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.
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...
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 ...
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...
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 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 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...
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...
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...
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Caged Pumps in Brown Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
The Valentino Garavani Rockstud Caged Pumps in brown leather combine iconic design with bold sophistication, featuring the signature gold-tone Rockstuds for an edgy yet elegant finis...
Valentino Garavani Rockstud T-Strap Pumps in Black Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
The Valentino Garavani Rockstud T-Strap Pumps in black leather embody bold sophistication with their sleek pointed-toe silhouette, signature pyramid studs, and elegant T-strap design...
Valentino Garavani Ranch Ankle Cowboy Boots in Black Calf Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
Embrace Western-inspired luxury with the Valentino Garavani Ranch Ankle Cowboy Boots in black calf leather. These statement boots combine rugged cowboy aesthetics with the refined cr...
Valentino Garavani Buckle Strap Court Ankle Strap Pumps in Red Suede
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
Turn heads with the striking elegance of the Valentino Garavani Buckle Strap Court Ankle Strap Pumps in vibrant red suede, a sophisticated design that effortlessly balances femininit...
Valentino Denim Stars Slide Sandals in Blue Rubber
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
Effortlessly playful and unmistakably luxurious, the Valentino Denim Stars Slide Sandals in Blue Rubber bring a relaxed yet fashion-forward edge to warm-weather styling. Crafted from...
Valentino Rockstud Torchon 105 Espadrille Wedge in Pink Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
The Valentino Rockstud Torchon 105 Espadrille Wedge in pink leather is a romantic yet bold statement, combining a caged silhouette with the maison’s iconic Rockstud embellishments. T...
Valentino Rockstud 155 Platform Pumps in Beige Patent-Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
The Valentino Garavani Rockstud 155 Platform Pumps in beige patent leather are a bold celebration of iconic Italian glamour. Crafted in Italy, they feature towering block heels, plat...
Valentino Rockstud Caged Pumps Pink
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
composition Lining: Calf leather 100% Outer material: Calf patent leather 100% Sole: Calf leather 100% Heel: 11cm Measurments: height: 110 mm. Country of Origin:Italy
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 Garavani Tan-Go Mary Jane Pumps in Grey Suede
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
The Valentino Garavani Tan-Go Mary Jane Pumps are crafted in elegant grey suede with a flattering rounded toe and a comfortable 2.5-inch wrapped heel. The classic Mary Jane silhouett...
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...
New VALENTINO GARAVANI Runway Hand-Painted Studded High Heel Sandals 41 - US 11
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani High Heel Embellished Leather Sandals Italian size 41 - US 11 Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were thinking deeply...
New Valentino Garavani Calf Leather Feather Print Knee Boots Italian 39
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Leather Feather Print Boots Italian size 39 - US 9 100% Calf Leather, Natural Feather Print, Fully Lined in Leather, Rubber Sole, Heel Height - 3.75 inches Mad...
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 ...
New Valentino Garavani Snake Double Platform Cork Heel Shoes Sandals 39.5 - 9.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Snake Double Platform Shoes Sandals Italian size 39.5 - US 9.5 Brown / Beige Snake Skin, Double Platform - Black Suede ...
Valentino Bow Detail Crystal Sandals
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Bow Detail Crystal Sandals Metallic grey heels fully encrusted with sparkling crystals. Featuring straps to the front and slingback des...
High heels open-toe pump in gold leather with flat bow Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
High heels open-toe pump in gold leather with flat bow . Bi-color and bi-material heels. Heels height : 11,5 cm Inside plateform : 1,5 cm SHOE SIZE : 38
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
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, satin pointed boots
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, satin pointed boots in black with rhinestone heel. This item is in good condition and has a protective cover around the heel. Point on the toe is slightly damaged...
New Valentino Garavani Embellished Nude Suede Shoe Sandals It 38 - US 8
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Embellished Nude Suede Sandals Designer size 38 - US 8 Nude-tone Suede, Gold-tone Embellishment, Double Buckle at Ankle, Leather Sole and Lining. Heel Height ...
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...
NWT Valentino Garavani Floral Cut Out Suede Leather Heel Boots Black 36.5 US 6.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Black Suede Ankle Boots Italian size - 36.5 Suede high heel booties with cut out 3-D flowers detail. Sleep-on style, Gold-tone hardware, Leather lining. Heel h...
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go Barbie Pink Patent Leather Platform Pumps IT 38 NWOB
By Valentino Garavani
Located in San Diego, CA
Valentino Barbie Pink Tan-Go Platform Pumps - Patent Leather Size: IT 38 (approx US 8) The ultimate #Barbiecore statement these authentic Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps. ...
Valentino Garavani Black Mesh Rockstud Pumps - EU 38.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Amman, JO
Valentino Garavani Black Mesh Rockstud Pumps Elegant with a modern edge, these Valentino Garavani pumps feature a sleek pointed-toe silhouette crafted from sheer black mesh with lea...
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...
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud leather ankle boots in metallic leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud leather ankle boots in metallic leather. The item is new with price tag but has a damage on the right nose and a small discoloration. CONDITION: new - ...
Valentino Garavani, rockstud spike ankle boots
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, rockstud spike quilted leather ankle boots. The item is in good condition, small signs off wear on both noses and heels. CONDITION: good condition SIZE: 38.5 I...
Plastic flip-flop with black lace print and bow Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Plastic flip-flop with black lace print and bow . SHOE SIZE 37 (Eu) 6 (US)
Black leather mix with black patent leather and pearls Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather mix with black patent leather and pearls with leather bow. SHOE SIZE : 37 (Eu) 6 (US)
Red lace espadrilles with cord sole Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red lace espadrilles with cord sole. SHOE SIZE : 37 (EU) 6 (US)
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Open Leather Sneakers IT 44.5 US 11.5 White Black
By Valentino Garavani
Located in San Diego, CA
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Open Leather Sneakers in White Black Size: IT 44.5 (Approx. US Men's 11.5) Perfect for capturing that effortless Euro Summer vibe or anchoring a clean, ...
Valentino Multi color iridescent flats w/ studs-39
By Valentino Garavani
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Multi color iridescent flats w/ studs-39. These amazing Valentino flats are in excellent condition. They show minimal signs of use. They hav...
Valentino Garavani Rose Torchon Leather Wedge Sandals With Rockstud Accents
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Valentino Garavani Rose Torchon Leather Wedge Sandals with Rockstud Accents are a stunning embodiment of elegance and contemporary style. These exquisite wedges feature a soft bl...
VALENTINO GARAVANI Size 9 Brown Solid Leather Slip On Sandals
By Valentino Garavani
Located in San Francisco, CA
Valentino Garavani leather sandals for men offer effortless Italian luxury. Featuring a rich brown solid pattern and a sophisticated brass buckle, these size 9 slip-ons provide a ref...
New Valentino Garavani Burgundy Patent Leather Shoes Italian 39 - US 9
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
Valentino Garavani Burgundy Patent Leather Shoes Size: Italian 39 - US 9 Elegant bootie with a heel that measures 4 inches Smooth leather lining, Elasticized front detail, Leather so...
Valentino Garavani Rockrunner Multicolor Camo Print Sneakers
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Valentino Garavani Rockrunner Multicolor Camo Print Sneakers effortlessly blend street style with high fashion, making them a standout addition to any wardrobe. Crafted from a lu...