RIP Valentino: Iconic Black Celebrity Looks by the Designer

The fashion world experienced a profound loss Monday (Jan. 19) with the passing of legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani. For over six decades, the high-fashion Valentino brand defined elegance with phenomenal designs that became a staple for A-list celebrities, including for several Black icons including Iman, Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé and Halle Berry.

As we honor the late designer’s legacy and the brand’s lasting appeal with Black folks, let’s take a look back at some of our favorite iconic looks.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis blushed in a hot-pink Valentino gown, adding a hint of drama with feathers adorning the neckline and bust at the 2023 Met Gala.

Usher Raymond

Usher Raymond looked amazing in a custom Valentino denim look for the designer’s show day during Paris Fashion Week.

Leomie Anderson

Leomie Anderson looked absolutely heavenly in this Valentino all-white lace dress, which she wore at the 2021 British Fashion Awards.

Naomi Campbell

In 2022, iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell wore a bright pink, empire cape with a decorative headpiece in Doha, Qatar, to honor Valentino. Talk about a standout moment.

Adut Akech

Adut Akech definitely made Valentino proud when she wore this beautiful turquoise-blue dress at The Green Carpet Fashion Award in 2019.

Alek Wek

Alek Wek was all smiles when she walked the red carpet wearing a floor-length Valentino dress with the famous designer.

Colman Domingo

Almost a year later, we still can’t get over how Colman Domingo won The Met Gala in a dramatic blue Valentino cape with silver embellishments around the neck, which was a head nod to Andre Leon Talley. His look was a showstopping moment at the 2025 Met Gala.

Zendaya

Zendaya made her iconic debut as Valentino’s brand ambassador with the Pink PP collection, starring in global campaigns and attending Paris Fashion Week in monochromatic hot pink. For the “Euphoria” actress, it truly was a standout moment.

Lupita Nyong’o

At the 2014 pre-Oscar festivities, Lupita Nyong’o wore a gorgeous gold cocktail dress crafted by the famed designer.

Lori Harvey

Lori Harvey brought a serious edge to this Valentino look, striking a pose in a brown two-piece set featuring a sheer train. The look is pure perfection.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton attended the Valentino Women’s show wearing a custom look from the house. Seriously though, do you see how hot this jacket looks on him?

Regina King

Regina King looks absolutely regal in this stunning black and white Valentino gown. Captured at the 30th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards, the dress fits her so perfectly it truly looks like it was made for her.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade looked adorable in complementary outfits as they attended the Valentino fashion show. Union wore a beautiful, flowy strapless dress, while her hubby wore a fitted three-piece suit paired with Valentino slip-ons to really set his look off.

Law Roach

Style architect Law Roach launched an incredible campaign with Valentino to present a series of unique visions for its Spring/Summer 2023 collection. His perspective was brought to life through a dedicated red box, representing a “real-life manifestation” of Valentino’s “unboxing” concept.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige was spotted posing with fashion icon and Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli at the 2018 Valentino Resort runway show after-party.