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.
FW 1995 Valentino Velvet and Silk Evening Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Marlborough, GB
Valentino black velvet and silk strapless evening dress, Fall Winter 1995 Modelled by Carla Bruni on the runway with the addition of a bow at bodice, and a belt at waist — these deta...
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...
Valentino Fall/Winter 1996 Runway Finale Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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 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 ...
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...
VALENTINO Rare 2013 Nude Silk Georgette Evening Gown Dress 40
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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...
1980s Valentino Red Silk Jersey Open Back Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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...
Valentino Boutique Disc Sleeve Silk Dress 1980s
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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 embroidered mini dress starfish
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Embroidered mini dress starfish pink and white. Size 40 Italian.
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”
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 Night Vintage Black Velvet & Lace Plunging Gown, c. 1980s–1990s US 6
By Valentino Night, Valentino Garavani
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....
NWT $29.900 Valentino Garavani Black Sequin Mimosa Flowers Embroidery Dress US 8
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exceptional Valentino Garavani evening gown from the 2019 collection, executed in black with intricate hand-applied sequin and bead embroidery depicting mimosa flowers, a recurring s...
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 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...
F/W 1998 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Chiffon Beaded Shift Dress
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 ...
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...
F/W 2001 Valentino Garavani Runway Satin Black Panther Sheer Rhinestone Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black one-shoulder gown from Valentino Garavani’s Fall/Winter 2001 collection features sheer panels with satin panthers, finished with rhinestone eyes. The panthers form a moder...
1986 Valentino Red Dress with Jeweled collar
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Documented 1986 Valentino Red Salmon Silk Crepe Dress with brooch on the collar and waist. Beautiful draping and fit. ( see advertising photo) Perfect for Black tie event. Size 2/4 B...
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 Breathtaking Cream Bridal Eyelet Long Sleeve Embroidered Dress 40
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Switzerland, CH
Frida Kahlo featured heavily on VALENTINO's moodboard. This VALENTINO is flawlessly crafted from airy cotton-voile, pintucked and decorated with panels of embroidered San Gallo lace ...
90s Valentino Green and Black Silk Chiffon Halter Dress with Detachable Cape
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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 ...
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...
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...
2000s Valentino Garavani Navy Silk Floral Pleat Beaded Backless Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
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...
1990s Valentino Navy Blue crepe silk Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1990s Valentino navy crepe gown with light blue sequins collar. Button fastener in the side and gown cut in bias. Perfect for wedding / bridal . Model is size 4. This Gown fit best ...
1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers: A stunning tuxedo-inspired silk velvet and Duchess Satin Semi-Formal dres...
F/W 1997 Valentino Garavani Sheer Cashmere Silk Knit Black Stretch Ruched Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Valentino cashmere sweater midi dress. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, a mini version of this chic dress d...
VALENTINO Breathtaking Black Floral Tulle & Lace Dress Gown XS
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Switzerland, CH
Gorgeous Floral-Lace Point d'Esprit Dress by VALENTINO A timeless, classy VALENTINO piece 2013 Collection So versatile Size 2 - IT 38 - XS Dry Clean only Made in Italy Retails for 57...
Valentino Set Haute Couture Pleated Skirt in Silk Crepe
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Set Haute Couture composed of a top entirely embroidered with pearls and sequins, and a pleated skirt in silk crepe. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional inform...
2000s Valentino Black Sheer Panel Halterneck Rhinestone Buckle Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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...
UNWORN Breathtaking VALENTINO Black Glitter-Embellished Silk Dress Gown 42
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Switzerland, CH
Gorgeous black silk evening gown by VALENTINO From the FW 2016 collection Wonderful deep plunge neckline Clouds glitter motive A dream seen on Selena Gomez Dry Clean only Made in It...
Valentino Garavani Cotton Poplin A-Line Shirt Gown
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani Cotton Poplin A-Line Shirt Gown Off-white long dress crafted from cotton poplin. Featuring a wide, collared neckline, button fastening along the centre, long sle...
Valentino Maria Grazia Chiuri Pierpaolo Piccioli 2010 long embroidered dress
By MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino X Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli circa 2010 Black silk crepe long strapless dress, bustier embroidered with tubular beads, embellished with bows. UK10. Very good...
S/S 1995 Valentino Garavani Runway Navy Crepe Chiffon Pearl Ruched Mini Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Valentino Garavani’s Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this navy silk crepe chiffon mini dress features sculptural ruched cups and delicate pearl-embellished rosette straps. Pleate...
1970s Valentino Garavani Red Wool Black Wool Pom Pom Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning red and black Valentino Garavani dress. From the 1970s, this vibrant red wool sleeveless dress features a crew neckline and is made complete with a black pom-po...