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In Rome, Valentino Garavani Made the Decision to Leave Part of an Inheritance of €1.3 Billion to Two Brazilians, Anthony and Sean Souza for Recognizing Personal Bonds Built Over Decades, Causing Worldwide Repercussions and Calling the Attention of the Fashion World.
The death of one of the most well-known names in haute couture became a topic due to a detail that few expected. Valentino Garavani, the Italian designer celebrated for dressing iconic celebrities, passed away at the age of 93 in Rome on January 19, 2026.
Besides the impact on the fashion world, the news gained traction due to the fate of part of the inheritance. With an estimated net worth of €1.3 billion, which is equivalent to around R$ 8.1 billion, the designer left part of his fortune to two Brazilians.
What caught attention was the family bond created without blood ties. Valentino had no children and considered the two brothers as part of his own family, something that solidified over years of companionship and closeness.
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Death at 93 in Rome and Billionaire Inheritance for Two Brazilians Becomes the Center of Attention
Valentino Garavani died in Rome on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93. The assets attributed to the designer were estimated at €1.3 billion, equivalent to approximately R$ 8.1 billion.
The most discussed point was the decision to include Anthony and Sean Souza in the inheritance. The two are sons of Carlos Souza, the designer’s ex-boyfriend and ambassador of the Valentino brand.
The story caught attention because the designer had no children and treated the brothers as family. For many, the outcome was surprising precisely because it showcased a strong personal bond that spanned decades.
The Connection with Carlos Souza Began in Rio in the 1970s and Lasted About Ten Years
The bond that explains the inheritance began back in the 1970s. Valentino Garavani and Carlos Souza met in a nightclub in Rio de Janeiro during a time when the designer was already gaining international prominence.
The relationship between the two lasted about ten years. During that time, Carlos worked as a public relations assistant for the brand, reinforcing the closeness between personal life and the behind-the-scenes work.
Even after the end of the romance, the relationship did not break. What seemed just a chapter from the past transformed into a close and lasting friendship.
Anthony and Sean Souza Entered the Life of Designer Valentino Garavani as Family, and He Became Their Godfather
After the end with Valentino, Carlos Souza married Charlene Shorto. From this marriage, Anthony and Sean were born, the two Brazilians who later would receive part of the inheritance.
Despite the new phase in Carlos’s life, Valentino remained close to the family. The designer became the godfather of the brothers, reinforcing the idea that they were part of his inner circle.
This detail helps to understand why the inheritance gained so much attention. It was not just a division of assets, but the public acknowledgment of a family relationship built outside the traditional standard.
Properties in London and New York, Castle in France, and Vessels Show the Scale of the Wealth
The fortune accumulated by Valentino included high-value assets and a lifestyle that reflected his status in the fashion world. Among the mentioned assets are properties in London and New York, as well as a castle in France.
Private vessels were also mentioned, expanding the perception of the scale of the wealth. When talking about €1.3 billion, these details help visualize how the wealth was distributed among assets and properties.
The combination of properties in large centers and luxurious structures reinforces why this case draws so much attention, both for the amount and for the chosen destination for part of this inheritance.
Legacy in Fashion, Valentino’s Wake at PM23 in Rome, and Funeral Scheduled for January 23
In the fashion world, Valentino Garavani is celebrated for the creations that dressed iconic names, such as Audrey Hepburn and Gisele Bündchen. This legacy helps explain why his death resonated so quickly.
The wake is being held at PM23, a cultural center of the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation in Rome. The farewell gathers friends and family, including Giancarlo Giammetti, noted as his last partner.
The funeral is scheduled for January 23 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. The causes of death have not yet been disclosed by the family, which keeps some of the curiosity surrounding the case alive.
The death of Valentino marked the end of an era in fashion and, at the same time, opened a public discussion about inheritance, emotional bonds, and personal choices involving a fortune of R$ 8.1 billion, with two Brazilians at the center of this story.
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