The mononymously known Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (b. 1932) is renowned for his fashion house of romantic styles and feminine shapes that he founded in Rome in 1960. 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 evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
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 Vintage Silk Crystal Embellished Pewter Evening Gown Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Vintage Pewter silver color 100% silk Strap can be worn off the shoulder, too Clear crystal accents (one strap can be re-glued/taped/etc) Invisible side zip Size USA 8 fits...
nwt's IT46 VALENTINO Vintage Black Evening Gown Long Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Roma NWT's Vintage Jet black Simple, easy, sophisticated, timeless, elegant Size IT46 Pristine Measurements in inches laying flat: pit to pit 18 to 19, smallest of waist 17...
VALENTINO 1998 Vintage Ivory Eyelet Blazer Jacket Wool Cashmere Runway
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino SS98 Vintage Ivory Super soft Eyelet pattern Scalloped edges Mother of pearl-like buttons Size US6 fits closer to a snug 4 / looser 2 Excellent condition, minor feeling of ...
VALENTINO 00's Vintage Silk Embellished One Shoulder Blouse Bead
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Roma Vintage 2000's Espresso brown silk one shoulder blouse with tonal beaded flowers Hidden concealed side snaps Size IT42 Excellent vintage condition, minor feeling of we...
F/W 2017 Valentino Pale Blue Mink Fur strappy stiletto sandals - High heels EU40
By Valentino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fabulous Fall / Winter 2017 Valentino Garavani Pale Blue Mink Fur strappy stiletto sandals - heels MADE IN ITALY. Size; EU 40 / UK 6.5 Featuring a 4" Heel and fully adjustable wrap ...
VALENTINO lamb pink jacket
By Valentino
Located in Rubiera, RE
VALENTINO merinos lamb pink cocktail jacket Reversible jacket with cyclamen pink macramé lace A-line, crew neck, bell sleeves. Side pockets in pink silk. External fabric : merinos l...
Valentino S/S 1990 Ruched Frilly Tiered Black Silk Chiffon Dress
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Valentino Spring 1990 collection was all about tiers upon tiers of fabulously frilly ruffles. Delicate and feminine, the micro-pleated silk chiffon ruffles and ruching decorate a...
Valentino Garavani Petit Sac DeVain 2010s Pearls Embroided Shoulder Bag Clutch
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino Garavani clutch bag in ecru leather, entirely embroidered with faux beads and rhinestones, gold-tone metal details, short detachable gold-tone chain shoulder strap, beige c...
$5,597Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage Floral Beaded Black Silk Gown Ruffle Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Boutique Vintage 100% silk Jet black silk with beautiful beads, sequins, and threading to create a romantic floral cascading pattern Double v-neck front and back with delic...
Valentino Nadia Auermann known as "Blonde Angel" Original Runway Dress Gown
By Christian Dior, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1994-95 Valentino creation is the original runway gown modeled by Nadia Auermann. Fashioned of a rich copper brown duchess satin in a plunging fitted bodice accented with hand p...
Valentino Runway Inspired Art Deco Beaded Handkerchief Hem Evening Dress Gown
By Valentino, Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantasy Valentino evening dress fashioned of midnight blue shower of sequins adorned with beaded red and white accent trim at center bodice dropping down to hemline. Designed to e...
Valentino Couture Black Silk Charmeuse and Organza Strapless Gown, 2008
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet and sultry Valentino gown from their Winter 2008 collection. Tiers of black silk charmeuse body and organza skirt. Ruffled tiers of black silk chiffon pleats adorn the bodice, ...
VALENTINO pink & black cotton 2025 RUFFLED PAISLEY MUSLIN MAXI Dress S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino by Alessandro Michele dress is crafted in black, pink, purple, and gold paisley-print cotton muslin (100%). It features a relaxed maxi silhouette with r...
Valentino New Silk Halter Gown with Waist and Back Cut outs S/S 2007
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous pink silk halter gown from Valentino S/S 2007 collection. It has a halter neckline, fitted ruched woven panels across the bodice with 2 c...
Valentino New Cut out Silk Gown SS 2001
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible off white silk gown from Valentino. It is sleeveless with cut outs at the waist front, sides and back which including the chest décolletage are covered in fine black c...
Valentino New Silk Cape Gown
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous pink silk cape dress from Valentino. It is a sleeveless body skimming dress with a panel draping over the shoulders forming a cape in the back. ...
NWT's VALENTINO 2005 $6950 Vintage White + Gold Beaded Skirt Bridal Wedding
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino SS05 Vintage Original price $6,950 Ivory white with champagne gold beads Pearlescent sequins Mermaid ethereal bridal vibes Absolutely breathtakingly exquisite beadwork and ...
Isabel Sanchis "Valentine Pick" Jeweled Heart Runway Gown
By Valentino, Isabel Marant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique and exciting gown by Isabel Sanchis, known for her imaginative evening wear. Fashioned peek-a-boo black net bodice adorned with embroidered beaded silver arrows and large r...
Valentino Womens Love Latch Pumps Size US 10.5 EU 40.5 Tan Leather Gladiator
By Valentino
Located in Miami, FL
- Tan leather exterior - Tagged size 40.5 - No box Condition: The shoes are brand new, they have been tried on. please see the sole images on the listing Measurements: ( A...
Valentino Boutique Silk Ruffle Neck Blouse 1980s
By Valentino, Valentino Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk charmeuse blouse shirt by Valentino. It buttons on the side front with delicate black faceted glass buttons and is adorned with layers of beautiful gold flower dotted...
Valentino Fashion Book Collections from the 1960s thru 1990 c 1991
By Valentino
Located in University City, MO
Valentino soft cover fashion book with collections from the 1960s thru 1990 The books features Valentino's beautiful fashions spanning from the 1960s thru 1990 An incredible archive ...
Valentino Leather and Silk Strapless Dress
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous leather and silk dress from Valentino. It is strapless with alternating curved overlapping strips of leather and silk organza peeking out starting at the top of the bust ...
Valentino Vintage 1980s 100% Silk Black Dress With Ruffled Details
By Valentino
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Valentino Vintage 1980s Black Silk Dress Elegant 1980s Valentino dress crafted from lightweight crispy black silk. Features delicate ruffles along the neckline, front closure, hem, a...
$1,800
Valentino New Neon Dress
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible neon dress from Valentino. It has a scoop neckline, full sleeves, a full skirt, and a fitted waist. It is lined in the same fabric and has a ...
RED VALENTINO cream silk 2020 JUNGLE PRINT GATHERED MIDI Dress 44 L
By REDValentino, Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic RED Valentino dress is crafted in white crepe de chine silk with a vibrant multicolor Jungle print. It features a relaxed yet feminine silhouette with a gathered ...
Valentino 1990s Size 4 Lipstick Red Linen + Rayon Halter Criss Cross 90s Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Miss V
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic mid 90s VALENTINO ‘ Miss V ‘ signature lipstick red halter cross-cross Rayon ( 90% ) and Linen ( 10%) dress ! Features a halter neckline for support...
Valentino Silk Dress with Cut outs SS 2007
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous marigold yellow fine silk dress from Valentino. It has ruched shoulder straps forming a V neckline and 3 bands of horizontal ruching around the circumference of the bodic...
VALENTINO 2000 Vintage Black Silk w. Silver Embellishments Evening Gown Maxi
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino '00 Vintage 100% silk Jet black silk with black sheer net mesh bodice covered in silver sequins and thread to create shiny floral clusters Deep v-neck open back Zips at bac...
VALENTINO Rose Violet leather 2022 VLOGO Platform Sandals Shoes 37
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino sandal is crafted in Rose Violet pink leather and accented with a gold-tone VLogo across the front. It features open toes, a platform base, and block he...
Valentino New Off White Silk Jumpsuit with Open Back
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous off white silk jumpsuit by Valentino. It has a crew neckline, blouson bodice, dolman sleeves with zipper wrists, full legs and an open slit from the neck to the waist in ...
Valentino Sold Out Brand New Size 36 / 6 Polka Dot Runway Ankle Booties
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing, and impossible to find never worn VALENTINO booties! Features the most luxurious leather in black, pink, red and ivory in a polka dot print. Zips up the interior side, and b...
Valentino 2000s Size 6 Black Silk Lace Cut-Out Sequin Evening Gown Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet classic early 2000s VALENTINO black silk and lace cut-out evening gown ! Features a tailored bodice with black lace sequin cut-out detail with rhinestone encrusted buckle a...
Valentino Ivory Silk Blouse
By Valentino, Valentino Roma
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage silk blouse by Valentino, main line. The blouse has a deep v neckline, with a large collar ,made of three layers of silk. The body of the blouse is made of two laye...
1980s Faux TortoiseShell and Brass Oversized Sunglasses by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These exceptional vintage Valentino sunglasses from the 1980s are a true embodiment of the era's opulent and glamorous style. These oversized frames combine sophisticated faux tortoi...
Silk coat with flower print VALENTINO Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk coat with flower print with button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side. Same fabric lining. Shoulder pad. Split on the middle back, lenght = 30cm SI...
Valentino for Henri Bendel Vintage Black + White Fringe Maxi Skirt
By Valentino
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage Valentino maxi skirt with a side slit and white fringe trim. Details: Fully Lined Side Button Zip and Snap Closure Marked Size: 6 Color: Black/ White Label: Valentino Bouti...
White cotton sleeveless Tennis mini-dress VALENTINO Sport
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White jersey cotton sleeveless Tennis mini-dress.Zip closure on the top middle front. Thin ligne in gold lurex on the collar. SIZE S/M
Valentino Vintage Black Silk Chiffon Wide Leg Palazzo Pants
By Valentino
Located in Sparks, NV
Beautiful black silk chiffon wide leg palazzo pants by Valentino. Double layer; outside is sheer silk chiffon lined with light weight black silk. Details: Fully Lined in Black Silk...
VALENTINO nude pink leather BOW EMBELLISHED PLEATED Bag
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Garavani pleated and side bow embellished handbag in nude soft calfskin. Opens with a double zipper on top and is lined in beige canvas with one zip pocket a...
FW 1995 Valentino Velvet and Silk Evening Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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...
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO black taupe pink cotton 2013 FLORAL JACQUARD Cape Jacket 40 S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino hooded cape in black, pink, taupe, red and light blue floral jacquard cotton (74%), polyester (20%) and viscose (6%). Featrures has a stand-up color and a bo...
VALENTINO leather leather VLOGO SIGNATURE CHAIN Wallet
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino Garavani wallet showcases the iconic VLogo, embodying the Maison's legacy of elegance. Crafted from black grainy leather, the wallet features a gold-ton...
Valentino Silk Skirt with Beaded Embroidery
By Valentino
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Valentino — Silk Skirt with Beaded Embroidery Country of Origin: Italy This elegant Valentino skirt, crafted in Italy from high-quality silk and adorned with exquisite beaded embroi...
Vintage Valentino 1990s Does 1940s Size 4 navy Blue White Polka Dot 90s Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s does 40s vintage VALENTINO navy blue and white polka dot silk blended long sleeve dress ! Features a curved notch collar with a tailored bodice and flirty forgiving skirt. P...
VALENTINO light cream leather ROCKSTUD 60 BLOCK Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino Garavani Rockstud Sandals in ivory calfskin exude elegance and sophistication. Crafted from premium calfskin leather, they feature Valentino's signatur...
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...
Valentino New Silk Dress with Cape
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous deep red silk dress with an attached cape from Valentino. It has an elaborately vertically ruched front bodice with a back cape emanating from the shoulders and a full ski...
Valentino Garavani handbag
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - (Made in Italy) Yellow satin evening handbag embroidered with white pearls representing flowers. Silvery metal rhinestoned stick fastening. Silvery metal chain handle. C...
VALENTINO black & nude leather ROCKSTUD CAGE Ballet Flats Shoes 39 fit 38.5
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino Rockstud ankle-strap ballet flats are crafted from black leather with a nude trim, creating a chic and versatile contrast. The design features signatur...
VALENTINO black leather 2017 LARGE DEMILUNE ROCKSTUD Bag
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Large Demilune shoulder bag in black smooth calfskin embellished with a light gold-tone rockstud lock and detachable shoulder-strap. Lined in black suede wit...
Valentino Brown Ivory Gingham Wool Bubble Hem Avant Garde Skirt w/ Pockets
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Spectacular early 2000s VALENTINO brown and ivory gingham wool bubble hem skirt! Features two cargo pockets on each side of the front waist. Flattering fit, with an impressive bubble...
$4,806
Valentino Garavani bag
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - (Made in France) Red crocodile mini evening bag. Matching handle. Antique-golden metal clip fastening ornamented with rhinestones. Condition: Very good condition Dimens...
VALENTINO black patent leather & white VELVET T-BAR Pumps Shoes 37.5
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino T-Bar pumps in white velvet and black patent leather. Close with a buckle on the side. Have been worn with a faint stain at the right shoe's front part and o...
Valentino New Silk Cut out Jumpsuit
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk jumpsuit by Valentino. It is semi fitted with long raglan sleeves, full straight legs and elongated, gradated oval cutouts radiating from the neckline. It com...
1980s Valentino Red Silk Jersey Open Back Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1984 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 2000's Suede Crystal Appliqué Micro Beaded Double Ended Zipper Jacket
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
An exceptional early 2000's Valentino jacket, thius beautiful piece is distinguished by its intricate crystal appliqué and impeccable construction. Crafted in rich plum suede, the ja...
Valentino Gold/Nude Tiered Tulle Lace Gown Dress
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Absolute fairytale Valentino tiered tulle and lace gown - bought for £6500 and unworn. Made from gold speckled nude polyamide mix tulle and gold lace. It has a super feminine tiere...
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...
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...