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 Maria Grazia Chiuri Pierpaolo Piccioli Spring 2016 Fringe skirt
By Valentino Garavani, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Spring/Summer 2016 Collection Cocoa leather skirt with fringe detailing and a painted waistband. Italian size 44. Very good cond...
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 Pierpaolo Piccioli Fall 2023 Look 72 Maxi train black tie dress
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Pierpaolo Piccioli Autumn/Winter 2023-2024 Collection – Look 72 Black silk crepe black-tie gown with a train, featuring a white collar and cuffs and an open back. Italia...
Valentino Rare Runway Jeweled Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress Gown Hard to find
By Chanel, Valentino Garavani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the 20th - 21st century the exquisite fashion of Valentino Garavani was embraced by society and fashionistas over the world. When he retired in 2008 his brand of elegance, exqu...
Valentino Garavani Beige Lizard evening bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Garavani Beige lizard evening bag, rigid hammered silver-tone metal frame, clip clasp, rhinestone-embellished handle. Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 3 cm.
Valentino Garavani Embroidered Fall 2005 Runway Skirt
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
A rare Valentino Garavani Fall/Winter 2005 runway skirt, an exquisite example of the house’s romantic and highly decorative craftsmanship of the period. This beautifully fitted knee...
Valentino 2004 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 Pierpaolo Piccioli 2016 Green wool coat
By Valentino Garavani, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino X Pierpaolo Piccioli 2016 Green wool coat, black leather tie belt. T.42 Italian
Valentino Garavani Black Tan-Go 155mm Patent Leather Platform Pumps IT 38 EUC
By Valentino Garavani
Located in San Diego, CA
Valentino Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps in Black Size: IT 38 (approx US 8) Step into high-fashion luxury with these iconic Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps. Crafted ...
Valentino Garavani Purple Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Valentino Garavani Purple Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps are a striking addition to any high-end wardrobe. Crafted from glossy patent leather, they feature a bold purple ...
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...
NWT Valentino Garavani Runway Printed Leather Over-the-Knee Boots Italian 39.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
A dramatic runway statement from Valentino Garavani, these over-the-knee boots perfectly capture the Maison’s signature blend of refined Italian craftsmanship and bold artistic desig...
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...
S/S 2001 Valentino Garavani Sheer Beaded Collared Blouse
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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. It is constructed in sheer black mesh with radiat...
$648Sale Price|50% Off
Valentino Spring 2006 Chinese Floral Blazer Jacket
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Absolutely gorgeous, super feminine luxurious archival Valentino jacket from the Spring 2006 collection. Unworn and comes with original tag and spare button. Made from pale green cot...
1985 Valentino Boutique Documented Ad Red Silk Crepe Halter Evening Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Documented 1985 Valentino Boutique evening gown in a vivid coral-red silk crepe, with the same design featured in a period Valentino advertising campaign. The gown has a softly gath...
Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Ankle Strap Flats in Beige Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
Elevate everyday elegance with the Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Ankle Strap Flats in beige leather, defined by signature oversized stud detailing and a sleek, feminine silhouette. C...
Valentino's Magic Hardcover Fashion Archive Book c 1998
By Valentino Garavani
Located in University City, MO
Valentino's Magic - Elegant hardcover fashion book c 1998 The book is a stylish archive of Valentino's exquisite fashion designs spanning from the early 1960s thru the 1990s Chron...
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. Concealed side zip 100% Silk US 6 ...
S/S 1994 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Silk Corset Skirt Set
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Valentino Garavani skirt set from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection consists of a black corset bustier and matching flared skirt. The basque-style top is cut with a fitted silho...
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...
Valentino Garavani Micro VSling Shoulder Bag in Red Patent Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
The Valentino Garavani Micro VSling Shoulder Bag in red patent leather delivers bold sophistication in a compact, high-impact design. Its glossy finish and signature V logo make it t...
Valentino Boutique Disc Sleeve Navy 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...
Valentino Fall/Winter 1996 Runway Finale Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Norwich, GB
This gown from Valentino’s Fall 1996 ready-to-wear collection is crafted in the house’s signature red, a hallmark shade closely associated with the brand’s identity. Made from lightw...
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...
Valentino Garavani Black lurex top size S
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Valentino Boutique Silk blend Black lurex color Back buttons closure Lenght shoulder/hem cm 48 (18.8 inches)
Valentino Garavani Light Blue Rockstud Flat Patent Leather Sandals
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Valentino Garavani Light Blue Rockstud Flat Patent Leather Sandals exemplify sophisticated elegance with an edgy twist. Crafted from sleek patent leather in a stunning light blue...
Valentino Garavani 1990s Vintage Silk Scarf Women's Square Foulard
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a beautiful, classic Valentino silk scarf dating from the 1990s, a period when the brand, under founder Valentino Garavani, was celebrated for its dramatic flair and luxuriou...
Valentino New Oversized Cotton Dress with Bustle Back
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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...
New Valentino $1745 Lace Crystal Embellished Off-White Platform Pumps It 39.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Lace Embellished Pumps Shoes Designer size 39.5 - US 9.5 Off - White Lace Floral Pattern, Finished with White Sparkle Crystals, Satin Stiletto Heel, Leather In...
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 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...
Valentino Alessandro Michele Resort 2025 Look 151 Cropped paisley jacket
By Valentino Garavani, Alessandro Michele
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Alessandro Michele Resort 2025 Collection – Look 151 Cropped cotton jacket featuring a multicolored paisley print. Italian size 42.
Valentino Black Floral Print Silk Dress 1970s
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Carnate, IT
Valentino Boutique Night Dress. Circa 1979. The composition label is missing. This Valentino dress is made from a double layered silk chiffon designed with a flower print of blue, re...
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,...
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...
VALENTINO Midnight Blue Silk Cady Evening Cape Gown Dress 4
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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...
F/W 1998 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Chiffon Beaded Shift Dress 6
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 ...
$374Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino Garavani Boots Men Shoes Size 40EU, 7US, 6UK
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Kaunas, LT
Item for sale is 100% genuine Valentino Garavani Boots Men Shoes Color: Black (An actual color may a bit vary due to individual computer screen interpretati...
NEW Valentino Draped Cady Silk Evening Bridal Goddess Gown Cape Dress 8
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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 Alessandro Michele Resort 2026 Skirt suite in metallic brocade
By Alessandro Michele, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Alessandro Michele Resort 2026 Collection "Après l'Hiver" Suit in metallic brocade featuring a stylized botanical motif, comprising a jacket and skirt; tiger's-eye butto...
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...
Rare Valentino Garavani Spring/Summer 2000 Runway Hand-Embroidered Tote Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
An exceptional Valentino Garavani Spring/Summer 2000 runway handbag, showcasing the maison’s extraordinary savoir-faire at the turn of the millennium. The entire front panel is meticulously hand embroidered with thousands of sequins, beads and intricate threadwork, depicting an exuberant floral garden in vivid shades of pink, crimson, lilac and green. This wearable work of art reflects the couture-inspired craftsmanship that distinguished Valentino’s runway accessories of the era. The spacious tote is finished with olive green leather shoulder straps and an open-top silhouette, combining practicality with remarkable artistry. Valentino’s Spring 2000...
Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike.It With Metal Rhombus Detail Shoulder Bag in Black Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
An emblem of refined glamour, the Valentino Garavani Medium Rockstud Spike.It Shoulder Bag in black leather captivates with its luminous Rockstuds and intricate rhombus metal detaili...
VALENTINO S/s 2004 Light Green Corset Seen On Runway
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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.
Valentino Pierpaolo Piccioli Prefall 2016 Red leather volcano set
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Pierpaolo Piccioli Pre-Fall 2016 Collection Red leather ensemble comprising a strapped leather bustier and a suede lambskin skirt embellished with appliquéd metallic lea...
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...
Valentino Spring 2002 Cut-Out Tie Top
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
A striking early-2000s Valentino top featuring bold cut-outs and three sculptural front ties that create a flattering, body-skimming shape. The design plays with negative space, reve...
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Leather & Snakeskin Trimmed Floral Applique Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Leather & Snakeskin Trimmed Floral Applique Bag High-grade smooth black leather base in diamond-quilted design with signature gold Rockstud detailing...
Rhinestone on tulle evening platform pump Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Rhinestone on tulle evening platform pump. Black satin piping edge and heels. Beige leather inside-sole. Silver metal buckle. Silver lurex thread top-stitching. Heel height = 14,5 c...
New Valentino Garavani FW 2004 Pearls Crystal Enamel Embellished Sandals 40 - 10
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Satin Embellished Shoes Sandals F/W 2004 Collection Designer size 40 - US 10 Goldish Tan Color, Satin, Pearl-like and Swarovski Crystals Embellishment, Enamel ...
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...
S/S 2005 Valentino Garavani Faux Pearl Sage Green Taupe Cardigan Tank Knit Set S
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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,...
Valentino Spring 2003 Cocoa crepe silk embroidered blouse
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Spring/Summer 2003 Collection Cocoa silk crepe blouse, with the front embroidered with white beads and sequins. Italian size 44.
Valentino Garavani Black pleated silk shoulder bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Garavani Black pleated silk bag, silver-tone metal chain handle with rhinestones. Dimensions: 26x20x3cm.
Evening pump in rhinestone, gold leather on tulle base Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Evening pump in rhinestone, gold leather on tulle base. Height heels =9cm Shoes size 38
Valentino Garavani Orchid Roman Rockstud Quilted Leather Mules
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Valentino Garavani Orchid Roman Stud Quilted Leather Mules are a sophisticated addition to any high-end wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious quilted leather, these mules feature signatur...
$1,968Sale 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...
Vintage Runway SS 2005 Valentino Garavani 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 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...