Italian fashion designer Valentino dies at 93

"Universally known by his first name, Valentino was adored by generations of royals, first ladies and movie stars, from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan, who swore the designer always made them look and feel their best. "I know what women want," he once remarked. "They want to be beautiful." Never one for edginess or statement dressing, Valentino made precious few fashion faux-pas throughout his nearly half-century-long career, which stretched from his early days in Rome in the 1960s through to his retirement in 2008."

"His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers' awards ceremony needs. His sumptuous gowns have graced countless Academy Awards, notably in 2001, when Roberts wore a vintage black and white column to accept her best actress statue. Cate Blanchett also wore Valentino - a one-shouldered number in butter-yellow silk - when she won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 2004."

Valentino Garavani died at home in Rome at age 93. The foundation described him as a constant guide and a true source of light, creativity and vision. His body will repose at the foundation's headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with a funeral scheduled Friday at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. Valentino became renowned for glamorous gowns in his signature Valentino red and for dressing royals, first ladies and movie stars. He maintained close relationships with clients such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Diana, Princess of Wales, and retired in 2008 after a nearly half-century career.

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