Italian fashion legend Valentino dies at 93

The founder of an eponymous haute couture empire championed an opulent, elegant vision of fashion, with royals and movie stars among his clients

Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani – best known simply as Valentino – has died at 93, his foundation announced on Monday.

The founder of an eponymous haute couture empire, he built his reputation on impeccably constructed gowns and refined silhouettes, promoting timeless, classical beauty over trend-driven fashion.