VALENTINO Attributed Black & White Feather Trim Floral Print Silk Skirt Set 6-8
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In excellent vintage condition, the original Valentino 1970's era labels have been cut from the blouse and skirt.
VALENTINO Attributed Black & White Feather Trim Floral Print Silk Skirt Set 6-8
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In excellent vintage condition, the original Valentino 1970's era labels have been cut from the blouse and skirt.
Valentino Celadon 1970's Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Charming Valentino Celadon Ensemble from the 1970's comprising a silk crepe printed shirt and scarf with cotton twill full skirt.
Multicolor printed silk shirt and skirt ensemble Valentino Circa 1970's
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed silk shirt and skirt ensemble. White acetate lining inside the shirt ( except inside the sleeves) and skirt. Smocked elastic waist with boned all around the waist. SIZE 14 ...
$411
H 7.88 in W 9.06 in D 1.97 in
Black satin evening bag with rhinestone broches Valentino Circa 1970's
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black satin evening bag with rhinestone broches.Close with snap. One flat pocket inside. Black passementerie strap. SIZE 20 cm( height) X 23cm ( width) X 5cm ( depth)
Valentino Black Floral Print Silk Dress 1970s
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Carnate, IT
Valentino Boutique Night Dress. Circa 1979. The composition label is missing. This Valentino dress is made from a double layered silk chiffon designed with a flower print of blue, re...
$984
Size: see item description for sizing
Vintage 1970s Valentino Silk Chiffon Dress with Quilted Bodice
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1970s Valentino dress was made in Italy, under the Valentino "Night" label.
1970s Costume Jewelry Brilliant Red Clip-on Earrings by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These glamorous 1970s Valentino Costume Jewelry Clip-on Earrings are a dazzling nod to the bold and opulent style of the era, crafted with the house's signature elegance and flair.
1970s Valentino Boutique Paisley Silk Maxi Dress with Chiffon Sleeves
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Crafted in Italy, this 1970s Valentino dress was designed by Valentino Garavani himself for his ready to wear line.
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Valentino Garavani Red Wool Black Wool Pom Pom Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning red and black Valentino Garavani dress. From the 1970s, this vibrant red wool sleeveless dress features a crew neckline and is made complete with a black pom-po...
Valentino Vintage Silk Chiffon Abstract Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, 1970s
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Valentino design is composed of a beautiful abstract printed silk chiffon. Features a wonderful maxi style with center front rhinestone buttons and belt. In excellent vintage c...
VALENTINO Boutique Vintage 1970s Long Sleeve Olive Green Cocktail Dress Size 10
By Valentino
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
VALENTINO Vintage 1970s Long Sleeve Olive Green and Burgundy Cocktail Dress Size 6.
1970S VALENTINO Black Silk Crepe Gown With Beaded Crystal Roses & Epic Passemen
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Fully lined in self fabric. 1970S VALENTINO Black Silk Crepe Gown With Beaded Crystal Roses & Epic Passementrie Fringe
1970s Valentino Black Crepe Gold Lattice Beaded Embroidered Vintage 70s Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Night
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 1970s VALENTINO black embroidered gold lattice lace beaded crepe evening gown !
$195
H 15.5 in W 16.5 in
Valentino White and Camel Square Silk Twill Argyle Signature Scarf – 16”, 1970s
By Valentino
Located in Tucson, AZ
With just enough pop to catch the eye, this otherwise neutral signature scarf pairs with almost any colorway and is large enough to wear around the neck, on the head or on a purse ha...
Valentino 11.00 Carat Oval Citrine Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Valentino
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1970's Valentino oval Citrine Yellow Gold cocktail ring.
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Jacques Fath Translucent 1970's Sunglasses Made In France.
By Mario Valentino
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage super rare Jacques Fath sculptural sunglasses. Made in France. MEASUREMENTS FRONT : 15.5 CMS LENS HEIGHT : 5 CMS LENS WIDTH : 5 CMS
Valentino Haute Couture Floral Print Silk Chiffon Blouse & Skirt Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino haute couture floral print silk chiffon blouse with flounced sleeves and skirt ensemble.
MA Red & White Silk Lace Vintage 1970s Valentino Kimono Sleeve Top
Located in New York, NY
MORPHEW ATELIER Red & White Silk Lace Vintage 1970s Valentino Kimono Sleeve Top Measurements Overall length: 30 in.
Unavailable
Size: see description
Vintage Midnight Blue Luxe Silk Valentino Blouse With Sheer Lace Inserts
By Valentino
Located in Portland, OR
We believe that this came from Valentino's 1970's earliest Miss V collection as the woman who owned it often bought the "firsts" of designer collections..
1970's Valentino Boutique Black Knit Embellished Sweater
By Valentino
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Embellished with a diagonal stripe with flower detail, this 1970's Valentino Boutique black knit sweater is perfect for invigorating your wardrobe.
1970's Valentino Silk Blouse with Ballerina Print
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage blouse from Valentino dates to the 1970's and is made of wine-colored silk that features a gorgeous ballerina print.
1970's Valentino Polka-dotted Silk Blouse with Sash
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage blouse from Valentino dates to the 1970's and retailed at I. Magnin.
1970's VALENTINO Printed silk chiffon top & skirt dress set
By Valentino
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Early 1970's VALENTINO Printed silk chiffon top & skirt set in lovely geometric, foulard-style print.
1970s Valentino Cotton Peasant Dress
By Valentino
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A gorgeous 1970s Valentino cotton dress with a full skirt and top with voluminous sleeves and a square neckline with cut-out detail.
1970s Valentino Haute Couture Butterfly Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
1970s Valentino haute couture silk 'Butterfly' dress.
1970s Valentino "Hazelnut' Three piece Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
This is the season of the print and this is perhaps the ultimate in nutty prints: a three piece Valentino ensemble with an overall 'hazelnut' print. There is a maxi skirt in a cotto...
Unavailable
W 5.75 in L 6.25 in
Vintage 1970s Signed Valentino Wrapped Green & Ivory Lucite Collar Necklace
By Valentino
Located in Easton, PA
1970s goldtone green and ivory Lucite with wire wrap on a woven silk cord with the Valentino V at the clasp.
Gold Plate
1970s Valentino 'Pajama' Ensemble with Feathered Ruff
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino haute couture silk two piece ensemble from the 1970s with a finely pleated neckline and a beautiful feathered ruff around the neck.
1970s Valentino Haute Couture Pale Pink Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
RARE vintage STORE HOURS: Monday to Friday 11:30 to 6PM 24 West 57th Street Fifth floor in The New York Gallery Building 212.581.7273 FOLLOW OUR BLOG: www.rarevintage.blogspot....
1970s Valentino Couture Jacket with Spectacular Embroidered Bee
By Valentino
Located in New York City, NY
Countess Consuelo Crespi 1970s Valentino Couture cream light weight wool jacket with narrow sleeves and a spectacular silk and metallic thread embroidered bee on the pocket.
Valentino silk embossed floral halter neck dress. circa 1970s
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Valentino is the single most important and successful designer to emerge in Rome during the 1960s. His designs are for ladies who lunch, socialise and always want to look feminine....
Extraordinary 1970s Valentino Haute Couture Gown with Bijoux-Embroidered Snake
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary example of Italian glamour by Valentino. Circa 1970s four ply silk crepe gown, with Goddess style one shoulder strap adorned with a bijoux-embroidered python.
1970s VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Red Silk One Shoulder Ostrich Feathers Long Dress
By Valentino
Located in Milan, Italy
This gorgeous late 1970s VALENTINO BOUTIQUE one shoulder dress is in red organdy silk and has asymmetric edge in ostrich feather, side zip closure and is fully lined.
Unavailable
Size: XS - 0-2 see waist measurement
Mario Valentino Pine Green Italian Suede Skirt, 1970s
By Mario Valentino
Located in Houston, TX
Green suede symmetrically pleated Mario Valentino skirt. Skirt is knee length, with a wide waist band, and zipper closure. Has pockets hidden in the pleats! Made in Italy.
Vintage 1970s Valentino Novelty Acorn Print Velvet Swing Jacket & Maxi Skirt Set
By Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Valentino’s work is timeless and dramatic. This early Valentino boutique creation, dating back to his fall-winter 1977 collection, is very unique in many ways. The novelty chestnut r...
1970s VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE Black Dress with White Silk Collar and Cuffs
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
This simple and elegant Valentino haute couture dress from the 1970s is a lesson in Belle de Jour chic.
Unavailable
Size: see description
1970s Boutique Valentino Vintage Pink Mini Check Silk Blouse w V Buttons & Bow
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Portland, OR
This is an exceptional tonal patterned pink silk vintage blouse from Boutique Valentino. This rare 1970's Valentino pussy bow blouse is truly a a garment that will elevate anything y...
1970's VALENTINO Sparkling black sequin evening set
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Great condition, 1970's VALENTINO Sparkling black sequin evening set.
Unavailable
Size: Small/Medium
Valentino couture Swiss dot tulle and silk-wool jersey cocktail dress. c. 1970s
By Valentino Couture
Located in London, GB
Sensuality, delicacy, glamour and grandeur are four words often used to summarise Valentino’s approach to dress design. A superstar designer who designed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’...
Valentino Boutique 70s Brown Wool Wrap Skirt Size 4.
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Valentino Boutique 1970s brown wool wrap skirt is a vintage size 8 but fits like a modern USA size 4.
Glamorous 1970s Valentino Sculpture
Located in Berlin, DE
amazing and posh porcelain fire-gilded decorative stand-up display for high board, showcase or to mix a bookshelf, from VALENTINO 70´s of the last century, manufacturer PIÙ - ITALY
Valentino 1970s Silk Tiger Blouse
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
Valentino green silk blouse with tiger print. 38" bust, 23 1/2" sleeve, 16" shoulder, 25" length. Condition: Very good. Size 6
Valentino 1970s Nouveau Victorian Floral Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely on trend this season from this season's hottest designer. Own the original here. Valentino Boutique maxi-dress with bohemian floral print and great blouson sleeves. The wi...
Valentino 1970s Haute Couture Polka Dot Silk Chiffon Gown
By Valentino
Located in Geneva, CH
A Valentino Couture polka dot dress in silk chiffon. The skirt is fully pleated with a front slit. Coordinated and removable belt. Closure with small press studs and a hook in the ba...
1970's Valentino Blue Linen Skirt
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Simple and sophisticated Valentino blue linen skirt from the 1970's. Straight cut, with a front button closure and a front slit.
1970's Valentino Silk Printed Blouse & Pants Lounging Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino green silk printed blouse and pants ensemble.
1970's Valentino Yellow & Purple Tartan Trench Style Coat
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Purple, yellow and red tartan trench style wool coat by Valentino from the 1970's. The coat features masculine details like a wide notched lapel, double breasted buttons, rolled cuff...
1970's Valentino Black Silk & Lace Pleated Baby Doll Dress
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino black silk and chiffon baby doll dress with spaghetti straps and pleated skirt.
1970s Valentino Cotton Trousers
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
1970s Valentino Cotton Trousers
1970s Valentino Tortoise sunglasses
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
1970s Valentino Tortoise sunglasses. Rare item!!!
1970s Valentino Silk Blouse
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
1970s Valentino red silk blouse with floral print.
Dramatic 1970's Valentino Aubergine Angora Wool Sweater Cape With Skirt
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Oh the beautiful drama of a voluminous cape! Especially when the cape is designed by Valentino Garavani in an aubergine red angora wool blend that drapes with all the comfort of a c...
1970's Valentino Black Silk Velvet Evening Coat w/Pleated Silk Trim
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino Boutique black silk velvet evening coat with knife-pleated silk taffeta trim at neck, down center front, hem and cuffs.
VALENTINO Vintage 1970's Long Navy & White Belted Maxi Skirt Size 8
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Valentino skirt is composed of a navy rayon with with floral embroidered pattern. Features a lovely full length design with a ruffled hem. There is a center back zipper closure,...
VALENTINO Vintage 1970's Beige and Tan Tweed Long Coat Size 10
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Valentino is a wonderful design composed of light weight natural fiber in beige & nude. Features center front button closures and pockets. In excellent vintage condition (some s...
1970's Valentino Navy Melton Wool Coat Dress W/White Trim & Frontal Pockets
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino navy melton wool coat dress featuring white trim, navy buttons down center front, and two frontal pockets.
1970s Valentino Lilac Pintuck Gown
By Valentino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Amazing 1970s Valentino Boutique lilac gown! Lavender and white floral print accented with matching solid fabric.
1970s Valentino Sexy Ruffle Blouse
By Valentino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Channel the sexy spirit of the 1970s in our Valentino ruffle blouse! Ruffle neckline buttons up above super-hot slit up the center of the shirt.
1970s Valentino Printed Silk Blouse
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This 1970s Valentino silk blouse features an all over jewel tone pattern on a blue grey background.
1970s Valentino red cherries dress
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ivory white crepe midi dress with an embroidered applique of 3 red cherries...From the early 1970s...Banded bateau neckline with narrow pin tucks at the bodice front, long full sleev...
Classic Valentino Rhinestone Circle Hoop Earrings Circa 1970s
By Valentino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Classic Valentino double hoop clip on earrings cast in a brilliant gold metal! Accented with clear rhinestones. Signed at the back of the clasp with Valentinos signature V watermark ...
Gold Plate
1970s Valentino Metallic Dress with roses
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
1970s Valentino Metallic Dress with roses Unique pieces from 1970s Valentino boutique totally made in italy in US size 10 Composition: 100 % Silk
1970s Valentino Red Wine Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
Valentino chiffon long sleeves romantic dress made from the finest lace and semi sheer silk chiffon. Top is sheer, and lined at the bodice with a full sheer sleeve. The dress gets a...
VALENTINO SS 1970 Archive Size S Black White Wave Print Silk Button Up Long Sleeve Shirt
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO SS 1970 Archive reissue long sleeve shirt in a black and white silk featuring all over logo wave design, bow detail, and button closure.
1970s Valentino for Bergdorfs Fucia Pink Gown
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
This striking pink gown is made in Italy by Valentino's Boutique collection for Bergdorf Goodman New York. The design plays with diagonals and angles, with a one-shoulder neckline, a...
1970s Valentino Silk Multicolored ColorBlock Maxi Skirt
By Valentino
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brightly colored checker print skirt in lightweight, ultra soft silk. Banded waist with light pleating.Side Pockets. Hidden side zip closure. Maxi Length. Lined. Size estimate: S/M ...
1970s Valentino black long dress with white pearls
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
1970s Valentino black long dress with white pearls Awesome one of a kind from Valentino still with tags in US size 10 Composition: 69 viscose 21 cupro 10 silk
1970s Valentino yellow and white striped cotton jacket
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
1970s Valentino yellow and white striped cotton jacket with belt.
1970s Valentino Silk Blouse with Attached Head Scarf
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
1970s Valentino silk printed blouse with attached head scarf.
1970s Valentino Haute Couture Egyptian Revival Silk Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite dress dates from the early 1970s in Valentino's career. His pieces from this era still maintain the vibrancy of youth in design which first made him famous.
1970s Chiffon Valentino with Beaded and Crystal Front
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous piece looks like it could be right off the Gucci runway of today however this gem is from back in the day when even designer's boutique lines were rife with couture det...
Valentino Boutique silk colour block maxi dress 1970s
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Boutique silk colour block maxi dress from the 1970s...Vivid colour blocks and and stripes are done on a mid weight silk fabric...The dress has a round band neckline and cl...
1970s Vintage Brown Lucite Oversized Aviator Sunglasses by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These are stylish 1970s vintage oversized sunglasses by Valentino crafted with brown Lucite frames.
1970s Valentino Burnt Orange Chestnut Walnut Print Velvet Belted Jacket
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino burnt orange chestnut and walnut print velvet jacket with matching satin belt and frontal pockets.
1970S VALENTINO Navy Blue Bias Cut Rayon Fruit Print Skirt
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
1970S VALENTINO Navy Blue Bias Cut Rayon Fruit Print Skirt
Yves Saint Laurent Orange Straw Back Patent Lucite trim Hat, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Accessory designs are intended to add the finishing touches or accrue shock value. By combining various fabrics, embellishments, and textures, Saint Laurent was a master of accessori...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent...
$2,495
Size: 44 / US 10 - 12
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Drop dead gorgeous vintage Yves Saint Laurent 'Rive Gauche' YSL black dress! Quite possibly the most flattering dress I have ever seen! This rare beauty does wonders for the body! Co...
Alexander McQueen F/W 2004 Beige Metallic Tweed Tie Neck Blazer & Skirt 2pc Suit
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Chicago, IL
Alexander McQueen F/W 2004 "Pantheon As Lecum" tweed skirt suit. As seen on the runway; look #3. Beige with copper and navy metallic basket weave wool blend fabric. Beautiful asymmet...
Art Deco Pave Crystal Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Pave Crystal Clutch with elaborate pave crystal frame. Crystals are set into mesh to form the body of clutch, lined in satin. 1930's France.
Dolce & Gabbana Black & Cream Lingerie Inspired Evening Gown Spring 2006 Sz 40IT
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Dolce & Gabbana Black & Cream Lingerie Inspired Evening Gown. Spring/Summer 2006 Size 40IT
Judith Leiber Vintage Burgundy Snakeskin Gold Accent Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite Judith Leiber handbag showcases luxurious burgundy snakeskin with a structured, pleated design. Its gold-tone metal frame features an elegant twisted rope detail, comp...
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Sheer Black Lace Leather Trim Sleeveless Top
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gucci’s Fall/Winter 1999 collection under Tom Ford, this sleeveless top features a sheer black mesh base intricately embroidered with swirling floral ribbon appliqués. The high-...
Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress Embroidery Corset
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
Breathtaking Alexander Mcqueen Corset Gown. Cosmic rain, comet and astral crystal embroideries are hand-sewn to this stunnig evening gown. Powder blue Paris net bustier dress featuri...
Fall 2005 Alexander McQueen 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' Full Lace Back Dr Runway
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
BLACK SILK JERSEY DRESS FROM ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2005 WITH A LOW LACE BACK This is a stunning evening dress made of black stretch jersey with sheer lace on the back. This gorgeous, ic...
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...
Thierry Mugler Archival Runway Jacket FW 1996 Les Amazones Sculptural Sexy
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Power. Precision. Seduction. Thierry Mugler’s Fall/Winter 1996 Les Amazones jacket is the ultimate sartorial weapon - crafted not just to be worn, but to command. This architectural ...
$5,715
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black silk spandex and leather lace up dress, ss 2003
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana; black silk spandex figure hugging evening dress. - Lambskin leather grommet trim - Open on both sides with lace up fastenings - Invisible side zip closure ...
UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci by Tom Ford lace dress From his SS 1996 collection for Gucci Finest black lace Fully lined with nude silk Made in Italy Dry Clean Only Size 38 Seen in the AD campaig...
1980's Laura Biagiotti Cream Knit Dress
By Laura Biagiotti
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Great transitional dress in cream knit by Italian designer Laura Biagiotti. Best known for her sumptuous knits this dress fits like a glove and can be worn dressed up or down. In exc...
$447
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in L 9 in
Vintage 1950's French Floral Beaded Clutch Bag 1950's Beaded floral handbag
Located in Nashville, TN
A true beauty to behold, this original 1950's micro beaded clutch bag, rendered in the smallest iridescent white rocaille beads, accented by a raised scalloped pattern throughout, in...
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.
Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.
From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement.
For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures.
Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond.
And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship.
Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods.
The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.