Sophia Loren, Claudia Schiffer, Maria Berenson, Elizabeth Hurley and Valentino's long-time personal and professional partner Giancarlo Giammetti have remembered the Italian fashion legend a day after he died at 93.
Italian screen diva Loren, 91, said of the 'Last Emperor of Fashion': "My dear Valentino, the news of your passing saddens me deeply.
"I shared moments of great affection and sincere mutual respect with you.
You had a kind soul, rich in humanity.
You were a friend, and your art and passion will forever be a source of inspiration.
"It was a privilege to know you, and I will always carry you with me. My family and I extend our heartfelt condolences to your Giancarlo and your entire family." German ex supermodel Schiffer, 54, said: "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my old friend Valentino. A true legend, he will live forever through the brand he created, the embodiment of timeless elegance and glamour,.
"I cherished the special moments I was able to bring his creations to life on and off the runway," she added.
"One of my favorite campaigns was in Rome where I became Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita, a memory I will cherish forever. I will remember the fun holidays I spent with him in Mallorca, Ibiza, and St. Tropez.
"My Valentino wedding dress, which I have framed at home as a constant reminder of his kind, generous, sweet, and loyal nature.
"Having him create my wedding dress was one of the great honors of my life, a moment I will cherish forever.
"I feel so proud to have been a part of his life. Rest in peace, Mr. Valentino," the 1990s supermodel concluded.
American actress and former model Berenson, 78, said: "Farewell and God bless you, dearest Valentino, you will forever be in my heart: important and wonderful memories during a lifetime of love and friendship. I was among the lucky ones to be looked at and dressed by you, to be your friend, to have shared so many magical moments with you.
"The model who starred in Death in Venice and who is and granddaughter of designer Elsa Schiaparelli, added on Instagram: "You brought so much beauty to the world, true elegance, sophistication, and class, your immensely pure, sensitive soul, and your infinite kindness. You shone with your inner and outer beauty and your immense talent.
"And what fun we had, so much joy for life, and so much humor and laughter! We will miss you terribly, but everything you did and left behind will forever remain in the world with admiration and love." British actress and former model Hurley, 60, posted a photo of herself wearing an iconic 'Valentino red' dress, and said: "I am truly saddened by the passing of my beloved friend, 30 years of extraordinary friendship... "Valentino was eternally kind and generous to me and my son Damian, whom he called 'the little prince.' I will cherish the moments we spent together for the rest of my life." Giammetti, 83, said at the start of Valentino's two-day chapel of rest in the brand's HQ near the Spanish Steps in Rome: "My fondest memory? When we met, I think it's the most touching moment.
"He taught the world how to live a meaningful life, but not a ridiculous one. Clothes should be recognized for what they give a woman, not for what the design says.
"His phrase, 'I love beauty, it's not my fault,'" he added, speaking outside the PM23 headquarters in Piazza Mignanelli.
"We started here, and this square is ours and will always be a part of us. Valentino Red will remain a beautiful color, and someone else will carry it forward."
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