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 Garavani 1990s Vintage Silk Scarf Women's Square Foulard
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a beautiful, classic Valentino silk scarf dating from the 1990s, a period when the brand, under founder Valentino Garavani, was celebrated for its dramatic flair and luxuriou...
VALENTINO black cashmere bend pleated delicate floral lace trim long scarf
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO black cashmere bend pleated delicate floral lace trim long scarf Reference: MELK/A00579 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Cashmere, Blend Color: Blac...
1984 Valentino Garavani Runway Rhinestone Beaded Bow Night Black Fox Fur Scarf
By Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Pre-Fall 1984 runway collection, this Valentino Garavani Night scarf is crafted from sumptuous black fox fur. It features a black bugle beaded bow and crystal rhinestone eye...
Valentino "Limited Edition" Beautifully Detailed Embellished Silk Chiffon Scarf
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino's "Limited Edition"elegantly and wonderfully detailed embellished Valentino chiffon scarf has combinations of silk embroidery with micro se...
Valentino Silk Scarf with Hand-Rolled Edges
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino's wonderfully elegant silk scarf is finished with hand-rolled edges measuring 34" x 34 1/2".
Valentino Black and Floral Silk Scarf
By Valentino
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Black and Floral Silk Scarf. This beautiful silk scarf is a perfect representation of the elegance and stylishness of the brand. The color is perfect for a winter and autum...
Valentino Flower Silk Scarf
By Valentino
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Flower Silk Scarf. In excellent condition. Valentino is known for their vibrant colors, beautiful design and excellent quality. Valentino's silk floral scarves are highly s...
VALENTINO Brown Olive Herringbone Wool Fringe Scarf
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO scarf in a brown and olive green wool woven fabric featuring a herringbone pattern and fringe ends.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor signs of wear. Measurements: 72...
Valentino, black safari printed silk scarf
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino, black safari printed silk scarf. The item is in very good condition. CONDITION: very good condition MEASUREMENTS: length 130 cm, width 18 cm MATERIAL: 100% silk CARE:...
Vintage Valentino 1980s Silk Scarf Unisex Gradient Brushstroke Design
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a vintage 1980s silk scarf by Valentino, showcasing the brand’s signature elegance and artistic design. The scarf features a gradient effect, transitioning from a soft, warm-...
VALENTINO black silk LACE TRIMMED Shawl Scarf
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino lace-trimmed shawl in black silk (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Width 180cm (70.2in) Length 260cm (101.4in)
VALENTINO white red navy silk 2022 MANIFESTO TWILL Scarf
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino scarf in white twill silk (100%) with an archive Manifesto bandana print in navy blue and red. Printed with Valentino's directional logo-driven bandana motif...
VALENTINO Camubutterfly 100% cashmere red butterfly floral print fringed scarf
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO Camubutterfly 100% cashmere red butterfly floral print fringed square shawl scarf Reference: MELK/A00578 Brand: Valentino Designer: ...
1980s Classic floral & Houndstooth Design Silk Italian Square Scarf by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Elegant 1980s Vintage Valentino Classic Italian Silk Big Square Scarf - Floral & Houndstooth Design Drape yourself in luxurious Italian design with this exquisite vintage silk sc...
Valentino Artisanal Silk Lace Hand-Painted Embroidered Fringe Shawl, SS 2002
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani, Spring-Summer 2002. Artisanal patchwork shawl assembled from irregular panels in a muted palette of ivory, antique gold, powder blue and soft floral tones, each s...
Valentino Garavani, camouflage printed scarf
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino Garavani, camouflage printed scarf in green. The item has a small stain further in very good condition.
Valentino Bold Multi-Color "Butterflies" Silk Scarf
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino wonderfully elegant bold multi-color "Butterflies" silk scarf measures 34" x 34" and finished with hand-rolled edges. This wonderful scarf is made in Italy.
VALENTINO VLOGO 100% cashmere red jcquard fringed blanket scarf
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO VLOGO 100% cashmere red jcquard fringed blanket scarf Reference: MELK/A00580 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: Fall/Winter 2021 Material: Cashmere ...
Valentino "Whimsical Swirls & Bursting Florals" Silk Scarf
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino wonderful "Whimsical Swirls & Bursting Florals" silk scarf with hand-rolled edges, measures 33 and a half inches by 34 inches. Made in Italy.
Valentino "boutique" Red, White & Blue Silk Chiffon Scarf
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino "boutique" red, white & blue silk chiffon scarf measures 12" x 67". The silk chiffon scarf is double-layered.
Valentino Multi-Color Wool Plaid With Lambskin Leather Edge Scarf
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino multi-color plaid wool scarf is accnetd is lambskin leather finish edges. The scarf measures 10" x 54".
Valentino White and Camel Square Silk Twill Argyle Signature Scarf – 16”, 1970s
By Valentino
Located in Tucson, AZ
With just enough pop to catch the eye, this otherwise neutral signature scarf pairs with almost any colorway and is large enough to wear around the neck, on the head or on a purse ha...
Valentino Vintage Red Black Silk Scarf
By Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino vintage red and black silk scarf, 30"x30"
Valentino, cameo printed fringes scarf in black
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino, cameo printed scarf in black with raw fringes. The item is in very good condition.
Valentino Lace and Fur Scarf - '10s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Stay stylish and cozy with the Valentino Lace and Fur Scarf. Made of navy blue wool, this long wrap style scarf is accented with intricate lace panels and luxurious animal fur, provi...
Beautiful Vintage White Sheer Pearl + Beads + Sequins Encrusted Shawl Scarf
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage white sheer oversized piano shawl / scarf! Feature thousands of hand-sewn pearl, beads, rhinestones and sequins. Pearl tassels feature pink iridescent pailliettes o...
I Magnin 1970s Turquoise Teal Blue Paisley Print Metallic Large 70s Fringe Shawl
By I Magnin and Co
Located in San Diego, CA
Brilliant large 1970s I MAGNIN turquoise / teal blue rayon fringed piano shawl ! Paisley print in vibrant colors of fuchsia pink, purple, green and yellow throughout. Metallic gold ...
Early 1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Floral Medallion Silk Square Scarf
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful baroque Atelier Versace square silk scarf designed by Gianni Versace. This scarf features pastel-colored Greek/Roman coins, ancient carved scenes, and multicol...
S/S 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Lava Print Pink Silk Square Scarf
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare pink lava print Gucci scarf designed by Tom Ford. The lava design debuted on the men's Spring/Summer 2001 runway and was used heavily in womenswear. This print was quite popular, and Kim Cattrall...
H 54 in L 54 in
Hermès “Claire De Lune” Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a Hermès Silk Cashmere Clair De Lune Shawl in Black and White. This stunning scarf is composed of 70% cashmere and 30% silk, and features a beautiful motif on a black and whi...
W 36.4 in L 143.7 in
Yves Saint Laurent Attributed Printed Silk Chiffon & Feathers Scarf Stole
Located in Geneva, CH
Most probably by Yves Saint Laurent (similar designs are to be found in different YSL collections, like the iconic SS1977 "Les Espagnoles et les Romantiques" / see picture 2), this ravishing vintage silk chiffon scarf...
H 35 in L 35 in
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Tuileries" 1990
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed by Joachim Metz in 1990, with no reedition this is a really ...
Chanel Tan/ Brown Rabbit Fur Stole w/ Leather Quilted Stitching at Trim
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Tan Rabbit Fur Stole w/ Leather Quilted Stitching at Trim Color: Tan and brown Materials: 100% Rabbit Fur; Lining- 50% Wool; 50% Cotton Overall Condition: Excellent with the e...
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Potiron Brun and Miel Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Potiron, Brun and Miel. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the g...
H 35 in L 35 in
Gucci Burgundy Silk Twill Key Scarf
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci silk twill gold key scarf. Hand rolled edges. Great condition with minor wear. Does not include box.
W 7.5 in L 33 in
Mink Red and Navy Hat and Scarf Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The hat features blue and red mink hat with red silk lining and a matching blue mink scarf. Could be sold separately. Measurements: The hat - 11.5 inches high, 1...
W 27.56 in L 78.75 in
Iris Mink Cashmere Merino Soft Handwoven Modern Artisanal Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Iris Mink Cashmere Merino Handwoven Scarf by Studio Variously in designed Michigan and handwoven by master artisans in Nepal, is more than a scarf—it is a story of craftsmanship, car...
Valentino stole by Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri circa 2015
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2015 under the artistic direction of Pier Paolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri. Aqua-green and beige lace stole embroidered with mul...
W 35.83 in L 35.83 in
Valentino Garavani 'V' Logo 'Toile Iconographe' Silk Scarf
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani 'V' Logo 'Toile Iconographe' Silk Scarf Fuchsia pink scarf fully crafted from silk with an all-over signature 'V' logo motif. Featuring 'Valentino' signature let...
Size: one size
Valentino, butterfly printed scarf with raw edge
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino, butterfly printed scarf with raw edges. The item is in good condition. Smal pulls in the fabric.
W 53.15 in L 53.15 in
Valentino, butterfly printed scarf with raw edges
By Valentino
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Valentino, butterfly printed scarf with raw edges. The item is in good condition. Smal pulls in the fabric. CONDITION: very good condition MEASUREMENTS: length 135 cm, width 135 c...
Size: One Size
Valentino Paisley Print Scarf - '90s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Valentino chiffon scarf from Miss V label, featuring paisley prints around a unique animal skin pattern center, and delicate rolled edges. Inclusion: envelope-style folder. Remar...
VALENTINO multicolor cotton & silk 2022 WAVE LOGO Pareo Scarf
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino pareo is crafted in rainbow-colored Waves Logo printed voile silk (28%) and cotton (72%)—please note the content and size tag are missing. Lightweight a...
VALENTINO black silk & wool 2023 VALENTIE VLOGO Tie
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino ValenTie in black wool (74%) and silk (26%) adds a modern, luxurious touch to tailored looks. Featuring a pre-knotted design for effortless styling, it ...
VALENTINO orange cotton & silk 2024 KALEIDOSCOPE Headscarf Pareo Scarf
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino headscarf in multicolor silk (56%) and cotton (44% - please note the content tag is missing) features a vivid kaleidoscope print that adds a bold, graph...
VALENTINO dark grey alpaca virgin wool slim short rectangular scarf
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO dark grey alpaca virgin wool slim short rectangular scarf Reference: MLCO/A00024 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Alpaca, Virgin Wool Color: Grey Pa...
W 69.69 in L 27.56 in
Valentino Wool, Silk & Cashmere Blend Lace Paneled Plisse Scarf
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Valentino Wool, Silk & Cashmere Blend Lace Paneled Plisse Scarf Dusty pink scarf crafted with plisse woven fabric. Featuring lace-paneled detailing. Size – Height 70cm...
VALENTINO black grey wool silk polka dot chevron double side fringe scarf
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO black grey wool silk polka dot chevron double side fringe scarf Reference: KEDG/A00265 Brand: Valentino Material: Wool, Silk Color: Black, Grey Pattern: Polka Dot Extra Det...
VALENTINO Brown & Gold Silk Marbled Square Scarf
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO scarf comes in brown & gold marbled silk. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Measurements: 33 inches x 34 inches Sui Generis Reference: 1116...