Italian fashion great Valentino dead at 93

Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died, his foundation said on Monday.

Usually known only by his first name, Valentino was 93, and had retired in 2008.

Founder of the eponymous brand, Valentino scaled the heights of haute couture, created a business empire and introduced a new colour to the fashion world, the so-called ‘Valentino Red’.

“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the foundation said on Instagram.