The mononymously known Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani is renowned for his fashion house of romantic styles and feminine shapes that he founded in Rome in 1960. Beautiful 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 Garavani evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
Valentino Garavani Evening Couture Bag in Bordeaux Velvet, 2000s
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Extraordinary evening Valentino Garavani bag, made in Italy in the early 2000s, an expression of the romantic and theatrical aesthetic that has made the Maison iconic. The model is d...
Valentino New Oversized Cotton Dress with Bustle Back
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning white cotton oversized shirt dress from Valentino. It has a shirt collar, a short button up vest under the bodice, elaborate draped sleeves and back draping from the shoul...
2000s Valentino Garavani Vintage Shield Sunglasses Tortoiseshell & Gold
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Rare vintage Valentino oversized shield sunglasses from the late 1990s–early 2000s. Bold tortoiseshell acetate with gold-tone trim and warm olive-brown lenses. “VALENTINO” engraved o...
Valentino Early 2000s Embellished Suede & Sequin Two-Piece Set
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in North Wales, PA
Valentino Early 2000s Embellished Suede & Sequin Two-Piece Set A stunning early 2000s Valentino ensemble pairing a sandy beige suede cropped jacket with a heavily embellished sequi...
Valentino F/W 2004 beaded sheer crop top and black maxi ruffle silk skirt dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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. Concealed side zip 100% Silk US 6 ...
$311Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino Silk Georgette cape blouse, Bow back
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NEWARK, GB
A superbly stunning Valentino cream silk Georgette cape style blouse. Soft, lightweight and dreamy this haute couture take on a runway staple is earthr...
Rare Valentino Fall/Winter 2005 black mink fur purse
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
Rare Valentino Fall/Winter 2005 mink fur and lIzard skin thin leather handle mini handbag. Shiny white rhinestones and beads flower-shaped hand made embellishment on the right front...
VALENTINO Rare 2013 Nude Silk Georgette Evening Gown Dress 40
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning example of Valentino’s signature "understated romanticism," this floor-length gown debuted on the Spring 2013 runway, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciol...
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps PVC ORG PRICE $1790 SIZE 39
By Valentino Garavani
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps PVC ORG PRICE $1790 SIZE 39 Part of the SS22 collection, the Tan-Go platform pumps from Valentino Garavani stands out thanks to its bold ...
Valentino embroidered mini dress starfish
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Embroidered mini dress starfish pink and white. Size 40 Italian.
Valentino Maria Grazia Chiuri Pierpaolo Piccioli Prefall 2016 Look 2 blouson
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino X Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Prefall 2016 Collection - Look 2 Black lambskin zipped blouson adorned with appliqués. Italian size 40.
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go Plateau-Pumps 155mm PVC beige Runway piece! Size 39
By Valentino Garavani
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go Plateau-Pumps 155mm PVC beige Runway piece! Size 39 Part of the 22 collection, the Tan-Go platform pumps from Valentino Garavani stands out thanks to it...
Valentino Garavani VLogo Blue Denim Pointed Toe Slingback Kitten Heel Pumps 37.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Valentino Garavani VLogo Blue Denim Pointed Toe Slingback Kitten Heel Pumps 37.5 Color Denim Size 37.5EU Heel Height 1.75in Denim upper Leather sole Leather lined Gold finished V l...
NWT Valentino Garavani S/S 2020 Runway White Silk Embellished Dress Gown It 38
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Valentino Garavani White Silk Embellished Dress Gown S/S 2020 Runway Collection Italian size - 38 This elegant full-length design features a softly structured silhouette with a h...
1980s Valentino Red Silk Jersey Open Back Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1983 VALENTINO boutique silk jersey red ( more berry tone) long sleeve dress with open back ( drape). Dress has beaded appliqué on both shoulder. Perfect for holiday party. ( see adv...
Vintage Runway SS 2005 Valentino limited edition bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
New in Nice.vintage.darling: Vintage Valentino limited edition bag from the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, exquisitely crafted in raffia, crocodile, and calfskin. The piece features...
Valentino Black Leather Lace Up High Boots Size 38.5
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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 Night Vintage Black Velvet & Lace Plunging Gown, c. 1980s–1990s US 6
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino Night
Located in Montgomery, TX
A rare and striking vintage evening gown from Valentino Night, rendered in sumptuous black velvet with exquisite lace detailing — a hallmark of the label’s more exclusive formalwear....
VALENTINO Roma c.1990's Black Silk Floral Lace Hem Classic Slip Skirt
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Thiensville, WI
Valentino Roma black silk floral lace hem classic slip skirt. Thin banded waist. Left side seam invisible zipper closure. Gathered waistline. Black floral lace detail at hem with sca...
90s VALENTINO RUNWAY Black Silk Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1993 Valentino Black V neck silk and velvet gown. ( runway picture attached) Bust” 36” / Waist: 26”/ Hip 38”
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...
Valentino "Rockstud Untitled" Shoes NIB
By Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Untitled leather low-top sneakers in white calfskin with platinum-finish studs and a special "11" label on the tongue. The sneakers feature a lace-up fron...
Vintage NWT Valentino FW Runway 2006 Sheer Side Silk Embellished Dress Gown US 6
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Vintage Valentino Sheer Side Silk Embellished Dress Gown US size - 6 F/W Runway 2006 This is a stunning Valentino and it is almost shocking when you realize how deep that side pa...
$792Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO metallic gold leather RUFFLED Evening Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino evening bag in metallic light-gold ruffeld calfskin featuring coral stones and crystal embellished frame and closure. Li...
New Valentino Garavani Beige Crystal Embellished T-Strap Pumps Shoes It 37.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
Valentino Garavani Crystal Embellished Pumps Shoes Italian size - 37.5 Beige Leather, Clear Crystals, Platform, T-Strap, Peep-Toe, Lined with Mesh and Leather, Satin Stiletto Heel,...
Valentino Rock Stud Canvas and Leather Bag, Zandra Rhodes Lipstick Wave Print
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in New Hope, PA
This colorful canvas and leather tote bag is a collaboration between Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino and the English designer Zandra Rhodes who is known for her original prints. The...
F/W 2008 Valentino Garavani Blush Pink Silk Halter Evening Gown with Ruffles
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Kingston, NY
Romantic Valentino evening dress from the Fall/Winter 2008 collection (Hiver 2008), designed during the final creative era of Valentino Garavani before his retirement. Rendered in so...
New Valentino Garavani Black Suede Ruffle Embellish Knee Boots Italian 39 - US 9
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
These suede Valentino boots feature a streamlined silhouette, with a textural double-ruffled front. Black suede upper, Two ruffles trim front, To-the-knee shaft, Round toe. Side zip...
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. It is constructed in navy silk with thin spaghetti straps and a back...
Valentino Garavani Black Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps IT 38 155mm
By Valentino Garavani
Located in San Diego, CA
Valentino Garavani Black Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps Size: IT 38 (approx US 8) Step into high-fashion luxury with these iconic Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps. Cr...
Valentino Boutique Disc Sleeve Silk Dress 1980s
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous navy silk dress with tiny white dots dress from Valentino. The cap sleeves are incredible, the ends of them encircled with several 100 finished circles adding dimension a...
UNWORN Valentino Midnight Blue Silk Evening Cape Gown Dress 4
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
Valentino's midnight-blue gown is cut from silk-cady - it hangs beautifully and is unlined to enhance the fluid feel. The full-length cape overlay flutters gracefully as you walk, so...
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...
S/S 2005 Valentino Garavani Faux Pearl Sage Green Taupe Cardigan Tank Knit Set
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Valentino Garavani’s Spring/Summer 2005 collection, this sage green knit sweater set includes a fitted tank and a matching cardigan. The cardigan features a deep scoop neckline,...
UNWORN VALENTINO Rare Exotic Lizard Skin Evening Crystal Clutch Bag - Full Set
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
Extremely rare and special VALENTINO evening bag Made of finest exotic lizard skin Wonderful green colors Bejeweled with Swarovski crystals, intact "Snake" opening the bag So versati...
F/W 2005 Valentino Haute Couture Olive Green Silk Metal Embellished Runway Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible olive/sage green silk Valentino Haute Couture gown. From the Fall/Winter 2005 collection, this lustrous satin gow...
Valentino Scallop Edge Black & White Cropped Jacket
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in London, GB
Classic feminine Valentino cropped jacket. Unworn with tag. Made from waffle textured white cotton and viscose mix with black scalloped edges. Perfectly tailored with neat collar, da...
NEW Valentino Draped Cady Silk Evening Bridal Goddess Gown Cape Dress 8
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
INCREDIBLE VALENTINO GRECIAN GODDESS IVORY SILK EVENING GOWN Gorgeous off-white evening gown inspired by the Grecian goddesses by VALENTINO. Details: Draped Neckline Three-quarter...
VALENTINO S/s 2004 Light Green Corset Seen On Runway
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
Valentino Spring/Summer 2004 corset, as seen on the runway. Lime green with corset tie laces, lace details and satin bow. A butterfly printed version was worn by Bella Hadid.
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. Worn by the S...
NWT F/W 2002 Valentino Garavani Runway Finale Red Silk Chiffon Train Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a striking chiffon evening gown designed by Valentino Garavani for his Fall/Winter 2002 collection. The dress debuted as the runway presentation's grand finale on Carmen K...
Silk fabric flowers handbag and green patten leather Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk fabric flowers and rhinestone handbag and green patten leather. Pink satin lining. One pocket with zip inside . Strap on the top middle with d...
90s Valentino Green and Black Silk Chiffon Halter Dress with Detachable Cape
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Valentino Green and Black Rose Print Silk Chiffon Halter Dress with Detachable Cape. Dress has cris cross neckline and ruching waist. Dress has long ...
Black satin high heels sandals with rhinestone bow Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black satin high heels sandals with rhinestone bow on a gold metal base. Shoe Size : 38 ( It) 39 (Fr) Heels high = 8 cm
As New Valentino Light Ivory Leather Sandals IT 37
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
As new pair of sandals by Valentino Leather Light ivory color Golden metal studs Long leather ankle strap Heel height cm 1 (0.39 inches) Worldwide fast shipping included in the pric...
Valentino Italy Signature Chartreuse Floral Silk Print Tiered Skirt Size 12
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Please Note: Ths beautiful skirt was designed/made when Valentiono Garavani was still head of design at Maison Valentino. It ha sthe class, style and 100% Italian Chic that made him ...
1980s Vintage Valentino Garavani Lacquered Black Gold Ballpoint Logo Pen
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Valentino Garavani lacquered black ballpoint pen with gold trim, engraved Black logo on gold, Made in Italy Material: Metal Ink: Black Measurements: 13.5x06...
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...
Valentino Pleated Bustier Top in Orange Silk
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Pleated bustier top in orange silk. No size label, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 42 cm Seller Reference: FH140
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. Size tag is: 8. The measurements are: Shou...
Vintage Valentino Black Silk Embellished Lace Green Bow Dress Gown US 8
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
This is a gorgeous Valentino dress beautifully made and a wonderful example of Valentino's main label and the work that he was doing during this time period. US size - 8 ( please ch...
Vintage Valentino Garavani rhinestone V-bucke textured leather belt, 2000s
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Garavani belt in textured leather with rhinestone and enamel V-buckle. Size: 80cm Length – 100 cm Buckle – 9.5 x 5 cm Very go...
S/S 2002 Valentino Garavani Runway Ad Black Quilted Beaded Corset Waist Belt
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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...
2000s Valentino Black Sheer Panel Halterneck Rhinestone Buckle Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Valentino halterneck gown. From the 2000s, this full-length dress features a high neckline and an exposed back. The gown is complete with sheer mesh-cover...
Valentino Garavani Rose Edition Leather Mule Sandals
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani Rose Edition Leather Mule Sandals Black leather sandals designed with petal-shaped appliques that overlap each other to create the illusion of blooming flowers. ...
New Valentino Garavani 2006 Black Jeweled Shoes Sandals 38.5 + Matching Clutch
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Black Jeweled Slingback Sandals with Matching Clutch 2006 Collection Black Satin Sandals Finished with Gold Tone Metal Flower Full of Green Crystals, Heel Heig...
Valentino Maria Grazia Chiuri Pierpaolo Piccioli Fall 2011 Floral mink coat
By MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino X Maria Grazia Chiuri & Piccioli Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Collection Black floral pattern coat, mink collar. Size 10 us. Very good condition (minor wear and tears on the st...
Valentino Garavani Over-the-Knee Black Suede Boots FW2017 Size 40
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Valentino Garavani Over-the-Knee Black Suede Boots, Fall/Winter 2017, Size 40 Elevate your wardrobe with these Valentino Garavani over-the-knee boots from the Fall/Winter 2017 colle...
F/W 1997 Valentino Garavani Brown Satin Animal Print Full Length Coat Jacket
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In celebration of Valentino's 30th anniversary, this full-length tiger stripe-length Valentino coat is an updated nod to the original Fall 1967 Haute Couture version. Similar to the ...
$2,009Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino F/W 2005 Black silk bow cocktail dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Valentino Garavani - Sold by Skof.Archive - Fall-Winter 2005 - Little black cocktail dress - Embellished bow on the straps - Runway look 56 - Back hidden zipper clos...