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The Italian fashion world mourns one of its giants: Valentino Garavani has passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of wedding dresses that have made history.
A few months after the passing of Giorgio Armani, Italy has lost another iconic figure in haute couture. Valentino Garavani, who died at 93 in Rome, shaped the image of sensual and timeless Italian elegance for nearly half a century. Behind his name are creations that have adorned some of the world’s most prominent women, from princesses to Hollywood icons, as well as brides scrutinized by millions of eyes. From Jackie Kennedy to Anne Hathaway, Valentino dresses alone tell stories of glamour, power, and very real fairy tales.
In 2001, Jennifer Lopez succumbed to the Valentino magic for her second marriage. Prior to this, the singer and actress had already been married to Cuban producer Ojani Noa in February 1997, a union that ended in January 1998. In the interim, she ended a two-year relationship with Sean Combs, aka Puff Daddy, before meeting Cris Judd on the set of her music video “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” The choreographer and dancer, captivated by the star, presented her with a ring featuring an emerald surrounded by diamonds and proposed marriage.
On September 29, 2001, Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd said “I do” in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by more than 10,000 white roses and seven bridesmaids also dressed in Valentino. The singer chose a Valentino Couture gown for the occasion, a choice that symbolized her status as a modern diva and Italian sophistication.
Jennifer Lopez’s Valentino wedding dress

The Valentino creation for J.Lo is a perfect example of the designer’s expertise: entirely made of lace, with long sleeves, the delicate fabric applied to the bare arms reveals glimpses of skin, creating an ethereal and feminine effect. The V-neck, subtly highlighted by the irregular lace, adds a refined and slightly daring play of textures. The flowing, lightweight skirt is complemented by an oversized veil that cascades over hair styled in a chignon, adorned with tiny white pins, for a look that is both romantic and theatrical. The wedding remains one of the rare occasions when Jennifer Lopez has worn a traditional dress, and Valentino’s choice perfectly reflects her taste for classic elegance with a contemporary twist.
A dress that made a lasting impression.
Jennifer Lopez’s wedding dress for her marriage to Cris Judd wasn’t just a wedding gown; it was a style statement. At a time when the singer was already in the spotlight, Valentino masterfully blended tradition and modernity, giving the bride a fluid and romantic silhouette while asserting her bold personality. The choice of fine, delicate lace played with transparency without ever being provocative, while the V-neckline added a subtle touch that combined elegance and sensuality.
This wedding, covered by the international press, allowed the dress to become a symbol of modern haute couture: it inspired future Valentino bridal collections, which continue to revisit its classic codes, adapting them for contemporary brides. The XXL veil, long and flowing, contributed to creating a dramatic and cinematic effect, reminiscent of the Italian fashion house’s runway shows where every movement and every fall of fabric is designed to captivate the eye.











