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.
F/W 2017 Valentino Pale Blue Mink Fur strappy stiletto sandals - High heels EU40
By Valentino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fabulous Fall / Winter 2017 Valentino Garavani Pale Blue Mink Fur strappy stiletto sandals - heels MADE IN ITALY. Size; EU 40 / UK 6.5 Featuring a 4" Heel and fully adjustable wrap ...
Valentino Rockstud Black Tan Heel Sandal Size EU 40
By Valentino
Located in Ardmore, PA
Valentino Rockstud Black Tan Heel Sandal Size EU 40
Valentino Sandales EU38 Black Leather and Feathers Sandals Flats Shoes UK5 US7.5
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino sandals in black leather with wide straps, one of which is mobile and decorated with rooster feathers, at the back of the heel, leather lining and insole, black rubber outs...
Valentino Rockstud Sandal Size EU 39
By Valentino
Located in Ardmore, PA
Valentino Rockstud Sandal with Ankle Strap New $970 Excellent Condition
Valentino Black Leather Lace Up High Boots Size 38.5
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful Valentino Garavani high boots Leather Black color Lace up Internal zip Height cm 50 (19.68 inches) Heel cm 11.5 (4.52 inches) Plateau cm 2.5 (0.98 inches) With box Original...
Valentino Garavani, Rockrunner lace & suede trainers
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Rockrunner lace & suede trainers in green and orange. The item is in good condition with signs of wear on the laces.
Valentino S/S 2004 Dusty rose ankle strap platform sandals
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Valentino Gravani - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring-Summer 2004 - Open toe - Leather floral sandals - Platform - Crossover straps & buckle closure at ankles - Made i...
Valentino S/S 2004 Turquoise satin with bows platform saldals
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Valentino Garavani - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring-Summer 2004 - Turquoise sandals with bows - Platform - Satin - Open toe - Adjustable ankle strap with a buckle cl...
Valentino Ballerines Rockstud EU38 Panther Foal Leather Ballet Shoes UK5 US7.5
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino Rockstud classic ballerinas in leopard-print pony-skin calfskin with thin straps adorned with gold-tone metal studs, fastened with matching pin buckles, pointed toe, leathe...
$490Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO Size 12 Multi-Color Olive Camo Leather Low Top Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers in a multi color leather featuring a camo pattern, suede trim and heel, and low top style. Comes with box. Made in Italy. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: ...
Valentino Black Patent Sweetheart Lines Pump Shoes 37 7
By Valentino
Located in Miami, FL
Jet black patent leather Valentino black patent leather pump. Beautiful 'sweetheart' shaping around the foot with a pointed toe that is softly rounded. A classic elegant must have for any wardrobe. NEW or NEVER WORN. Comes with sleeper and box. final sale SIZE 37 USA SIZE 7...
Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Shearling Lined Sabot Slip On Mules Slides 38
By Valentino
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Sabot Slides Mules Color Black Size 38EU 8US Leather upper Shearling lined Buckle embellishment Large stud across upper Gold finished hardware Splayed...
Valentino Garavani Ballerines Rose EU38.5 Rockstud Pink Ballet Flat UK5.5 US8
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino Rockstud classic ballerinas in light pink leather with thin straps in different pastel colors, decorated with gold metal studs, closed with matching pin buckles, pointed to...
Valentino Gold Leather Soul Rockstud Ankle Strap Block Heel - 36.5
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Gold Leather Soul Rockstud Ankle Strap Block Heel - 36.5 These beautiful heels are in excellent condition. They have barely been worn and look brand new. The shoe has stud...
$427Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO Size 9.5 Multi-Color Mixed Materials Leather Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers comes in a multi-color mixed materials featuring a low top style, metallic trim, rubber sole, and a lace up closure. Made in Italy. New With Box. Marked: 42.5O...
Valentino Espadrilles Bordeaux EU38 Burgundy Lace Espadrille Flat shoe UK5 US7.5
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino espadrilles in burgundy lace on invisible canvas, leather insole, rope midsole, rubber outsole. Size 38 EU: insole 24.4 cm. The espadrilles have been worn very little and a...
VALENTINO Size 11 Red Multi-Color Mixed Patterns Mixed Fabrics Hike Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers in a multi color leather featuring a camo pattern, suede trim and heel, and low top style. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Sign of wear. Marked: L...
Valentino Sandales EU38 Natural Leather Precious Beauty Flats Sandals US7.5
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino Garavani barefoot sandals in wide braided natural leather straps decorated with a large Scarab motif in matte gold metal, thin beige leather strap closed by a gold metal pi...
Valentino Rockstud Mules EU38.5 Dark Red Leather Flats Shoes UK5.5 US8
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino shoes Rockstud series mules in dark red almost burgundy grained leather decorated with gold metal studs on 2 thin straps and the front of the foot, pointed toe, leather lin...
$186Sale Price|25% Off
Valentino Garavani white and gold leather studs sneakers
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
Valentino Garavani white and gold leather studs sneakers totally made in italy in size 39
Valentino Garavani Ballerines EU38.5 Rockstud All black Ballet Flat UK5.5 US8
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino Rockstud All Black leather ballet flats with thin straps adorned with blackened metal studs, fastened with matching buckles, pointed toe, leather lining, insole and outsole...
$339Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO Size 9.5 Blue Taupe Color Block Leather Rubber Sole Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers in a blue and taupe suede and leather featuring a color block style, rubber Rockstud heel details, and lace-up closure. Shoe trees not included. Made in Italy.Very...
Valentino Garavani, Calfskin flame rockstud open sneakers
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Calfskin flame rockstud open sneakers. The item is in good condition. comes with dustbag and extra set of laces.
VALENTINO Size 11 Black Multi-Color Camo Blend Lace Up Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
Valentino camo sneakers feature a sophisticated blend of black and multi-color tones. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: TS723Y2Outsole: 4.25 inches x 12.5 in...
Valentino Rockrunner Sneakers - '20s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Valentino Rockrunner Sneakers blend suede, canvas, and leather with a camouflage design and red accents on the back. Featuring studded details for a signature look. Remarks: There a...
$374Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO Size 10 Multi-Color Leather High Top Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers comes in a multi-color materials featuring a suede trim, mesh panels, high top, rubber sole, and a lace up closure. New With Box. Marked: 43Outsole: 12.5 inche...
Valentino, Camouflage rockrunner sneakers in black/bordeaux in size 39
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino, Camouflage rockrunner sneakers in black/bordeaux in size 39. This item is in good condition.
Valentino Garavani, Camo rockrunner in grey and pink
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Camo rockrunner in grey and pink. The item has light discoloration on the suede further in good condition.
VALENTINO Size 10 White Perforated Leather Lace-Up Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers in a white leather featuring a low top style, perforated design with studded heel details, and lace-up closure. Shoe trees not included. Made in Italy.Good Pre-Own...
Dolce & Gabbana New Men's 1990s Size US 8 / 8.5 EU 41.5 Espadrilles 90s Shoes
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new rare, never worn men's DOLCE AND GABBANA grey and ivory checkered espadrille lace-up shoes! Features an allover gray and white gingham / checker print, with ivory cotton la...
Manolo Blahnik Gray Leather Floral Applique Kitten Heel Mules Size 36.5
By Manolo Blahnik
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Manolo Blahnik mule heels in a timeless Y2K silhouette with a feminine floral twist. Crafted in smooth gray leather with layered floral appliqué...
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld 14P Runway Patent Sock Boots – EU 39
By Chanel
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Step into high fashion history with these rare CHANEL sock boots from the 2014 Spring Runway Collection, designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld. A standout piece from the show, these ...
Chanel slingback shoes white and black
By Chanel
Located in London, England
Chanel slingback sandals in white ( crocodile pattern) and black. Sold out very limited. Size 38.5c new in box and dustbags.
Alaïa Paris "CALZATURE" Donna Wedge in Snakeskin
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Make a statement with these beautiful Alaïa Paris " Calzature" Donna Platform Wedges in a multi-color snakeskin. Wedge wraps around the ankle, Sz 38 1/2 These shoes come with their o...
Nicholas Kirkwood Multi Floral Yellow / Pink Python Shoes
By NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Nicholas Kirkwood Multi Floral Yellow/Pink Python Shoes - 41 This gorgeous shoe is in excellent condition. They appear as if they have never been worn. Th...
Leather Mughal Moorish Shoes with Gold Embroidered
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Exquisite Pair of Hand-Embroidered Late 20th Century Indian Leather Slippers in the Mughal Style A magnificent pair of hand-stitched and hand-tooled leather slippers, lavishly adorne...
$970Sale Price|60% Off
Size: 36.5
Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Skakeskin Pump Heels Sz 36.5 $2425
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Worn One Time for an Inside Fashion Show Uppers are Perfect. Minor Markings to Soles From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was A...
New Tom Ford for Gucci Swarovski Runway Heels Pumps Sz 7
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Heels Brand New * Stunning in Black Satin * Size: 7 * Swarovski Crystal Bamboo Zipper Charm * Pointed Toe * Zips up the B...
New With Box Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Kate Moss Cage Heels Pumps Sz 10
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Brand New * Iconic, Coveted "Cage" Heels * Black Cutout Leather * Pointed Toe Pumps *Nude Toe & Heel Back * 4" Heel * With Gucci Box * Stunning & High...
Gucci Women's Gold Leather GG Monogram Horsebit Sandals, Size 40.5
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci Gold tone leather on a GG monogram with horsebit on the front Totally made in Italy in size 40.5 It Heel 11 cm
New Tom Ford for Gucci Dragon Ad Runway Heels Pumps Sz 37
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Tom Ford Heels Brand New & Rare * Size: 37 * Crystal Dragon at Toe * Beige GG Canvas * Purple Leather * Adjustable Chain Ankle Strap * 4" Heel * With Box & Dust...
Valentino Garavani Ballerines EU38.5 Rockstud All black Ballet Flat UK5.5 US8
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino Rockstud All Black leather ballet flats with thin straps adorned with blackened metal studs, fastened with matching buckles, pointed toe, leather lining, insole and outsole...
VALENTINO Size 10 White Multi Color Camo Leather Lace-Up Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers in a white leather featuring a multicolor canvas camouflage pattern, grey suede details, and lace-up closure. Shoe trees not included. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-...
VALENTINO Size 8.5 White Black Two Toned Leather Belted Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers in a white leather featuring a low top style, two tone design with criss cross black leather strap detail, and slip on with buckle closure. Shoe trees not included...
Valentino - EU 38
By Valentino
Located in Amman, JO
Elevate your footwear collection with these striking Valentino Rockstud sandals. Crafted from rich brown leather, these block heel sandals feature the iconic Rockstud embellishments ...
Valentino - EU 38
By Valentino
Located in Amman, JO
Make a bold statement with these iconic Valentino Rockstud sandals. Crafted from luxurious black leather, these strappy block heel sandals are adorned with the brand’s signature gold...
Valentino Camouflage Sneakers - '20s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elevate your style with our Valentino Camouflage Sneakers. Crafted with premium materials, these lace-up sneakers offer a comfortable fit and durable sole for everyday wear. The khak...
Valentino V-Logo Leather Thong Sandals Size EU 37.5
By Valentino
Located in Amman, JO
Valentino V-Logo Leather Thong Sandals, Features square toe, low stacked heels, and buckle fastening. Material: Leather Size: EU 37.5 Overall Condition: Excellent Interior Condition...
VALENTINO Size 9 Black Blue Red Color Block Leather Rubber Sole Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO sneakers in a black, blue, and red suede and leather featuring a color block style, rubber Rockstud heel details, and lace-up closure. Shoe trees not included. Made in Ital...
Valentino Black Rockstud Rain Boots Size EU 40
By Valentino
Located in Amman, JO
Valentino Black Rockstud Rain Boots, features round toe, slip on style, and a rubber sole. Material: Rubber Size: EU 40 Condition: New
Beige Valentino Pointed-Toe Rockstud Pumps Size 38
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Beige pebbled leather pointed-toe pumps by Valentino. Gold-tone Rockstud trim at tops. 3.5" heel height.
VALENTINO Size 11 Navy Grey Camo Leather Low Top Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO rock runner sneakers comes in a navy suede & leather featuring rubber stud details, color blocking design, and a lace up closure. Comes with Dust Bag. Made in Italy.Very Go...
VALENTINO Size 12 Navy Mixed Materials Leather Lace Up Sneakers
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO rock runner sneakers comes in a navy suede & leather featuring rubber stud details, color blocking design, and a lace up closure. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Conditi...