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. 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 evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
Off-white beaded cocktail dress with lace boléro VALENTINO
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white beaded cocktail dress with lace boléro. Main fabric composition: nylon. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. SIZE 6 / 38 / M
VALENTINO 2007 Vintage Runway Burgundy One Shoulder Ball Gown Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Vintage c. 2007 will search runways later a/s/o Rebecca Gayheart at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Burgundy Velvet Ruched / knot effect Side zip Size USA 10 but fits muc...
nwt's IT46 VALENTINO Vintage Black Evening Gown Long Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Roma NWT's Vintage Jet black Simple, easy, sophisticated, timeless, elegant Size IT46 Pristine Measurements in inches laying flat: pit to pit 18 to 19, smallest of waist 17...
VALENTINO black wool silk bateau darted shoulder cape sleeves mini dress IT38 XS
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO black wool silk bateau darted shoulder cape sleeves mini dress IT38 XS Reference: MELK/A00489 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Wool, Silk Color: Bla...
VALENTINO Vintage Silk Crystal Embellished Pewter Evening Gown Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Vintage Pewter silver color 100% silk Strap can be worn off the shoulder, too Clear crystal accents (one strap can be re-glued/taped/etc) Invisible side zip Size USA 8 fits...
VALENTINO 2000 Vintage Black Silk w. Silver Embellishments Evening Gown Maxi
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino '00 Vintage 100% silk Jet black silk with black sheer net mesh bodice covered in silver sequins and thread to create shiny floral clusters Deep v-neck open back Zips at bac...
VALENTINO 2008 Vintage black lace overlay nude navy satin back mini dress UK6 XS
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO 2008 Vintage black lace overlay nude navy satin back sleeveless mini dress UK6 XS Reference: MELK/A00482 Brand: Valentino Collection: 2008 Material: Silk Color: Black, Navy...
1999 Valentino Runway Dusky Pink Slip Dress with Embellished Straps
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This archival Valentino dress walked the runway on supermodel Esther Cañadas for the House's Fall 1999 collection. Tailored from pink silk-satin which shines a warm grey or dusky pin...
Valentino New Cut out Silk Gown SS 2001
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible off white silk gown from Valentino. It is sleeveless with cut outs at the waist front, sides and back which including the chest décolletage are covered in fine black c...
Valentino New Silk Cape Gown
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous pink silk cape dress from Valentino. It is a sleeveless body skimming dress with a panel draping over the shoulders forming a cape in the back. ...
Valentino Silk Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 2005
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous flower print silk dress from Valentino in pink, orange, off white, gold and brown. It is sleeveless with a plunging neckline front and back, cut outs at the waist and a f...
Vintage Valentino black mesh sheer sequin beaded ostrich feather midi knee dress
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE From Valentino early 2000's this black spaghetti strap dress features a tulle background that is entirely embellished with sequins, beads/beaded tassels and ostric...
$1,800
Valentino New Neon Dress
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible neon dress from Valentino. It has a scoop neckline, full sleeves, a full skirt, and a fitted waist. It is lined in the same fabric and has a ...
VALENTINO 100% silk nude cascade cape sleeves overlay keyhole mini dress IT38 XS
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO 100% silk nude cascade cape sleeves overlay keyhole back mini dress IT38 XS Reference: LNKO/A02664 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Silk Color: Nude...
Valentino 1990s Size 4 Lipstick Red Linen + Rayon Halter Criss Cross 90s Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Miss V
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic mid 90s VALENTINO ‘ Miss V ‘ signature lipstick red halter cross-cross Rayon ( 90% ) and Linen ( 10%) dress ! Features a halter neckline for support...
Valentino New Oversized Cotton Dress with Bustle Back
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning white cotton oversized shirt dress from Valentino. It has a shirt collar, a short button up vest under the bodice, elaborate draped sleeves and back draping from the shoul...
FW 1995 Valentino Velvet and Silk Evening Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Marlborough, GB
Valentino black velvet and silk strapless evening dress, Fall Winter 1995 Modelled by Carla Bruni on the runway with the addition of a bow at bodice, and a belt at waist — these deta...
Valentino Boutique Black and White Beaded Dress
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous off white silk dress completely covered in black and white glass beads from Valentino Boutique. It is sleeveless with a scoop neckline...
Valentino New Silk Halter Gown with Waist and Back Cut outs S/S 2007
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous pink silk halter gown from Valentino S/S 2007 collection. It has a halter neckline, fitted ruched woven panels across the bodice with 2 c...
Valentino Fall/Winter 1996 Runway Finale Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Norwich, GB
This gown from Valentino’s Fall 1996 ready-to-wear collection is crafted in the house’s signature red, a hallmark shade closely associated with the brand’s identity. Made from lightw...
VALENTINO Crepe Couture silver Rockstud scalloped waist Bambolina dress IT42 M
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO ivory Crepe Couture silver Rockstud scalloped waist Bambolina dress IT42 M Reference: LACG/A00496 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: Crepe Couture M...
Valentino set by Alessandro Michele Resort 2025
By Valentino, Alessandro Michele
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Resort 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Alessandro Michele. Set consisting of a dress and cape entirely embroidered with sequins in shades ...
Valentino S/S 1990 Ruched Frilly Tiered Black Silk Chiffon Dress
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Valentino Spring 1990 collection was all about tiers upon tiers of fabulously frilly ruffles. Delicate and feminine, the micro-pleated silk chiffon ruffles and ruching decorate a...
VALENTINO Stunning Butterfly Print Silk Evening Cocktail Dress 6
By Valentino
Located in Switzerland, CH
This Valentino dress has been crafted in Italy from featherweight silk and is printed with butterflies- a key motif from the brand. The silhouette is enhanced by the fluttering ruffl...
Valentino dress by Valentino Garavani Haute Couture Spring 1998
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Spring/Summer 1998 Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Valentino Garavani. Sleeveless dress in nude tulle embroidered with tubular beads, finished w...
Valentino 2000s Size 6 Black Silk Lace Cut-Out Sequin Evening Gown Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet classic early 2000s VALENTINO black silk and lace cut-out evening gown ! Features a tailored bodice with black lace sequin cut-out detail with rhinestone encrusted buckle a...
Valentino Colorful Feather Print Dress Gown
By Christian Dior, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Colorful Valentino ethereal Grecian-inspired gown fashioned of feather print silk chiffon in shades of violet, sand, green, and blue. Designed to effortlessly drape the body accente...
Chanel S/S 2004 Floral Sequin Mini Dress, Vintage Cocktail Style
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Look #55 of Spring/Summer 2004 runway. One of the dreamiest pieces from this collection, this embellished mini dress captures the romantic glamour of the era. Crafted in soft lilac t...
Black beaded cocktail dress VALENTINO
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black beaded cocktail dress. Main fabric composition: nylon. Tulle lining composition: nylon. Silk lining. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. SIZE 40 (It) 36...
Valentino Women's Gold Nude Tiered Tulle Lace Gown, Size IT44
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Absolute fairytale Valentino tiered tulle and lace gown - bought for £6500 and unworn. Made from gold speckled nude polyamide mix tulle and gold lace. It has a super feminine tiere...
Valentino Garavani Fall Winter 2003 Black Lace Beaded Evening Gown, Size Small
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
A floor-length evening gown from Valentino Garavani’s Fall/Winter 2003 collection. Black lace bodice featuring intricate mesh detailing, square neckline, sleeveless, concealed zip cl...
Black cocktail dress with leather collar and cuffs VALENTINO
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cocktail dress with leather collar and cuffs with laser cut and embroideries. . Main fabric composition: 77% wool, 23% silk. Silk lining. Invisible zip closure on the middle ba...
Valentino one shoulder beige nude silk cut out floral midi dress IT46 XL
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Valentino (from early 2000) one shoulder silk midi dress in champagne beige. Has a beautifully cut out floral hem in embroidered cotton and features a decorative s...
Valentino Runway Inspired Art Deco Beaded Handkerchief Hem Evening Dress Gown
By Valentino, Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantasy Valentino evening dress fashioned of midnight blue shower of sequins adorned with beaded red and white accent trim at center bodice dropping down to hemline. Designed to e...
Isabel Sanchis "Valentine Pick" Jeweled Heart Runway Gown
By Valentino, Isabel Marant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique and exciting gown by Isabel Sanchis, known for her imaginative evening wear. Fashioned peek-a-boo black net bodice adorned with embroidered be...
Valentino F/W 2009 Teal-to-Black Ombré Ruched Silk Sleeveless Gown
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 2009 collection of Valentino, this floor-length sleeveless gown is executed in a luminous silk that graduates from deep teal at the bodice to near-black at the hem. The ...
Oscar de la Renta Hi Fashion Red Carpet Ballgown
By Oscar De La Renta, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta grand strapless ball gown with emphasis on high drama. Bodice boasts a criss-cross pleated design which extends into a huge skirt fanning out with wide swan tail ba...
Valentino dress by Pier Paolo Piccioli Summer 2018
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - 2018 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Pier Paolo Piccioli. Pink silk and wool balloon dress. Size 40IT indicated, and it fits a 36...
Valentino F/W 2004 beaded sheer crop top and black maxi ruffle silk skirt dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE TOP Valentino F/W 2004 cropped silk top with a cut out tulle/mesh bust embellished with beads and sequins and taffeta appliqué. Concealed side zip 100% Silk US 6 ...
Valentino F/W 2003 black sheer beaded plunging backless silk train dress gown
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Valentino Fall 2003 - Look 70 Black floor length dress in silk and tulle, embellished with black beads and sequins Sequin straps edged in beads that criss cross ov...
Valentino F/W 2006 Red Silk Jersey Asymmetric Gown
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
Silk jersey evening gown Valentino crafted in vibrant red silk with an asymmetric neckline design. The dress features a fitted bodice with strategic side ruching that creates flatter...
Balenciaga "Pretty in Pink" Floral Strapless Silk Gown by Nicholas Ghesquiere
By Valentino, Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the prettiest and memorable gowns from Balenciaga's S/S 2008, with fabulous floral splashes of color, designed by Nicholas Ghesquiere. This runway collection was in full bloo...
Vintage Boho Valentino Dress
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage boho Valentino dress is a stunning fusion of romantic elegance and free-spirited charm. Likely from the 1970s or early 1980s, it reflects Valentino’s masterful ability t...
1980s Valentino Red Silk Jersey Open Back Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1983 VALENTINO boutique silk jersey red ( more berry tone) long sleeve dress with open back ( drape). Dress has beaded appliqué on both shoulder. Perfect for holiday party. ( see adv...
Valentino Embroidered Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2014 Size 42IT
By Valentino
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Valentino Embroidered Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2014 Size 42IT
Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown
By Valentino, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa early 2000 John Galliano for the House of Dior strapless blush pink silk bias cut gown. Fashionably adorned with hand tie bows slightly asymmetric down front of bodice extendi...
Valentino Silk Dress with Cut outs SS 2007
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous marigold yellow fine silk dress from Valentino. It has ruched shoulder straps forming a V neckline and 3 bands of horizontal ruching around the circumference of the bodic...
2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This exceptional documented haute couture dress was seen on the Fall 2006 runway, Look 24, and was entirely hand sewn in the Valentino atelier in Rome. Designed by Valentino Garavani...
Valentino Silk Crepe Evening Dress with Sheer Back Panel
By Mario Valentino, Valentino
Located in New Hope, PA
Valentino designed this elegant 1980's black silk crepe evening gown with a few interesting details. The dress buttons on the left side with five large Mother of Pearl buttons. On ...
VALENTINO Rare 2013 Nude Silk Georgette Evening Gown Dress 40
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning example of Valentino’s signature "understated romanticism," this floor-length gown debuted on the Spring 2013 runway, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciol...
Valentino FW 2006 Embellished Dress
By Valentino
Located in Mentone, CA
This rare Valentino piece from the Fall Winter 2006 collection showcases a striking reimagined floral print from the 1970 Valentino collection. The show-stopping gem and rhinestone-e...
Valentino Silk Dress with Lace Insets
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible black silk dress by Valentino. It is sleeveless, semi fitted with a solid silk skirt and diamond shaped panels over the bustline. There are angular bead enhansed black...
Valentino embroidered mini dress starfish
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Embroidered mini dress starfish pink and white. Size 40 Italian.
Valentino S/S 2006 Silk Jersey Beaded Dress
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
Silk jersey dress Valentino from the Spring/Summer 2006 collection featuring dusty blue polyamide jersey construction. Deep V-neck with wrap-style bodice secured by series of self-co...
2006 Valentino Haute Couture Ruffle White and Silver Gown
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
One of the most exceptional, one of a kind, evening dresses we have ever had at Circa Vintage. Couture crafted in the Valentino atelier in Rome and designed by Valentino Garavani him...
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO 2022 Crepe Couture wool silk ruffle bib neck tie mini dress IT38 XS
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO 2022 Crepe Couture black white wool silk ruffle bib neck tie mini dress IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A01443 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: 2022 Mater...
1986 Valentino Red Dress with Jeweled collar
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Documented 1986 Valentino Red Salmon Silk Crepe Dress with brooch on the collar and waist. Beautiful draping and fit. ( see advertising photo) Perfect for Black tie event. Size 2/4 B...
Valentino Spring 2014 Women's Embellished Lace Maxi Dress IT42/UK10
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Absolutely beautiful Valentino embellished lace maxi dress from the Spring 2014 collection. Bought for £5750 and worn once. Made from heavy golden beige cotton mix guipure lace with ...
Valentino Runway Emerald Sequin Shimmer Dress Gown NWT
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning 70's inspired Valentino Demi Couture evening gown that sparkles and shimmers on the runway. Hand sewn sequins strategically placed for great color and visual appeal. Features a bateau neckline, slender bishop sleeves, and concealed back zip closure. Orig retail $14K plus tax. Couture Long Dress...
UNWORN Valentino Draped Cady Silk Evening Cape t Ruffle Dress Gown Bridal 40
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
This Valentino Garavani gown is cut from fluid silk-crepe, artfully draped to enhance the statuesque shape. Understated elegance defines Valentino's vision. Cut from silk-crepe, this...