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.
Purple knit coat with sequin sleeve VALENTINO Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple wool knit coat with sequin sleeve . Silk lining only inside the top part of the coat. Pocket on both side + one chest pocket. SIZE 42 / L
Black taffeta and tulle bustier evening dress VALENTINO Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black taffeta and tulle bustier evening dress with ruffles. Taffeta is made of acetate and rayon. Polyester tulle. Lightly padded bra. Zip closure on the right side. Boned. SIZE 8 (U...
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...
NWT Valentino Finale Ravishing Runway Gown
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Fall Valentino fuschia finale runway gown was designed with a showstopping presence. Structured with an architectural flavor showcasing couture level tailoring. Features a dram...
VALENTINO cream patent leather TAN-GO 60ANKLE STRAP Pumps Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino Tan-Go 60 pumps in cream patent leather, a sleek reinterpretation of the classic pump with the house's signature branding. Crafted from luxury patent leather...
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...
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 2007 Look 58 Maxi lilas satin dress with embroidered tulle
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Spring/Summer 2007 Collection - Look 58 Long lilac satin gown featuring matching-colored tulle inserts, embellished with coordinating chiffon embroidery. Very good conditi...
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 bolero jacket by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli 2015
By Valentino, MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2015 under the artistic direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. Gray chinchilla fur bolero jacket with short sleeves, ...
Valentino Spring 2000 Look 31 Beige suede lace pants
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Spring/Summer 2000 Collection - Look 31 Beige suede lambskin trousers with ecru guipure lace inserts. US size 8. Very good condition.
$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...
Ivory sil shirt with ruffles collar VALENTINO Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Ivory sil shirt with ruffles collar. Shoulder pad. One fabric button and buttonhole closure on the middle front + one hidden snap. Shoulder pad. Zip closure on the bottom of the slee...
Vintage 1970s Valentino Grey Soft Cashmere Silver Sequins 70s Turtleneck Sweater
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size Small - Medium (tons of stretch) Measurements: Bust: 34–44 inches Waist: 24–30 inches Exceptional vintage 1970s Valentino cashmere sweater...
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 Love Latch grommet blue leather ankle wrap strappy kitten pumps EU37.5
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO Love Latch grommet blue leather ankle wrap strappy kitten pumps EU37.5 Reference: TGAS/G00466 Brand: Valentino Designer: Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Model:...
Valentino Vintage Silk Dress with Cut-Out Waist, Floral Print, Size 10 SS 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 side waist an...
Valentino Boutique Spring 2000 Look 32 Suede floral painted sand leather pants
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Boutique Spring/Summer 2000 Collection - Look 32 Beige lambskin suede trousers, hand-painted with a white floral motif. Size 6 US. Very good condition.
Valentino Spring 2002 Black crepe silk and satin ruffle pants
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Spring/Summer 2002 Collection Black silk crepe and satin trousers featuring a ruffled design. Size 6 US. Very good condition (composition label missing; one tiny pulled th...
Valentino Boutique Spring 2000 Look 85 Maxi red roses lace dress
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Boutique Spring/Summer 2000 Collection – Look 85 Exceptional ecru crêpe dress featuring red rose embroidery and shoulder straps. Size 36. Very good condition (minor marks ...
Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli FW24 Crystal Bow Crepe Couture Mini Dress
By Valentino
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Valentino short dress in black Crepe Couture from the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Pierpaolo Piccioli's final ready-to-wear season for the house. A widely documented style, the dress...
Valentino 1990s Vintage Silk Beaded Dress Black White Ombre Size 8
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous off white silk dress completely covered in black and white glass beads from Valentino Boutique. It is sleeveless with a scoop neckline...
Valentino Spring 2005 Look 73 Maxi red ruffled dress
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Spring/Summer 2005 Collection - Look 73 Red maxi dress featuring a pleated satin bodice, a button-front skirt with organza ruffles, and a faux white pearl belt. Very good ...
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 blue leather VSLING MINI RHINESTONE Bag
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino VSLING mini bag in blue denim with blue and clear rhinestones, exquisitely crafted in a structured, refined silhouette that blends casual texture with coutur...
Valentino Vintage Brown Jacket, Size M, made of wool, from the 1980s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
A brown wool jacket by Valentino Boutique dating from the mid-1980s. It features pronounced shoulders that create a boxy, geometric silhouette with a narrow waist, while the hips fla...
Valentino New Off White Silk Jumpsuit with Slit Open Back, Size 4
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 New Vintage Silk Halter Gown with Waist Cut outs & Train 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 Bridal L'Amour ivory wool crepe silk lace collar A-line dress IT42 M
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO Bridal L'Amour ivory wool crepe silk lace collar A-line dress IT42 M Reference: LACG/A00575 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pierpaolo Piccioli Ma...
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...
Vintage Valentino Linen Jacket
By Valentino, Valentino Miss V
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage jacket by Valentino , Miss V line. In black linen , the jacket has an attractive wave detail running down the front, and soft peplum from the waist. It has a round n...
1980s Valentino Vintage Black Silk Charmeuse with Lace Ruffle Collar Blouse
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...
Valentino Dress by Pierpaolo Piccioli, Pre-Fall 2017
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Pre-Fall 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli. Black lace dress embroidered with sequins and black silk chiffon. Size liste...
Valentino Spring 2002 Beige satin ruffle pants
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Spring/Summer 2002 Collection Beige satin trousers, accented with wing-like details. Size 6 US. Very good condition (slight signs of wear—see photos; composition and size ...
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...
New Valentino Spring 2015 Linen Cotton Coat with Coral Embroidery $4950
By Valentino
Located in Conroe, TX
Valentino Brand New Spring 2015 Floral-Print Linen Blend Long Coat Size Oversized M $4950 A distinctive Valentino long coat crafted from a lightweight linen blend in a warm yellow-...
Brand New Valentino Large Leather Rockstud Tote Bag
By Valentino
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Valentino $2290 Valentino Garavani tote crafted in luxurious saddle-brown full-grain leather, accented with signature Rockstud details and gleaming gold-tone hardware. Desi...
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...
Valentino New Vintage Off White Silk Gown with Lace Cut Outs S/S 2001, Size 44
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 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 Alessandro Michele Resort 2026 Look 22 Mini black pink dress
By Alessandro Michele, Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Alessandro Michele Resort 2026 Collection – Look 22 Black silk mini dress, bodice topped with pale pink pleated silk. Italian size 40.
VALENTINO beige & cream canvas ICONOGRAPH Tote Bag
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino tote in natural and cream Iconograph jacquard canvas, crafted in a spacious, structured silhouette that blends relaxed elegance with signature house detailin...
Valentino Haute Couture Black Silk Top, Pants and Skirt Set with Black Beadwork
By Valentino Couture, Valentino
Located in New Hope, PA
Understated elegance, a three piece ensemble that whispers effortless chic, this is Valentino Haute Couture. From the estate of an International Jet Setter and former Valentino mode...
Valentino Intimo 1990s Dead Stock Cream Satin Bias Cut Lingerie Gown Large
By Valentino Intimo, Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Intimo 1990s cream satin bias cut lingerie gown marked size large. Plunge neckline gown with narrow straps that cross in the back, the gown buttons at the waist back. There...
Brand New Valentino NWT $3, 600 Ivory + Beige Taupe 2004 Size 4 Silk Skirt Suit
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new with tags 2004 VALENTINO color block short sleeve ivory and beige/taupe textured silk skirt suit! Retailed for $3,590 at Neiman Marcus! Features color blocking detailo...
$1,099Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino Boutique Dress
By Valentino
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Valentino Boutique 80s Velvet Dress It features the bodice part with draped silk workmanship while the skirt part is made of elegant black velvet. Inside is the bodice to have better...
VALENTINO 2021 Runway floral butterflies print feather cuff maxi dress IT40 S
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO 2021 Runway black floral butterflies print feather cuff maxi dress IT40 S Reference: AAWC/A01694 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pierpaolo Piccioli Collection: 2021 - Runway Mat...
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 Val...
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...
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 Spring 2002 Look 13 Black crepe silk ruffle pants
By Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Spring/Summer 2002 Collection - Look 13 Black silk crepe trousers embellished with ruffles. Size 6 US. Very good condition (composition label missing).
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
$1,028Sale Price|25% Off
VALENTINO Vintage Leopard Printed Shearling Coat
By Valentino
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Rare vintage lamb skin coat by Valentino, made before year 2000 We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore. Details: 3 gold tone buttons 2 leather pockets Color; B...
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...
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
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 wedding dress by Valentino Garavani circa 2000-2005
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Collection circa 2000-2005, under the artistic direction of Valentino Garavani. Wedding dress with a long train in ecru silk blend and white lace. Size indicated: 42FR....
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 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...
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
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...