Valentino, the legendary Italian fashion designer who seamlessly blended opulence and high style to create clothes that delighted generations of high-profile women, died Monday at his Rome residence, his foundation announced. He was 93.
Throughout a 48-year career leading his eponymous house, the famed couturier — born Valentino Garavani — was known by his first name alone, one that came to symbolize elevated fashion design that was equal parts luxurious, ultra-feminine and decidedly Italian.