A large crowd gathered in Rome on Friday, Jan. 23, to pay its final respects to the legendary fashion designer Valentino, who passed away on Monday, Jan. 19, at the age of 93.

Since Wednesday, Valentino—often known simply by his first name—had been lying in state at PM23, the new art and cultural exhibition space opened in 2025 by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani. There, amid stark white walls and beneath an opulent chandelier of white flowers, his coffin rested in quiet repose.

Donatella Versace

Today, it was transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, the 16th-century church designed by Michelangelo, for the funeral ceremony in the heart of Rome. From early morning, an unbroken stream of wreaths made of white flowers was carried into the basilica.

photo: Anna Wintour – AP/Andrew Medichini

Outside, ordinary citizens waited patiently in line—some dressed in red or carrying red bags, wallets, and scarves, a tribute to the designer’s iconic hue. One admirer stood near the church holding up a glossy black sign to the cameras that read: “Goodbye Valentino. The last emperor of fashion.”

Tom Ford

Among those attending the funeral were Anne Hathaway and Olivia Palermo; Alessandro Michele, the current creative director of Valentino; Pierpaolo Piccioli, who led the house from 2008 to 2024; and Fendi designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, former creative director of Dior, who also worked at Valentino.

Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman

American designer Tom Ford, British fashion journalist Suzy Menkes, and Anna Wintour were also present. Even the capes worn by the Carabinieri (Italian police) guarding the site bore a final, fitting touch of fashion—they were designed by Armani.

photo: AP/Andrew Medichini