Italian fashion designer Valentino has died, his foundation has said.

Valentino was 93.

"Valentino Garavani passed away today ‌at his Roman residence, ‌surrounded by his loved ​ones," the foundation said.

A lying in state will be held on Wednesday and Thursday to honour the designer - best known for his Valentino fashion brand.

His funeral is set to take place in Rome on Friday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay tribute to Valentino on social media.

She said: "Valentino, undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion.

"Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything."

He is best known for inventing 'Valentino red' - a shade of red that would feature heavily in his works.

His dresses would often feature on Hollywood red carpets - from Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, and Cate Blanchett among the stars to have worn them.

He later developed a friendship with Anne Hathaway - even making an appearance in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada.

Born in Voghera, northern Italy, the designer first made his name after setting up a fashion house in Paris.

He later returned to his home country to set up The House of Valentino alongside long time business partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

His works were best known for their opulence, often incorporating vivid colours and ornate designs at a time when much of the fashion world was looking towards minimalist design.

He once famously said: "I know what women want. They want to be beautiful."