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Valentino 1960s

Iconic Valentino Earrings by Maison Gripoix
Iconic Valentino Earrings by Maison Gripoix

Iconic Valentino Earrings by Maison Gripoix

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

Clip back fittings, Marked "France" but a well documented design for Valentino, Italy by Maison Gripoix. 1960's France. 1.25" x 1".

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Recent Sales

1960's Valentino Couture Silk Dress and Coat
1960's Valentino Couture Silk Dress and Coat

1960's Valentino Couture Silk Dress and Coat

By Valentino

Located in North Miami Beach, FL

Discover what made Valentino a fashion legend with this 1960's Valentino Couture purple, floral, silk dress with matching wool evening coat.

Category

1960s Dress and Coat Ensembles

1960s Valentino Garavani Silk Shoes
1960s Valentino Garavani Silk Shoes

1960s Valentino Garavani Silk Shoes

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

Strikingly beautiful Valentino Garavani's silk shoes most likely from the 1960s.

Category

1960s Italian Shoes

1960s Valentino Smocked Black Day Dress
1960s Valentino Smocked Black Day Dress

1960s Valentino Smocked Black Day Dress

By Valentino

Located in San Francisco, CA

1960s Valentino Smocked Black Day Dress. 100% wool.

Category

1960s Italian Day Dresses

Vintage VALENTINO COUTURE Dove Gray Wool Jacket
Vintage VALENTINO COUTURE Dove Gray Wool Jacket

Vintage VALENTINO COUTURE Dove Gray Wool Jacket

By Valentino Couture

Located in Greenport, NY

His eponymous fashion house has boutiques around the world including in Harrods of London and Madison Avenue in New York. This is a 1960-70’s Valentino Couture lightweight long slee...

Category

1970s Italian Capes

A Rare 1963 Valentino Haute Couture Gown with Gold Metal Ribbon Embroidery
A Rare 1963 Valentino Haute Couture Gown with Gold Metal Ribbon Embroidery

A Rare 1963 Valentino Haute Couture Gown with Gold Metal Ribbon Embroidery

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

A rare and stunning haute couture gown circa 1963 by Valentino. The dress epitomizes 1960s Italian chic and dolce vita in a glamorous shade of marigold.

Category

1960s Italian Evening Gowns

1990s Valentino Pea Green Mini Shift Dress
1990s Valentino Pea Green Mini Shift Dress

1990s Valentino Pea Green Mini Shift Dress

By Valentino

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Super fun Valentino 1960's retro looking mini dress from the 1990s.

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

VALENTINO TIGER PRINT VELVET COAT
VALENTINO TIGER PRINT VELVET COAT

VALENTINO TIGER PRINT VELVET COAT

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Size: approximate size 6

VALENTINO TIGER PRINT VELVET COAT

By Valentino

Located in Alford, MA

Fabulous Valentino 1960s A-line coat in tiger print velvet features a standaway roll collar, slash pockets with button tab, and deep inverted back pleat.

Category

1960s Coats

1960s Valentino Boutique Pink Coat
1960s Valentino Boutique Pink Coat

1960s Valentino Boutique Pink Coat

By Valentino, Valentino Garavani

Located in Austin, TX

Valentino Boutique light pink wool swing coat with belt. Two front pockets. 40" bust, 50" waist, 24" sleeve, 44" length. Condition:Excellent, looks new. Size 10/ or curre...

Category

1960s Italian Coats and Outerwear

Valentino Short Black Lace Blouse Dress Couture, 1960s
Valentino Short Black Lace Blouse Dress Couture, 1960s

Valentino Short Black Lace Blouse Dress Couture, 1960s

By Valentino

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Valentino - Short black lace blouse dress with a wide black velvet skirt decorated with cut flowers.

Category

20th Century Mini Dress

VALENTINO Boutique Circa 1960s Navy & White Floral Pattern Maxi  Skirt
VALENTINO Boutique Circa 1960s Navy & White Floral Pattern Maxi  Skirt

VALENTINO Boutique Circa 1960s Navy & White Floral Pattern Maxi Skirt

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Valentino maxi skirt Rayon navy with embroidered white flowers Flounced panel at hem Tie rayon belt Back zipper and hook and eye

Category

1960s Italian A-Line Skirts

VALENTINO GARAVANI, Aligator Top Handle Handbag with Gold Tone Hardware, 1960s
VALENTINO GARAVANI, Aligator Top Handle Handbag with Gold Tone Hardware, 1960s

VALENTINO GARAVANI, Aligator Top Handle Handbag with Gold Tone Hardware, 1960s

By Valentino Garavani

Located in Kingston, NY

Very Vintage, VALENTINO GARAVANI, Aligator Top Handle Handbag with Gold Tone Hardware, 1960s 7.5" x 7.5" Excellent condition.

Category

1960s Italian Top Handle Bags

Vintage Valentino Coat Circa 1960
Vintage Valentino Coat Circa 1960

Vintage Valentino Coat Circa 1960

By Valentino

Located in Boca Raton, FL

This iconic Valentino coat is from the 1960s, and retailed at Martha Palm Beach.

Category

1960s Coats and Outerwear

1970s Alfred Bosand Beaded Silk Chiffon Gown with Cape
1970s Alfred Bosand Beaded Silk Chiffon Gown with Cape

1970s Alfred Bosand Beaded Silk Chiffon Gown with Cape

By Alfred Bosand

Located in New York, NY

Listing as 1970s however this gown could be from the late 1960s. Valentino introduced this cut in 1966 and these style gowns are the ones often seen in those glamorous James Bond Mon...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Valentino 1960s Silk and Velvet Coat With Diamanté Button Detail
Valentino 1960s Silk and Velvet Coat With Diamanté Button Detail

Valentino 1960s Silk and Velvet Coat With Diamanté Button Detail

By Valentino x Debenham & Freebody

Located in London, GB

This elegant Valentino 1960s coat was an early collaboration with the then chic department store Debenham and Freebody who were licensed to reproduce his celebrated couture designs.

Category

1960s Italian Coats

Valentino Fashion Book Collections from the 1960s thru 1990 c 1991
Valentino Fashion Book Collections from the 1960s thru 1990 c 1991

Valentino Fashion Book Collections from the 1960s thru 1990 c 1991

By Valentino

Located in University City, MO

Valentino soft cover fashion book with collections from the 1960s thru 1990 The books features Valentino's beautiful fashions spanning from the 1960s thru 1990 An incredible archive ...

Category

1990s Italian Clothes

1960's Valentino Red Wool Dress with White Plaid Print & Collar
1960's Valentino Red Wool Dress with White Plaid Print & Collar

1960's Valentino Red Wool Dress with White Plaid Print & Collar

By Valentino

Located in Boca Raton, FL

This vintage 1960's Valentino dress is presented in red wool with a white paid print and a white collar.

Category

1960s Italian Aesthetic Day Dresses

1960s Handmade Valentino Sunglasses
1960s Handmade Valentino Sunglasses

1960s Handmade Valentino Sunglasses

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Size: One size fits all

1960s Handmade Valentino Sunglasses

By Valentino

Located in Rockwood, ON

I love these Valentino sunglasses. The frames are handmade and are a type of horn or horn looking resin that has really terrific accents and an interesting depth the the color. They ...

Category

1960s Sunglasses

1960s VALENTINO Blouse with Attached Bow
1960s VALENTINO Blouse with Attached Bow

1960s VALENTINO Blouse with Attached Bow

By Valentino

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Fine & dynamic vintage Valentino silk stripe blouse with attached bow. Vibrant silk sleeveless item fully silk lined, zips & hooks up back. Attached matching fabric self tie bow snap...

Category

1960s Italian Sleeveless Shirts

1960s Valentino Silk Taupe Coat or Dress
1960s Valentino Silk Taupe Coat or Dress

1960s Valentino Silk Taupe Coat or Dress

By Valentino

Located in Rockwood, ON

Stunning taupey pink silk that has the feel and look of a sharkskin silk. It is beautifully made and a classic A-line. It opens completely so is a proper jacket but I think you could...

Category

1960s Coats and Outerwear

Valentino Couture 1960s Gold Metallic Basket Woven Coat
Valentino Couture 1960s Gold Metallic Basket Woven Coat

Valentino Couture 1960s Gold Metallic Basket Woven Coat

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a stunning early 1960s coat from Valentino. It is done using silk-rayon ribbon, in alternating shades of metallic gold and ivory, in a basket weave.

Category

1960s Italian Coats

Valentino Vintage Skirt Older Label Boutique Camel Wool 1960s
Valentino Vintage Skirt Older Label Boutique Camel Wool 1960s

Valentino Vintage Skirt Older Label Boutique Camel Wool 1960s

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This rare, older label vintage Valentino late 1960's or early 1970's pleated camel wool skirt is in mint condition.

Category

1960s Italian Pleated Skirts

Valentino Couture 1960s Pink Tulle Beaded & Rhinestone Cocktail Dress
Valentino Couture 1960s Pink Tulle Beaded & Rhinestone Cocktail Dress

Valentino Couture 1960s Pink Tulle Beaded & Rhinestone Cocktail Dress

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1960s couture hand-beaded fitted cocktail dress. Vertical lines with beaded circles with rhinestones in the center of the circles. Beaded lines wrap around the sleeves. Silk-tulle in...

Category

1960s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1960s Valentino Boutique Cocoon Shaped Wool Skirt with Velvet Waves
1960s Valentino Boutique Cocoon Shaped Wool Skirt with Velvet Waves

1960s Valentino Boutique Cocoon Shaped Wool Skirt with Velvet Waves

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

This Valentino skirt has a clever but elegant design. A medium weight wool skirt, it has a cocoon like shaped bottom with one side rounded and appliqued with velvet waves. A truley c...

Category

1960s Italian Skirts

Extremely Rare Circa 1962 Valentino Haute Couture Gown
Extremely Rare Circa 1962 Valentino Haute Couture Gown

Extremely Rare Circa 1962 Valentino Haute Couture Gown

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

This is an extremely rare, very early 1960s Valentino Couture gown in a pale blush silk with a beautifully embroidered bodice.

Category

1960s Italian Evening Gowns

COPPOLA e TOPPO Beaded Collar
COPPOLA e TOPPO Beaded Collar

COPPOLA e TOPPO Beaded Collar

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H 9 in W 9 in D 2.5 in Dm 9 in

COPPOLA e TOPPO Beaded Collar

By Coppola e Toppo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

She successfully worked for Emilio Pucci, Ken Scott and Valentino in the 1960s creating wonderful pieces to match the fashions of the time.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Choker Necklaces

Valentino black Lace top 1960s style Cocktail Dress
Valentino black Lace top 1960s style Cocktail Dress

Valentino black Lace top 1960s style Cocktail Dress

By Valentino

Located in Toronto, ON

Valentino black cocktail dress with a-line skirt, lace top and bow belt. 1960's style design with centre back zipper.

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1960s Vintage Early Valentino Dress in Structured Navy Blue & White Wool
1960s Vintage Early Valentino Dress in Structured Navy Blue & White Wool

1960s Vintage Early Valentino Dress in Structured Navy Blue & White Wool

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This rare vintage Valentino Boutique dress is from the late 1960's and appears to have never been worn.

Category

1960s Italian Casual Dresses

Rare 1960s Vintage Valentino Brown Cream Diamond Print Dress w Suede Belt
Rare 1960s Vintage Valentino Brown Cream Diamond Print Dress w Suede Belt

Rare 1960s Vintage Valentino Brown Cream Diamond Print Dress w Suede Belt

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This is a really fabulous vintage late 1960's or early 1970's rare Valentino dress and it's one of our favorites!

Category

1960s Italian Informal Dresses

Rare Vintage Valentino Winter White Blazer Jacket Skirt Suit Late 1960s Italy
Rare Vintage Valentino Winter White Blazer Jacket Skirt Suit Late 1960s Italy

Rare Vintage Valentino Winter White Blazer Jacket Skirt Suit Late 1960s Italy

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

Both pieces are in excellent condition and this suit comes from an estate of exceptional designer vintage clothing including many Valentino dresses, blouses, coats, skirts, and suits...

Category

1960s Italian Skirt Suits

Attributed to Valentino hand beaded wool and silk evening maxi gown, circa 1960s
Attributed to Valentino hand beaded wool and silk evening maxi gown, circa 1960s

Attributed to Valentino hand beaded wool and silk evening maxi gown, circa 1960s

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

Attributed to Valentino dress constructed with wool and silk material. Fully hand beaded with glass beads into a coral reef motif. featuring a round neck and sleeveless. Fully lined

Category

1960s Italian Cocktail Dresses

"Coveted V", 1960s Red Polka Dot Valentino Garavani Les Sacs, Made in Italy
"Coveted V", 1960s Red Polka Dot Valentino Garavani Les Sacs, Made in Italy

"Coveted V", 1960s Red Polka Dot Valentino Garavani Les Sacs, Made in Italy

By Valentino Garavani

Located in Westport, CT

The "Coveted V" 1960s, 1970s authentic and unique red polka dot Valentino Garavani Les Sacs, Made in Italy handbag.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Leather

Valentino Navy Crochet Tie
Valentino Navy Crochet Tie

Valentino Navy Crochet Tie

By Valentino

Located in Litchfield County, CT

1960s-70s Valentino crochet navy and white tie.

Category

1970s Unknown Neckties

Valentino lucite bead and rhinestone belt, circa 1970s
Valentino lucite bead and rhinestone belt, circa 1970s

Valentino lucite bead and rhinestone belt, circa 1970s

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

Since the late 1940s Coppola e Toppo created small commission of beaded jewellery and accessories for no less than the houses of Dior, Balenciaga and Schiaparelli. Pucci and Valentin...

Category

1970s Italian Belts

Valentino couture yellow silk chiffon dress. circa 1970s
Valentino couture yellow silk chiffon dress. circa 1970s

Valentino couture yellow silk chiffon dress. circa 1970s

By Valentino, Valentino Couture

Located in London, GB

The single most important and successful designer to emerge in Rome during the 1960s was Valentino. Before establishing his business in 1960 he studied fashion design at Milan’s Aca...

Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Valentino 60s Black Silk Cocktail Dress With Pockets Size 4.
Valentino 60s Black Silk Cocktail Dress With Pockets Size 4.

Valentino 60s Black Silk Cocktail Dress With Pockets Size 4.

By Valentino

Located in Atlanta, GA

Valentino Boutique 1960s black silk cocktail evening dress with pockets is a size 4.

Category

1960s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Rare 1970s YSL Vintage Skirt Yves Saint Laurent Paper Bag Waist Drawstring
Rare 1970s YSL Vintage Skirt Yves Saint Laurent Paper Bag Waist Drawstring

Rare 1970s YSL Vintage Skirt Yves Saint Laurent Paper Bag Waist Drawstring

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Portland, OR

This vintage skirt is from the estate of a woman who bought mainly YSL and Valentino from the 1960's through the early 1980's and barely wore any of her clothing.

Category

1970s French Skirts

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Vicky Tiel Couture Silk Ruched Corset Top
Vicky Tiel Couture Silk Ruched Corset Top

Vicky Tiel Couture Silk Ruched Corset Top

By Vicky Tiel

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful off white silk corset top from Vicky Tiel. It is worn off the shoulders with elbow length sleeves, a sweetheart cut neckline and ruching throughout in angles. The front...

Category

1990s French Blouses and Tops

Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s
Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s

Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s

By Isaac Mizrahi

Located in Water Mill, NY

A very pretty black crochet cardigan from Issac Mizrahi. It has long sleeves, applique matching crochet flowers around the neck, front, hem and on the sleeves. There are black glass ...

Category

1990s American Cardigans

John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set
John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set

John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set

By John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous cardigan and camisole set in black knit lace plus an additional matching red camisole all from John Galliano. The set consists of 2 flower pattern lace knit camisoles one ...

Category

1990s French Cardigans

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K

By Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Switzerland, CH

Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Blouses

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress
1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

By Amen Wardy, Escada Margaretha Ley

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage 1980s black and white strapless tube dress by Margaretha Ley for Escada with a polka dot and stripe print. Fully lined with rear zip closure. The marked size is 34, and the d...

Category

1980s German Cocktail Dresses

Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse
Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse

Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse

By Rozae Nichols

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic Rozae Nichols charcoal gray ombre trapeze top! 100% silk, with hundreds of sequins encrusted throughout the entire blouse. Adjustable straps, so you can make shorter or longer. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Blouses and Tops

1970s Moroccan Black + Gold Metal Embroidered Vintage 70s Caftan Maxi Dress
1970s Moroccan Black + Gold Metal Embroidered Vintage 70s Caftan Maxi Dress

1970s Moroccan Black + Gold Metal Embroidered Vintage 70s Caftan Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 1970s black crepe Moroccan long sleeve kaftan maxi dress! Features meticulously embrodiered gold metal throughout. Chic bell /angel sleeved have just the right amount of flar...

Category

1970s Moroccan Caftans

Dolce & Gabbana black floral velvet evening dress, fw 1996
Dolce & Gabbana black floral velvet evening dress, fw 1996

Dolce & Gabbana black floral velvet evening dress, fw 1996

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in London, GB

Dolce & Gabbana black floral velvet evening dress. Adjustable bra straps, cut out under the bust and invisible zip fastening. Fall-Winter 1996

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Christian Lacroix Avant Garde Size 36 2 /4 Vintage Black 90s Skater Dress
1990s Christian Lacroix Avant Garde Size 36 2 /4 Vintage Black 90s Skater Dress

1990s Christian Lacroix Avant Garde Size 36 2 /4 Vintage Black 90s Skater Dress

By Christian Lacroix, Christian Lacroix Paris

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic early 90s CHRISTIAN LACROIX Avant Garde black rayon skater dress! Features a tailored boned bodice with curved edges at each armpit. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye ...

Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Vivienne Westwood black and gold mesh 'Open 24hrs' corset, fw 1993
Vivienne Westwood black and gold mesh 'Open 24hrs' corset, fw 1993

Vivienne Westwood black and gold mesh 'Open 24hrs' corset, fw 1993

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in London, GB

Vivienne Westwood black mesh corset with 'Open 24hrs' gold leaf print. Internal boning designed to cinch the waist and push the breasts up. Anglomania, Fall-Winter 1993

Category

1990s British Corsets

Gianni Versace Vintage Embellished Knit Black Top
Gianni Versace Vintage Embellished Knit Black Top

Gianni Versace Vintage Embellished Knit Black Top

By Gianni Versace

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace Vintage Embellished Knit Black Top IT 40

Category

1990s Blouses

Jean Paul Gaultier Junior Vintage Black Denim Iconic Corset Style Jacket Size 48
Jean Paul Gaultier Junior Vintage Black Denim Iconic Corset Style Jacket Size 48

Jean Paul Gaultier Junior Vintage Black Denim Iconic Corset Style Jacket Size 48

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Nice, FR

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Junior vintage black denim iconic corset style jacket. This jacket features : - Distressed black denim. - Classic collar. - Front button down fastening. - Front l...

Category

20th Century Italian Jackets

Vintage  Red Givenchy One Shoulder Ruffle Silk Cocktail Dress
Vintage  Red Givenchy One Shoulder Ruffle Silk Cocktail Dress

Vintage Red Givenchy One Shoulder Ruffle Silk Cocktail Dress

By Givenchy

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

90s Givenchy Red Silk organza ruffle one shoulder dress. Perfect cocktail dress. Dress has double zipper ( inside) Measurement: Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 26.5 inches/ Hip: 34 inches/ ...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Christian Dior Haute Couture Pleated Chiffon Gown, Betsy Bloomingdale 1974
Christian Dior Haute Couture Pleated Chiffon Gown, Betsy Bloomingdale 1974

Christian Dior Haute Couture Pleated Chiffon Gown, Betsy Bloomingdale 1974

By Marc Bohan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a long black chiffon pleated gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1974. The gown has ruffles at the neckline, hem, and sleeve. It is sheer with a black satin bow tie ...

Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

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Valentino 1960s For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an extraordinary variety of valentino 1960s available on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black valentino 1960s, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Beige, Gray and more options on these pages. Making the right choice when shopping for these accessories may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, all of which have proven very popular over the years. Valentino 1960s such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Valentino, Valentino Garavani and Valentino x Debenham & Freebody are consistently popular. There aren’t many items for unisex if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for men and women.

How Much are Valentino 1960s?

The prices for valentino 1960s start at $175 and top out at $26,250 with these items, on average, selling for $1,280.

Valentino for sale on 1stDibs

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 shoessunglassesscarves and perfume. 

Find vintage Valentino evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.