Remembering Valentino: A Legacy of Beauty and Elegance
As the fashion world mourns the loss of the iconic designer Valentino, who passed away on January 19 at the age of 93, the city of Rome has come together to pay tribute to his legacy. The Valentino boutique in Piazza Mignanelli has been transformed into a makeshift funeral home, where fans and friends can gather to bid their final farewell. A poignant quote from the designer, “I love beauty, it’s not my fault,” is displayed prominently on the window, serving as a reminder of his unwavering dedication to his craft.
A Life of Beauty and Creativity
Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino’s long-time partner in both business and life, reflected on the designer’s legacy, stating, “We started here, in this building. It’s like a nest where we grew up, we took flight. But we always came back here.” Giammetti’s words capture the essence of Valentino’s journey, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a fashion icon. As his last partner, Vernon Bruce Hoeksema, poignantly noted, “He left me with an incredible memory, 43 years with me – it’s my life. Now I have many good memories, but it will be difficult without him.”
A Celebration of Life and Legacy
The funeral home, designed by Giammetti, is a testament to Valentino’s love of beauty and elegance. The room is filled with dozens of white roses, their intoxicating scent filling the air, and a stunning installation of pale flowers descends from the ceiling, creating a sense of serenity. The only splash of color comes from the coffin, which is surrounded by an array of floral tributes, including one from Donatella Versace. As Yukie Yoko, a former employee of Valentino, observed, “It’s as if she were already in paradise.”
A Life of Fashion and Art
Throughout his career, Valentino was renowned for his exquisite designs, which were often described as “sculptures” or “works of art.” Eleonora Abbagnato, director of the Rome Opera Ballet, recalled the designer’s love of dance and his creations for her, saying, “He was so kind and always respectful towards the artists.” Journalist Maria Corbi shared a more personal anecdote, revealing that Valentino would “get angry if you wrote something he didn’t think was correct,” but “they were truly storms that ended immediately.”
A City in Mourning
As the city of Rome comes to terms with the loss of its beloved designer, the mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, and councilor, Alessandro Onorato, have announced plans to organize a tribute to honor Valentino’s memory. In the meantime, citizens have been flocking to the funeral home to pay their respects, sharing their own stories and memories of the designer. Alba Verga, who wore a stunning red Valentino dress to the funeral home, summed up the sentiment, saying, “His clothes for me were sculptures, works of art, but above all dreams.”
For those who wish to pay their respects, the funeral home will be open from 11am to 6pm on the day following the initial viewing, with the funeral taking place on Friday at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. As the city bids its final farewell to a true legend, it is clear that Valentino’s legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of fashion designers and artists. For more information, visit Here