Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, and numerous leading figures from the global fashion industry gathered in Rome on January 23 to pay their final respects to legendary designer Valentino Garavani , who passed away at the age of 93.
The funeral was held at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, four days after Valentino died at his private residence in Rome. The ceremony became a heartfelt tribute to one of fashion’s most influential icons, often referred to as “the last emperor” of haute couture.
Anne Hathaway, widely known as one of Valentino’s most devoted muses, attended the service with her husband Adam Shulman. Over the years, Hathaway frequently wore Valentino creations on major red carpets. The designer once described the actress as being “like a daughter” to him, and in 2012, despite having retired from fashion, he returned to design her wedding dress for her marriage to Shulman.
Actress Elizabeth Hurley arrived with her son Damian Hurley, while former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was also among the notable attendees. Fashion power couple Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl appeared in coordinated, elegant attire, reflecting the solemn tone of the occasion.
Veteran designer Donatella Versace attended to honor her longtime colleague and friend. A day earlier, she was seen at the venue wearing a suit in Valentino’s signature red, standing alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli, who served as Valentino’s creative director from 2008 to 2024. Current creative director Alessandro Michele, designer Tom Ford, and Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino’s lifelong partner and business collaborator, were also present.
According to Variety, thousands of people have gathered in recent days at Piazza Mignanelli to honor the late designer. Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, praised Valentino Garavani as “one of Italy’s most brilliant and beloved figures,” highlighting the profound cultural and artistic legacy he leaves behind.
Sources: Ngoisao