Celebrities pay heartfelt tributes to Valentino Garavani on Instagram and X

Celebrities and fans are paying tribute to world-famous fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who has died aged 93.

Valentino Garavani, the founder of the luxury fashion house Valentino, died on January 19th, 2026, aged 93.

Garavani, who was famously called “the last emperor" of fashion in a 2008 documentary, founded Valentino in Rome, Italy, in 1959.

The fashion industry icon was Valentino's creative director from its founding until 2007, when he announced his retirement.

Since then, Valentino has been run by four different creative directors, with Alessandro Michele being the latest addition to the fashion house.

The news of Garavani’s passing did not fall on deaf ears, as rival fashion houses, celebrities, fans, and internet users alike flocked to social media to comment on his death.

Rival luxury brands like Gucci posted on X, expressing their condolences to all who knew and worked with Garavani.

“We at Gucci are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Valentino Garavani, a pioneering couturier and an icon of Italian fashion.”

Luxury fashion alumna and sister of Versace founder, Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace, paid tribute to Garavani via Instagram, saying that “today we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art.”

Actor Anne Hathaway posted on X saying that Garavani’s passing is a “huge loss for the fashion world,” and may he “rest in peace.”

Fans flocked to social media to express their gratitude towards Garavani, with one fan saying, “thank you for making the most beautiful colour in the world iconic,” referring to Valentino’s use of red, which was later dubbed “Valentino red.”

Valentino’s designs have been worn by some of the most famous celebrities, including Audrey Hepburn, influential first ladies like Jackie Kennedy, Oscar-winning actors like Julia Roberts, and even Princess Diana.

Gwyneth Paltrow posted a heartfelt tribute to Garavani on Instagram, saying that she was “lucky to know and love Valentino.”

“I loved him so much. I love how he always pestered me to at least wear a little mascara when I came to dinner,” said Paltrow.

Another celebrity, Sarah Jessica Parker, paid tribute to “so many happy memories” which she is “so happy to recall.”

Of course, the internet got hold of Valentino’s passing and used it to resurface the famous Vine featuring a white Valentino bag.

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