fashion
January 23, 2026
As stars wear black at Valentino’s funeral, tributes are dressed in red
Fashion designer’s death has brought the red dress – and his distinctive shade of the colour – back into the spotlight

TL;DR
- Valentino Garavani, known for his signature "Valentino red," passed away at 93.
- The distinctive shade of red is back in the spotlight, with tributes including a Vogue Italia cover and Donatella Versace wearing red.
- Valentino's first red dress, "Fiesta," was created in 1959, inspired by a woman standing out at the opera.
- The specific "Valentino red" is a scarlet with a hint of blue, chosen for its luminosity and ability to suit various skin tones.
- Red clothing has historically symbolized luxury, wealth, and status.
- For Valentino, red also became a personal lucky symbol, with a red dress included in every collection.
- While Valentino red is iconic, some argue that contemporary designs like the Rockstud shoes may become more associated with the brand's public image.
Continue reading the original article