Anne Hathaway, along with Elizabeth Hurley, Tom Ford, Anna Wintour, and Donatella Versace, gathered in Rome on Friday to honor the late Valentino Garavani, who passed away at his home earlier that week at the age of 93. The Valentino tribute attracted global celebrities from film and fashion, coming together to celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic designer.
Gathering of Fashion and Film Icons at Valentino’s Funeral
The funeral took place at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in central Rome, where many notable figures paid their respects. Hathaway traveled with her husband Adam Schulman to participate in the service, marking a poignant connection to Valentino, who had appeared in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, in which she starred. Elizabeth Hurley attended alongside her son Damian Hurley, also honoring the beloved fashion legend.
Models Claudia Schiffer and Natalia Vodianova, together with British fashion journalist Suzy Menkes, were among the mourners remembering Valentino’s famous creations, particularly his signature “Valentino red” gowns, which graced some of Hollywood’s leading stars.
Valentino’s Legacy Reflected Through His Creative Successors
Current Valentino creative director Alessandro Michele and Pierpaolo Piccioli, who led the brand from 2008 until this year, were present at the ceremony. Valentino’s career was also celebrated in the documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, directed by Matt Tyrnauer and premiered at the Venice Film Festival after Valentino’s retirement in 2008.
Tributes and Public Mourning in Rome
Thousands gathered in recent days at the Valentino foundation’s headquarters in Rome to pay their respects, with his coffin decorated simply with a single red rose surrounded by white flowers. Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri praised Valentino as one of
Italy’s most luminous and beloved figures,
while tributes came from prominent names like Sophia Loren, Gwyneth Paltrow, Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, and Colman Domingo.
Enduring Influence on Hollywood and Red Carpet Fashion
Valentino’s impact extended deeply into Hollywood, where he custom-designed wedding gowns for stars including Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, and Nicola Peltz Beckham. His creations remain popular with contemporary favorites such as Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Florence Pugh, Zendaya, Dakota Johnson, and Elle Fanning, underscoring his lasting role as a red carpet staple.
