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1980s Valentino Beaded Cuff Jacket
1980s Valentino Beaded Cuff Jacket

1980s Valentino Beaded Cuff Jacket

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

A late 1980’s Valentino Boutique black fine wool double-face crepe fitted jacket with a round neckline and style seams, the two-piece set-in sleeves featuring a cascading embroidered...

Category

20th Century Jackets

Vintage Valentino beaded embellished skirt new/with tags
Vintage Valentino beaded embellished skirt new/with tags

Vintage Valentino beaded embellished skirt new/with tags

By Valentino Roma, Valentino Garavani

Located in NICE, FR

Valentino Roma early 2000s silk skirt, delicately embellished with intricate beadwork. Crafted from flowing silk and featuring a romantic floral-inspired design, this piece moves bea...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Flare Skirts

Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Black Pearls
Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Black Pearls

Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Black Pearls

By Valentino

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Valentino - Pair of bracelets in gold-plated metal, black pearls, and rhinestone rings. Unsigned jewelry from a défilé. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimens...

Category

1990s Beaded Bracelets

Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Red Pearls
Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Red Pearls

Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Red Pearls

By Valentino

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Valentino - Pair of bracelets in gold-plated metal, red pearls, and red rhinestones. Unsigned jewelry from a défilé. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimension...

Category

1990s Beaded Bracelets

S/S 1996 Valentino Garavani Runway Beaded Sequin Shell Bodysuit Satin Skirt Set
S/S 1996 Valentino Garavani Runway Beaded Sequin Shell Bodysuit Satin Skirt Set

S/S 1996 Valentino Garavani Runway Beaded Sequin Shell Bodysuit Satin Skirt Set

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting an incredible gold Valentino beaded skirt set. From the Spring/Summer 1996 collection, this two-piece set debuted on the season's runway on Karen Mulder.

Category

1990s Italian Twin Sets

Black beaded cocktail dress VALENTINO
Black beaded cocktail dress VALENTINO

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...

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Night Beaded Dress - '90s
Valentino Night Beaded Dress - '90s

Valentino Night Beaded Dress - '90s

By Valentino

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Effortlessly elegant, the Valentino Night Beaded Dress from the 90s collection features delicate sequin and bead detailing on the upper and a heavy silk viscose blend fabric with lay...

Category

1990s Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Valentino Silk Skirt with Beaded Embroidery
Valentino Silk Skirt with Beaded Embroidery

Valentino Silk Skirt with Beaded Embroidery

By Valentino

Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ

Valentino — Silk Skirt with Beaded Embroidery Country of Origin: Italy This elegant Valentino skirt, crafted in Italy from high-quality silk and adorned with exquisite beaded embroi...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Pencil Skirts

Valentino Black Dress Sewn with Beads
Valentino Black Dress Sewn with Beads

Valentino Black Dress Sewn with Beads

By Valentino

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Valentino -(Made in France) Black dress sewn with beads.

Category

2010s French Mini Dress

Valentino Boutique Black and White Beaded Dress
Valentino Boutique Black and White Beaded Dress

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 front and back, skims the body and ...

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Black Suede Rhinestone Beaded Bow Tote
Valentino Black Suede Rhinestone Beaded Bow Tote

Valentino Black Suede Rhinestone Beaded Bow Tote

By Valentino

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Valentino Black Suede Rhinestone Beaded Tote in good condition.

Category

Early 2000s Tote Bags

Valentino S/S 2006 Silk Jersey Beaded Dress
Valentino S/S 2006 Silk Jersey Beaded Dress

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.

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Tattoo Bead-Embroidered Fur Trimmed Parka Coat
Valentino Tattoo Bead-Embroidered Fur Trimmed Parka Coat

Valentino Tattoo Bead-Embroidered Fur Trimmed Parka Coat

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

We Adore - Valentino Tattoo Bead-Embroidered Fur Trimmed Parka Coat Beige oversized parka crafted from cotton and lined with silk.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coats

2000s Valentino Pink Beaded Gown with Sheer Panels
2000s Valentino Pink Beaded Gown with Sheer Panels

2000s Valentino Pink Beaded Gown with Sheer Panels

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

The front of the bust is adorned with decadent embroidered and beaded roses in shimmering iridescent pink. The straps are smothered with beaded roses that mirror the detail at the bu...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

Valentino Black Broadtail Fur Shawl with Beaded Embroidery
Valentino Black Broadtail Fur Shawl with Beaded Embroidery

Valentino Black Broadtail Fur Shawl with Beaded Embroidery

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

This Valentino shawl is made from Broadtail dyed lambs’ fur and features an all-over glass beaded embroidery of an assortment of flowers in a range of bright colours.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shawls

Valentino Silk shirt with beaded embroidery + lace bow belt
Valentino Silk shirt with beaded embroidery + lace bow belt

Valentino Silk shirt with beaded embroidery + lace bow belt

By Valentino

Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ

Valentino is an Italian fashion house. A unique silk shirt with exquisite beaded embroidery.

Category

2010s Italian Blouses

Off-white beaded cocktail dress with lace boléro VALENTINO
Off-white beaded cocktail dress with lace boléro VALENTINO

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

Category

2010s Cocktail Dresses

2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress
2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress

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...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

VALENTINO beige cashmere silk bead embellished crop cardigan M
VALENTINO beige cashmere silk bead embellished crop cardigan M

VALENTINO beige cashmere silk bead embellished crop cardigan M

By Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO beige cashmere silk bead embellished crop cardigan M Reference: CC/A00440 Brand: Valentino Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Beige, Silver Pattern: Floral Closure: Button Ext...

Category

2010s Chinese Cardigans

S/S 2001 Valentino Garavani Sheer Beaded Collared Blouse
S/S 2001 Valentino Garavani Sheer Beaded Collared Blouse

S/S 2001 Valentino Garavani Sheer Beaded Collared Blouse

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Valentino Garavani blouse from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection is cut in a fitted silhouette with a deep plunging V neckline.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Blouses

VALENTINO 00's Vintage Silk Embellished One Shoulder Blouse Bead
VALENTINO 00's Vintage Silk Embellished One Shoulder Blouse Bead

VALENTINO 00's Vintage Silk Embellished One Shoulder Blouse Bead

By Valentino

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Valentino Roma Vintage 2000's Espresso brown silk one shoulder blouse with tonal beaded flowers Hidden concealed side snaps Size IT42 Excellent vintage condition, minor feeling of we...

Category

Early 2000s Blouses and Tops

1999 Valentino Runway Documented Beaded Pink Tulle Ruffle Neck Top
1999 Valentino Runway Documented Beaded Pink Tulle Ruffle Neck Top

1999 Valentino Runway Documented Beaded Pink Tulle Ruffle Neck Top

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

This enchantingly whimsical blouse walked the runway for Valentino’s Spring 1999 show. Designed when Valentino Garavani himself was still at the helm of the house, this blouse epitom...

Category

1990s Italian Blouses and Tops

Valentino 2007 S/S beaded mini dress ensemble
Valentino 2007 S/S beaded mini dress ensemble

Valentino 2007 S/S beaded mini dress ensemble

By Valentino Garavani

Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH

This Valentino Spring 2007 runway dress is an exquisite two piece design composed of a nude silk slip dress and an embellished mesh overlay, offering exceptional versatility and pres...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Aesthetic Day Dresses

2000s Valentino Garavani Navy Silk Floral Pleat Beaded Backless Gown
2000s Valentino Garavani Navy Silk Floral Pleat Beaded Backless Gown

2000s Valentino Garavani Navy Silk Floral Pleat Beaded Backless Gown

By Valentino, Valentino Garavani

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Valentino Garavani gown from the 2000s is cut in a fitted, floor-length silhouette with a softly flared hem.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

VALENTINO blue silk BUGLE BEADED CHIFFON TIE-NECK Dress S
VALENTINO blue silk BUGLE BEADED CHIFFON TIE-NECK Dress S

VALENTINO blue silk BUGLE BEADED CHIFFON TIE-NECK Dress S

By Valentino

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Valentino bugle-beaded tie-neck dress in blue and white chiffon (100%).

Category

2010s Casual Dresses

2000s Valentino Garavani Black Diamond Cutout Floral Beaded Mini Dress Y2K
2000s Valentino Garavani Black Diamond Cutout Floral Beaded Mini Dress Y2K

2000s Valentino Garavani Black Diamond Cutout Floral Beaded Mini Dress Y2K

By Valentino

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This striking black beaded Valentino mini dress from the early 2000s features a v-neckline and thin straps.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Mini Dresses

Vintage Valentino black mesh sheer sequin beaded ostrich feather midi knee dress
Vintage Valentino black mesh sheer sequin beaded ostrich feather midi knee dress

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...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

Valentino Garavani Fall Winter 2003 Black Lace Beaded Evening Gown, Size Small
Valentino Garavani Fall Winter 2003 Black Lace Beaded Evening Gown, Size Small

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...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage cream wool tweed beaded collar contour bar jacket US8
VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage cream wool tweed beaded collar contour bar jacket US8

VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage cream wool tweed beaded collar contour bar jacket US8

By Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage cream wool tweed beaded collar contour bar jacket US8 Reference: CC/A00436 Brand: Valentino Material: Wool, Blend Color: Cream, Bronze Pattern: Solid Closu...

Category

1990s Italian Jackets

Valentino F/W 2003 black sheer beaded plunging backless silk train dress gown
Valentino F/W 2003 black sheer beaded plunging backless silk train dress gown

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...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

1990s Valentino Garavani 'Les Sacs' Black Velvet Beaded 'V' Logo Mini Bag
1990s Valentino Garavani 'Les Sacs' Black Velvet Beaded 'V' Logo Mini Bag

1990s Valentino Garavani 'Les Sacs' Black Velvet Beaded 'V' Logo Mini Bag

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a black velvet and beaded Valentino evening bag. From the 1990s, this beautiful mini evening bag has been constructed entirely of black velvet and is made of caviar beads.

Category

1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

VALENTINO 2019 Size M Navy Blue Embroidered Beaded Outer Space Cotton Buttoned Polo
VALENTINO 2019 Size M Navy Blue Embroidered Beaded Outer Space Cotton Buttoned Polo

VALENTINO 2019 Size M Navy Blue Embroidered Beaded Outer Space Cotton Buttoned Polo

By Valentino

Located in San Francisco, CA

VALENTINO polo in a navy and blue cotton pique featuring blue beaded planets and stars with black velvet planet detail, black beaded text on left sleeve (which reads: "I'll travel th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collars

NWT Vintage Valentino Fully Beaded Blush Pink Open Back Cocktail Dress It 40
NWT Vintage Valentino Fully Beaded Blush Pink Open Back Cocktail Dress It 40

NWT Vintage Valentino Fully Beaded Blush Pink Open Back Cocktail Dress It 40

By Valentino

Located in Montgomery, TX

NWT Vintage Valentino Fully Beaded Cocktail Dress Designer size - 40 Blush Pink Colors Paillette of Crystals, Tube Beads and Flower-shape Sequins Embellishment over the Nude Tulle.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

Valentino Forest Green 3-D Flowers Embroidery Beaded Lamb Leather Jacket size 10
Valentino Forest Green 3-D Flowers Embroidery Beaded Lamb Leather Jacket size 10

Valentino Forest Green 3-D Flowers Embroidery Beaded Lamb Leather Jacket size 10

By Valentino

Located in Montgomery, TX

Valentino Vintage Embellished Green Leather Elegant and Feminine Fitted Jacket Designer size - 10 Soft Green Lamb Leather, 3-D Flowers Application, Exclusively Embroidered and Beade...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Jackets

Valentino S/S 2006 Runway Silk Fully Beaded & Embroidered Jacket Blazer size 4
Valentino S/S 2006 Runway Silk Fully Beaded & Embroidered Jacket Blazer size 4

Valentino S/S 2006 Runway Silk Fully Beaded & Embroidered Jacket Blazer size 4

By Valentino

Located in Montgomery, TX

Valentino Silk Fully Embellished Blazer Jacket S/S 2006 Runway Collection Designer size - 4 100% Silk, Main Colors - Pink, Aqua and Black, Exquisite Beaded and Embroidered, Button Cl...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Blazers

VALENTINO silver bead embellished grey leather crossbody large tote bag
VALENTINO silver bead embellished grey leather crossbody large tote bag

VALENTINO silver bead embellished grey leather crossbody large tote bag

By Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO silver bead embellished grey leather crossbody large tote bag Reference: WEWN/A00017 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Leather Color: Grey Pattern: S...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

S/S 2002 Valentino Garavani Runway Ad Black Quilted Beaded Corset Waist Belt
S/S 2002 Valentino Garavani Runway Ad Black Quilted Beaded Corset Waist Belt

S/S 2002 Valentino Garavani Runway Ad Black Quilted Beaded Corset Waist Belt

By Valentino, Valentino Garavani

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a fabulous black beaded Valentino waist belt. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this chic waist belt debuted on the season's runway as part of look 71, modeled by Ha...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Waist Belts

Valentino Light Green Beaded 2 pc Twinset Cardigan and Shell Set, Size M
Valentino Light Green Beaded 2 pc Twinset Cardigan and Shell Set, Size M

Valentino Light Green Beaded 2 pc Twinset Cardigan and Shell Set, Size M

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a wool/angora light green 2pc matching Cardigan and shell set with colorful floral beading by Valentino from the 1990's. The vest is sleeveless with princess darts, a zipper ...

Category

1990s Italian Sweaters

White leather handbag with rhinestone and beads embroideries Valentino Garavani
White leather handbag with rhinestone and beads embroideries Valentino Garavani

White leather handbag with rhinestone and beads embroideries Valentino Garavani

By Valentino Garavani

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

White leather handbag with rhinestone and beads embroideries . Cotton lining. 3 inside pockets including one with zip closure. Snap closure on the top middle front . Gold metallic st...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags

Valentino S/S 2005 Runway suede embroidered embellished beaded glitter jacket
Valentino S/S 2005 Runway suede embroidered embellished beaded glitter jacket

Valentino S/S 2005 Runway suede embroidered embellished beaded glitter jacket

By Valentino Garavani

Located in NICE, FR

New in Nice.vintage.darling: Rare Valentino Garavani Spring/Summer 2005 Runway suede jacket fully hand embroidered with sequins and beads.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Jackets

Rare Vintage Valentino Garavani AW 1993 Runway evening embroidered beaded jacket
Rare Vintage Valentino Garavani AW 1993 Runway evening embroidered beaded jacket

Rare Vintage Valentino Garavani AW 1993 Runway evening embroidered beaded jacket

By Valentino Garavani

Located in NICE, FR

Timeless in Nice.vintage.darling: Rare Collectible Valentino Garavani Fall/Winter 1993 Runway evening embellished jacket fully hand embroidered with sequins and beads.

Category

1990s Italian Dinner Jackets

Valentino F/W 2004 beaded sheer crop top and black maxi ruffle silk skirt dress
Valentino F/W 2004 beaded sheer crop top and black maxi ruffle silk skirt dress

Valentino F/W 2004 beaded sheer crop top and black maxi ruffle silk skirt dress

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

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.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

F/W 1998 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Chiffon Beaded Shift Dress
F/W 1998 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Chiffon Beaded Shift Dress

F/W 1998 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Chiffon Beaded Shift Dress

By Valentino Garavani

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a fabulous black chiffon Valentino dress. From the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, this gorgeous beaded dress debuted on the season's runway and features a tiered skirt with ...

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Beaded edge to edge evening jacket VALENTINO Miss V
Beaded edge to edge evening jacket VALENTINO Miss V

Beaded edge to edge evening jacket VALENTINO Miss V

By Valentino Miss V

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Beaded edge to edge evening jacket on silk base. Polyester lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Shoulder pad. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M

Category

1980s Italian Jackets

Valentino Vintage 1980s Beads Pearls Trio Strands Layers Crystals Long, Necklace
Valentino Vintage 1980s Beads Pearls Trio Strands Layers Crystals Long, Necklace

Valentino Vintage 1980s Beads Pearls Trio Strands Layers Crystals Long, Necklace

By Valentino Garavani

Located in Wokingham, England

Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Golden Beads Pearls Trio Three 3 Strands Layers Crystals Pendant Long Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

Valentino F/W 2003 Black Velvet 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Maxi Dress Gown US 8
Valentino F/W 2003 Black Velvet 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Maxi Dress Gown US 8

Valentino F/W 2003 Black Velvet 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Maxi Dress Gown US 8

By Valentino

Located in Montgomery, TX

Valentino Black Velvet Beaded Maxi Dress Gown F/W 2003 Runway Collection US size - 8 Black velvet 20s inspired Gatsby dress finished with lots of black onyx cabochon and crystals ove...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

Valentino Hand Beaded and Sequins Black Knit Blouse Italy Size 6
Valentino Hand Beaded and Sequins Black Knit Blouse Italy Size 6

Valentino Hand Beaded and Sequins Black Knit Blouse Italy Size 6

By Valentino Roma

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This blouse is so versatile and can go from day to evening. Designed for the Valentino Roma collection this very find net drapes like a European jersey made of viscose and cotton. Th...

Category

2010s Italian Blouses and Tops

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Valentino Bead For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary valentino bead you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Beige, Gray, Brown and more in stock now. You’re likely to find the perfect valentino bead among the distinctive accessories we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Valentino, Valentino Garavani and Valentino Couture are consistently popular. Finding a valentino bead for sale for women should be easy, but there are 20 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Valentino Bead?

Prices for a valentino bead can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $30,000, while, on average they fetch $1,001.

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.