Global fashion icons and members of the public gathered on Friday morning in Rome to pay their final respects to the legendary designer Valentino at his funeral held at the central Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. The funeral followed a two-day public viewing at the Valentino Foundation’s headquarters in Rome. Top figures from the fashion world including Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, and Anna Wintour, as well as Hollywood star Anne Hathaway, were in attendance.
Fans and admirers, some donning red attire or accessories as a nod to Valentino’s iconic color, gathered outside the church to bid farewell to the renowned designer, who passed away at 93 in his Rome residence earlier in the week. Known for dressing royalty, first ladies, and celebrities like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Julia Roberts, Valentino’s legacy was honored by hundreds of mourners during the public viewing. Despite showcasing his collections in Paris, Valentino always maintained his atelier in Rome.
His exquisite creations have graced numerous prestigious events, with stars like Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett donning Valentino gowns at the Academy Awards. In a touching tribute during the funeral, Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino’s longtime partner, expressed gratitude to the designer for imparting a sense of beauty, reflecting on their shared journey and dreams.