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 2007 Vintage Runway Burgundy One Shoulder Ball Gown Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Vintage c. 2007 will search runways later a/s/o Rebecca Gayheart at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Burgundy Velvet Ruched / knot effect Side zip Size USA 10 but fits muc...
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...
Black beaded cocktail dress VALENTINO
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black beaded cocktail dress. Main fabric composition: nylon. Tulle lining composition: nylon. Silk lining. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. SIZE 40 (It) 36...
Valentino Silk Crepe Evening Dress with Sheer Back Panel
By Mario Valentino, Valentino
Located in New Hope, PA
Valentino designed this elegant 1980's black silk crepe evening gown with a few interesting details. The dress buttons on the left side with five large Mother of Pearl buttons. On ...
$85Sale Price|45% Off
Valentino Rock stud Patent Pointed Tip Beige High Heel pumps
By Valentino
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A striking blend of elegance and edge, these Valentino Rockstud pumps are an iconic statement piece. Crafted in a glossy nude patent leather, they feature a sharp pointed toe and a r...
Valentino New Oversized Cotton Dress with Bustle Back
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
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 multi leather 2023 ROCKSTUD 100 Sandals Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Rockstud sandals in luminous metallic gold leather, accented with vibrant pink, purple, and pistachio green leather straps. Designed with open round toes and...
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 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 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. ...
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 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 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 set by Alessandro Michele Resort 2025
By Valentino, Alessandro Michele
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Resort 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Alessandro Michele. Set consisting of a dress and cape entirely embroidered with sequins in shades ...
Valentino Silk Dress with Lace Insets
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible black silk dress by Valentino. It is sleeveless, semi fitted with a solid silk skirt and diamond shaped panels over the bustline. There are angular bead enhansed black...
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...
$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 ...
Valentino dress by Valentino Garavani Haute Couture Spring 1998
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Spring/Summer 1998 Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Valentino Garavani. Sleeveless dress in nude tulle embroidered with tubular beads, finished w...
Valentino Silk Dress with Cut out Waist S/S 2005
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous flower print silk dress from Valentino in pink, orange, off white, gold and brown. It is sleeveless with a plunging neckline front and back, cut outs at the waist and a f...
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 Icy Mint green patent leather 2024 VLOGO Slingback Flats Shoes 40
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino 2024 VLogo patent slingback flat in Icy Mint is crafted from glossy patent leather, offering a fresh, modern take on a timeless silhouette. The design i...
VALENTINO nude suede TAN-GO 100 CRYSTAL ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino Tan-Go 100mm high-heel sandals exude refined glamour with every step. Crafted in luxurious rose cannelle suede, they are adorned with shimmering crysta...
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 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 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 Garavani 2003 Black Lace Beaded Evening Gown, Size Small
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
A floor-length evening gown from Valentino Garavani’s FW2003 collection. Black lace bodice with beaded and mesh detailing, square neckline, sleeveless, concealed zip closure. The kin...
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...
Black cocktail dress with leather collar and cuffs VALENTINO
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cocktail dress with leather collar and cuffs with laser cut and embroideries. . Main fabric composition: 77% wool, 23% silk. Silk lining. Invisible zip closure on the middle ba...
VALENTINO black leather 2025 PRESHOES CRYSTAL Ballet Flats Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino by Alessandro Michele Preshoes ballerina shoes are a striking fusion of elegance and edge. Crafted from smooth black leather, they feature crystal and ...
Valentino Chartreuse Silk Back Cutout Jumpsuit 2000s
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great bright chartreuse silk blend sleeveless jumpsuit from Valentino. Simple elegance from the font with a crew neck, straight legs and seam at the waist. The back has that some...
VALENTINO Electric Violet 2022 ONE STUD 100 Satin Pumps Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino One Stud pumps in Electric Violet satin are a bold and glamorous statement piece. They feature a crystal-adorned Rockstud pyramid embellishment, pointe...
VALENTINO brown leather & raffia 2024 ROCKSTUD CAGE WEDGE Sandals Shoes 39
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino Rockstud Cage sandals in Almond (cognac brown) leather combine edgy glamour with summer chic. They feature signature platinum pyramid studs adorning th...
VALENTINO Crepe Couture silver Rockstud scalloped waist Bambolina dress IT42 M
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO ivory Crepe Couture silver Rockstud scalloped waist Bambolina dress IT42 M Reference: LACG/A00496 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: Crepe Couture M...
VALENTINO Pure green silk 2022 CADY KAFTAN MAXI Dress S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino kaftan dress in Pure Green cady silk (100%)—please note the content and size tag are missing—embodies effortless e...
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO blue silk BUGLE BEADED CHIFFON TIE-NECK Dress S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino bugle-beaded tie-neck dress in blue and white chiffon (100%). Size tag is missing. Lined in blue silk (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. ...
VALENTINO purple silk 2022 CAPE SLEEVE CADY MINI Dress 46 XL
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino mini cocktail dress in purple cady silk (100%). Features a crewneck, cape sleeves and two pockets at the waist. Opens with a keyhole button and concealed zip...
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...
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 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 cognac brown leather APHRODITE ROCKSTUD GLADIATOR Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Rockstud Gladiator sandals in cognac brown leather embellished with signature gold-tone pyramid studs. Open with a zipper at the back. Have been worn and are...
Valentino F/W 2004 beaded sheer crop top and black maxi ruffle silk skirt dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE TOP Valentino F/W 2004 cropped silk top with a cut out tulle/mesh bust embellished with beads and sequins and taffeta appliqué. Concealed side zip 100% Silk US 6 ...
Valentino F/W 2003 black sheer beaded plunging backless silk train dress gown
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Valentino Fall 2003 - Look 70 Black floor length dress in silk and tulle, embellished with black beads and sequins Sequin straps edged in beads that criss cross ov...
VALENTINO light ivory leather ROMAN STUD SLIDE Sandals Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino Roman Stud slide sandals in cream leather embody effortless sophistication with a bold edge. Accented with palladium-plated pyramid studs, they feature ...
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 Great vintage condition, minor feeling...
1990's VALENTINO Grecian style silk dress with red pleated single shoulder
By Valentino
Located in San Fransisco, CA
1990's Valentino black silk dress in a fluid fabric with a clean, elongated silhouette. Dress has a relaxed body-skimming fit, it features an asymmetrical neckline with a single plea...
Valentino Runway Inspired Art Deco Beaded Handkerchief Hem Evening Dress Gown
By Christian Dior, Valentino
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...
Valentinoo SS 2005 Embellished Tulle Blouse
By Valentino
Located in Mentone, CA
This exceptional Valentino piece from the Spring/Summer Ready to Wear 2005 collection represents the pinnacle of luxury craftsmanship. Delicate sheer tulle in scalloped edges forms t...
VALENTINO black leather 2024 VLOGO Ankle Boots Shoes 39
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino VLogo Signature 40 ankle boots in black smooth stretch leather. An elegant, sculpted silhouette defined by sleek pointed toes adorned with the iconic VLogo b...
Valentino Colorful Feather Print Dress Gown
By Valentino, Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Colorful Valentino ethereal Grecian-inspired gown fashioned of feather print silk chiffon in shades of violet, sand, green, and blue. Designed to effortlessly drape the body accente...
Valentino Roma Burnt Orange Top
By Valentino Roma, Valentino
Located in London, GB
A stunning top for Spring /Summer by Valentino Roma ( main line) . The top is in a lovely burnt orange colour, with a drawstring neckline and cap sleaves. 100 % viscose . Made in It...
Valentino Polka Dot Silk Dress
By Valentino
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
VALENTINO - Polka Dot Silk Dress. Size 6 (IT). Excellent condition! Description: A luxurious silk dress from the legendary Italian fashion house Valentino. This elegant strapless dr...
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go Patent Leather Pumps
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go Patent Leather Pumps Light grey heels crafted in Italy from high-shine patent leather. Featuring an almond toe, adjustable ankle strap and a block heel. ...
VALENTINO navy blue wool 2022 VLOGO CHAIN CREPE Shorts Pants S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino shorts in navy blue crepe wool (65%) and silk (35% - please note the content and size tag are missing) offer a chic, tailored silhouette. Designed with...
2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This exceptional documented haute couture dress was seen on the Fall 2006 runway, Look 24, and was entirely hand sewn in the Valentino atelier in Rome. Designed by Valentino Garavani...
VALENTINO Rockstud 100 nude patent gold studded caged stiletto heels EU38
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO Rockstud 100 nude patent gold studded caged stiletto heels EU38 Reference: TGAS/F00373 Brand: Valentino Model: Rockstud 100 Material: Leather Color: Nude, Beige Pattern: So...
Valentino Women's Gold Nude Tiered Tulle Lace Gown, Size IT44
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...
Valentino Vintage 1989 Spring/Summer Brown Silk Chiffon Evening Set
By Valentino
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
An exceptionally rare documented two-piece evening ensemble from Valentino, designed for the Spring/Summer 1989 collection and published on page 204 of Valentino, Thirty Years of Mag...
$1,299Sale Price|45% Off
VALENTINO Rare 2013 Nude Silk Georgette Evening Gown Dress 40
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning example of Valentino’s signature "understated romanticism," this floor-length gown debuted on the Spring 2013 runway, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciol...
Valentino Haute Couture Cotton & Guipure Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Geneva, CH
A ravishing and romantic piece of Valentino haute couture dating from the 70's. The short sleeved see-through guipure and cotton dress features...