Upon my arrival in Rome, the city's crisp air and bright sunshine beckoned me towards the Spanish Steps, a place that held personal significance as the site of my initial encounter with Valentino's haute couture salon years ago. My path led me unexpectedly past the grand Palazzo Barberini, where, just the previous year, Valentino's long-term collaborator, Giancarlo Giammetti, had hosted a dinner celebrating the inception of the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti. This magnificent edifice, with its soaring Baroque frescoes, served as a poignant prelude to the solemn occasion ahead.
A chance discovery in Piazza Mignanelli revealed that Valentino's lying in state was ongoing, drawing me into a gathering of mourners eager to pay their respects. Inside the Fondazione, amidst an ethereal display of white flowers and hushed reverence, the profound impact of the moment was palpable. The coffin rested in an alcove-like setting, flanked by rows of seating. Bruce Hoeksema, Valentino's recent companion, extended a welcome, and I joined him and other close acquaintances for an hour of quiet contemplation. As we departed, the sight of countless white floral tributes, interspersed with a singular, exquisite bouquet of lilac and mauve, left a lasting impression beneath the windows of the nearby Valentino boutique, a truly beautiful gesture.
The funeral service itself unfolded in the awe-inspiring Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, where celestial frescoes and intricate marble flooring created an atmosphere of solemn grandeur. The abundance of white flowers underscored the purity and respect of the occasion. Seated in the front row, alongside Anna and Donatella, I witnessed a gathering of fashion luminaries including Pierpaolo Piccioli, Philip Treacy, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Anna Fendi, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, Tom Ford, and Alessandro Michele. Marisa Berenson, visibly moved, clasped my hand, a silent homage to the departed master. Donatella's quiet remark, "Valentino was the king of Rome," resonated deeply, echoing the sentiment of many. The arrival of Giancarlo marked the commencement of a full Catholic ceremony, with angelic voices and robed priests filling the sacred space, a truly profound experience for those unfamiliar with its rituals. The heartfelt eulogies, delivered first by Giancarlo and then by a visibly distraught Bruce, evoked a wave of emotion, leading to spontaneous applause as Valentino's coffin was carried out by younger men who had held significant connections to him, a final, poignant standing ovation.
This farewell to a titan of fashion was not merely a somber occasion but a testament to the enduring legacy of beauty, creativity, and profound human connection. The collective mourning, the shared memories, and the dignified rituals highlighted the immense impact one individual can have on the world, inspiring us to embrace passion, artistry, and the bonds of camaraderie.