Gwyneth Paltrow is leading a wave of heartfelt tributes following the death of legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who died in Rome on Monday at the age of 93.
The Oscar winner shared a deeply personal message remembering not only the iconic designer, but also the man she knew privately and loved dearly.
Valentino has played an important role in Paltrow’s life, dressing her for major moments including the Met Gala, numerous award shows and her 2018 wedding to Brad Falchuk.
Reflecting on their bond, Paltrow wrote: “I was so lucky to know and love Valentino, to know the real man, in private.
The man in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. Its dogs, its gardens and a good Hollywood story. I loved him so much. I loved how he was always nagging me to “at least wear a little mascara” when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh.
She ended her tribute on a poignant note, adding: “It feels like the end of an era. I and everyone who loved him will miss him deeply. Rest in peace, Vava,” followed by a broken heart emoji.
Model Cindy Crawford also paid tribute to Valentino, sharing photos of her time with him and writing, “I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Valentino Garavani. He was a true master of his craft, and I will always be grateful for the years I had the privilege of working closely with him.”
Valentino’s death was confirmed by his foundation via Instagram, stating in part: “Valentino Garavani died today in his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.”
According to the foundation, the funeral will take place on January 23 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Throughout his career, Valentino has dressed and worked with countless stars, including Sharon Stone, Nicole Kidman, Barbra Streisand, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Monica Vitti and Jackie Kennedy, for whom he designed her wedding dress for her 1968 marriage to Aristotle Onassis.
Fashion designer Zac Posen paid tribute with a moving message, writing: “Mr. Valentino has left us, and with him an era of rare elegance and grace. He believed deeply in glamour, beauty and above all the power and love of women. He was a true gentleman and a romantic in every sense of the word… The world is more beautiful because he was in it. Riposa in Pace, genio dell’eleganza.”
“Riposa in rhythm, genio dell’eleganza” means in Italian “Rest in peace, genius of elegance”.
Model Coco Rocha echoed these sentiments, sharing, “Today, fashion lost another giant of our industry and a true gentleman. I was fortunate to know Valentino, not only as an iconic Roman couturier, but also as a warm and generous presence who shaped fashion with grace, discipline and beauty.”
As the tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Valentino’s influence extends far beyond the runway, leaving behind a legacy defined by elegance, artistry and deep personal relationships.
