Valentino Garavani, legendary Italian fashion designer, dead at 93

Valentino Garavani, legendary Italian fashion designer, has died. He was 93.

“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” read a statement released by his namesake foundation on Instagram Monday.

He will lie in state for several days in Piazza Mignanelli and the funeral will take place Friday, Jan. 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

Many fans and friends, including former Valentino creative director Pier Paolo Piccioli, flooded the comments section with broken heart emojis.

Born in Milan in 1932, Garavani became known by his mononym after he opened Maison Valentino in 1960. That same year, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who would become his longtime business partner.

The artist became synonymous with the color red, which was later known simply and officially as “Valentino red.”

The color — which was later sanctioned by Pantone — was first introduced in the spring/summer 1959 collection by way of a tulle dress called “La Fiesta.”

He had many loyal celebrity fans, including Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins and Jaqueline Kennedy.

Kennedy famously wore his designs while mourning late husband John F. Kennedy and chose an unconventional short pleated look from the designer’s spring 1968 collection for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis that same year.

Anne Hathaway has been a friend and face of the brand for many years, wearing a custom Valentino gown for her 2012 wedding to Adam Shulman.

Garavani also famously appeared as himself in “The Devil Wears Prada” — and his instantly recognizable Rockstud pumps are featured heavily in the teaser trailer for the film’s sequel.

After 45 years at the helm of multiple businesses, including beauty, accessories and ready-to-wear, Valentino retired in 2008. A documentary, released the same year and called “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” chronicles the time leading up to his last couture show.

“At this time, I have decided that is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion,” the designer said in a statement, according to the New York Times. “As the English say, I would like to leave the party when it is still full.”

“I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life,” he said. “There can be few greater gifts than that.”