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
1980s Valentino clip-on earrings still with original tags
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
Valentino really vintage clip-on earrings totally made in Italy with Crystal Swarovski Stones still with original tags
$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 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.
1980s Valentino clip-on earrings still with original tags
By Valentino
Located in Capri, IT
1980s Valentino clip-on earrings totally made in Italy with Crystal Swarovski Stones still with original tags
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 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
$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 ...
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. ...
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
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 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 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 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 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
Vintage VALENTINO V Logo Enamel Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO V Logo Enamel Earrings Measurements: Height: 0.90 inches (2.3 cm) Width: 0.39 inch (1 cm) Weight per Earring: 6 grams Fea...
$7,300 / item
Aquamarine Drop Earrings 18k White Gold
By Karma El Khalil
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold featuring Custom-Cut Pear Drops of Shimmering Aquamarine Aquamarine: 13.11cts 18k White Gold: 5.78g From Karma El Khalil's Conversations With The Moon Collection...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,500 / item
Lavender Quartz Waterfall Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Karma El Khalil
Located in New York, NY
Ethereal Ombre Lavender Waterfall Earrings in 18k white gold, featuring ten graduating custom-cut cabochons of Lavender Quartz. Each earring displays five cabochons of lavender quartz gracefully decending in to a single trillion-cut blue-violet Iolite point. 18k White Gold Lavender Quartz : 36.65cts Iolite : 0.19cts From Karma El Khalil's Conversations With The Moon Collection
Iolite, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Nautilus Gold Shell Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
An oceanic glamour is created in gold. 18k yellow gold forms the shell of a nautilus, beginning with a strand that coils inward into a tight coil as the whorl of the shell. Parallel ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cacholong Lapis Smooth Snail 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Gemstones illustrate a polished snail shell. Cacholong is carved in an asymmetrical teardrop shape as the base. An 18k yellow gold braid rotates in a coil for definition of the shell...
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ammanii Key Earrings with Ankh Amulet in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These Key earrings are masterfully handcrafted from sterling silver base with 18k yellow gold plating, in a satin finish with high grade hand set Cubic Zi...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Ammanii Mix-and-Match Pavé Snake Drop Earrings in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Queen Hatshepsut earrings are a modern take on the power and determination to be who you are and defy the norms. This gorgeous mix-and-match set has a snake carving...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Boulder Opal, Emerald and Lapis Earrings
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Gorgeous trio of custom cut Boulder Opal, sliced Emerald and Afghani Lapis Lazuli set in 18 karat gold. Handmade bezels shaped in ancient lost wax casting method. One of a kind.
Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 18k Gold
Ruby & Moonstone Yellow Gold 22 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
Rose cut Madagscar Rubies 6.5 millimeters 2.80 carats and Sri Lanka Moonstones 15.5 x 11.5 millimeters weighing 17 carats, set in antique Roman f...
Moonstone, Ruby, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Shield Drop Earrings
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Handmade delicate kinetic gold drop earrings in solid 18 karat gold. Also available in silver.
18k Gold
Sapphire Octagon Drop Earrings 18 Karat Gold
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Octagon custom-cut blue sapphire slice earrings set in handmade 18 karat bezels.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tanzanite, Boulder Opal and Emerald Drop Earrings
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
These bold but lithe cascading earrings feature a dazzling array of emeralds, boulder opals and tanzanites framed with hand crafted 18k gold bezels with closed backs. One of a kind.
Emerald, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Loulou de la Falaise 1980s Couture Earrings
By Loulou de la Falaise
Located in Boston, MA
These 1980’s couture earrings are a swinging floral bouquet that reflects the electric charm of Loulou de la Falaise and the extraordinary craftsmanship ...
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...
Vintage VALENTINO Snail Rhinestone Earrings
By Valentino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO Snail Rhinestone Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.38 inches (3.5 cm) Width: 1.22 inches (3.1 cm) Weight per Earring: 14 grams Features: - 100% Authentic VALENTINO...
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