The mononymously known Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani is renowned for his fashion house of romantic styles and feminine shapes that he founded in Rome in 1960. Beautiful 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 Garavani evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
Valentino Garavani Evening Couture Bag in Bordeaux Velvet, 2000s
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Extraordinary evening Valentino Garavani bag, made in Italy in the early 2000s, an expression of the romantic and theatrical aesthetic that has made the Maison iconic. The model is d...
Valentino Rare Runway Jeweled Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress Gown Hard to find
By Chanel, Valentino Garavani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the 20th - 21st century the exquisite fashion of Valentino Garavani was embraced by society and fashionistas over the world. When he retired in 2008 his brand of elegance, exqu...
Printed sandals with studs VALENTINO Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sandals in printed leather and studs. 3 buckle closure on the side. Heel's height = 7cm Shoe size = 38 ( It)
Valentino Garavani Beige Lizard evening bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Garavani Beige lizard evening bag, rigid hammered silver-tone metal frame, clip clasp, rhinestone-embellished handle. Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 3 cm.
Valentino Garavani Embroidered Fall 2005 Runway Skirt
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
A rare Valentino Garavani Fall/Winter 2005 runway skirt, an exquisite example of the house’s romantic and highly decorative craftsmanship of the period. This beautifully fitted knee...
NWT Valentino Garavani Runway Printed Leather Over-the-Knee Boots Italian 39.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
A dramatic runway statement from Valentino Garavani, these over-the-knee boots perfectly capture the Maison’s signature blend of refined Italian craftsmanship and bold artistic desig...
$309Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino Silk Georgette cape blouse, Bow back
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NEWARK, GB
A superbly stunning Valentino cream silk Georgette cape style blouse. Soft, lightweight and dreamy this haute couture take on a runway staple is earthr...
Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Ankle Strap Flats in Beige Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
Elevate everyday elegance with the Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Ankle Strap Flats in beige leather, defined by signature oversized stud detailing and a sleek, feminine silhouette. C...
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...
Valentino 2004 Embellished Suede & Sequin Two-Piece Set
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in North Wales, PA
Valentino Early 2000s Embellished Suede & Sequin Two-Piece Set A stunning early 2000s Valentino ensemble pairing a sandy beige suede cropped jacket with a heavily embellished sequi...
Valentino "Rockstud Untitled" Shoes NIB
By Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Untitled leather low-top sneakers in white calfskin with platinum-finish studs and a special "11" label on the tongue. The sneakers feature a lace-up fron...
Valentino Garavani Black pleated silk shoulder bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Garavani Black pleated silk bag, silver-tone metal chain handle with rhinestones. Dimensions: 26x20x3cm.
NWT Valentino Garavani S/S 2020 Runway White Silk Embellished Dress Gown It 38
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Valentino Garavani White Silk Embellished Dress Gown S/S 2020 Runway Collection Italian size - 38 This elegant full-length design features a softly structured silhouette with a h...
Valentino Fall 2005 Look 9 Black crepe silk shirt dress
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino Autumn/Winter 2005-2006 Collection - Look 9 Black silk crepe and matching satin shirt dress, with a coordinating satin tie. UK size 6.
Valentino Garavani Orchid Roman Rockstud Quilted Leather Mules
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Valentino Garavani Orchid Roman Stud Quilted Leather Mules are a sophisticated addition to any high-end wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious quilted leather, these mules feature signatur...
Valentino's Magic Hardcover Fashion Archive Book c 1998
By Valentino Garavani
Located in University City, MO
Valentino's Magic - Elegant hardcover fashion book c 1998 The book is a stylish archive of Valentino's exquisite fashion designs spanning from the early 1960s thru the 1990s Chron...
Valentino Garavani Black Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps IT 38 155mm
By Valentino Garavani
Located in San Diego, CA
Valentino Garavani Black Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps Size: IT 38 (approx US 8) Step into high-fashion luxury with these iconic Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps. Cr...
Valentino Leather VLogo Chain Mini Bucket Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
Opulence, lace, frills, and bows are the signature trademarks of this Italian design maestro. From his international debut in 1962, Valentino has remained true to his intensely-femin...
1985 Valentino Boutique Documented Ad Red Silk Crepe Halter Evening Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Documented 1985 Valentino Boutique evening gown in a vivid coral-red silk crepe, with the same design featured in a period Valentino advertising campaign. The gown has a softly gath...
Evening pump in rhinestone, gold leather on tulle base Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Evening pump in rhinestone, gold leather on tulle base. Height heels =9cm Shoes size 38
$655Sale Price|50% Off
Valentino Spring 2006 Chinese Floral Blazer Jacket
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in London, GB
Absolutely gorgeous, super feminine luxurious archival Valentino jacket from the Spring 2006 collection. Unworn and comes with original tag and spare button. Made from pale green cot...
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 ...
Valentino Fall/Winter 1996 Runway Finale Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Norwich, GB
This gown from Valentino’s Fall 1996 ready-to-wear collection is crafted in the house’s signature red, a hallmark shade closely associated with the brand’s identity. Made from lightw...
Valentino Black Leather Lace Up High Boots Size 38.5
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful Valentino Garavani high boots Leather Black color Lace up Internal zip Height cm 50 (19.68 inches) Heel cm 11.5 (4.52 inches) Plateau cm 2.5 (0.98 inches) With box Original...
Valentino Garavani Purple Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Valentino Garavani Purple Tan-Go Patent Leather Platform Pumps are a striking addition to any high-end wardrobe. Crafted from glossy patent leather, they feature a bold purple ...
1984 Valentino Documented Berry Red Jersey Crystal Leaf Open-Back Gown size 4
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Documented 1984 Valentino Boutique evening gown in exceptionally soft berry-red silk jersey, a cooler raspberry-toned alternative to the house’s classic Valentino red. The gown has ...
Valentino Alessandro Michele Resort 2026 Skirt suite in metallic brocade
By Alessandro Michele, Valentino Garavani
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Alessandro Michele Resort 2026 Collection "Après l'Hiver" Suit in metallic brocade featuring a stylized botanical motif, comprising a jacket and skirt; tiger's-eye butto...
Vintage NWT Valentino FW Runway 2006 Sheer Side Silk Embellished Dress Gown US 6
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Vintage Valentino Sheer Side Silk Embellished Dress Gown US size - 6 F/W Runway 2006 This is a stunning Valentino and it is almost shocking when you realize how deep that side pa...
$3,299Sale Price|40% Off
UNWORN Valentino Draped Cady Silk Evening Cape t Ruffle Dress Gown Bridal 40
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
This Valentino Garavani gown is cut from fluid silk-crepe, artfully draped to enhance the statuesque shape. Understated elegance defines Valentino's vision. Cut from silk-crepe, this...
Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike.It With Metal Rhombus Detail Shoulder Bag in Black Leather
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
An emblem of refined glamour, the Valentino Garavani Medium Rockstud Spike.It Shoulder Bag in black leather captivates with its luminous Rockstuds and intricate rhombus metal detaili...
New Valentino Garavani Beige Crystal Embellished T-Strap Pumps Shoes It 37.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
Valentino Garavani Crystal Embellished Pumps Shoes Italian size - 37.5 Beige Leather, Clear Crystals, Platform, T-Strap, Peep-Toe, Lined with Mesh and Leather, Satin Stiletto Heel,...
S/S 1994 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Silk Corset Skirt Set
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Valentino Garavani skirt set from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection consists of a black corset bustier and matching flared skirt. The basque-style top is cut with a fitted silho...
Valentino Garavani VLogo Blue Denim Pointed Toe Slingback Kitten Heel Pumps 37.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Valentino Garavani VLogo Blue Denim Pointed Toe Slingback Kitten Heel Pumps 37.5 Color Denim Size 37.5EU Heel Height 1.75in Denim upper Leather sole Leather lined Gold finished V l...
S/S 2001 Valentino Garavani Sheer Beaded Collared Blouse
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Valentino Garavani blouse from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection is cut in a fitted silhouette with a deep plunging V neckline. It is constructed in sheer black mesh with radiat...
1980s Vintage Valentino Garavani Lacquered Black Gold Ballpoint Logo Pen
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Valentino Garavani lacquered black ballpoint pen with gold trim, engraved Black logo on gold, Made in Italy Material: Metal Ink: Black Measurements: 13.5x06...
Valentino Garavani Light Blue Rockstud Flat Patent Leather Sandals
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Valentino Garavani Light Blue Rockstud Flat Patent Leather Sandals exemplify sophisticated elegance with an edgy twist. Crafted from sleek patent leather in a stunning light blue...
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps PVC ORG PRICE $1790 SIZE 39
By Valentino Garavani
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go platform pumps PVC ORG PRICE $1790 SIZE 39 Part of the SS22 collection, the Tan-Go platform pumps from Valentino Garavani stands out thanks to its bold ...
New Valentino $1745 Lace Crystal Embellished Off-White Platform Pumps It 39.5
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Lace Embellished Pumps Shoes Designer size 39.5 - US 9.5 Off - White Lace Floral Pattern, Finished with White Sparkle Crystals, Satin Stiletto Heel, Leather In...
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 Floral Print Silk Dress 1970s
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Carnate, IT
Valentino Boutique Night Dress. Circa 1979. The composition label is missing. This Valentino dress is made from a double layered silk chiffon designed with a flower print of blue, re...
Rare Valentino Garavani Spring/Summer 2000 Runway Hand-Embroidered Tote Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
An exceptional Valentino Garavani Spring/Summer 2000 runway handbag, showcasing the maison’s extraordinary savoir-faire at the turn of the millennium. The entire front panel is meticulously hand embroidered with thousands of sequins, beads and intricate threadwork, depicting an exuberant floral garden in vivid shades of pink, crimson, lilac and green. This wearable work of art reflects the couture-inspired craftsmanship that distinguished Valentino’s runway accessories of the era. The spacious tote is finished with olive green leather shoulder straps and an open-top silhouette, combining practicality with remarkable artistry. Valentino’s Spring 2000...
Valentino Garavani Fall-Winter 2000 Runway handbag silk roses
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
An extraordinary Valentino Garavani Fall/Winter 2000 Runway handbag, showcasing the maison’s exceptional craftsmanship and romantic couture aesthetic. ● Handcrafted sculptural silk...
$2,761Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino 2005 Mother Of Pearl Embellished Suede Jacket
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in London, GB
Absolutely incredible vintage Valentino suede jacket from the Spring 2005 collection. Unworn with tags. Made from buttery soft sand coloured goa...
Silk fabric flowers handbag and green patten leather Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk fabric flowers and rhinestone handbag and green patten leather. Pink satin lining. One pocket with zip inside . Strap on the top middle with d...
New Valentino Garavani Black Suede Ruffle Embellish Knee Boots Italian 39 - US 9
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
These suede Valentino boots feature a streamlined silhouette, with a textural double-ruffled front. Black suede upper, Two ruffles trim front, To-the-knee shaft, Round toe. Side zip...
Vintage Runway SS 2005 Valentino Garavani limited edition bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
New in Nice.vintage.darling: Vintage Valentino limited edition bag from the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, exquisitely crafted in raffia, crocodile, and calfskin. The piece features...
1985 Valentino Runway Green Rose Silk Chiffon Halter Gown with Cape size 4
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Documented Fall/Winter 1985–86 Valentino Boutique silk chiffon evening gown in a dramatic emerald-green and black oversized rose print. An example of this design was modeled on the V...
New Valentino Garavani FW 2004 Pearls Crystal Enamel Embellished Sandals 40 - 10
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Valentino Garavani Satin Embellished Shoes Sandals F/W 2004 Collection Designer size 40 - US 10 Goldish Tan Color, Satin, Pearl-like and Swarovski Crystals Embellishment, Enamel ...
Vintage Valentino Garavani FW 1989 sequin-embroidered skirt
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
Vintage Valentino Garavani FW 1989 sequin-embroidered skirt from the Valentino Boutique line, featured in the House's Fall/Winter 1989 advertising campaign. An iconic archival piece ...
VALENTINO Midnight Blue Silk Cady Evening Cape Gown Dress 4
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
Valentino's midnight-blue gown is cut from silk-cady - it hangs beautifully and is unlined to enhance the fluid feel. The full-length cape overlay flutters gracefully as you walk, so...
S/S 2000 Valentino Garavani Tan Pony Hair Floral Beaded Lizard Trim Bag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing a fabulous tan pony hair shoulder bag by Valentino from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection. This small bag appeared in multiple versions on the season's runway The bag fea...
NWT $29.900 Valentino Garavani Black Sequin Mimosa Flowers Embroidery Dress US 8
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exceptional Valentino Garavani evening gown from the 2019 collection, executed in black with intricate hand-applied sequin and bead embroidery depicting mimosa flowers, a recurring s...
NEW Valentino Draped Cady Silk Evening Bridal Goddess Gown Cape Dress 8
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Switzerland, CH
INCREDIBLE VALENTINO GRECIAN GODDESS IVORY SILK EVENING GOWN Gorgeous off-white evening gown inspired by the Grecian goddesses by VALENTINO. Details: Draped Neckline Three-quarter...
F/W 1998 Valentino Garavani Runway Black Chiffon Beaded Shift Dress 6
By Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black chiffon Valentino dress. From the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, this gorgeous beaded dress debuted on the season's runway and features a tiered skirt with ...
Valentino Night Vintage Black Velvet & Lace Plunging Gown, c. 1980s–1990s US 6
By Valentino Night, Valentino Garavani
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....
VALENTINO S/s 2004 Light Green Corset Seen On Runway
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
Valentino Spring/Summer 2004 corset, as seen on the runway. Lime green with corset tie laces, lace details and satin bow. A butterfly printed version was worn by Bella Hadid.
S/S 2005 Valentino Garavani Faux Pearl Sage Green Taupe Cardigan Tank Knit Set S
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Valentino Garavani’s Spring/Summer 2005 collection, this sage green knit sweater set includes a fitted tank and a matching cardigan. The cardigan features a deep scoop neckline,...
Valentino 2007 S/S beaded mini dress ensemble
By Valentino Garavani
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
This Valentino Spring 2007 runway dress is an exquisite two piece design composed of a nude silk slip dress and an embellished mesh overlay, offering exceptional versatility and pres...
Valentino Pierpaolo Piccioli Fall 2023 Look 72 Maxi train black tie dress
By Valentino Garavani, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Pierpaolo Piccioli Autumn/Winter 2023-2024 Collection – Look 72 Black silk crepe black-tie gown with a train, featuring a white collar and cuffs and an open back. Italia...
Valentino Pierpaolo Piccioli 2016 Green wool coat
By Valentino Garavani, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino X Pierpaolo Piccioli 2016 Green wool coat, black leather tie belt. T.42 Italian