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 S/S 2015 Starfish Silk Organza Sequin Embellished Gown
By Valentino
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Valentino Spring 2015 sheer silk organza “Seastar” gown, one of the most recognizable and romantic Valentino dresses of the decade. From the Spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection, thi...
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 Zandra Rhodes Rnwy Romantic Off-the-Shoulder Silk Dress Gown New!
By Valentino, Dame Zandra Rhodes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valentino Off-the-shoulder ruffled print silk-chiffon gown in salmon pink. An easy carefree style for the warmer months ahead. Features peasant style bodice with lace-up billowing ...
Silk jacquard ivory top and boxer-short lingerie ensemble VALENTINO Bodywear
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk jacquard ivory top and boxer-short lingerie ensemble . SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Valentino Black Halter Gown with Jeweled Floral Details New!
By Oscar De La Renta, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning entrance-making Valentino black silk halter gown. Bias cut style effortlessly and elegantly drapes the body. Open back with back button neckline closure. Back zipper c...
NWT Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Micro Pleated Red Dress with Sexy Cut Outs
By Valentino, Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Givenchy’s Fall collection, 2017 was an all-red retrospective of the rich code established during the Riccardo Tisci years. High style halter evening dress offers knife pleated ski...
Valentino for TWA 1971 Purple Flight Attendant Tunic and Pants Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glimpse at the bygone era of high fashion aviary style. These fabulous TWA stewardess uniforms were designed by none other than the late great Valentino Garavani. This design was i...
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 Spring 2017 Cherry Red Pink Silk Chiffon Evening Dress NEW
By Valentino, Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the runway hits from Valentino’s Spring 2017 collection. Completely sold out. Magical evening dress with flowing skirt fashioned of cherry red and baby pink diaphanous silk...
Valentino Runway Bare Shoulder Full Train Dress Gown new!
By Oscar De La Renta, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valentino cornflower blue elasticized bare shoulders evening dress. One of the "must have" styles from Valentino's Spring collection. Sold out. Features eye catching silhouette ...
$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 brown leather 2024 MOON VLOGO Slingback Flats Shoes 39
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Moon 20 slingback flats in rich Tobacco brown leather, highlighted by a sleek pointed-toe silhouette and the signature gold-tone VLogo accent for understated...
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...
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...
Black crêpe single breasted jacket with beadwork VALENTINO
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black crêpe single breasted jacket with beadwork. Silk lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Shoulder pad. SIZE 4 (Us) 36 (Fr) S
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...
1996 Valentino Runway Purple Sleeveless Beaded Top and Maxi-Skirt
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This archival top and skirt ensemble walked the runway on supermodel Claudia Schiffer as part of Valentino’s Fall 1996 collection. Tailored from vibrant lilac satin and sheer lilac c...
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 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 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 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...
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 Boutique Pale Pink Wool Pleated Skirt c 1970s
By Valentino
Located in University City, MO
VALENTINO Boutique Italian pale pink wool pleated skirt c 1970s The stylish light weight wool skirt is designed with pleated detail on one side Labeled: Valentino Boutique Made in...
Valentino Demi-Couture SS 2001 exquisite silk sequin embellished floral gown
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Extremely rare and breathtaking Valentino Demi-Couture silk floral-motif sequin embellished maxi gown from the Spring Summer 2001 collection. As seen on the runway. Designer : Valen...
VALENTINO black wool silk bateau darted shoulder cape sleeves mini dress IT38 XS
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO black wool silk bateau darted shoulder cape sleeves mini dress IT38 XS Reference: MELK/A00489 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Wool, Silk Color: Bla...
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...
White Valentino Silk Cape Back Dress Dress Size US 4
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
White silk sleeveless dress by Valentino. Square neckline. Open back feature cropped cape detail. Zip closure at back. 33" bust, 28" waist, 40.75" length, 12.25" shoulder width.
Valentino Vintage Classic Black Wool Skirt
By Miss V, Valentino
Located in Sparks, NV
Beautiful and classic black wool skirt by Valentino. Gorgeous construction. Simple and chic. Details: Fully Lined Side Zip Button Closure Marked Size: 8/42 Color: Black Fab...
Valentino Pierpaolo Piccioli Fall 2011 Look 39 Maxi feathers dress crepe silk
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino X Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 Ready-to-Wear Collection – Look 39 Maxi dress in silk crepe printed with a feather motif, featuring a fe...
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 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 Garavani Silk Satin Runway Evening Gown with Crystal Cap Sleeves 2007
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
A floor-length evening gown from Valentino Garavani's 2007 runway collection. Cut in silk satin in a chartreuse green, with a deep V-neckline, centre-front ruching, and a full-length...
Valentino early 2000s black silk ruffle mini dress
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Valentino early 2000s black ruffle mini dress, from circa Spring Summer 2004-2005. This ruffle design is a classic for the house of Valentino. Designer : Valentino Garavani Details...
Velvet devoré lurex top VALENTINO BOUTIQUE
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Velvet lurex top on silk chiffon base. SIZE 40/L
Valentino Spring Summer 1996 runway beige silk mini dress
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Valentino soft beige silk mini dress from the Spring Summer 1996 collection. As seen on the runway on Helena Christensen, and in black colour. Designer : Valentino Garavani Det...
Valentino Roma Spring Summer 2003 black silk ruffle top and maxi skirt set
By Valentino, Valentino Roma
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful Valentino Roma black silk chiffon ruffle top and slit maxi skirt set from the Spring Summer 2003 collection. Similar pieces seen on the Ready To Wear runway. Designer : Va...
2003 Valentino Runway Documented Cream Coat and Skirt Suit
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This timeless wool coat walked the runway as look 34/76 in Valentino Garavani's Spring 2003 collection. The collection had a 2000s-does-1960s feel and this coat leans into that. Tail...
New Valentino Summer Pretty Floral Midi Dress
By Valentino, Zimmermann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valentino new halter maxi dress in a delightful colorful floral pattern. Ruffle halter encircles shoulders featuring open back ruffle treatment. Waist fits semi close to body and ex...
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 early 2000s chocolate brown leather jacket
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Incredible and rare Valentino chocolate brown leather jacket from the early 2000s. Most probably from the 2002-2005 era. Exquisite quality and the softest leather, exemplifies the ex...
Valentino Boutique Silk Ruffle Neck Blouse 1980s
By Valentino Couture, Valentino
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...
Yellow guipure lace evening dress Valentino ( without brand tag)
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Yellow guipure lace evening dress. Zip on the left side. Silk chiffon lining. SIZE L
Valentino for TWA 1971 Purple Flight Attendant Dress and Wool Coat Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glimpse at the bygone era of high fashion aviary style. These fabulous TWA stewardess uniforms were designed by none other than the late great Valentino Garavani. This design was i...
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 coat by Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri Pre-Fall 2014
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - 2014 Pre-Fall ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Multicolored mink fur coat. Composition and size lab...
1999 Valentino Runway Dusky Pink Slip Dress with Embellished Straps
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This archival Valentino dress walked the runway on supermodel Esther Cañadas for the House's Fall 1999 collection. Tailored from pink silk-satin which shines a warm grey or dusky pin...
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 Spring Summer 2000 green silk lace appliqués top
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful and rare Valentino chartreuse green silk camisole top with lace appliqués from the Spring Summer 2000 collection. As seen on the runway, and similar seen in the campaign. ...
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 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 dress by Pier Paolo Piccioli Summer 2018
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - 2018 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Pier Paolo Piccioli. Pink silk and wool balloon dress. Size 40IT indicated, and it fits a 36...
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 blue cotton 2023 FEATHER TRIM DENIM Shirt 40 S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino shirt is crafted in medium blue cotton chambray denim. Designed with a relaxed silhouette, it features 3/4 sleeves trimmed with tonal feathers, notched ...
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...
White guipure dress on silk and tulle lining. Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White guipure dress on silk and tulle lining. THE NECKLESS ON THE PRIMARY IMAGE IS NOT A PART OF THE DRESS ( AND NOT INCLUDE) SIZE 8
VALENTINO 2016 Runway black crinkled leather ribbon lace ballet booties EU37.5
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO 2016 Runway black crinkled leather ribbon lace ballet booties EU37.5 Reference: MELK/A00316 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: 2016 - Runway Materia...
Valentino Crocodile Leather & Weasel Fur Coat - IT 38
By Valentino
Located in Krakow, PL
Designed with a fitted waist and button-front closure, this rare piece offers timeless elegance and versatile wear. Condition: Very good. Minimal signs of wear, including a small pul...
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 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 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...