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 Jeweled Bowtie Brooch
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Valentino Garavani couture brooch features a dimensional gilt metal bow-tie-shaped frame, all paved with clear crystal rhinestones. The rare piece features a security ...
Gilt Metal
1980s Logo Gilted Metal Clip On Earrings by Valentino Garavani
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These authentic 1980s vintage clip-on earrings by Valentino Garavani are a quintessential example of bold, high-fashion accessory design from the era. Crafted from radiant gilted met...
Gilt Metal
VALENTINO Crystal Flower Cuff Bracelet
By Valentino
Located in Nice, FR
VALENTINO cuff bracelet featuring a large antiqued silver tone flower embellished with clear crystals. Embossed VALENTINO GARAVANI. Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : inner c...
Iconic Valentino Earrings by Maison Gripoix
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino Earrings, by Maison Gripoix, Paris composed of dozens of hand made multicolored glass beads and pearls pegged into a filigreed base with crystal rhinestone accents and a ruby fruit salad flower. The look is very lush and dimensional. Clip back fittings, Marked "France" but a well documented design for Valentino, Italy by Maison Gripoix. 1960's France. 1.25" x 1". Hand made Haute Couture...
Silver Plate, Brass
Valentino Garavani Couture Brooch Gilded Metal and Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elevate your private collection with this breathtaking Valentino Garavani couture dangling brooch—a rare, stunning masterpiece that commands attention. At its heart lies a striking, ...
Gilt Metal
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Ribbed Gold and Ruby Glass Earrings By Valentino, 1980s
By Valentino
Located in McKinney, TX
Turn up the la dolce vita with these luxe 1980s Valentino clip-ons — a perfect blend of bold Italian glamour and timeless sophistication. Each earring features a radiant ribbed gold ...
Valentino Garavani Couture Gilded Metal Jeweled Bracelet
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Valentino Garavani Haute Couture bracelet features a chunky faceted heavy gilded metal bangle shape, adorned with crystal rhinestones and large faux-coral resin cabocho...
Gilt Metal
Rare Authentic Valentino Haute Couture Jeweled Runway Oval Cuff Bracelet
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One-of-a-kind Valentino hand crafted cuff made for the 2001 Valentino Haute Couture S/S runway show (see photos of model wearing on each arm). This bracelet is the actual one worn o...
An Iconic 1990s Brass and Strass Logo Brooch by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 1990s Valentino logo brooch is a refined and elegant accessory, crafted from brass with a luxurious gold-tone finish. The design features an abstract, oval-shaped form with smoo...
Brass
Valentino Two-Row Costume Pearl Necklace, 1980s
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Two-row costume pearl necklace assembled with knots, with a golden metal and rhinestone fastener representing an elephant. Jewelry from the 1980s. Additional information...
18K Valentino Amethyst and Diamond Perfume Bottle Necklace
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a Valentino briolette faceted amethyst diamond charm monogram necklace. Circa 2000 ~10 carat amethyst, clean and translucent In the shape of a vintage perfume bottle (does no...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Valentino Garavani Rare Snake Iridescent Freshwater Pearl Runway Choker Necklace
By Valentino
Located in Nice, FR
VALENTINO GARAVANI rare runway snake choker necklace. The top has a rigid section of two intertwined bronze snakes with green and black stones. A...
Vintage Valentino Gold Crystal Sapphire Blue Butterfly Earrings Circa 1990s
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone Crystal and Sapphire Blue Crystal Butterfly Earrings. These gorgeous classic earrings feature Clear Blue sapphire Color Crystals set in Gold tone. Clip o...
Mixed Metal
Valentino "Tree" Brooch in Gold-Plated Metal with Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Impressive "tree" brooch in gold-plated metal ornamented with rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 10.5 cm x 8 cm Seller Refe...
Valentino Choker Necklace - '10s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elevate your look with the Valentino Choker Necklace. Made from gold plated metal, this choker style necklace features a striking pyramid pendant with textured metal at the center. T...
Valentino Brooch in Gilded Metal and Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino (Made in Italy) Brooch in gilded metal and rhinestones. Additional information: Dimensions: 13 cm x 7 cm (5.11" x 2.75") Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: ...
Gilt Metal
Valentino Garavani Haute Couture Choker Necklace with Hand Pendant
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
This fabulous Valentino Garavani Haute Couture choker necklace features a chunky double-strand of large off-white resin beads with a faux-ivory textured pattern, complemented with a ...
Gilt Metal
Valentino Garavani Couture Gilded Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elevate your private jewelry collection with this exquisite Valentino Garavani Haute Couture statement bracelet bangle—an exceptional piece that radiates timeless glamour. Designed w...
Gilt Metal
Rare Authentic Valentino Haute Couture Runway Jeweled Square Cuff Bracelet
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One-of-a-kind Valentino hand crafted cuff made for the 2001 S/S Valentino Couture runway show (see photos of model wearing on each arm). These bracelets are the actual ones worn on ...
Valentino pineapple clip-on earrings
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino pineapple clip-on earrings Gold-Plated Includes Designer Box, Jewelry Pouch & Tag Length: 2″ / 5 cm Width: 1″ / 2,5 cm Condition – very good .......Additional informa...
Valentino Fascia Watch
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino watch with leather strap Fascia Collection Case Dimensions – 39mm x 29mm Measurements – fits a wrist size of 16.5 cm or smaller. Condition – very good ........Additio...
Valentino – Collana statement vintage con cristalli sfaccettati anni '80
By Valentino
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Collana Valentino vintage di forte impatto scenico, realizzata negli anni ’80, periodo iconico per la Maison per l’uso teatrale del bijoux couture e delle composizioni materiche importanti. Il design alterna grandi cristalli sfaccettati trasparenti e neri montati a mano, intervallati da elementi gioiello dorati finemente lavorati e impreziositi da micro cristalli. Il centro è caratterizzato da un motivo floreale con cabochon scuro, elemento tipico della gioielleria couture Valentino...
Crystal
Vintage Valentino Tassel Necklace
By Valentino
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous vintage Valentino perfume necklace This rare and collectible necklace. The cording on the necklace is sturdy and silky feeling. The pendant...
Valentino Vintage Perfume Pendant Pink Tassel Necklace
By Valentino
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous vintage Valentino perfume tassel necklace This rare and collectable necklace is made of a bakelite type plastic in a champagne beige color....
Valentino 11.00 Carat Oval Citrine Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Valentino
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1970's Valentino oval Citrine Yellow Gold cocktail ring. This stunning piece features a dazzling 11.00 carat oval citrine center stone, exuding a warm and inviting yellow hue...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Valentino Vintage Gold Tone Turquoise / Pink Rhinestone Drop Clip on Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 80s Valentino gold tone with turquoise/pink rhinestones with black dangle drop clip-on earrings. - Height: 3in, Length on top: 2in.
Valentino Garavani Gilded and Lavender Earrings with Coral Cabochons
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
These mesmerizing Valentino Garavani jeweled clip-on earrings boast a pale gilded metal branch shape ornate with faux-coral glass rhinestone cabochons and purple lavender enamel. The...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Valentino Door Knocker Earrings
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino Gilded doorknocker earrings in unusual square shape. Italy 1980's. Excellent condition. 1 3/4" high, x 1 3/8". Clip back fittings.
Gilt Metal
Valentino Large Jet and Pave Lizard
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Large jet and pave set lizard by Valentino, Italy. Beautifully detailed work with pave crystal accents set onto an black enamel and antique pewter metal finished base. There are se...
Vintage Valentino Faux Pearl, Glass and Rhinestone Starfish Runway Pin / Brooch
By Valentino
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage runway Valentino marked starfish pin is adorned with 5 faux pearls and multitudes of rhinestones and a crystal center. This is very well made and stellar on. It...
Pearl, Base Metal
1970s Costume Jewelry Brilliant Red Clip-on Earrings by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These glamorous 1970s Valentino Costume Jewelry Clip-on Earrings are a dazzling nod to the bold and opulent style of the era, crafted with the house's signature elegance and flair. ...
Valentino Logo Perfume Pendant
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Iconic pendant from Valentino in black bakelite decorated with Swarovski crystals, a silk tassel and cord. The 2 "V"s open to reveal a vial of "Valentino" perfume. Elegant and practi...
$350Sale Price|22% Off
Valentino Diamante Earrings, Jewel Tone Cabochon Accents
By Valentino
Located in New Hope, PA
These Valentino earrings have rhinestones set into a lattice work background. Faux cabochon sapphire, emerald and ruby stones add color and a large faceted rhinestone at the bottom ...
Valentino Golden Glitter Brick Cuff
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Valentino Golden Glitter Brick Cuff is a bold, luxurious, and modern piece of jewelry that combines the architectural charm of a brick-inspired design with the glamour of golden ...
Gold Plate
Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Red Pearls
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Pair of bracelets in gold-plated metal, red pearls, and red rhinestones. Unsigned jewelry from a défilé. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimension...
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone with Sapphire and Rhinestone Earrings, Circa 1980s
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone with Sapphire Blue And Rhinestone Earrings. Pave Style Crystal Stones on 3D Heart Earrings with Classic V Shape at the Top of the Earrings. Clip On. Thes...
Mixed Metal
Valentino Pair of Bracelets Haute Couture in Black Pearls
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Pair of bracelets in gold-plated metal, black pearls, and rhinestone rings. Unsigned jewelry from a défilé. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimens...
Valentino Gilted Metal Cuff Bracelet
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Gilted metal cuff bracelet adorned with rhinestones and glass cabochons. Additional information: Dimensions: Width: 4 cm (1.57 in) Opening: 2 cm (0.79 in) Circumferenc...
Gilt Metal
Valentino Starburst Runway Ear Clips
By Valentino
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Here are another pair of stunning runway earrings from the master Valentino. Shaped like starbursts with undulating rays, the centers are set with "coral" stones. Large and impressive!
Valentino Brooch in Golden Enamelled Metal Spindle
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Golden enamelled metal spindle. Additional information: Dimensions: 8 H cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BR10
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Valentino Clip Earrings in Golden Enamelled Metal
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Golden enamelled metal clip earrings. Additional information: Dimensions: 8 H cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BO324
Enamel
Valentino Golden Enamelled Metal Clip Earrings
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Golden enamelled metal clip earrings. Additional information: Dimensions: 5 H cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BO325
Enamel
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings with Resin Cabochons
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings with resin cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 4 cm Seller Reference: BO120
Valentino Pink Necklace in Black Enameled Metal
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Necklace in black enameled metal, costume pearly beads, and black rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: from 95 cm to 1...
Enamel