1990s Valentino Black Chiffon and Velvet Dress Shirt Dress
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing 1990s Valentino little black shirt dress from Holt Renfrew Canada.
1990s Valentino Black Chiffon and Velvet Dress Shirt Dress
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing 1990s Valentino little black shirt dress from Holt Renfrew Canada.
$3,249Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino Important Evening Dress in Black Velvet and Silk
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
The dress has the original label. The dress is made of a very elegant black velvet and consists of a one-shoulder corset, on which you can see a sweetheart bow, which is closed by sm...
Black velvet and jersey evening dress with rhinestone Valentino Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and jersey evening dress with rhinestone embellishment. No fabric composition tag but the jersey is probably silk jersey. And silk piping between velvet and jersey. Drap...
1980's Black Velvet Valentino Cocktail Dress With Jersey Sash
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Long sleeve black velvet Valentino cocktail dress from the 1980's with a jersey sash detail.
Valentino Miss V Black Velvet and Sheer Silk Cocktail Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Miss V
Located in Milano, IT
Refined and architectural, this vintage Valentino cocktail dress blends sensuality and structure in a timeless silhouette.
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 Black Silk and Velvet Dress with Coat - 10 - Circa 1980s
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Black Silk and Velvet Dress with Coat - 10 - Circa 80's This spectacular and timeless vintage dress and coat is in excellent condition with the exception of one button mis...
Black velvet cocktail dress with a deep V lace neckline Valentino Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet cocktail dress with a deep V lace neckline. Lace on the top part of the sleeve. Shoulder-pads.Acetate lining. Zip on the right side. Bow and hook&eye in the middle back....
1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers: A stunning tuxedo-inspired silk velvet and Duchess Satin Semi-Formal dress that is perfect for the holiday...
Valentino F/W 2003 Black Velvet 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Maxi Dress Gown US 8
By Valentino
Located in Montgomery, TX
Valentino Black Velvet Beaded Maxi Dress Gown F/W 2003 Runway Collection US size - 8 Black velvet 20s inspired Gatsby dress finished with lots of black onyx cabochon and crystals ove...
NEW VALENTINO ruffled green velvet midi runway dress, 2016
By Valentino
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Lush green velvet midi dress with ruffled neckline from Valentino exactly as seen on the fall 2016 runway. Italian size 40. Approximate measurements: bust 32-34", waist 27", hips 45"...
1980's Valentino Black Velvet and Crepe Gown
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gorgeous black velvet and crepe Valentino gown from the 1980’s.
1997 Valentino Brown and Lilac Devore Velvet and Lace Dress
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This Valentino Boutique dress is crafted from a lightweight silk-mix devoré fabric. We have seen identical prints in different colourways in both the Fall 1997 and Spring 1998 collec...
Valentino Garavani 1993 Vintage Black Silk Velvet Gown Women's Size 36
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1993 Valentino Black V neck silk and velvet gown. ( runway picture attached) Bust” 36” / Waist: 26”/ Hip 38”
VALENTINO Size 32 Navy Wool Mohair Velvet Stripe Pleated Button Fly Dress Pants
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO dress pants in a navy wool mohair fabric featuring velvet side stripes, pleated design, and button fly closure. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: IT...
Valentino 1971 Pierpaolo Piccioli Prefall 2018 Velvet snake crystal dress
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino 1971 x Pierpaolo Piccioli Pre-Fall 2018 Collection Black velvet dress partially draped around a rhinestone-embellished snake motif.
Valentino Night Vintage Black Velvet & Lace Plunging Gown, c. 1980s–1990s US 6
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino Night
Located in Montgomery, TX
A rare and striking vintage evening gown from Valentino Night, rendered in sumptuous black velvet with exquisite lace detailing — a hallmark of the label’s more exclusive formalwear....
1980's VALENTINO black wool coat and matching skirt with velvet detail
By Valentino
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black wool coat and matching skirt with velvet detail designed by Valentino dating to the 1980's. Jacket is labeled an 8 and skirt has no size label. Coat measure approximately: shou...
Alexander McQueen Rare Vintage Black Velvet White Chiffon Dress Gown NEW
By Alexander McQueen, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alexander McQueen 2009 romantic fantasy holiday gown. Strapless bodice fashioned of rich black velvet with panniers at each hip extending into full voluminous layers of white silk...
VALENTINO Black Velvet & Pleated Taffeta Dress
By Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Here is a super sexy Valentino gown. * It has a deep plunging neckline with light gathering on the shoulders. * It has beautiful knife pleating around the waist, hemline & down t...
Valentino Sheat Black Silk Velvet Italian Dress, 1980
By Valentino
Located in Brindisi, IT
Valentino 1980's vintage evening gown dress, with relief velvet accents on the front, transparent silk sleeves and bust, an item of rare elegance.
Vintage Valentino diamond black velvet cocktail dress
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, ON
Vintage Valentino diamond black velvet cocktail dress has dainty pockets at the waist of the dress, the perfect place to put a lipstick for quick touch ups!
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Couture Sequins Silk Velvet Black Gown Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO "New" Couture, sequins, one shoulder strap, velvet black gown dress - Unworn.
Valentino 1980s Silk & Black Velvet Dress with Pockets Size 4.
By Valentino Night, Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
Night by Valentino 1980s blue / purple silk with black velvet sleeves & neckline dress with pockets is a size 4.
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Black Velvet Corsage Striped Shirt Lamé Silk Skirt - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO black velvet corsage, more striped shirt alternative, lamé silk skirt, 3 pcs - Unworn, new SIZE: equivalent to about Small / Medium, please review approx measurements as f...
Valentino Black Wool Crepe And Velvet Evening Dress, Circa 1980's
By Valentino
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Valentino, Circa 1980's black wool crepe, button front, faux pocket and pleated skirt evening dress with black velvet waistline and lined in silk.
1980s VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Silk Velvet And Organdy Evening Dress
By Valentino
Located in Milan, Italy
This stunning Valentino Boutique 1980s evening dress is in silk velvet and transparent organdy, draped waistband, side zip and hook and eye closure and snaps on the left shoulder.
Unavailable
70s VALENTINO VELVET SET
By Valentino
Located in Miami Beach, FL
CLASS ACT
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Black Velvet Waistband Collar and Cuffs Silk Red Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO black Velvet Waistband Collar and Cuffs, Silk Red Dress - Unworn, New.
80s Valentino Black Velvet Column Gown with Rouched Cream Bodice
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
80s Valentino Black Velvet Column Gown with Rouched Cream Bodice. Structured interior bodice with boning and hook and eye closure. Zips up the back over the interior "corset". Fully ...
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Velvet Corsage Silk Flounced Gown Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO Haute Couture Velvet Black Corsage Silk Flounced Black Gown Dress - Unworn, New.
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Black Cashmere Jacket Collar Velvet Skirt Suit - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO black cashmere embellished collar jacket velvet wool skirt suit - Unworn, New .. SIZE: equivalent to about Small / Medium, please review approx measurements as follows in c...
Vintage 1970s Valentino Novelty Acorn Print Velvet Swing Jacket & Maxi Skirt Set
By Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Valentino’s work is timeless and dramatic. This early Valentino boutique creation, dating back to his fall-winter 1977 collection, is very unique in many ways. The novelty chestnut r...
Valentino Black Velvet & Lace Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Vintage black velvet and lace dress by Valentino. Stand collar.
Valentino Boutique Velvet Dress - '90s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
From Autumn Winter 1991 collection, this Valentino Boutique Velvet Dress features a fitted silhouette and a velvet lower part with a contrasting orange upper. The V-neck and short sl...
VALENTINO Size 4 Black Velvet Collar Plaid Skirt Vintage Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage VALENTINO BOUTIQUE dress features a double breasted twill top with a velvet collar and shoulder pads with a cream and black textured skirt bottom.
Valentino Black + White flocked Velvet dress with Lace detail
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino black and white cut velvet on chiffon Victorian inspired dress with chantilly lace detail at neck, shoulder and hem.
Valentino Night black velvet and gold sequined cocktail dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino Night 20's inspired dropped waist velvet cocktail dress.
Dress bodice is plain velvet with cap sleeve. From hip down dress is embellished with gold sequins forming a...
1980S VALENTINO Black Silk Velvet & Ruched Satin One Shoulder Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Boned and fully lined in silk organza for structure, beautifully hand finished and made. 1980S VALENTINO Black Silk Velvet & Ruched Satin One Shoulder Cocktail Dress
Valentino Boutique Black Velvet Shift Dress-Circa 90's
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Valentino Boutique Black Velvet Shift Dress with Ivory Satin Bow Detail down arm.
Valentino Velvet and Wool Crepe Belted Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino, black wool crepe and velvet, belted cocktail dress.
VALENTINO red cross checked textured velvet spaghetti strap cocktail dress
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO red cross checked textured velvet spaghetti strap cocktail dress Reference: LACG/A00247 Brand: Valentino Material: Velvet Color: Red Pattern: Other Closure: Zip Extra...
1980s VALENTINO Black Velvet Long sleeve Gown with Gold Bow
By Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1987 Chic Valentino Black Velvet long sleeve gown with silk lame bow and exaggerated collar and shoulder pads.
Draped Cocktail dress in pink silk and velvet Valentino Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long cocktail dress draped on the bust with pink and fushia silk, the sleeves are in black velvet and the skirt in black crêpe . There is a bustier inside the dress ( close with ling...
Valentino Night Black Velvet and wool Cocktail Dress with cross straps, 1980's
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a black cocktail dress by Valentino Night, from the 1980's.
VALENTINO 1980s Red Silk Cocktail Dress with Black Beaded Velvet Size 4-6
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Valentino cocktail dress is composed of a striking red silk and features a beaded velvet applique. There is a center back button and zipper closure. Comes with belt. In excelle...
VALENTINO Velvet Cocktail Dress with Pleated Red Contrast Interior Size 6
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Valentino cocktail dress is composed of black velvet and features an interior contrasting pleated detail in red.
Black velvet and off-white silk bow Valentino Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and off-white silk bow
Valentino Night Black Velvet Red Green Purple Striped Silk Gown, 1990s
By Valentino, Valentino Night
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Dating between 1986-1991 this Valentino Night label gown begins with a wide boat neck bodice done in a rich black velvet.
Vintage Valentino Cocktail Black Velvet Bustier Top and Skirt Ensemble
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and fun Late 80s Vintage Valentino black velvet bustier top with feathers and rhinestones bow. Skirt has an asymmetrical cut. Bustier and skirt has zipper on the side. Small ...
VALENTINO Silk Ribbed Tuxedo Evening Coat with Velvet Trim Size 6
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Valentino evening coat is composed of a black ribbed silk with velvet trim. Features a center front button closure and front pockets. In excellent vintage condition. **...
VALENTINO haute couture black velvet dress with lace cut outs
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black haute couture velvet dress with cut out lace appliqués from Valentino dating to the late 1970's.
Valentino Night lace, velvet and silk black Gown
Located in Carnate, IT
Valentino Night Dress. in lace, velvet and silk. Italian size 40. measurements: shoulders 40 cm bust 38 cm waist 35 cm length 140 cm sleeve 60 cm Excellent general condition, shows m...
1990s Valentino Night Black Velvet Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in Port Hope, ON
The dress has some very nice features a draped side; brilliant sequin triangle at the waist and satin trim. There are hidden zip closures on the cuffs and at the back of the dress. ...
Valentino Black Velvet Ivory Satin Ribbon Bow Dress, 1980s
By Valentino
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Valentino is synonymous with romantic, feminine style. Soft details and luxurious fabrics exude a delicate yet powerful aura. In the face of buttoned up 80s culture, Valentino capit...
VALENTINO Size 6 Black Asymmetrical Draped Velvet Cuff & Bow Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage VALENTINO cocktail dress comes in black crepe with a structured shoulder, high collarless neckline, velvet button cuffs, and asymmetrical draped front with velvet bow accent.
Valentino 1970's black crushed velvet and fur trim sleeves dress
By Valentino
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Valentino 7O's style dress made in a crushed velvet and fox fur cuffs sleeves. Raglan sleeves, slit on one side Measurements are taken flat: Ua to Ua 19inch/48cm(x2) - Waist 18inch/4...
Valentino Boutique Velvet and Chiffon Dress - '90s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Achieve an iconic 90s look with this Valentino Boutique dress. Made from luxurious silk and velvet, the upper portion features a cross strap back while the lower chiffon half cascade...
Valentino Night Black Velvet Dress w. Silver Rhinestone Bust & Cuff detail sz 10
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very elegant cocktail dress from Valentino, under his "Valentino Night" label.
1980s Valentino Size 10 Black Beaded Feather Velvet + Silk Vintage 80s Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 80s Valentino black velvet and silk satin long sleeve dress !
1980s Valentino Garavani Gold Lamé Faux Wrap Black Velvet Evening Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black velvet Valentino gown designed by Valentino Garavani.
F/W 1991 Valentino Garavani Runway Ruched Sheer Chiffon Brown Velvet Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chocolate brown velvet and sheer Valentino Garavani dress. From the Fall/Winter 1991 collection, this chic and sexy dress debuted on the season's runway modeled by Yasme...
Valentino Black Embellished Velvet Dress
By Valentino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious velvet black night out dress from fashion house Valentino with a floral embellished design on the front top of dress.The dress can be worn for night out occasions or for co...
Valentino Black Dress Velvet Bow 1980's
By Valentino
Located in Berlin, DE
Valentino black wool dress from 1980's. With velvet ribbon detailed hem.
Valentino Women's Black Velvet Mini Dress
By Valentino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious velvet black night out dress from fashion house Valentino with intricate design on the front top of dress.The dress can be worn for night out occasions or for cocktail purp...
Valentino Women's Black Velvet Bodycon Dress
By Valentino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brand New Valentino Dress Original Tag & Hanger Included Retails in Stores & Online for $5550 Size EUR 40 / US4 Fits True to Size Valentino's silk and velvet combination textile on ...
1980s Valentino Black Velvet Dress
By Valentino
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
Lively Valentino long sleeve dress in black velvet with contrasting ruffles along the collar in white fabric with a black polka-dot pattern.
1970s Valentino Black Velvet Evening Dress
By Valentino
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
Smart Valentino black evening dress with a velvet bodice and cross back straps.
1970s Valentino Black Velvet Evening Dress
By Valentino
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
Smart Valentino black evening dress with a velvet bodice and cross back straps.
Valentino Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Lace and Jewels
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, ON
Valentino Black Velvet Cocktail Dress. Bodice has a cut-out lace design backed with net fabric and nude lining decorated with rhinestones.
Valentino Red Black Wool Velvet Sheath Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Miss V
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Valentino Miss V 90s vintage woman dress. Short dress, red with buttons and black velvet pockets.
1990s Valentino Black Silk and Velvet Evening Long Dress
By Valentino
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Valentino 90s vintage dress in silk and velvet, black with transparent sleeves and shoulders.
Valentino Red Black Velvet Sheath Dress 1990s
By Valentino
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Valentino Miss V 90s vintage woman dress. Long sheath dress, red with shoulder and collar black velvet.
Valentino Red Black Velvet Sheath Dress 1990s
By Valentino
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Valentino Miss V 90s vintage woman dress. Long sheath dress, red with shoulder and collar black velvet.
Valentino black velvet-panel wool & silk-blend dress IT 42
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Valentino black velvet-panel wool & silk-blend dress - Black, velvet - Wide-cut square neck, scalloped edges, long sleeves - Black wool and silk-blend cady A-line skirt, gathered ...
Vintage Valentino Night Black Velvet and Lace Evening Dress
By Valentino
Located in Portland, OR
This is such a fun evening dress by Valentino Night from the 1980s! It is black velvet with three bands of black floral lace running across the bodice and carrying onto the sleeves.
Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top
Located in Water Mill, NY
An intricate, stunning, vintage beige silk lace jacket, bolero, shrug, vest in varying stitches and patterns of flowers and petals- very elaborate. The shoulders are extended forming...
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN pink LEATHER CROPPED BIKER Jacket 40
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen cropped biker jacket in pale pink textured calf leather. With epaulettes, buttoned notch collar, zipper pocket on the chest, buttoned flap pocket on the front, belt...
1990's Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Long sleeve Leopard Zucca print mini Dress
By Fendi
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990’s Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Long sleeve Leopard print mini Dress. MADE IN ITALY. Slightly sheer stretchy material. Repeat FF logos amongst the iconic 1990s Fendi House Leopard pr...
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...
2000S ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Silk Brocade Frock Coat Jacket From The Shipwreck Colle
By Alexander McQueen
Located in New York, NY
2000S ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Silk Brocade Frock Coat Jacket From The Shipwreck Collection Irere
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress, ss 1997
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress with spaghetti straps and scoop neckline. Spring-Summer 1997
Sold|$395
Art Deco Embroidered Fringe Robe
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Embroidered Fringe Robe from the 1920's which can easily be worn belted as a top or jacket. Wrap kimono style with no closures. Floral embroidered Art Deco round panels wit...
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
New Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2002 Black Silk Gown with Leather Tie It. 44
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Black Silk Gown Fall/Winter 2002 Collection Designer size 44 If you're looking for that incredible dress that Helen Hunt wore at the Oscars and one of the models i...
Gucci Off White Silk Shirtwaist Maxi Dress with Tie Belt
By Gucci
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible off white silk maxi shirtwaist style maxi dress from Gucci. It has a notched collar, 4 front flap patch pockets (2 chest, 2 hip) and a matching tie belt. There are Guc...
$538Sale Price|51% Off
Two piece Wool Tweed Suit with Black Fox Fur Collar
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore. Details: 2-piece suit with a skirt and a jacket. Made from wool/tweed The black fox fur collar is non- detachable. Size f...
John Galliano Pink Silk Gown
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A spectacular John Galliano silk gown in ombre shades of pink. The bodice has spaghetti straps and gathers onto 2 angled bands crossing at the waist. It has a 2 tier skirt, the sho...
1940s Vintage Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Collar + 3/4 Cropped Sleeves
Located in Sparks, NV
Flattering vintage 1940s cocktail dress in black velvet with a draped collar and 3/4 length sleeves. Unlined with side metal zip closure. Fits like a modern size small. The bust meas...
$1,265Sale Price|24% Off
Size: Medium
Sensational 1950s Demi Couture Crimson Red Crushed Velvet Vintage Mermaid Gown
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational 50s demi couture crimson red crushed velvet full length mermaid evening dress! Features luxurious crushed silk velvet, with a form fitting bodice and skirt. Dramatic flar...
Lovely Art Deco Burn Out Velvet Gown
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Art Deco Burn Out Velvet Gown from the 1930's. Typical bias slim cut velvet with flutter sleeves with incredible sheer Art Deco arrow designs radiating out. Side snap opening...
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.
With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.
In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.
Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy
Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.
Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.