MILAN, Italy: Valentino Garavani, the jet-set Italian designer whose high-glamour gowns were worn by royals, film stars, and fashion models, often in his trademark shade of "Valentino red", passed away at his home in Rome. He was 93.

"Valentino Garavani was not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a trustworthy source of light, creativity and vision,″ the foundation founded by Valentino and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti said in a statement posted on social media.

From former U.S. First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis to film star Julia Roberts to Queen Rania of Jordan, all have sworn that the designer always made them look and feel their best.

"I know what women want," he once remarked. "They want to be beautiful."

Although he was born in Italy and kept his studio in Rome, he usually presented his collections in Paris and spoke French with his Italian partner, entrepreneur Giancarlo Giammetti.

Alessandro Michele, the current creative director of Valentino, wrote on Instagram that he still feels Valentino's influence as he prepares the next collection, which will be shown on March 12 in Rome instead of Paris. He described Valentino as someone who pushed boundaries, demonstrated great discipline, and had a love for beauty.

Another former creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, shared a broken-heart emoji after Valentino's death. Cindy Crawford said she was heartbroken and called him a true master. Messages of sympathy also came from the Armani family and from Donatella Versace, who said Valentino would always be remembered for his art. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised him as a great symbol of Italian elegance and style.

Valentino was known for classic, elegant designs and rarely made fashion mistakes throughout his long career, which spanned the 1960s until his retirement in 2008. His designs were very popular on the red carpet, and many famous actresses wore his gowns at the Academy Awards, including Julia Roberts in 2001 and Cate Blanchett in 2004.

He also designed Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress for her 1968 marriage to Aristotle Onassis, and they remained close friends. Princess Diana also frequently wore his dresses.

Besides his famous red color, his designs often included bows, lace, ruffles, and embroidery, giving dresses a soft, feminine look.

Valentino lived a luxurious life, similar to that of his wealthy clients. He owned a large yacht, valuable art, and a historic château near Paris with a famous rose garden. He and Giammetti traveled between homes in cities like New York, London, Rome, Capri, Gstaad, and Paris, often with their pet pugs, and hosted many celebrity friends.

He was born in Voghera, Italy, on May 11, 1932, and said that his love of movies as a child inspired him to pursue a career in fashion. After studying in Milan and Paris, he worked for French designers before starting his own fashion house in Rome in 1959.

His funeral will be held on January 23 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in central Rome.