Gwyneth Paltrow Shares A Private Goodbye That Reveals The Real Valentino Garavani

Hollywood is mourning the death of legendary designer Valentino Garavani, who passed away aged 93. 

As tributes continue to pour in from across the world, Gwyneth Paltrow has penned an emotional farewell, offering a rare glimpse into the private man behind the Valentino Italian fashion empire. 

While the industry mourns the loss of a global style icon, Paltrow’s words reveal a more intimate side of Garavani, one rooted in friendship, humor, and deep personal connection. 

On Monday, Paltrow took to Instagram to share a deeply personal post honoring her longtime friend, Valentino Garavani. 

Alongside a photo of herself kissing the icon on the cheek, the actress reflected on the designer she knew away from the spotlight.

“I was so lucky to know and love Valentino - to know the real man, in private,” Paltrow wrote, before describing what mattered most to him. 

The “Marty Supreme” star said he was “in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends,” and added that Garavani adored “his dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story.”

Paltrow’s tribute also highlighted his playful side, recalling how he “always pestered me to ‘at least wear a little mascara’ when I came to dinner,” and noting that she loved “his naughty laugh.” 

She closed by calling Garavani’s death “the end of an era,” adding, “He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava.”

Valentino Garavani’s death was confirmed in a January 19 post shared on his personal Instagram account and by his foundation. 

The announcement stated that the designer passed away at his Roman residence, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 93.

The post also outlined plans to honor his life, noting that a lying in state would be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

His funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.

Industry figures quickly responded in the comments. Pierpaolo Piccioli, the former creative director of Valentino, left a simple but emotional tribute in the form of a broken heart emoji, echoing the sentiment felt across the fashion world.

Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Garavani built his career on classical training and relentless ambition. 

He studied fashion in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne before apprenticing with Jacques Fath and Balenciaga.

Garavani then worked for Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, after which he returned to Italy to open his own fashion house in Rome. 

A pivotal moment came in 1960 when he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who became both his longtime business partner and, for 12 years, his romantic partner.

In the following years, Garavani’s profile soared immensely. He eventually reached new heights when Jackie Kennedy purchased and wore six of his designs following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 

She later chose a Valentino gown for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis, cementing the designer’s place in fashion history.

Valentino Garavani often spoke candidly about his philosophy. In the 2008 documentary “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” he explained his enduring appeal by saying, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.”

His influence extended beyond runways and red carpets. He appeared as himself in the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada” and was the central figure in the 2008 documentary filmed during the final two years of his career. 

The film featured appearances from Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, Sarah Jessica Parker, and his six beloved pugs.

In 2007, the legend announced his retirement. “At this time, I have decided that is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion,” he 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.”

Garavani’s final haute couture show took place in January 2008 at Paris’ Musée Rodin. The event was emotional for many in attendance. 

Blake Lively later recalled, per PEOPLE, “I totally started to cry, it was so incredible. It was so special to be here. I felt like I was here for something historic.” 

Uma Thurman also described the moment by saying, “I was so sad to see it end. He’s one of the most elegant designers of our time.”

Besides his fashion shows and designs, Garavani also received numerous honors over the years. 

In 2006, he received the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur from French President Jacques Chirac in 2006, and two years later, he was honored with the Medal of the City of Paris.

In 2011, Garavani bagged the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, and in 2017, he received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.