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.
Valentino Black Suede Rhinestone Beaded Bow Tote
By Valentino
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Valentino Black Suede Rhinestone Beaded Tote in good condition. Black suede exterior trimmed with multi color rhinestones and beads in silver, red, gra...
Marc Jacobs black Nylon Beaded Tropical Chappy Bird Tote
By Marc Jacobs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Marc Jacobs black Nylon Beaded Tropical Chappy Bird Tote in excellent condition. Black nylon exterior trimmed with a multicolor beaded parrot on the front side, ribbon tied sides, bl...
Red Valentino Gold Sequin Ruffle Tote
By REDValentino
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Red Valentino Gold Sequin Ruffle Tote in fair condition. Three ruffled layers of gold sequins over a beige canvas tote trimmed with tan leather. Signature Valentino name place along backside. Double top handles and removable matching leather shoulder strap easily convert between tote and shoulder bag styles. Top snap closure opens to an unlined canvas interior with attached tan leather zip pouch. Overall fair condition. Yellow stains on canvas bottom and under sequin ruffles. This is not immediately visible when worn. Delicate scuffs/small marks on leather trim throughout and one small area of missing sequins on top tier. Off center valentino plate...
Chanel Astrakhan Black Leather Ruched Shopping Tote
By Chanel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chanel Astrakhan Black Leather Ruched Shopping Tote in excellent condition. Limited edition black leather ruched astrakhan front and back with CC quilted along both sides. Striped quilted pattern along sides and base. Top double leather wrapped and woven chain handles. top zip closure opens to a maroon nylon interior with 3 slit, one zipped, one flap side pocket and an attached silver chain key/wallet...
Prada Black Patent Leather Gaufre Ruched Shoulder Bag Tote
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Prada Black Patent Leather Gaufre Ruched Shoulder Bag Tote in excellent condition. Black patent leather exterior in signature ruched gaufre style t...
Jil Sander Black Python Snakeskin Shoulder Bag Tote
By Jil Sander
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This beautiful Jil Sander snakeskin bag is a fashionistas dream. The exterior is in perfect condition with no signs of wear. The sturdy double leather strap feature fits comfortably ...
Black Carlos Falchi Studded Python Tote Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Black Carlos Falchi Studded Python Tote Bag. This tote bag features a python body, silver-tone hardware, and dual flat top handles. 17" L x 10" H x 7" D, 8" handle drop.
French Sequin Black Linen Bag
Located in New York, NY
Chic Sequin French Bag on black linen base. Elegant and timeless detailing with even seed bead borders on the interiors and edges of strap. Moire taffeta...
Chanel Black Rhinestone Bon Bon Tote
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Chanel Leather Chain Tote from the Collection by Karl Lagerfeld. Features black calfskin with embellished CC logo on front, silver toned hardware, chain link shoulder straps, sna...
VALENTINO black shiny snakeskin leather bow side shoulder hobo bag
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO black shiny snakeskin leather bow side shoulder hobo bag Reference: MELK/A00385 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Anima...
Oscar De La Renta Black Leather Embellished Tote Bag
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your everyday style with the Oscar De La Renta Black Leather Embellished Tote Bag. This classic black tote is a true work of art, seamlessly blending sophistication with whimsy through its intricate embroidery and beaded embellishments. This tote bag stands out with its captivating and whimsical embroidery. The meticulous craftsmanship showcases intricate patterns and whimsical motifs, adding a touch of artistry to your ensemble. The bag is adorned with exquisite beaded embellishments that glisten and catch the light. Each bead is carefully placed to create a stunning visual effect that sets this tote apart from the ordinary. Crafted from high-quality black leather, this tote exudes luxury and durability. The black leather serves as an elegant canvas for the colorful and detailed embellishments, making it a versatile accessory suitable for both day and evening wear. Inside, you'll find a generously sized interior that can accommodate all your essentials and more. Whether you're headed to work, running errands, or going out for a night on the town, this tote offers ample space to carry your belongings. Stay organized with the inner pockets that provide convenient storage for your smaller items, such as your phone, keys, or makeup. No more digging around in the depths of your bag to find what you need. Style this with a Prada leather jacket, some Miu Miu kitten heels...
VALENTINO black fabric mesh floral lace applique leather trim crossbody tote bag
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO black fabric mesh floral lace applique leather trim crossbody tote bag Reference: MELK/A00383 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Material: Mesh, Fabric Color: B...
