valentino, undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion.

"Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything."

Deputy prime minister Antonio Tajani described him as an "absolute protagonist of global fashion" in a post on X.

His foundation added: "Valentino Garavani was not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a true source of light, creativity and vision."

His dresses became a mainstay on Hollywood red carpets - from Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez and Cate Blanchett among the stars to have worn him.

Other famous names include Julia Roberts, Princess Diana and former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy - who wore his dresses throughout her mourning period for John F. Kennedy.

He later developed a friendship with Anne Hathaway - even making an appearance in 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada.

The pair struck up a close bond - with Valentino once describing Hathaway as "like a daughter" to him.

Despite retiring almost two decades ago, his fashion line continues to be a staple at award shows.

At this month's Golden Globe awards actors Hannah Einbinder and Colman Domino wore outfits bearing his name.

Born in Voghera, northern Italy, the designer first made his name after setting up a fashion house in Paris.

He later returned to his home country to set up The House of Valentino alongside long time business partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

His works were best known for their opulence, often incorporating vivid colours and ornate designs at a time when much of the fashion world was looking towards minimalist design.

He once famously said: "I know what women want. They want to be beautiful."

His career stretched from the 1960s through to his retirement in 2008.

A lover of dogs, he told Vanity Fair in 2004 that he had six of the animals.

(c) Sky News 2026: Italian fashion designer Valentino dies