The world-renowned designer, who was known for his haute couture as well as his jet-setting lifestyle, fought back tears as he was joined by actress Uma Thurman, New York socialites, and European royalty at his final show.

“He is parting in happiness but the fashion world is in mourning,” said front-row guest David Furnish, Elton John’s partner and close friend of the designer.

Valentino broke through in 1962 with such signature pieces such as day suits in soft cashmere worn with long white gloves that were favored by fashion icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and film legend Audrey Hepburn.


Valentino made clear his disappointment in the recent shift to emphasis on profits in the fashion world. “The world of fashion has now been ruined,” he told Rome’s Il Messaggero newspaper this week.

“I became rather bored of continuing in a world which doesn’t say anything to me. There is little creativity and too much business.”