Kim Kardashian Mourns Fashion Icon Valentino With Heartfelt Tribute
Prominent celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow, are still mourning the unexpected passing of Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer for the stars. Valentino, who founded his eponymous fashion house in the '60s and created hundreds of iconic statement pieces for the industry's biggest names, died peacefully at his home in Rome in January 2026.
Kim Kardashian Pays Tribute To The Legendary Valentino Garavani
Kim, who has frequently donned stunning Valentino designs and supported the fashion visionary at his Haute Couture shows, posted a series of photos to her Instagram Stories honoring Valentino's life.
In one slide, Kim posted a red broken-heart emoji over a picture of herself with Valentino. In another, she posted two white doves, a symbol often used to represent peace and love.
In her last photo, Kim was seen walking arm-in-arm with Valentino while sticking her tongue out at the camera. "Sweet Valentino," she captioned the picture.
"You were magical, so special. Thank you for your magic. Rest in peace," she added.
Gwyneth Paltrow Posts About Valentino Shortly After Learning Of His Death
Actress and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow also posted a tribute after learning of Valentino's death. Alongside a picture of the two, Paltrow told her Instagram followers that she was "so lucky" to know the fashion designer beyond the glitz and glamour.
"The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends," she wrote. "His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story."
Continuing, Paltrow got candid about how much she "loved" the fashion titan. "I loved how he always pestered me to 'at least wear a little mascara' when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh. This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him."
The One-Of-A-Kind Fashion Designer Died 'Surrounded' By Loved Ones
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A post shared by Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti (@fondazionevggg)
The news of Valentino's death became public on Monday, January 19, 2026, according to The Blast. A dashing black-and-white throwback photo of the 93-year-old was posted to his Instagram, accompanied by a somber caption.
"Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones. The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday, January 21st, and Thursday, January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 am."
The announcement has garnered nearly 75,000 likes in less than 24 hours and received well-wishes and supportive comments from even more big names, such as Kimora Lee Simmons and Italian actor Alex Belli.
Valentino Dressed Many A-List Celebrities
Valentino became a fixture in the fashion industry, styling the biggest names in Hollywood and politics, from Jackie Kennedy to Princess Diana to Julia Roberts.
In 2003, Jennifer Lopez stepped onto the Oscars red carpet clad in a green off-the-shoulder Valentino dress, according to Parade. Most recently, the "Enough" actress wore a black-and-silver gown by the designer, paired with matching jewelry.
Anne Hathaway has also been a loyal supporter of the Italian icon, first meeting him in 2005 while filming "The Devil Wears Prada." In 2025, the "Princess Diaries" actress wore a red Valentino gown, which she said was near to her heart.
"I am wearing Valentino archival couture, which is an amazing thing to be able to say. And I hope I’m getting this right, but I think this dress was shown in 2005, which is actually the year I met Valentino and Giancarlo. So if that’s true, it has extra significance," she said.
In 2023, Beyoncé wore a custom Valentino look as part of her RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR. The breathtaking silver bodysuit featured balloon sleeves and matching thigh-high boots.
The Heartbreaking Deaths Of 2026
Valentino is just one of the luminaries the world has lost in 2026.
People are still mourning the losses of many other public figures, including former Nickelodeon star Kianna Underwood, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
T.K. Carter, known for his roles in "The Thing" and "Space Jam," also died in January 2026, along with Tommy Lee Jones' daughter, Victoria, who died on New Year's Day.
Rest in peace.
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