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.
Italian Made 18K Gold 1940s Engine Turned CIGARETTE CASE Box 161.6 Gram
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Italian Made 18K Gold 1940s Engine Turned CIGARETTE CASE Box 161.6 gram 3.5 inch by 3 inch by 3/8 inch thick In good condition for its age, no damag...
18k Gold
$3,496Sale Price|30% Off
H 5.25 in W 3.4 in D 0.43 in
FRONTIN-PARIS 1925 French Art-Deco Cigarette Case In 18Kt Gold And Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
A French art deco large cigarette case designed by Frontin-Paris. This is an elegant and very rare cigarettes case created in Paris France during the art deco period, back in the 19...
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier cigarette case crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This distinguished piece reflects Cartier’s renowned mastery in producing refined personal luxury accessories during one of the most celebrated periods of the maison’s history. The case has a substantial weight of 149.2 grams, demonstrating its solid gold construction and superior craftsmanship. Its elegant form, precise engineering, and balanced proportions exemplify Cartier’s uncompromising standards and timeless aesthetic. Pieces of this nature were produced for elite clientele and represent both functional luxury and enduring collectible value. Cartier vanity and smoking accessories from this era are increasingly rare, particularly in such substantial gold weight and preserved condition. The case represents an important example of early Cartier production and serves as both a functional object and a significant collector’s piece. This exceptional Cartier cigarette case would make a distinguished addition to any serious Cartier collection, luxury accessory collection, or antique gold object...
14k Gold
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Cigarette Case, 149.2 Grams, Early 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier cigarette case crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This distinguished piece reflects Cartier’s renowned mastery in producing refined personal luxury accessories during one of the most celebrated periods of the maison’s history. The case has a substantial weight of 149.2 grams, demonstrating its solid gold construction and superior craftsmanship. Its elegant form, precise engineering, and balanced proportions exemplify Cartier’s uncompromising standards and timeless aesthetic. Pieces of this nature were produced for elite clientele and represent both functional luxury and enduring collectible value. Cartier vanity and smoking accessories from this era are increasingly rare, particularly in such substantial gold weight and preserved condition. The case represents an important example of early Cartier production and serves as both a functional object and a significant collector’s piece. This exceptional Cartier cigarette case would make a distinguished addition to any serious Cartier collection, luxury accessory collection, or antique gold object...
14k Gold
18 Karat Gold British Style Cigarette Case - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Add a touch of timeless luxury to your collection with this elegant cigarette case. Crafted in 18K gold, it features a refined and minimalist design with a smooth, polished finish th...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Collectors Retro Style Cigarette Case 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Impressive, and in original condition with its original finish and toning, this minty 14 karat yellow gold retro period cigarette case is quite a luxury find. Rectangular in shape, measuring 4 inches long by 3-1/4 inches wide by 3/8 inch deep, this fine gold cigarette case...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Powder Box, 197 Grams, Early 20th Century Estate
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier powder box crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This remarkable vanity accessory exemplifies Cartier’s timeless elegance and su...
14k Gold
Cartier Antique Solid 14K Gold Powder Box, 197 Grams, Early 20th Century Estate
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
An exceptional antique Cartier powder box crafted in solid 14K gold, dating to the early 20th century. This remarkable vanity accessory exemplifies Cartier’s timeless elegance and su...
14k Gold
Cartier Vintage 18K Case Box, Unisex Collectors Item
By Cartier
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A collectors item. Signature: Cartier Paris, French assay marks Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Dimensions: 4.0cm x 2.7cm x 0.8cm Gross weight: 19.4g
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,425
W 3.15 in D 0.56 in L 3.35 in
Antique European Cigarette case box solid 925 Gilt Silver / 155 gr
Located in SE
Early 20th century solid Sterling Silver cigarette case of excellent quality with engraved decorative pattern on both side, gilt parts and handy nail - catcher attached. Measurement...
Sterling Silver, Gold-filled
1950s Mid-Century Evans Wristlet Compact Vanity Kit and Cigarette Case
By Evans Case Company
Located in New York, NY
1950s Mid-Century Evans Wristlet Compact Vanity Kit and Cigarette Case This 1950s mid-century EVANS wristlet compact vanity kit and cigarette case. Cover s...
Vintage “Straron” No1 Powder Case with Mirror and Lipstick Holder Case
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Starton No1 - Vintage, Antique powder case, could date back to roaring 1920s. Has built in mirror and and a lipstick holder It a perfect vanity c...
Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” Retro Cigarette Case & Black Lighter Set, Circa
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” Retro Cigarette, Pill Or Make Up Case & Black Lighter Set, Circa 1980 A rare and highly collectible Vintage Yves Saint Laurent cigarette...
18k Gold, Gold Plate
Vintage Stunning 1930's Art Deco Marathon Gold and Enamel Cigarette Case Lighter
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning 1930's Art Deco Marathon gold and enamel cigarette case lighter in great working condition, and comes in the original pouch a...
Gold, Enamel
1950s Mid-Century Evans Wristlet Compact and Cigarette Case with Mother of Pearl
By Evans Case Company
Located in New York, NY
1950s mid-century EVANS wristlet compact and cigarette case with Mother of Pearl cover. This elegant vintage wristlet is in excellent condition a...
Rare Vintage Dunhill Gold Plated Red Marble Lacquer Lighter Original Sky Case
By Dunhill
Located in New York, NY
Rare Vintage Dunhill Gold Plated Red Marble Lacquer Lighter, Original Sky Case In a Super Mint Condition. Circa 1970 Rare Vintage Dunhill gold plated Red Marble lacquer Swiss Made ...
Gold Plate
