Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley and numerous leading figures from the global fashion industry gathered in Rome on January 23 to pay their last respects to the legendary designer Valentino Garavani, who passed away at the age of 93.
The funeral took place at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, four days after Valentino’s death in his private residence in Rome. The ceremony has become a heartfelt tribute to one of fashion’s oft-referred to as most influential icons “the last emperor” of high fashion.
Anne Hathaway, widely known as one of Valentino’s most devoted muses, attended the ceremony alongside her husband Adam Shulman. Over the years, Hathaway has often worn Valentino creations on major red carpets. The stylist 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 wedding to Shulman.
Actress Elizabeth Hurley arrived with her son Damian Hurley, while former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was also among notable attendees. Fashion power couple Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl appeared in matching, elegant outfits, reflecting the solemn tone of the occasion.
Veteran designer Donatella Versace attended to honor her longtime colleague and friend. The day before, she was seen at the location wearing a dress in Valentino’s signature red, standing next to Pierpaolo Piccioli, who was Valentino’s creative director from 2008 to 2024. Also present were current creative director Alessandro Michele, designer Tom Ford and Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino’s longtime associate and business associate.
According to Variety, thousands of people gathered in recent days in Piazza Mignanelli to honor the late designer. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, praised Valentino Garavani “one of the most brilliant and beloved figures in Italy,” highlighting the profound cultural and artistic legacy he leaves behind.
Sources: Ngoisao
