Gwyneth Paltrow is leading a wave of heartfelt tributes following the death of legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who died on Monday in Rome at the age of 93.
The Oscar-winning actress shared a deeply personal message remembering not only the iconic designer, but the man she knew privately and loved deeply.
Valentino played a significant role in Paltrow’s life, dressing her for important moments including the Met Gala, numerous award shows, and her 2018 wedding to Brad Falchuk.
Reflecting on their bond, Paltrow wrote: “I was very lucky to know and love Valentino, to know the real man, in private.
The man who was in love with beauty, with his family, with his muses, with his friends. Its dogs, its gardens and a good Hollywood story. I loved him very much. I loved how she always pestered me to “at least put on some mascara” when I went to dinner. “I loved his mischievous laugh.”
He ended his tribute on a touching note, adding, “This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by myself and all of us who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava,” followed by a broken heart emoji.
Supermodel Cindy Crawford also honored Valentino, sharing photos of her time with him and writing, “My heart aches 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 passing was confirmed by his foundation via Instagram, stating in part: “Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.”
According to the foundation, a funeral will be held on January 23 in the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Throughout his career, Valentino 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 touching 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, in 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, genius dell’eleganza.”
“Riposa in pace, genius dell’eleganza” is Italian for “Rest in peace, genius of elegance.”
Model Coco Rocha echoed those sentiments, sharing: “Today fashion lost another giant in our industry, already a true gentleman. I was lucky enough to know Valentino, not only as the iconic Roman couturier, but as a warm and generous presence who shaped fashion with grace, discipline and beauty.”
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Valentino’s influence reached far beyond the runway, leaving behind a legacy defined by elegance, artistry and deep personal connections.
