What Caused Valentino Garavani's Death? All About The Italian Fashion Designer's Final Moments At 93

The global fashion industry has begun 2026 on a heartbreaking note after legendary Italian fashion designer, Valentino Garavani, the man behind the iconic 'Valentino red' and one of the most influential figures in the fashion world, passed away at 93. The news of his demise was officially confirmed in a statement on his Instagram account and by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti. As tributes continue to pour in on his demise, here's everything we know about the cause of his death. 

What led to Valentino Garavani's death? 

The official statement shared after Valentino Garavani's death did not include any official medical cause of his death to the public. But it highlighted that the 93-year-old passed away peacefully at his Roman residence. Meanwhile, due to his age, many netizens speculated that his death might be related to natural causes. But there is no confirmation about the same. 

For those unaware, Valentino Garavani preferred to keep his personal life away from the media glare and had stepped away from the spotlight following his retirement in 2007. Since then, he has been living a quiet life in Rome with his longtime partner, Bruce Hoeksema. According to the fashion house insiders, he had a 'peaceful' death, marking the closure of an extraordinary life dedicated to elegance and timeless design. 

A public lying-in-state will be held at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, in Rome on January 21 and 22, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also, Valentino Garavani's funeral service is scheduled for January 23, 2026, at Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, several fashion world legends, such as Pierpaolo Piccioli, expressed their grief over Valentino's passing.

How were the final moments of Valentino Garavani before his death? 

According to the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino Garavani spent his final moments at home in Rome in the company of his loved ones. He had a private and peaceful passing that honoured his wish for privacy after retirement. Valentino lived with his partner, Bruce Hoeksema, who had been the Valentino fashion house's former vice president since 1982. His death comes two decades after he bid his emotional farewell from the fashion world with a simple statement to The New York Times in 2007, which read: 

"As the English say, I would like to leave the party when it is still full."

More about Valentino Garavani 

Valentino Garavani was born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy. He studied fashion in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Following his studies, he trained under legendary designers, Jacques Fath and Balenciaga. Soon, he returned to Rome and launched his own fashion label, which rose to global fame after former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy became one of his most devoted clients. She famously wore Valentino designs after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and chose a Valentino gown for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.

Valentino's significant red gowns were also synonymous with Hollywood glamour. Over the decades, his designs were worn by Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, and many more. Moreover, he made a memorable appearance in The Devil Wears Prada and served as the inspiration for the acclaimed 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor. Valentino's last final haute couture show in 2008 at Paris' Musée Rodin received an emotional standing ovation from the fashion elite. Sharing his approach to fashion, in the documentary, he famous said:

"I know what women want. They want to be beautiful."

Rest in peace, Valentino Garavani. 

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