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 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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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 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...
Valentino Garavani Crystal Embellished 'V' Logo Leather Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani Crystal Embellished 'V' Logo Leather Bag Dark brown hand/shoulder bag with signature 'V' logo to the front encrusted with black crystals. Pleated design to the b...
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...
Light beige straw, pink leather and organza flowers appliqué Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
light beige straw, pink leather and organza& straw flowers appliqués. 3 compartiments : 2 with magnet closure, 1 with zip closure ( and one pocket with zip inside) Gold metal hardwa...
Bi-color leather bag with black studs VALENTINO GARAVANI
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Bi-color leather bag with black studs. Black leather lining. Clasp closure on the middle top. 2 inside pockets ( one inside with zip closure , one flat without) Dust bag provided. On...
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 Garavani Grey Velvet Rocktsud Clutch Bag With Crossbody Chain Strap
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Valentino Garavani Grey Velvet Rockstuds Clutch Bag with Crossbody Chain Strap is a stunning accessory that combines luxury, style, and versatility. Crafted from plush grey velvet, t...
Valentino Garavani Bag - Excellent Condition, with Dust Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Valentino Garavani Bag - Excellent Condition, with Dust Bag Description: Selling a Valentino Garavani bag in very good condition. I guarantee its authenticity. Dimensions (cm): L...
Valentino Garavani Nappa Roman Stud Shoulder Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Valentino Garavani Nappa Roman Stud Shoulder Bag combines refined craftsmanship with bold design. Made in Italy from Jungle Green Nappa leather, it features signature gold pyrami...
Valentino Garavani Black Leather Rockstud Hobo Shoulder Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Rome, Rome
Embrace the edgy elegance of Italian luxury with this stunning Valentino Garavani Rockstud hobo shoulder bag. Crafted in Italy from premium black leather with a sleek plain pattern, ...
1980s Valentino Navy Lambskin Envelope Convertible Clutch w Pinstripe Detail
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Valentino Navy Lambskin Envelope Convertible Clutch w Pinstripe Detail. Chain cross-body shoulder strap can be tucked in for use as a clutch. Very usable medium size to accomm...
1990s Valentino Garavani 'Les Sacs' Black Velvet Beaded 'V' Logo Mini Bag
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black velvet and beaded Valentino evening bag. From the 1990s, this beautiful mini evening bag has been constructed entirely of blac...
Valentino Garavani Brown Patent Leather Histoire Medium Tote
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
We are offering this stylish Valentino handbag. It is finely crafted of brown patent leather with black contrast stitching around the edges. The bag features braided top handles, fro...
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud tote in camel
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud tote in camel. The leather has some dents from the studs further in very good condition. Interior is very clean. Comes with strap, tags and dustbag. CON...
Valentino Garavani, C-Rockee fringed leather tote
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, C-Rockee fringed leather tote in brown. The item is in good condition with some small stains on the leather. Comes with dustbag. CONDITION: good condition MEASU...
Valntino Grey Rockstud Mini Bag
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in London, GB
Expertly crafted by Valentino Garavani, this Mini Grey Rockstud Bag boasts ancient architectural-inspired Rockstud embellishments. This mini bag exudes timeless elegance and impeccab...
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud hobo messenger bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud hobo messenger bag in olive green. The item is in good condition with a few dents in the leather from the studs. Interior is very clean. CONDITION: good...
Valentino Garavani Camel My Rockstud Monogram logo print top handle shoulder bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI Vintage Valentine Garavani trapezoidal style bag crafted in camel fabric that features the V monogram Finished in camel and black leather with gold stud details and hardwa...
Borsa a spalla Valentino One Stud L.E. Rossa
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Valentino, modello One Stud Limited Edition, realizzata in pelle liscia rossa e perline del medesimo colore. Presenta hardware in colorazione oro e perline rosse lungo ...
Valentino Garavani Black Nappa Leather SpikeMe Shoulder Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Arnhem, NL
Valentino Garavani cross body/shoulder bag/ clutch made of butter soft calf leather with shine pewter toned hardware. The interior is lined with black smooth and soft leather and nex...
Valentino Garavani Green Leather Rockstud Shoulder Handbag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, US
Brand: Valentino Measurements (W x H x D): 10"x 5.75" x 2" Weight: 669.00 grams Valentino Garavani green leather rockstud shoulder handbag. The "Valentino" trademark (or hallmark)...
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Leather Zip Coin Purse Card Holder
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This iconic Valentino Garavani Rockstud wallet is crafted from supple grained black leather, it features the house's signature light gold pyramid studs adorning the back panel—a hall...
Valentino, Demilune chain leather shoulderbag in black.
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino, Demilune chain leather shoulderbag in black. Ths item is new with all cards, dustbag and box. Has some small scratches on the leather from the chains. • CONDITION: new wi...
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud leather bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud leather bag with shoulder strap in very good condition. The item is in very good condition. Some small scratches on the leather and hardware. Interior is...
Borsa A Tracolla Valentino Glam Lock Rockstud Small Rosa
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Valentino, modello Glam Lock, realizzata in pelle rosa con rifiniture nere e hardware dorati. Dotata di una patta frontale con chiusura ad incastro, internamente rivestita in tela beige, capiente per l’essenziale. Munita di una tracolla a scorrimento in catena oro, per una portata a spalla o a tracolla. L’articolo si presenta in ottime condizioni. Valentino signature bag...
Valentino Garavani Leather Bow Clutch
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani Leather Bow Clutch Champagne gold soft leather clutch bag with oversized bow detail to the side. Featuring zip fastening to the top. Rrp Approx. £850 Size - Hei...
Valentino 2010s Multicolor Leather and Calf Hair Glam Lock Top Handle Handbag
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Kingston, NY
A collector-worthy piece from Valentino Garavani’s early 2010s accessories line, this Glam Lock top-handle bag captures the brand’s signature balance of romance and rebellion. Crafte...
Valentino Garavani, Medium rockstud leather tote
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Medium rockstud leather tote in beige. The item is in very good condition with few small dents and scratches on the leather. Item comes with shoulder strap and du...
Valentino Garavani Small Rockstud Grainy Calfskin Crossbody Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Small Valentino Garavani Rockstud grainy calfskin crossbody bag with platinum-finish metal studs and hardware. Features a studded front handle, adjustable and removable studded shoul...
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud hobo messenger bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, Rockstud hobo messenger bag in off white. The item is in very good condition with a few dents in the leather from the studs. Interior is very clean. CONDITION: v...
Valentino Garavani Vintage Rockstud Calf Leather Crossbody
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Valentino Garavani Rockstud crossbody bag, made from soft calf leather, is perfect for nights out. Its iconic studded trim adds edge, while a magnetic flap keeps your essentials...
Valentino Garavani Vintage Small Rockstud Grainy Calf Crossbody
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Small Valentino Garavani Rockstud grainy calfskin crossbody bag with platinum-finish metal studs and hardware. Features a studded front handle, adjustable and removable studded shoul...