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VALENTINO red pink velvet lipstick beaded applique black hoodie S
VALENTINO red pink velvet lipstick beaded applique black hoodie S

VALENTINO red pink velvet lipstick beaded applique black hoodie S

By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO red pink velvet lipstick beaded applique black hoodie S Reference: MECG/A00058 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: 2018 SS Material: Polyamide, Blend...

Category

2010s Italian Hooded Jackets

NWT F/W 2001 Valentino Garavani Ad Black Beaded Backless Mini Dress
NWT F/W 2001 Valentino Garavani Ad Black Beaded Backless Mini Dress

NWT F/W 2001 Valentino Garavani Ad Black Beaded Backless Mini Dress

By Valentino Garavani

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Featuring a crew neckline and an exposed back, the lower portion of the exposed back is covered with a mesh panel highlighted with a delicate hand-beaded accent. Refined with a touch...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Mini Dresses

Valentino Runway Inspired Art Deco Beaded Handkerchief Hem Evening Dress Gown
Valentino Runway Inspired Art Deco Beaded Handkerchief Hem Evening Dress Gown

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.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

Valentino embroidered suede jacket
Valentino embroidered suede jacket

Valentino embroidered suede jacket

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

Valentino suede jacket with beaded & embroidered accents Size – IT 6 / XS - S Length – 51,5 cm / 20,3'' Chest – 80 cm / 31,5'' Shoulders – 41 cm / 16,1'' Sleeve – 59 cm / 23,2'' W...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Jackets

S/S 2000 Valentino Garavani Tan Pony Hair Floral Beaded Lizard Trim Bag
S/S 2000 Valentino Garavani Tan Pony Hair Floral Beaded Lizard Trim Bag

S/S 2000 Valentino Garavani Tan Pony Hair Floral Beaded Lizard Trim Bag

By Valentino Garavani

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Introducing a fabulous tan pony hair shoulder bag by Valentino from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection. This small bag appeared in multiple versions on the season's runway The bag fea...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags

Vintage Valentino Starfish Runway Brooch With Faux Pearl, Glass, Rhinestone 80's
Vintage Valentino Starfish Runway Brooch With Faux Pearl, Glass, Rhinestone 80's

Vintage Valentino Starfish Runway Brooch With Faux Pearl, Glass, Rhinestone 80's

By Valentino

Located in North Miami, FL

This fabulous vintage runway Valentino marked starfish pin is adorned with 5 faux pearls and multitudes of rhinestones and a clear crystal center. This is very well made and stellar ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Base Metal

VALENTINO black cream beaded lace collar virgin wool cashmere crop sweater XS
VALENTINO black cream beaded lace collar virgin wool cashmere crop sweater XS

VALENTINO black cream beaded lace collar virgin wool cashmere crop sweater XS

By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO black cream beaded lace collar virgin wool cashmere crop sweater XS Reference: AAWC/A01095 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Virgin Wool, Cashmere Co...

Category

2010s Italian Pullovers

VALENTINO black beaded heart badge red twill flared frill shorts IT38 XS
VALENTINO black beaded heart badge red twill flared frill shorts IT38 XS

VALENTINO black beaded heart badge red twill flared frill shorts IT38 XS

By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO black beaded heart badge red twill flared frill shorts IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A00371 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Polyester, Virgin Wool Color:...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian A-Line Skirts

VALENTINO 2021 silver beads sequins bow white lurex cable knit sweater XS
VALENTINO 2021 silver beads sequins bow white lurex cable knit sweater XS

VALENTINO 2021 silver beads sequins bow white lurex cable knit sweater XS

By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO 2021 silver beads sequins bow white lurex cable knit sweater XS Reference: AAWC/A00474 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: 2021 Material: Acrylic, Mo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pullovers

Night Embroidered Beaded Top
Night Embroidered Beaded Top

Night Embroidered Beaded Top

By Valentino

Located in Atlanta, GA

While no specific runway attribution is available for this piece, the embroidery style, bead application, and soft color story are consistent with Valentino collections from the late...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Tank Tops

VALENTINO black virgin wool blend red bead Heart flared skirt shorts IT38 XS
VALENTINO black virgin wool blend red bead Heart flared skirt shorts IT38 XS

VALENTINO black virgin wool blend red bead Heart flared skirt shorts IT38 XS

By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO black virgin wool blend red bead Heart flared skirt shorts IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A00592 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Virgin Wool, Blend Color:...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Hot Pants

Valentino 2004 Embellished Suede & Sequin Two-Piece Set
Valentino 2004 Embellished Suede & Sequin Two-Piece Set

Valentino 2004 Embellished Suede & Sequin Two-Piece Set

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in North Wales, PA

Condition: Excellent! Beaded Valentino, early 2000’s, sequins,glitter, embellishments!

Category

Early 2000s Twin Sets

Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress Red Valentino
Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress Red Valentino

Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress Red Valentino

By REDValentino

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress. Shell composition: 100% polyester + beads and rhinestone. Lining: 100% rayon SIZE: 8 US

Category

Early 2000s Indian Cocktail Dresses

Beige tulle cocktail dress with beads and sequin embroideries Red Valentino
Beige tulle cocktail dress with beads and sequin embroideries Red Valentino

Beige tulle cocktail dress with beads and sequin embroideries Red Valentino

By REDValentino

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Beige tulle cocktail dress with beads and sequin embroideries. Tulle composition: 100% polyamide. Skirt lining petticoat: 100% rayon. Ruffles edge on the top edge and bottom edge. Z...

Category

2010s Indian Cocktail Dresses

Rare Antonio Berardi Boho Chic Hand Beaded Voluminous Dress Gown
Rare Antonio Berardi Boho Chic Hand Beaded Voluminous Dress Gown

Rare Antonio Berardi Boho Chic Hand Beaded Voluminous Dress Gown

By Valentino, Antonio Berardi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dreamy ethereal beaded gown by Antonio Berardi. A wonderful wearable exquisite work of wearable art. Very expensive and limited in production. Fashioned of pale pink silk chiffon wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

Antonio Berardi Extraordinary Runway Beaded Monastic Tabard Cady Dress Gown
Antonio Berardi Extraordinary Runway Beaded Monastic Tabard Cady Dress Gown

Antonio Berardi Extraordinary Runway Beaded Monastic Tabard Cady Dress Gown

By Antonio Berardi, Valentino Couture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Antonio Berardi monastic tabard gown. Highly sought after and limited in production. Considered one of the best pieces of the designer's runway collections. A grand and highly styli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

Vintage Valentino Beaded Rhinestone Crystal Necklace
Vintage Valentino Beaded Rhinestone Crystal Necklace

Vintage Valentino Beaded Rhinestone Crystal Necklace

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This is a sensational vintage Valentino long necklace with beautiful faceted red glass and gold encrusted blue beads, rhinestones, and crystals.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Beaded Necklaces

Valentino Beaded Top - REDUCED!
Valentino Beaded Top - REDUCED!

Valentino Beaded Top - REDUCED!

By Valentino

Located in Birmingham, AL

Beautiful embroidered/beaded Valentino top. Fabulous fashion year-round staple.

Category

1980s Italian Sleeveless Shirts

Exquisite Vintage Valentino Beaded Ivory Dress Gown
Exquisite Vintage Valentino Beaded Ivory Dress Gown

Exquisite Vintage Valentino Beaded Ivory Dress Gown

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

An exquisite gown by Valentino perfect for a special occasion. Vintage 1930 style cut with beading and sequins.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino Beaded Chiffon Gown Worn By Marie-Chantal Miller at Valentino's 45th
Valentino Beaded Chiffon Gown Worn By Marie-Chantal Miller at Valentino's 45th

Valentino Beaded Chiffon Gown Worn By Marie-Chantal Miller at Valentino's 45th

By Valentino

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Valentino off white beaded draped runway gown as worn by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece for Valentino's 45th anniversary celebration in Rome 2007.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino Incredible Beaded Silk Chiffon Pink & Purple Gown 8
Valentino Incredible Beaded Silk Chiffon Pink & Purple Gown 8

Valentino Incredible Beaded Silk Chiffon Pink & Purple Gown 8

Located in Lake Park, FL

This is the most beautiful Valentino beaded silk chiffon pink and purple gown.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Gowns

80s Valentino Black Beaded Constellation Gown
80s Valentino Black Beaded Constellation Gown

80s Valentino Black Beaded Constellation Gown

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Made for dancing. Slight bead loss - not noticeable when worn.

Category

1980s Evening Gowns

VALENTINO Black Wool Beaded Coat Large
VALENTINO Black Wool Beaded Coat Large

VALENTINO Black Wool Beaded Coat Large

By Valentino

Located in New York City, NY

This incredible coat hails from VALENTINO Boutique and is the perfect touch of elegance to your winter wardrobe. Comprised of black wool fabric with ornate beading at collar, down th...

Category

1980s Italian Coats

2006 Valentino Runway Beaded Black Silk Avant Garde Beaded Jacket & Skirt
2006 Valentino Runway Beaded Black Silk Avant Garde Beaded Jacket & Skirt

2006 Valentino Runway Beaded Black Silk Avant Garde Beaded Jacket & Skirt

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This is an absolutely sensational Valentino Garavani Spring 2006 raw silk skirt evening suit with a gorgeous blazer that has a beaded bow with tassels in the front.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Off-White Beaded Valentino Silk Dress
1980s Off-White Beaded Valentino Silk Dress

1980s Off-White Beaded Valentino Silk Dress

By Valentino

Located in Copenhagen, DK

A lovely 1980s Valentino Miss V off-white silk dress with cap sleeves and a demure v neck in the front.

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Couture Valentino Important Beaded Cocktail Ensemble, 1980s
Couture Valentino Important Beaded Cocktail Ensemble, 1980s

Couture Valentino Important Beaded Cocktail Ensemble, 1980s

By Valentino

Located in Bethesda, MD

Absolutely breathtaking Valentino Boutique couture top/jacket and skirt entirely covered in sequins and featuring an intricate floral and leopard pattern. The jacket has a front zip...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Brown Cotton Bead Embellished Blouson Jacket S
Valentino Brown Cotton Bead Embellished Blouson Jacket S

Valentino Brown Cotton Bead Embellished Blouson Jacket S

By Valentino

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Valentino brown cotton jacket offers the satisfaction of a comfortable fit and refined style.

Category

2010s Coats and Outerwear

Valentino Turquoise Silk Skirt and Tulle Beaded Top
Valentino Turquoise Silk Skirt and Tulle Beaded Top

Valentino Turquoise Silk Skirt and Tulle Beaded Top

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

This Valentino ensemble, by Mr. Valentino, has a ruffled turquoise silk skirt and a white tulle top beaded to give the illusion of white coral.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Hand-Embroidered Beaded Paneled Silk Shell Top
Valentino Hand-Embroidered Beaded Paneled Silk Shell Top

Valentino Hand-Embroidered Beaded Paneled Silk Shell Top

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Absolutely gorgeous, embellished sleeveless shell from Valentino is entirely hand embroidered with silk threads, micro sequins, crystals and glass beads.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Camisoles and Shell Tops

Valentino Couture Orientalism Finely Beaded Leopard Organza Dres
Valentino Couture Orientalism Finely Beaded Leopard Organza Dres

Valentino Couture Orientalism Finely Beaded Leopard Organza Dres

By Valentino

Located in New York City, NY

Valentino Garavani is the most celebrated of all Italian couturiers. The Valentino woman is glamorous, beautiful, elegant and feminine. She appreciates the embellishments of couture ...

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Garavani Brown Leather Pearl & Beaded Evening Handbag
Valentino Garavani Brown Leather Pearl & Beaded Evening Handbag

Valentino Garavani Brown Leather Pearl & Beaded Evening Handbag

By Valentino

Located in Lake Park, FL

This is an absolutely stunning Valentino Garavani Brown leather evening handbag embellished with black beans and white pearls. Minimal flap closure with classic Valentino Swarovski c...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Rare and Vintage Valentino Boutique Suede Beaded Floral Skirt
Rare and Vintage Valentino Boutique Suede Beaded Floral Skirt

Rare and Vintage Valentino Boutique Suede Beaded Floral Skirt

By Valentino

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage and rare Valentino Boutique Suede Skirt with Beaded Floral embellished trim.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Skirts

Valentino Heavily Embellished Embroidered and Beaded Silk Evening Jacket
Valentino Heavily Embellished Embroidered and Beaded Silk Evening Jacket

Valentino Heavily Embellished Embroidered and Beaded Silk Evening Jacket

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous blossoms and butterflies are embroidered along the panels, accented by densely sewn micro sequins and glass seed beads. Each panel is trimmed by shimmering beads.

Category

Early 2000s Jackets

1990s Valentino Floral Embroidered and Bead Embellished Evening Skirt
1990s Valentino Floral Embroidered and Bead Embellished Evening Skirt

1990s Valentino Floral Embroidered and Bead Embellished Evening Skirt

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a stunning pencil skirt from Valentino Night. The black lace is covered in a dimensional embroidered, sequined, and beaded floral motif.

Category

1990s Italian Pencil Skirts

Valentino 1940’s Inspired Sapphire Blue Beaded Jersey Dress
Valentino 1940’s Inspired Sapphire Blue Beaded Jersey Dress

Valentino 1940’s Inspired Sapphire Blue Beaded Jersey Dress

By Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lovely 1940’s inspired Valentino cocktail dress is made from a vibrant sapphire blue silk jersey.

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Garavani Black Silk Crochet Beaded & Crystal Stunning Evening Handbag
Valentino Garavani Black Silk Crochet Beaded & Crystal Stunning Evening Handbag

Valentino Garavani Black Silk Crochet Beaded & Crystal Stunning Evening Handbag

By Valentino

Located in Lake Park, FL

This is a stunning Valentino Garavani Black silk crochet embellished with beaded sequins and crystals evening handbag.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Vintage Valentino Boutique Pink Silk Beaded Fringe Jacket SZ 14
Vintage Valentino Boutique Pink Silk Beaded Fringe Jacket SZ 14

Vintage Valentino Boutique Pink Silk Beaded Fringe Jacket SZ 14

By Valentino

Located in Chicago, IL

Features structured shoulders, beaded fringe trim, a cropped silhouette, and a zipped front closure. Lined. Additional measurements: Sleeve Length 24.5", Shoulder -to- Should...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Jackets

Valentino Boutique Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Evening Gown  Size US 6
Valentino Boutique Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Evening Gown  Size US 6

Valentino Boutique Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Evening Gown Size US 6

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

Luxurious Valentino Boutique black silk evening gown with tiered ruffles, sweeping hemline and hand beaded and embroidered bodice.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

VALENTINO "New" Top Sweater Skirt Swarovsky Beads Cashmere Silk Dress - Unworn
VALENTINO "New" Top Sweater Skirt Swarovsky Beads Cashmere Silk Dress - Unworn

VALENTINO "New" Top Sweater Skirt Swarovsky Beads Cashmere Silk Dress - Unworn

By Valentino

Located in Somo (Santander), ES

VALENTINO swarovsky diamonds set, top sweater and skirt with embroidery swarovski beads, in cashmere and silk, elegant grey dress - Unworn, New with tags. ..

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses

VALENTINO "New" Ensemble Sweater Beaded Sequins Silk Skirt Cashmere Coat- Unworn
VALENTINO "New" Ensemble Sweater Beaded Sequins Silk Skirt Cashmere Coat- Unworn

VALENTINO "New" Ensemble Sweater Beaded Sequins Silk Skirt Cashmere Coat- Unworn

By Valentino

Located in Somo (Santander), ES

VALENTINO cream 3 pcs Ensemble, cashmere sweater, swarovski beaded and sequins silk skirt, cashmere coat - Unworn, New. ..

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Skirt Suits

Valentino Garavani Black Beaded Black Fur & Leather Tote Bag Style Handbag
Valentino Garavani Black Beaded Black Fur & Leather Tote Bag Style Handbag

Valentino Garavani Black Beaded Black Fur & Leather Tote Bag Style Handbag

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This incredible Valentino handbag is so exquisite! The bag is completely covered in beautifully beaded fur and it has double leather handles and a leather base.

Category

Early 2000s European Tote Bags

VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Swarovski beaded Silk Gown Evening Dress - Unworn
VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Swarovski beaded Silk Gown Evening Dress - Unworn

VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Swarovski beaded Silk Gown Evening Dress - Unworn

By Valentino

Located in Somo (Santander), ES

VALENTINO Haute Couture Green, Black Swarovski Beading Design on Waist, Silk Gown Evening Dress - Unworn, New. SIZE: equivalent to about Small / Medium, please review approx measure...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1965 Valentino Haute Couture Museum-Held Beaded Lamé Ivory Lace Mod Shift Dress
1965 Valentino Haute Couture Museum-Held Beaded Lamé Ivory Lace Mod Shift Dress

1965 Valentino Haute Couture Museum-Held Beaded Lamé Ivory Lace Mod Shift Dress

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino Couture

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An absolutely stunning and highly coveted Valentino haute couture beaded, rhinestone-prong tiered Ivory lace mini shift dress dating back to his 1965 fall-winter collection.

Category

1960s Italian Wedding Dresses

Valentino Haute Couture Cocktail Dress
Valentino Haute Couture Cocktail Dress

Valentino Haute Couture Cocktail Dress

By Valentino

Located in New York City, NY

Padded coiled self belt detail and large beaded tassel. Valentino Garavani is the most celebrated of all Italian couturiers.

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Haute Couture Cocktail Dress
Valentino Haute Couture Cocktail Dress

Valentino Haute Couture Cocktail Dress

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

Padded coiled self belt detail and large beaded tassel. Valentino Garavani is the most celebrated of all Italian couturiers.

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Dead stock Black Satin Evening Jacket & Skirt Suit w stacked sequins
Valentino Dead stock Black Satin Evening Jacket & Skirt Suit w stacked sequins

Valentino Dead stock Black Satin Evening Jacket & Skirt Suit w stacked sequins

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This is an incredible beaded deadstock Valentino Winter 2008 two piece suit that includes a cap sleeve peplum jacket and a skirt.

Category

Early 2000s European Skirt Suits

VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Swarovski Embroidered Beaded Silk Dress - Unworn
VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Swarovski Embroidered Beaded Silk Dress - Unworn

VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Swarovski Embroidered Beaded Silk Dress - Unworn

Located in Somo (Santander), ES

VALENTINO Haute Couture top and pants, silk and organza crepe, embroidered swarovski beaded beige dress - Unworn New SIZE: equivalent to about Small / Medium, please review approx m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses

1980s Valentino beads dress
1980s Valentino beads dress

1980s Valentino beads dress

By Valentino

Located in Capri, IT

1980s Valentino beads dress a stunning and unique piece by Valentino totally handmade in italy Size 10

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino Beaded and Sequined Slip Dress
Valentino Beaded and Sequined Slip Dress

Valentino Beaded and Sequined Slip Dress

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

Valentino, beaded and sequined on tulle, slip dress.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Cocktail Dresses

Valentino beaded top
Valentino beaded top

Valentino beaded top

By Valentino

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

VALENTINO - (Made in Italy) Muslin top with white lace and embroidered with sequins. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 43 cm - Le...

Category

1990s Italian Tunics

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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.