Sawt Falasteen - Tributes pour in after death of Italian designer Valentino

Valentino's death comes just months after the death of another Italian style legend, Giorgio Armani, and there were tributes from the global fashion world and beyond.

His foundation said in a brief statement that Valentino, best known for his crimson gowns, died at his home in Rome surrounded by his loved ones.

Within minutes, memories of the elegant and tanned designer began to flood social media.

"Today, we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art," wrote Donatella Versace on Instagram.

Former model Helena Christensen recalled "such wonderful memories with this beautiful talented man and genius".

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the designer the "undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion".

"Today Italy loses a legend..." she wrote.

One of the top designers of his era -- best known as just Valentino -- his creations were worn by the who's who of the international elite, from Elizabeth Taylor and Nancy Reagan through to Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow.

On the catwalk and in his own life, Valentino exuded luxury down to the last detail of his immaculate hairdo and caramel tan, often photographed with multiple pug dogs at his side.

The black and white dress he designed for Roberts, which she wore when she won an Oscar in 2001 for her performance in Erin Brockovich, was widely praised.

A funeral is planned for Friday in the Italian capital and there will be a lying in state on Wednesday and Thursday.

Valentina was born on May 11, 1932 in Voghera, a small town south of Milan. His father owned an electric cables business.

After training and working in Paris, he opened his own fashion house in 1960 in Rome.

He was assisted by his lover Giancarlo Giammetti, who had business know-how and would over the years transform the company into a global brand, shepherding it through successive buy-outs.

Valentino turned heads immediately with his opening collection in 1962 in Florence, which already featured what would become his signature colour -- the deep rich "Valentino red".

N.Shalabi--SF-PST