Vintage Valentino Tiered Floral Print & Metallic Silk Dress W/Ruffled Trim
View Similar Items
Vintage Valentino Tiered Floral Print & Metallic Silk Dress W/Ruffled Trim
About the Item
Valentino
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.
- Hussein Chalayan Cotton Jungle Print Sleeveless Summer DressBy Hussein ChalayanLocated in Studio City, CAHussein Chalayan cotton jungle print sleeveless pillowcase bubble dress with halter underlining. In excellent condition. Size 6. MEASUREMENTS (in inches): Bust - 32 Waist - Free Hip ...Category
Early 2000s British Day Dresses
- 2008 A/H Christian Dior by John Galliano Silk Leopard Cocktail DressBy Christian DiorLocated in Studio City, CA2008 A/H John Galliano era Christian Dior silk leopard print sleeveless dress with diagonal ruching at the waist. Size 8. MEASUREMENTS: Bust - 40" Waist - 31" Hip - 42"Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Anne Klein Silk Mini Dress w/Ikat Print & ElephantsBy Anne KleinLocated in Studio City, CAVintage Anne Klein from the Donna Karan era mini dress w/Ikat-style print featuring elephants and humans wearing hats standing under a temple.Shoulder ties fasten at the back by mean...Category
1970s American Day Dresses
- Chanel 2006C Black Bodycon Dress w/Lace Cutouts & TrimBy ChanelLocated in Studio City, CAChanel 2006 Cruise collection fitted black ribbed stretchy dress featuring a deep V-neckline and transparent lace cutouts design motif below the bust and at the flounced high-low hem...Category
Early 2000s French Day Dresses
- 1970s Pierre Cardin Terry Cloth Maxi Dress w/Multicolored Stripes at HemBy Pierre CardinLocated in Studio City, CAThis 1970s Pierre Cardin terry cloth maxi dress with fitted bodice, A-line silhouette and bright orange, acid green and purple bands at the hem. Zips up th...Category
1970s French Maxi Dresses
- 1970's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Teal Green Smock DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Studio City, CA1970's Yves Saint Laurent teal green smock dress featuring frontal pockets, a subtle slit at either side and 3/4 sleeves. Belt is not included. Size tag 36. In excellent condition. M...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- 1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningLocated in New York, NY1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- Vintage Horrocks Dress and BoleroLocated in London, GBA fun vintage dress by Horrocks with a matching bolero. The dress is in a brown and white print with a lace frill at the hem. The dress has a sweetheart neckline, boning in the bodi...Category
1950s British Day Dresses
- 1930S Russet Brown Bias Cut Rayon Blend Crepe Plissé Gown Slight As-IsLocated in New York, NY1930S Russet Brown Bias Cut Rayon Blend Crepe Plissé Gown Slight As-IsCategory
1930s Formal Gowns
- Vintage French Peasant Dress by Prestige de Chafflet c 1980sLocated in University City, MOVintage French peasant dress by Prestige de Chafflet The cotton print dress is illustrated with a collage of vibrant fruits set against a golden yellow back- ground The Fren...Category
1980s French Casual Dresses
$150 Sale Price62% Off - MORPHEW COLLECTION Peach Tie Dyed Poly Blend Jersey Slinky Dye Print Beach DressBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Peach Tie Dyed Poly Blend Jersey Slinky Dye Print Beach Dress MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced from...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
- 1970S JANICE WAINWRIGHT Maroon Rayon Chiffon Goddess Sleeve Kaftan Style Gown WBy Janice WainwrightLocated in New York, NYAdjustable to fit body with belt 1970S JANICE WAINWRIGHT Maroon Rayon Chiffon Goddess Sleeve Kaftan Style Gown With Crystal Buttons & Metallic Silver DetailingCategory
1970s Kaftans