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.
Valentino Iconic 1980's X Design Large Crystal Enamel Statement Earrings
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous large scale vintage Valentino X statement earrings 1980's Provenance: from a prominent East Hampton estate Designed as a classic, bold crystal X within a charcoal enamel cir...
Enamel
Vintage VALENTINO Futuristic Leaves Rhinestone Studded Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO Futuristic Leaves Rhinestone Studded Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic VALENTINO. - Leaves earrings in futuristic style. - Studded with clear rhinestones. - Gold...
1980s Logo Gilted Metal Clip On Earrings by Valentino Garavani
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These authentic 1980s vintage clip-on earrings by Valentino Garavani are a quintessential example of bold, high-fashion accessory design from the era. Crafted from radiant gilted met...
Gilt Metal
1980s Valentino clip-on earrings still with original tags
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
Valentino really vintage clip-on earrings totally made in Italy with Crystal Swarovski Stones still with original tags
Valentino Garavani Gilded and Lavender Enamel Clip Earrings with Coral Cabochons
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
These mesmerizing Valentino Garavani jeweled clip-on earrings boast a pale gilded metal branch shape ornate with faux-coral glass rhinestone cabochons and purple lavender enamel. The...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
1980s Valentino clip-on earrings still with original tags
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
1980s Valentino clip-on earrings totally made in Italy with Crystal Swarovski Stones still with original tags
Iconic Valentino Earrings by Maison Gripoix
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino Earrings, by Maison Gripoix, Paris composed of dozens of hand made multicolored glass beads and pearls pegged into a filigreed base with crystal rhinestone accents and a ruby fruit salad flower. The look is very lush and dimensional. Clip back fittings, Marked "France" but a well documented design for Valentino, Italy by Maison Gripoix. 1960's France. 1.25" x 1". Hand made Haute Couture...
Silver Plate, Brass
Vintage Valentino Gold Crystal Sapphire Blue Clip-On Earrings Circa 1990s
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone Crystal and Sapphire Blue Crystal Butterfly Earrings. These gorgeous classic earrings feature Clear Blue sapphire Color Crystals set in Gold tone. Clip o...
Mixed Metal
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. ...
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone Clip-On Earrings with Blue Crystals, 1980s
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone with Sapphire Blue And Rhinestone Earrings. Pave Style Crystal Stones on 3D Heart Earrings with Classic V Shape at the Top of the Earrings. Clip On. The ...
Mixed Metal
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Ribbed Gold and Ruby Glass Earrings By Valentino, 1980s
By Valentino
Located in McKinney, TX
Turn up the la dolce vita with these luxe 1980s Valentino clip-ons — a perfect blend of bold Italian glamour and timeless sophistication. Each earring features a radiant ribbed gold ...
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings with Resin Cabochons
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings with resin cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 4 cm Seller Reference: BO120
Vintage VALENTINO V Logo Enamel Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO V Logo Enamel Earrings Measurements: Height: 0.90 inches (2.3 cm) Width: 0.39 inch (1 cm) Weight per Earring: 6 grams Fea...
Valentino Starburst Runway Ear Clips
By Valentino
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Here are another pair of stunning runway earrings from the master Valentino. Shaped like starbursts with undulating rays, the centers are set with "coral" stones. Large and impressive!
Valentino Golden Enamelled Metal Clip Earrings
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Golden enamelled metal clip earrings. Additional information: Dimensions: 5 H cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BO325
Enamel
Valentino pineapple clip-on earrings
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino pineapple clip-on earrings Gold-Plated Includes Designer Box, Jewelry Pouch & Tag Length: 2″ / 5 cm Width: 1″ / 2,5 cm Condition – very good .......Additional informa...
Valentino Clip Earrings in Golden Enamelled Metal
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Golden enamelled metal clip earrings. Additional information: Dimensions: 8 H cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BO324
Enamel
$158Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Oversized Gold & Amethyst Crystal Triangle Statement Earrings By Swarovski
By Swarovski
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1.25" - Gold plated - Amethyst purple-colored triangular faceted Swarovski crystals - Clip on earring backs - By Swarovski (signed...
18k Gold Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Impressive ribbon wedged heirloom 18k gold clip-ons featuring a sparkling cluster of Montana sapphires enhanced by several diamonds. Additional ribbon wedges of textured gold form th...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1980s Kalinger Paris Gold Crystal Statement Earrings
By Kalinger
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Kalinger Paris hammered goldtone earrings with large oval Swarovski crystal centers, circa 1985. Signed Kalinger Paris. Clip backs.
Crystal, Gold
Donald Stannard Enamel & Crystal Rhinestone Earrings, 1980's
By Donald Stannard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Donald Stannard served as an assistant to Kenneth Jay Lane in the 1960's until 1972 when he started his own line of stylish costume jewelry. His creations feature bold designs with ...
Crystal, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Mauboussin 1960 Clip Earrings in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Hoops
By Mauboussin
Located in Paris, FR
Ear clips from MAUBOUSSIN Paris in 18 carat yellow gold. Shiny gold domed hoops with matte gold notches. Signed Mauboussin Paris and numbered. French Work from the 60's Eagle's head...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$78Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Oversized Gilt & Cream Enamel Statement Earrings, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.5" in diameter - Gold plated - Cream enamel detail - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
Vintage 18 K white Gold 1930s Diamond earclips
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
These curvaceous late Art Deco platinum flower earrings from the 1930s in 18 K white Gold possess all the glamour of Hollywood's golden age. Set with 30 baguette-cut diamonds and 72...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruchi New York 18K White Gold Clip-On Earrings with 5.36ct Diamonds
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond: 5.36 carats Metal weight 12.91gm
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Archival Xavier Duhart Crystal Earrings Large Statement
By JEAN XAVIER DUHART
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare documented Jean Xavier Duhart jewellery. Beautiful rare 80s archival earrings, a masterful blend of elegance and innovation. Featuring faceted crystals that capture an...
18k Estate Diamond Earrings Signed Yard
By Yard
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with these stunning 18k Estate Diamond Earrings Signed Yard. Crafted with 1.20 carats of dazzling diamonds and 18k yellow gold, these 19...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Goossens Paris Emerald Green Rock Crystal Cabochon Clip Earrings
By Goossens Paris
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A timeless theme that sees its colors vary according to the seasons. Each crystal rock stone is hand-dyed with beautiful shades. As every stone is unique, color intensity and depth w...
Rock Crystal
CHANEL Enamel, Faux Pearl & Crystal CC Clip On Statement Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 2019 Collection The earrings are in good condition showing minimal wear Comes with box and pouch IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-o...
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings Ornamented with Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings ornamented with rhinestones and black glass paste cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 2 c...
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings Ornamented with Three Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings ornamented with three rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 3.5 cm Seller Reference: BO134
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings with Rhinestones and Pearly Cabochons
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings with rhinestones and pearly cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Diameter: 1.7 cm Seller Referenc...
Vintage Valentino Large Crystal Gold Sunflower Earrings
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Large Crystal Gold Sunflower Earrings. Two Layers of the Leaves Sit on Top of each Other and the Middle Portion is raised about .25". These are so Special and th...
Valentino Oversized Jeweled Door Knocker Dangle Clip Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
These exquisite Valentino Garavani couture clip-on earrings feature a dimensional gilt metal door knocker shape, paved with tiny crystal rhinestones...
Gilt Metal
Vintage VALENTINO Snail Rhinestone Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO Snail Rhinestone Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.38 inches (3.5 cm) Width: 1.22 inches (3.1 cm) Weight per Earring: 14 grams Features: - 100% Authentic VALENTINO...
Valentino Gilt Metal Pyramid Clip Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Valentino Garavani gilt metal clip-on earrings. Dimensional pyramidal shape with brushed gilt metal. Valentino hallmark underside. Measurements: 1.25 in. wide (3.1 cm) x 1.25...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Valentino Oversized Lipstick Red Bakelite Hoop Earrings, Signed
By Valentino
Located in McKinney, TX
- Large statement piece - Each earring measures 2.75" tall - Gold tone - Bakelite-style red hoop rings - Clip on earring backs - By Valentino, signed on vers...
Valentino Signed Green Jewel Clip Earrings Dangling Cross
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Superb Valentino Garavani couture dangling clip-on earrings. Featuring large domed carved and see-thru gilt metal fastening stud, topped with green resin cabochon. The earrings are c...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Massive VALENTINO Lapis Lazuli Shell Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive VALENTINO Lapis Lazuli Shell Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.16 inches (5.5 cm) Width: 1.73 inches (4.4 cm) Weight per Earring: 40 grams Features: - 100% Authentic...
Valentino Yellow Enamel Clip Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Lovely Valentino Garavani couture clip-on earrings. Dimensional rounded shape with shiny gilt metal contrasted with yellow enamel in a seashell striped d...
Gilt Metal, Enamel
1980s Valentino Long Gold Tone and Sea Foam Clip Back Green Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1980s Valentino long clip on earrings. Four sea foam green poured glass stones with small round crystals in between for some added sparkle. Ve...
Other, Gilt Metal