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.
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
$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 ...
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
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 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 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
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. ...
$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 ...
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone Clip-On Earrings with Diamante and Blue, 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 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 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 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
$1,412
Chanel earrings
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal clip-on earrings. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 4 cm BOB52
EMMONS signed vintage gold tone glass designer pierced earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed EMMONS • gold tone with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 59 ❤...
18 Karat Gold 2.61 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Flower Drop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 2.61 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Flower Drop Earrings Let’s rediscover the depths of magnificence with the most pristine pieces of diamond jewelry. Add the fragran...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Domed Bombay Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier Paris Domed Bombay Earrings, measuring 1 inch in length, 5/8 inch wide and 3/4 inch in depth. Set with 2.5 to 4 M.M Pearls and very fine color and luster and furt...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Yves Saint Laurent Gold and Emerald Crystal Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
These late 1980s to 1990s Yves Saint Laurent earrings are made from a gold-tone base metal and crafted to a curved half-hoop shape with careful engraved detailing. They are each set ...
Vintage Gold Door Knocker Earrings 1990s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A fabulous example of the forever classic Vintage Door Knocker Earring. In very good vintage condition. Crafted in gold plated metal. App...
$745 / set
H 2.25 in W 1.75 in D 0.5 in
Monumental Patricia Von Musulin Door Knocker Earrings Sterling Silver
By Patricia von Musulin
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Vintage Patricia Von Musulin Monumental Door Knocker Earring's with Satin Vermeil Finish over Sterling Silver. Beautiful Satin gilded brushed organic finish over hollow ware sterling...
Sterling Silver
Vintage gold door knocker designer runway clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 37 ❤️❤️ VINTAGE ...
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Clip Earrings
By Angela Caputi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
Boucles d'oreilles byzantines Chanel
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Boucles d'oreilles clips en métal doré et cabochons en pâte de verre. Bijou datant des années 1985-1990 sous la direction artistique de Karl Lagerfeld. Con...
Gilt Metal
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sapphire Crystal Rhinestone Earrings, circa 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
Absolutely gorgeous sparkling rhinestone earrings from the mid-century era, featuring faceted Sapphire-colored crystal rhinestones surrounded by clear crystal rhinestone pavé with silver tone hardware. DETAILS: - Screw back clip...
Vintage 2.14Ct Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Drop Earring 18K Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Vintage Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings exude an aura of old-world charm, gracefully blended with modern elegance. Elegantly crafted in 18K Rose Gold, these earrings manife...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Valentino Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Shells Double Drop Earrings
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Valentino Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Shells Double Drop Earrings Gold-plated earrings with double-drop delicate chain design featuring gold shell to each end. Styled with a cl...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 1.38 in L 4.06 in
Valentino Vintage Extra Long Trio Interlocked Hoop Crystals Pearl Drop Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Vintage Extra Super Large Massive Long Trio 3 Oval Interlocked Hoop Crystals White Round Circle Pearl Chunky Statement Exquisite Glamorous Drop Dangl...
Gold Plate
Valentino Golden Metal Earrings with Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - (Made in Italy) Golden metal earrings with rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 12 cm Seller Reference: BO99
Gilt Metal
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings Ornamented with Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings ornamented with rhinestones and black glass paste cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 2 c...
Valentino Golden Metal Earrings Ornamented w/ Rhinestone & Glass Paste Cabochons
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal earrings ornamented with rhinestones and green glass paste cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 2 cm Selle...
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings Ornamented with Three Rhinestones
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings ornamented with three rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 3.5 cm Seller Reference: BO134
Valentino Golden Metal Clip-On Earrings with Rhinestones and Pearly Cabochons
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Golden metal clip-on earrings with rhinestones and pearly cabochons. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Diameter: 1.7 cm Seller Referenc...
Vintage Valentino Large Crystal Gold Sunflower Earrings
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Large Crystal Gold Sunflower Earrings. Two Layers of the Leaves Sit on Top of each Other and the Middle Portion is raised about .25". These are so Special and th...
Valentino Oversized Jeweled Door Knocker Dangle Clip Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
These exquisite Valentino Garavani couture clip-on earrings feature a dimensional gilt metal door knocker shape, paved with tiny crystal rhinestones...
Gilt Metal
Valentino Resort Butterfly Dream Catcher Feather Shoulder Duster Earrings, 2016
By Valentino
Located in Boca Raton, FL
For well over 50 years the name Valentino has been associated with feminine designs that are simultaneously timeless and classic, yet innovative and original. To achieve this careful balance, the Italian designer has frequently drawn inspiration from other eras and other cultures. This tradition continues within the world-renown fashion house, as designers like Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli carry on the iconic Valentino aesthetic. The pair “embraced the concept of multiculturalism” as they created the vibrant 2016 Resort collection. Traditional florals were mixed with designs from a variety of cultures. The line of lavishly embellished garments explored the idea of “harmony that combines different worlds”. These shoulder length earrings reimagine the Native American dreamcatcher. Traditional elements like the hoop with trailing beads and feathers are maintained, while the web is replaced with a colorful feather butterfly. An abundant use of feathers throughout the earrings gives them a soft, feminine look. On the other hand, the oversized earrings’ dramatic drop is visually striking, which is essential to creating the balanced Valentino aesthetic. While the earrings were part of a larger collection, they certainly make a statement on their own. Measurements: length: 8 inches These shoulder duster butterfly dream catcher earrings...
Valentino Gilt Metal Pyramid Clip Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Valentino Garavani gilt metal clip-on earrings. Dimensional pyramidal shape with brushed gilt metal. Valentino hallmark underside. Measurements: 1.25 in. wide (3.1 cm) x 1.25...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Valentino Oversized Lipstick Red Bakelite Hoop Earrings, Signed
By Valentino
Located in McKinney, TX
- Large statement piece - Each earring measures 2.75" tall - Gold tone - Bakelite-style red hoop rings - Clip on earring backs - By Valentino, signed on vers...