1980 Valentino Exotic Lizard Clutch W/ Gold Spiral Hardware Made In Italy
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Medium (US)
- Style:Modern Chic (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Gresham, OR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5013487032
Valentino
The mononymously known Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (b. 1932) is renowned for his fashion house of romantic styles and feminine shapes that he founded in Rome in 1960.
An early fascination with fashion developed when Valentino attended the theater as a child and was dazzled by the evening gowns on stage. While a teenager in Voghera, Lombardy, he studied under Italian designer Ernestina Salvadeo and soon moved to Paris, where he trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Valentino spent time apprenticing under haute couturiers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, learning how to design and construct high fashion while also thinking about how to strike out on his own.
In 1959, Valentino returned to Italy, and a year later, he opened his own salon, soon joining with longtime professional and personal partner Giancarlo Giammetti. It was located on Rome’s trendy Via Condotti and modeled after the French maisons. One of his earliest clients was Elizabeth Taylor, who discovered Valentino while she was in Rome filming Cleopatra and ordered the white dress that she wore to the premiere of Spartacus. When the designer launched his first couture line in 1962 with its fiery red colors, it was internationally celebrated, with Valentino soon attiring fashion trendsetters including Princess Margaret and Audrey Hepburn. He formed an especially close friendship with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, for whom he designed numerous dresses. Luxurious drapery with fine needlework, bold uses of color and dramatic flourishes would define Valentino fashion across the decades.
As a fashion house, Valentino is best known for its signature Valentino Red color, though one of its iconic lines is the monochromatic “no colour” collection for which the designer won the Neiman Marcus Award in 1967. (The collection also debuted his trademark “V.”) The white and beige dresses led to a demand for Valentino wedding gowns, with clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway. Valentino retired from his fashion empire in 2007, with Alessandra Facchinetti and then the duo Maria Grazia Chiuri (who departed in 2016) and Pierpaolo Piccioli succeeding him as creative directors. But Valentino still steps out of retirement for special occasions, such as designing a wedding gown for Princess Madeleine of Sweden in 2013. Today, the brand has expanded far beyond women’s haute couture and prêt-à-porter to encompass various lines of accessories, including shoes, sunglasses, scarves and perfume.
Find vintage Valentino evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Gresham, OR
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1940s Harry Rosenfeld Sage Velvet Envelope Clutch W/ Beaded & Embroidered FlapBy Harry RosenfeldLocated in Gresham, ORA gorgeous Indian-inspired 1940s Harry Rosenfeld sage green velvet envelope clutch with a classic Indian floral design, beaded and embroidered flap in gunmetal, copper and rose gold ...Category
1940s American Clutches
- Harry Rosenfeld 40s Clutch in Beautiful Tweed and Gold LeatherBy Rosenfeld, Harry RosenfeldLocated in Gresham, ORAn absolutely gorgeous 1940s Harry Rosenfeld Original clutch handbag: Envelope style with button-lock closure in gorgeous gold flecked tweed and lined in glamorous gold metallic leat...Category
1940s American Clutches
- 1980s Dominique Aurientis Paris Leopard Print Stenciled Calfskin Shoulder BagBy Dominique Aurientis ParisLocated in Gresham, ORA beautiful 1980s Dominique Aurientis Paris leopard print stenciled calf skin shoulder bag or clutch convertible. Suede lined. Magnetic gold-tone closure...Category
1980s French Shoulder Bags
- 1950s Koret Silver Lamé Braid Sequin and Rhinestone Barrel ClutchBy KoretLocated in Gresham, ORA gorgeous 1950s Koret (unmarked) silver lamé, braid, sequin and rhinestone embellished barrel clutch with satin lining.Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1940 Koret Butterfly Flap Boucle Gold Bullion Clutch w Gold Sequin AccentsBy KoretLocated in Gresham, OR1940s Koret gold metal boucle textured bullion clutch with a butterfly shaped flap and spring-back hinged closure. Heavily embellished with gold-tone sequins and beading. Interior is...Category
1940s American Clutches
- 1950s Koret Champagne Seed Pearl Encrusted Evening Clutch w Pearl Studded FrameBy KoretLocated in Gresham, OR1950s Koret Champagne Seed Pearl Encrusted Evening Clutch w Pearl Studded Frame: Pristine condition with satin lining, and original box. Medium size purse...Category
1950s American Clutches
- Hermès Vintage Jige Toile Burgundy 29By HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLHermès vintage jige toile leather trim clutch 29. Light beige canvas framed by burgundy leather, with beige stitching on the leather closure. This 1988 clutch has light stains on the...Category
1980s French Clutches
- Hermés Amethyste Crocodile ClutchBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said, it is the m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch With Crystal ClosureBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAFABULOUS JUDITH LEIBER pink alligator box clutch in excellent condition. Pink alligator exterior trimmed with silver hardware and a stunning clear swar...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Brown Lizard Leather ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Philadelphia, PAGorgeous Bottega Veneta brown lizard leather clutch in excellent condition. Brown lizard leather exterior with front twist closure. Pleated expandable interior design features 2 sepa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Vintage Saks Tan Lizard ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Vintage Saks Tan Lizard Clutch in very good condition. Tan pleated lizard leather exterior trimmed with engraved gold hardware along top edge...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Tan Alligator ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Tan Alligator Clutch in good condition. Tan alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware along top edge. Top center lift latch closure opens via 4 hinges to a tan lea...Category
1980s Clutches