On Monday (Jan. 19), Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer and founder of the Valentino brand, passed away at the age of 93. TMZ reports the news was confirmed by the designer’s foundation, which shared an official statement via Instagram. According to the post, Garavani died, surrounded by family in his residence in Rome, Italy. A formal “lying in state” or viewing will take place at the PM23 on both Wednesday, Jan. 21st, and Thursday, Jan. 22nd, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, at 11 a.m. Born in the Italian province of Pavia in 1932, Garavani’s interest in fashion began early. His love only grew after he became an apprentice for his aunt, a local designer. He would go on to found one of the most prominent fashion houses in Italy and later the world in 1960.
