Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose name has been synonymous with elegance and luxury for decades, has passed away at the age of 93. His foundation shared the news of his death in a statement on January 19, writing that he "peacefully passed away today at his residence in Rome, surrounded by the love of his family.”
Referred to simply as Valentino, he began his own label in 1959 and quickly became known for his iconic red dresses. The shade "Valentino red" is widely recognized in the fashion world. Through the decades, he has dressed the biggest stars, from Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy to Julia Roberts and Naomi Campbell. He retired in 2008 after almost 50 years at the helm, but his legacy lives on in one of the most respected fashion houses in the world.
Indeed, some designers have become iconic names in the fashion industry and will forever be remembered for their creativity and influence on how we dress. Whether it be by working for major fashion houses or creating their own luxury brands, these designers are true icons.
Click through the following gallery to check out the most influential fashion designers of all time.