HONORING A LEGEND: One of the Last Photos of Valentino Garavani with His Longtime Partner Giancarlo Giammetti Before His Death at 93 – A Single Detail Sparks Widespread Discussion

The fashion world bid farewell to one of its most enduring icons on January 19, 2026, when Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian couturier known simply as Valentino, passed away peacefully at his Roman residence at the age of 93. Surrounded by loved ones, including his lifelong partner and business collaborator Giancarlo Giammetti, the designer who defined glamour for generations left behind an unparalleled legacy of elegance, romance, and signature “Valentino red.” In the days following the announcement, one photograph—believed to be among the very last taken of the duo together—has captured global attention, with a subtle yet poignant detail igniting fervent discussion online and in fashion circles.

The image, shared widely across social media and tributes, shows Valentino and Giammetti in a quiet, intimate moment at their Rome home sometime in late 2025. Seated side by side on a plush sofa in a sunlit room filled with art and antiques, the pair exudes the effortless sophistication that characterized their six-decade partnership. Valentino, dressed in a crisp navy blazer and scarf, smiles softly at the camera, his eyes still sparkling with the warmth that made him beloved by clients and friends alike. Giammetti, ever the steadfast presence, leans slightly toward him, one hand resting gently on Valentino’s arm—a gesture of quiet support that speaks volumes.

Here is the poignant photograph that has become a focal point of mourning and reflection, capturing Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti in what many believe to be one of their final shared moments:

The detail sparking discussion: A small red ribbon

What has set social media ablaze is a tiny but unmistakable detail: a delicate red ribbon tied loosely around Valentino’s wrist, almost hidden beneath the cuff of his shirt. Fans and fashion historians have dissected the image, noting that the ribbon echoes the iconic Valentino red that defined his career—from the fiery scarlet gowns worn by Jackie Kennedy Onassis on her honeymoon in 1968 to Julia Roberts’ black-and-white vintage Valentino at the 2001 Oscars. The ribbon, some speculate, may have been a personal talisman or a quiet nod to his enduring love for the color that became synonymous with glamour and passion.

Online forums, Instagram comments, and X threads exploded with interpretations: Was it a symbolic “last thread” of his creative spirit? A gift from Giammetti? Or simply a coincidental accessory that now carries profound meaning in hindsight? “That red ribbon feels like Valentino saying goodbye on his own terms—beautiful, understated, eternal,” one Vogue reader commented. Others saw it as a poignant reminder of the couple’s unbreakable bond, with Giammetti often credited as the business genius who turned Valentino’s vision into a global empire.

Here are additional archival photos of Valentino and Giammetti through the decades, showcasing their legendary partnership from the 1960s to recent years:

A life of glamour and groundbreaking success

Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani in Voghera, Italy, in 1932, he studied fashion in Paris under masters like Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before launching his own atelier in Rome in 1960 with Giammetti, a young architecture student he met that year. Their partnership—romantic for over a decade, then lifelong as business allies and confidants—was the foundation of the Valentino empire. The house gained instant fame when Jackie Kennedy wore Valentino for official engagements, cementing his status among the elite.

Valentino’s aesthetic—feminine, romantic, meticulously crafted with bows, lace, ruffles, and elaborate embroidery—became the epitome of aspirational luxury. He dressed Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Nancy Reagan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, and countless others. His signature “Valentino red,” a vivid poppy hue, appeared in nearly every collection, symbolizing passion, power, and joy.

The duo built a business that spanned haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, and fragrances, taking the brand public on the Milan stock exchange and paving the way for Italian fashion’s global dominance. In 2007–2008, Valentino retired after a spectacular final couture show, but remained an ambassador for beauty through the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, established in 2017 to preserve archives and support philanthropy.

Here are iconic runway moments and red-carpet looks that defined Valentino’s influence:

Tributes and legacy

The fashion community responded with an outpouring of grief and admiration. Giorgio Armani called him “a true master of elegance,” while Anna Wintour remembered his “unwavering commitment to beauty.” The foundation announced Valentino would lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli on January 21–22, with a funeral at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri on January 23.

Giammetti, now 83, has been at the forefront of tributes, sharing memories of their shared life—from homes in Rome, New York, London, Capri, and Gstaad to travels with their beloved pugs. The couple’s enduring relationship—professional after their romance ended—remains a rare example of lifelong creative and personal synergy.

Here are moving tributes and scenes from Valentino’s final public appearances and runway walks:

The red ribbon in that last photo has become a symbol: a quiet thread connecting Valentino’s vibrant life to the enduring love he shared with Giammetti and the world he dressed. As the fashion industry mourns, it also celebrates a man who believed beauty could transform lives. Valentino Garavani may be gone, but his red will never truly fade.