Valentino Rockstud Leather Clutch Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
Valentino Garavani
The mononymously known Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani is renowned for his fashion house of romantic styles and feminine shapes that he founded in Rome in 1960. Beautiful Valentino dresses, skirts and other apparel captured the hearts of many of Italy’s wealthiest ladies in the couturier’s early days and led to commissions from Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Jayne Wrightsman and others on the international best-dressed list (when it still meant something). They sought out Valentino for gorgeous gowns, jackets, elegant daytime wear and even when they needed wedding dresses.
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 dresses 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 offers a range of collections that include the Valentino Garavani line and REDValentino, a diffusion line that is aimed at a younger audience. The house 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 Garavani evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Céline Python Evening ClutchBy CelineLocated in London, GBThis black python skin evening clutch from Céline features an all around zip fastening, a snap button closure, internal zipped pockets and an embossed internal logo stamp. Colour...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Dior x Rimowa Personal ClutchBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBExpertly crafted and limited edition, the Dior x Rimowa Clutch is a statement piece that showcases a collaboration between two renowned brands. Made with the highest quality material...Category
2010s Clutches
- Hermès Egee Black ClutchBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThe Egee Black Clutch by Hermès is an authentic and stylish accessory, featuring black smooth calfskin leather and a double polished silver palladium Chain d'Ancre. Its matching leat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Vintage Lana Marks Clutch BagBy Lana MarksLocated in London, GBFinished to glimmering perfection, this vintage Lana Marks handbag is truly enchanting in its sleek, burnished gold crocodile-effect leather. Its snap-lock fastening opens to reveal ...Category
Late 20th Century Clutches
- Hermes Red Ostrich Envelope Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThe Red Ostrich Liddy Clutch Bag is a timeless and elegant style with minimalistic sharp lines and Hermès’ keen preference for vibrant colours. Made from p...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Clutches
- Chanel Lace Floral Petite Malle BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBPetite Malle or 'Small Trunk' in French is a Louis Vuitton style that has deep roots in the brand's heritage. This bag is a modern interpretation of Louis...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Chanel Orylag Triple Chain Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA stylish and Chic Chanel Orylag flap bag from the Fall/Winter 2015 Act 1 Collection. The exterior of this bag features a navy orylag fur with antiqued s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Chevron ClutchBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBThis unworn YSL clutch in midnight blue velvet stitched in a chevron pattern contrasts beautifully with the gold logo in front. The fabric lined interior comes with flap pocket. The ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Tom Ford Crystal-Embellished Mini Clutch BagBy Tom FordLocated in London, GBA stunning crystal-embellished mini clutch bag by Tom Ford. This clutch features crystal-embellished soft goatskin leather and contrasting silver-tone ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Celestina Stingray Wood Clutch Evening BagLocated in Water Mill, NYCelestina Vintage Stingray Wood Clutch Evening Bag with Little MirrorCategory
20th Century Philippine Clutches
- Gucci Fur And Crocodile Clutch BagBy GucciLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILAbsolutely gorgeous Gucci rabbit fur and crocodile clutch bag. Specifications: W 9.5, H 4, D 1.2 (with fur 3) inchesCategory
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- CHANEL Authentic RARE CC Logo VINTAGE 1980s Black Satin Handbag Purse ITALYBy ChanelLocated in Asheville, NCCHANEL, Half Moon Crescent Mini Evening Bag Purse, Authentic Vintage Mid 1980's, Six Digit Serial Number (160338) placed inside pocket lining, Quilted Satin Fabric Exterior with Leat...Category
1980s Clutches