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Valentino

Italian, b. 1932

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 shoessunglassesscarves and perfume. 

Find vintage Valentino evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.

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Color:  Silver
Designer: Valentino
Valentino Silver Mini Cross Body Bag
By Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino Metallic Leather mini cross body Bag with ruthenium chain. Detachable shoulder strap 20.5”. The bag is in excellent condition and comes with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Valentino

VALENTINO V Optical graphic logo silver foil oversized cropped cotton hoodie S
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO V Optical graphic logo silver foil oversized cropped cotton hoodie S Reference: AAWC/A00259 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Colle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Crochet Cardigan With Fur Collar & Bikini Top 2004
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a stunning Valentino metallic silver crochet cardigan sweater featuring a luxurious brown fur collar, rhinestone buttons, and a matching triangle bik...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Valentino

Valentino Metallic Silver Leather Knotted T-Strap Sandals Size 36.5
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
These metallic silver leather sandals by Valentino are a high-end fashion item that you need to own now. Flaunt your stylish best side with these T-strap sandals featuring buckle ank...
Category

2010s Italian Valentino

VALENTINO silver bead embellished grey leather crossbody large tote bag
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO silver bead embellished grey leather crossbody large tote bag Reference: WEWN/A00017 Brand: Valentino Model: Embellished leather tote Material: Leather Color: Grey Pa...
Category

2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Glitter Silver Dot Metallic Gathered Waist Jacket
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino glitter silver dot metallic gathered waist jacket. This beautiful jacket is silver grey or silver taupe, depending on the light, slub woven fa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Valentino

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Christian Dior John Galliano Spring 2003 Skirt & Spring 2000 Top Size 44FR
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Vintage 1960's Christian Dior Peach Pink Silk Skirt Suit UK 6 US 2
By Christian Dior
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Made in the most elegant shade of blushing peach silk, this original 1960's Christian Dior skirt suit, is a rare addition to your vintage collection. The rounded neckline of the jacket is framed by a stand-away panelled collar which draws together along the front left hand side with a matching blush peach coloured button fastening. The simple shoulder line sets off the full length sleeves. The tailored cut of the jacket boasts a double breasted design with four mock button fastenings along the right hand side of the bodice and four button fastenings along the left hand side. The elegant cut, is accented by tailored darts that run upwards along either side of the front of the fitted waistline, which boasts a matching fabric belt, embellished with a stylised bow, which conceals the hook and eye fastening. The lightly flared hemline is accented by gathered pleats from beneath the waistline and along the back of the jacket . The matching skirt boasts a simple waistband and a central hook and eye and metal zip fastening. The line of the skirt is accented by gathered pleats that radiate from beneath the waistline, completing this suit in a truly iconic 1960's Christian Dior Silhouette. The skirt is silk lined Label: Christian Dior - London, Modèle Original, Made in England Measurements of the Jacket Armpit to Armpit: up to 38 inches Shoulder to Hem: 21.5 inches Waist: up to 30 inches Shoulder to End of Sleeve: 19 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 16 inches Fastenings: 4 external buttons, an internal button along the neckline and an internal press stud along the waist. Measurements of the Skirt Waist: up to 24 inches Waist to Hem: 25 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Fastenings: This skirt fastens along the back with a press stud, a hook and eye and an 8 inch metal zip. Size: UK 6 US 2 Condition: This dress set is in perfect vintage condition. An age mark to the back left hand side of the skirt just above the hemline . A small age mark along the back right hand side of the skirt just above the hemline. A very light water mark along the back right hand side of the skirt near the zip. A small age mark along the right hand side sleeve just above the cuff hemline. Very light water marks along the armpits. Very light surface discolouration along the shoulder seams and side of the collar. These minor details are not apparent when the suit is being worn and only noticeable upon close inspection. Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned or hand washed in cool water. Fabric: Worsted Silk, Silk Lined Vintage garments have been previously worn and lovingly cared for, they may however have a blemish or two. Here at Willow Hilson, we try our very best to note all the details of each garment, although we may sometimes overlook things, which we do apologise for. Please do not expect perfection, unless stated so. Please make sure you check all the measurements of the garment before purchasing...
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Couture Missoni Plaid Knitted Hooded Wool Cape Cloak with Orange Label
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Salvatore Ferragamo Silver Mesh Bag and Clutch
By Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Salvatore Ferragamo silver mesh bag is a stunning, unique piece. Its entirety is mesh with a frame top and it has a removable shoulder strap. The piece i...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Valentino

Chanel Iridescent Silver Lait de Coco Milk Carton Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Got milk? This incredibly rare and limited edition Chanel milk carton bag derives from one of Karl Lagerfeld's most infamous runways of all time...
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2010s Valentino

1990s Givenchy Size 10 / 40 By Alexander McQueen Silver Logo Kitten Heels Shoes
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare GIVENCHY by Alexander McQueen vintage 90s silver embossed kitten heels in hard to find Size 10 / 40! Features silver embossed leather with silver metal Givenchy logo at each toe...
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1990s Italian Valentino

CHRISTIAN DIOR Silver Lizard Leather, Flower Studded Mini Lady Dior
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHRISTIAN DIOR Silver Lizard Leather, Flower Studded Mini Lady Dior Xupes Reference: CB891 Serial Number: 16-BO-1100 Age (Circa): 2010 Accompanied By: Christian Dior Dust Bag, Shou...
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2010s Italian Valentino

Vintage 1940's plum wool crepe skirt suit tailored burgundy suit UK 8-10 US 4-6
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Rendered in the deepest shade of plum in a wonderful crepe wool weave, this original 1940's skirt suit, is just the perfect ensemble for your tailored wardrobe. The deep V shaped ne...
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Vintage Rare Pierre Cardin Boutique Navy Blue Trench Coat
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautiful vintage circa 1980 Pierre Cardin Boutique classic trench coat. Made in France. Navy blue corduroy features the traditional storm flap ...
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1980s French Valentino

GUCCI Authentic RARE Leather GG Logo VINTAGE 1970s Handbag Purse Crossbody ITALY
By Gucci
Located in Asheville, NC
Gucci, Authentic Vintage 1970's, Iconic GG Logo, Heavy Goldtone Hardware, Leather, Marked BREV. N. 53280 (BREV. stand for PATENTED MODEL in Italian), Made in Italy, Short Crossbody (More of a Shoulder Bag) Open Goldtone Front Logo, Gucci Interior...
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1970s Italian Valentino

Silver Fox Vintage Fur Stole
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This beautiful vintage stole is made of very soft silver fox fur and is light to wear with a new black lining Measurement; lenght; 197 cm / 77.55 inch ...
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20th Century Unknown Valentino

Previously Available Items
Valentino Silver Leather V Ring Clutch
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
High on style, carry this clutch from Valentino that is a perfect party piece. An impeccable silver-hued clutch, this beautifully crafted leather creation will surely fetch you a lot...
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2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Leather V Ring Clutch
Valentino Silver Leather V Ring Clutch
H 5.71 in W 1.19 in L 7.88 in
VALENTINO V-Logo silver rhinestone crystal encrusted buckle silver chain belt
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO V-Logo silver rhinestone crystal encrusted buckle silver chain belt Reference: GIYG/A00223 Brand: Valentino Material: Metal Color: Sil...
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2010s Valentino

VALENTINO dark silver crystal encrusted V logo gunmetal chain link belt
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO dark silver crystal encrusted V logo gunmetal chain link belt Reference: GIYG/A00225 Brand: Valentino Material: Metal Color: Silver Patte...
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2010s Valentino

VALENTINO silver crystal embellished floral metal disk chain link belt
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO silver crystal embellished floral metal disk chain link belt Reference: GIYG/A00237 Brand: Valentino Material: Metal Color: Silver Pattern: S...
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2010s Valentino

Valentino Metallic Silver Quilted Leather Mini Candystud Top Handle Bag
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Valentino's Candystud is full of beauty, signature elements, and wondrous details. It is crafted from leather and punctuated with studs on the quilted surface. It is complete with a ...
Category

2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Leather V Ring Clutch
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
High on style, carry this clutch from Valentino that is a perfect party piece. An impeccable silver-hued clutch, this beautifully crafted leather creation will surely fetch you a lot...
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2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Leather V Ring Clutch
Valentino Silver Leather V Ring Clutch
H 5.71 in W 1.19 in L 7.88 in
Valentino Silver Sequined Cropped Jacket
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino, fitted jacket, having lapels, short sleeves, a curved hem with crystal button closures. Jacket is entirely, encrusted with silver paillettes.
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1990s Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Glitter and Leather Fly Crew Low Top Sneakers Size 41
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Ace the sneaker game in these fabulous ones from Valentino! These Fly Crew sneakers are crafted from leather and feature round toes, glitter coating, and lace-ups on the vamps. They ...
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2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Metallic Silver Leather Rockstud Ankle Strap Block Heel Sandals Size 3
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
When considering Valentino, three words come to mind: luxurious, bold, and iconic. These gorgeous shoes are crafted from prime quality materials, and the sleek silhouette is adorned ...
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2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Leather Nuage Bow Hobo
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The signature Valentino bow on the side is the highlight of this Nuage Bow hobo. It is crafted using silver leather and equipped with two handles and a spacious canvas interior. This...
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2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Leather Nuage Bow Hobo
Valentino Silver Leather Nuage Bow Hobo
H 13.78 in W 6.7 in L 14.57 in
Valentino Metallic Silver Leather Vcase Clutch
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This VCASE clutch from Valentino represents the label's contemporary and classy attributes. It is made from leather in a classy metallic silver shade and it features the VLogo on the...
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2010s Italian Valentino

Valentino Silver Leather Rockstud Open Toe Ankle Strap Sandals Size 38
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
These silver sandals from Valentino are bearers of a fine mix of shoe craftsmanship and style. The leather sandals carry a strappy frame decorated with Rockstuds and are lifted on ki...
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Valentino fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Valentino fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, pink, blue and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Fendi, Moschino, and Prada appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Valentino fashion from top boutiques around the world. Valentino fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $74 and tops out at $28,995, while the average work can sell for $637.
Questions About Valentino
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Valentino, the Italian luxury brand, is 61 years old and was founded in 1960. Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavan, the founder of Valentino, is 89 years old and was born 1932. Valentino clothing and accessories are available directly through Valentino’s website or boutiques as well as through selected authorized sellers, such as 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    No, REDValentino and Valentino are not exactly the same. Both luxury fashion lines have been under the umbrella of the Italian house of Valentino, but they are distinct from one another. Valentino is the main luxury collection, while REDValentino was a diffusion line launched in 2003 to produce fashions that appeal to a younger demographic of women. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Valentino apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    No, Mario Valentino is not the same as Valentino — Mario Valentino was a Naples, Italy-born shoe designer who eventually expanded his offerings to include handbags, jackets and other apparel in the 1960s, while Valentino Garavani, who is mostly known simply as “Valentino,” is a fashion designer originally from Lombardy, Italy. Other than the Valentino line, the latter’s collections include Valentino Roma, R.E.D. Valentino and more.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    No, Valentino and Valentino Garavani are not exactly the same. Valentino is the name of an Italian luxury fashion house. The maker offers both couture and ready-to-wear apparel and accessories under the Valentino label. Valentino Garavani is a diffusion brand offered by Valentino. Its focus is mostly on shoes, handbags and small leather goods. Shop a variety of Valentino apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Valentino was founded in 1960. Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani established the Italian fashion house in Rome. 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. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Valentino apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Valentino Garavani is known mononymously as Valentino. He is the Italian fashion designer and founder of Valentino, a high-fashion luxury brand which makes haute couture and ready-to-wear fashions. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Valentino pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    What Valentino Red is depends on the context. If it's referring to the color of the garment, the term is the name for a proprietary shade of red that is recognized by Pantone and is a blend of 100% yellow, 100% magenta and 10% black. Red Valentino is also the name of a diffusion line produced by the luxury fashion house of Valentino. The focus of the label is on contemporary, accessibly priced clothing and accessories. Shop a diverse assortment of Valentino pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    Valentino is known for a few things. 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 the "V" trademark. The white dresses and beige dresses led to a demand for Valentino wedding gowns, with clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway. Founder Valentino Garavani is famous for his womenswear featuring romantic styles and feminine shapes. 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. They sought out Valentino for gorgeous gowns, jackets, elegant daytime wear and even, when needed, wedding dresses. Shop a collection of Valentino apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    The difference between Valentino Garavani and Mario Valentino is that they are two distinct designers who are not affiliated with each other. Valentino Garavani founded the Italian luxury fashion house of Valentino in Rome in 1960. Mario Valentino established his eponymous brand, Mario Valentino, in Naples, Italy, in 1952.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    No, Valentino is not a French brand. The luxury fashion house is actually Italian, operating out of its headquarters in Milan. Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani established his eponymous fashion brand in Rome, Italy, in 1960. Explore a diverse assortment of Valentino apparel and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Who the real Valentino designer is depends on the context, because two designers share the same name. The first is Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, who founded the Italian luxury fashion house in 1960. 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. The second is Mario Valentino, who launched his own eponymous label in 1952. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Valentino and Mario Valentino apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To determine whether your Valentino shoes are fake, first look at the box they came in. A genuine Valentino box has a linen texture with the brand name embossed in red. Check the stitching on the tag sewn into the interior of the shoe, which should be neat and even. The brand font is crisp, and the sole under the tag is flat, not puffed up. Genuine Valentino does have a serial number that’s the same color as the hardware, while a fake pair will typically have no serial number at all. Shop a collection of authentic Valentino footwear from trusted sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    Yes, Mario Valentino is a luxury brand. The Italian luxury fashion house has earned a reputation for working with fine materials, such as Italian leather and silk, for its clothing, bags and accessories. In addition, Mario Valentino offers custom design services, fitting the definition of a luxury couture maison. Find a diverse assortment of Mario Valentino apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to determine whether your Valentino handbag is real or fake. Authentic Valentino purses will have the same print in the logo as the rivet color, silver with silver and gold with gold. The inner logo inside of the bag will be centered on a red patch and all four sides will be sewn down. Newer bags will also have a serial number that is often found in an inner pocket. Shop a collection of authentic Valentino purses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

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