From Princess Madeleine to Queen Maxima, Valentino's most memorable royal wedding dresses

The curtain closes on one of fashion's most opulent eras of the 20th century as Valentino Garavani, aged 93, has died at his residence in Rome, Italy. A stalwart of style; the designer shaped couture trends and dictated red carpet dictums for over half a century with his glamourous Italian style, elegant designs and most notably, usage of fiery red as a signature shade. Renowned by his first name which was stamped on fragrance bottles, sky-high stilettos and shoulder bags, Valentino also left his mark in the world of weddings. The bridal gown; a treasured piece of clothing layered with fond memories of a couple's happiest day, was perfected by the designer and peppered with his trademark refined gracefulness.

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Hollywood's crème de la crème; from Jennifer Lopez to Gwyneth Paltrow, made their special days even more so by walking down the aisle in Valentino couture. Nicola Peltz-Beckham married Brooklyn Beckham in 2022 in a satin gown with lace gloves by Valentino designed in collaboration with Pierpaolo Piccioli. Nicky Hilton's 2015 wedding to James Rothschild at Kensington Palace took place in a Valentino Haute Couture gown, which featured three different tones of ivory and crystal embellishment.

But it was Valentino's work in royal wedding circles where he really shone; and showcased how truly timeless his designs could be. In July 1995, the Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece married Crown Princess of Greece Marie-Chantal Miller. Over 30 years ago, when the bridal fashion landscape was far from being as evolved; or curated as it is today, the bride's Valentino gown left its mark on the world; then and now. Princess Marie-Chantal's bridal ensemble featured a floral lace bodice over a structured gown and a flowing veil with scalloped edges which were embroidered with butterflies; a symbol of good fortune and metamorphosis.

In February 2002, the then-Dutch Crown Prince Willem Alexander married then-Crown Princess Maxima Zorreguieta. His bride, now Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, wore a simplistic Mikado silk gown which featured a cowl neckline, a hand-embroidered silk tulle veil and a 16-foot train following her.

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Before the royal weddings that made global headlines, there was the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O'Neill in 2013. The Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland married the British-American financier at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden wearing a Valentino bridal creation. The silk organza gown featured chantilly lace overlay with an off-shoulder neckline, ruffled skirt and an over 6-metre-long silk organza veil which was embroidered with chantilly lace flowers .

Valentino may best remembered for his runway creations and Hollywood celebrity-approved designs but his impact in the world of royal weddings will forever be a reminder of his perennially sophisticated style.

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