Valentino Garavani, who took the world of haute couture to new heights, as well as introduce the world to “Valentino Red”, has passed away today. Valentino was surrounded by his loved ones at his Roman residence as he exited the world and left the fashion industry at an irreplaceable loss. Valentino was ranked as one of the world’s best fashion designers with Armani and Lagerfeld before fashion went commercially global. Valentino was not only a brilliantly gifted fashion designer, but Valentino was also a global business empire truly envied, respected, and revered.

Valentino Garavani’s body will lie in state in Rome at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 this Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (6 p.m. to 12 a.m. NYC time).

The funeral will take place on Friday at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 a.m. (5 p.m. NYC time).

DANIEL QUINTANILLA