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.
1990's Valentino Sexy long Purple satin Slip dress with Sheer panel detail
By Valentino, Valentino Intimo
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Superb early 1990's Vintage bias-cut Valentino Purple slip dress, crafted in a shiny satin fabric with a sheer floral devoré panel, a plunged collar line with deep V back, slit up ...
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 Vintage Silk Crystal Embellished Pewter Evening Gown Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Vintage Pewter silver color 100% silk Strap can be worn off the shoulder, too Clear crystal accents (one strap can be re-glued/taped/etc) Invisible side zip Size USA 8 fits...
$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 Silk Crepe Evening Dress with Sheer Back Panel
By Valentino, Mario Valentino
Located in New Hope, PA
Valentino designed this elegant 1980's black silk crepe evening gown with a few interesting details. The dress buttons on the left side with five large Mother of Pearl buttons. On ...
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 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...
VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage Floral Beaded Black Silk Gown Ruffle Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Boutique Vintage 100% silk Jet black silk with beautiful beads, sequins, and threading to create a romantic floral cascading pattern Double v-neck front and back with delic...
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...
FW 1995 Valentino Velvet and Silk Evening Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Marlborough, GB
Valentino black velvet and silk strapless evening dress, Fall Winter 1995 Modelled by Carla Bruni on the runway with the addition of a bow at bodice, and a belt at waist — these deta...
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 Rose Violet leather 2022 VLOGO Platform Sandals Shoes 37
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino sandal is crafted in Rose Violet pink leather and accented with a gold-tone VLogo across the front. It features open toes, a platform base, and block he...
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 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 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...
VALENTINO lamb pink jacket
By Valentino
Located in Rubiera, RE
VALENTINO merinos lamb pink cocktail jacket Reversible jacket with cyclamen pink macramé lace A-line, crew neck, bell sleeves. Side pockets in pink silk. External fabric : merinos l...
$1,800
Valentino New Neon Dress
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible neon dress from Valentino. It has a scoop neckline, full sleeves, a full skirt, and a fitted waist. It is lined in the same fabric and has a ...
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...
Valentino set by Alessandro Michele Resort 2025
By Valentino, Alessandro Michele
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Resort 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Alessandro Michele. Set consisting of a dress and cape entirely embroidered with sequins in shades ...
Valentino Silk Dress with Lace Insets
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible black silk dress by Valentino. It is sleeveless, semi fitted with a solid silk skirt and diamond shaped panels over the bustline. There are angular bead enhansed black...
F/W 2017 Valentino Pale Blue Mink Fur strappy stiletto sandals - High heels EU40
By Valentino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fabulous Fall / Winter 2017 Valentino Garavani Pale Blue Mink Fur strappy stiletto sandals - heels MADE IN ITALY. Size; EU 40 / UK 6.5 Featuring a 4" Heel and fully adjustable wrap ...
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 army green canvas CAMU BUTTERFLY EMBROIDERED GUITAR Bag Strap
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino Camu Butterfly guitar bag strap is a striking blend of edgy utility and intricate craftsmanship. Crafted in military green camouflage canvas and richly ...
Valentino one shoulder beige nude silk cut out floral midi dress IT46 XL
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Valentino (from early 2000) one shoulder silk midi dress in champagne beige. Has a beautifully cut out floral hem in embroidered cotton and features a decorative s...
Valentino Maria Grazia Chiuri Pierpaolo iccioli Spring 2016 Elephant set
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino X Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli Spring/Summer 2016 Ready-to-Wear Collection Ensemble comprising a studded cocoa calfskin leather bustier, engraved with an ele...
Valentino 1990s Size 4 Lipstick Red Linen + Rayon Halter Criss Cross 90s Dress
By Valentino Miss V, Valentino
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 dress by Valentino Garavani Haute Couture Spring 1998
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - Spring/Summer 1998 Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Valentino Garavani. Sleeveless dress in nude tulle embroidered with tubular beads, finished w...
VALENTINO pink & black cotton 2025 RUFFLED PAISLEY MUSLIN MAXI Dress S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino by Alessandro Michele dress is crafted in black, pink, purple, and gold paisley-print cotton muslin (100%). It features a relaxed maxi silhouette with r...
Valentino evening bag circa 2000 by Valentino Garavani
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2000 under the artistic direction of Valentino Garavani. Evening bag entirely embroidered with silvery sequins and embellished with flow...
Valentino stole by Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri circa 2015
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
VALENTINO - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2015 under the artistic direction of Pier Paolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri. Aqua-green and beige lace stole embroidered with mul...
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 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...
Valentino- Chartreuse Silk Satin Evening Gown with Crystal Cap Sleeves 2007
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
A floor-length evening gown from Valentino's Autumn/Winter 2007 ready-to-wear collection. Cut in silk satin in a chartreuse green, with a deep V-neckline, centre-front ruching, and a...
Black cocktail dress with leather collar and cuffs VALENTINO
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cocktail dress with leather collar and cuffs with laser cut and embroideries. . Main fabric composition: 77% wool, 23% silk. Silk lining. Invisible zip closure on the middle ba...
Valentino Garavani 2003 Black Lace Beaded Evening Gown, Size Small
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
A floor-length evening gown from Valentino Garavani’s FW2003 collection. Black lace bodice with beaded and mesh detailing, square neckline, sleeveless, concealed zip closure. The kin...
$1,686Sale Price|35% Off
New With Tags Valentino Spring 2020 Leather Runway Bag $2595
By Valentino
Located in Conroe, TX
Valentino Brand New With Tags $2595 Valentino Crossbody Bag White Leather Gold-Tone Hardware Braided Handle & Single Shoulder Strap Fringe Trim Accent Suede Lining & Single Interior...
1980s Faux TortoiseShell and Brass Oversized Sunglasses by Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These exceptional vintage Valentino sunglasses from the 1980s are a true embodiment of the era's opulent and glamorous style. These oversized frames combine sophisticated faux tortoi...
VALENTINO nude suede TAN-GO 100 CRYSTAL ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino Tan-Go 100mm high-heel sandals exude refined glamour with every step. Crafted in luxurious rose cannelle suede, they are adorned with shimmering crysta...
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 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 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...
White cotton sleeveless Tennis mini-dress VALENTINO Sport
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White jersey cotton sleeveless Tennis mini-dress.Zip closure on the top middle front. Thin ligne in gold lurex on the collar. SIZE S/M
VALENTINO Crepe Couture silver Rockstud scalloped waist Bambolina dress IT42 M
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO ivory Crepe Couture silver Rockstud scalloped waist Bambolina dress IT42 M Reference: LACG/A00496 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: Crepe Couture M...
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...
VALENTINO leather leather VLOGO SIGNATURE CHAIN Wallet
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino Garavani wallet showcases the iconic VLogo, embodying the Maison's legacy of elegance. Crafted from black grainy leather, the wallet features a gold-ton...
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
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 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...
Iconic Runway Valentino Garavani Tan-Go 155 black patent platform pumps 39
By Valentino
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Iconic Runway Valentino Garavani Tan-Go 155 leather platform pumps black patent leather! Dare to turn heads in Valentino Garavani’s Tan-Go patent leather pumps. Made in Italy, they...
VALENTINO purple silk 2022 CAPE SLEEVE CADY MINI Dress 46 XL
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino mini cocktail dress in purple cady silk (100%). Features a crewneck, cape sleeves and two pockets at the waist. Opens with a keyhole button and concealed zip...
Valentino Chartreuse Silk Back Cutout Jumpsuit 2000s
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great bright chartreuse silk blend sleeveless jumpsuit from Valentino. Simple elegance from the font with a crew neck, straight legs and seam at the waist. The back has that some...
2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This exceptional documented haute couture dress was seen on the Fall 2006 runway, Look 24, and was entirely hand sewn in the Valentino atelier in Rome. Designed by Valentino Garavani...
VALENTINO army & black leather REVERSIBLE ROCKSTUD ROLLING MEDIUM Tote Bag
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino Guitar Rockstud Rolling reversible tote is crafted from grained Alce calfskin leather, featuring black on one side and m...
VALENTINO black leather 2025 PRESHOES CRYSTAL Ballet Flats Shoes 38
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Valentino by Alessandro Michele Preshoes ballerina shoes are a striking fusion of elegance and edge. Crafted from smooth black leather, they feature crystal and ...
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 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 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 F/W 2004 beaded sheer crop top and black maxi ruffle silk skirt dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE TOP Valentino F/W 2004 cropped silk top with a cut out tulle/mesh bust embellished with beads and sequins and taffeta appliqué. Concealed side zip 100% Silk US 6 ...
$1,580Sale Price|20% Off
New With Tags Valentino Fall 2018 Python Evening Bag Minaudière $2975
By Valentino
Located in Conroe, TX
Valentino Minaudière $2975 Fall 2018 New With Tags & Box Python and Leather Exterior Gold-Tone Hardware Chain-Link Shoulder Strap Leather Lining Push-Lock Closure at Top Shoulder S...