Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who dressed icons like Elizabeth Taylor and defined haute couture for decades, has died at 93. His eponymous brand became a global symbol of opulent glamour and red-carpet elegance, shaping the modern luxury market.

For nearly 50 years, Valentino led his luxury business with a singular vision, building a fashion empire that later attracted major corporate investment. His retirement in 2008 marked a shift as the label navigated ownership changes, including a Mayhoola acquisition and a recent strategic partnership with Kering.

The designer's passing closes a chapter on one of Italian fashion's most storied careers. His legacy endures in the brand's continued commercial relevance and its position within the competitive global luxury sector, where heritage and creative succession remain key investor concerns.