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 Art Deco Burgundy Crystal, Enamel & Rhinestone Dome Tassel PIn
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage 1980s statement brooch is a rare couture piece by Valentino Garavani. It exhibits the designer's comitmemnt to "Valentino Red" in the use of two shades of burgun...
Crystal, Enamel, Metal, Gold Plate
Valentino Vintage Extra Long Interlocked Pearls Statement Hoop Drop Earrings
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Vintage Extra Super Large Massive Long Trio 3 Oval Interlocked Hoop Crystals White Round Circle Pearl Chunky Statement Exquisite Glamorous Drop Dangl...
Gold Plate
Valentino Garavani 1980s Burgundy Crystal Bead Tassel Pendant Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage 1980s Valentino Garavani statement necklace features eight strands in two shades of burgundy faceted crystal beads leading to a dramatic and sophisticated tasse...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Valentino Garavani 1980s Gold and Black Cabochon Pendant Earrings
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
These vintage 1980s Valentino Garavani clip earrings exude timeless elegance and luxurious design. Measuring 1.13 inches in width and 2.5 inches in length, they feature a striking co...
Gold Plate
Valentino 1980s Gold Two Strand Pearl with Gold and Crystal Flower Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular vintage Valentino Garavani statement necklace dating to the 1980s, featuring an opulent combination of luminous faux pearls, richly finished gold-tone metal, and spark...
Crystal, Pearl, Gold Plate, Gold
Vintage VALENTINO Intricate Flower Rhinestone Enamel Rigid Cuff Bracelet
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO Intricate Flower Rhinestone Enamel Rigid Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.16 inches (5.5 cm) Circumference: 6.69 inches (17 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic VA...
Valentino Garavani Bakelite Bead Necklace with Pear-shaped pendant
By Valentino Garavani
Located in NICE, FR
An early Valentino Garavani vintage necklace dating to the 1970s, showcasing the bold yet refined aesthetic that defined the house’s early accessory collections. Crafted in Italy, the necklace features polished bakelite beads in a harmonious palette of soft light-green tones, complemented by a sculptural pear-shaped pendant that creates an elegant focal point. The subtle translucency and smooth finish of the bakelite lend the piece a distinctive mid-century character, while its organic color palette makes it exceptionally versatile. A beautiful collector’s piece that embodies the playful sophistication of 1970s Italian fashion...
Valentino Garavani Music Note Crystal Multi-Strand Beaded Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Valentino Garavani Music Note Crystal Multi-Strand Beaded Necklace is a striking statement piece that seamlessly combines elegance and artistic flair. Crafted with black and gold-ton...
Vintage VALENTINO GARAVANI Jewelled Rhino Gilt Mesh Choker Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO GARAVANI Jewelled Rhino Gilt Mesh Choker Necklace Measurements: Height: 1.42 inches (3.6 cm) Wearable Length: 13.77 inche...
Valentino Vintage Rare Golden Beads Pearls Trio Layers Crystals Long Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Golden Beads Pearls Trio Three 3 Strands Layers Crystals Pendant Long Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe some light scratches, ba...
Gold Plate
Valentino Garavani 1980s Big Frog Rhinstone Brooch
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
This impressively large 1980s Valentino Garavani gold-tone frog brooch is particularly glamorous. The piece is encrusted with rhinestones and is centered by a large faceted amber st...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Valentino Garavani Tribal Mask Necklace New
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Ardmore, PA
Valentino Garavani Tribal Mask Necklace New Gold-tone torque style collar necklace with intricate mask pendant Pendant made of brass and wood with gold African tribal mask motif w...
Vintage VALENTINO GARAVANI Runway Snake Tassel Choker Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage VALENTINO GARAVANI Runway Snake Tassel Choker Necklace Measurements: Height: 2 inches (5.1 cm) Tassels: 11.81 inches (30 cm) Chain:...
Exceptional Valentino Snake Brooch
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Haute Couture Valentino Snake Brooch from the 1980's. Completely hand made, with an ornate curled setting of miniature jet pave, rose cut amyth...
Gilt Metal
Valentino Garavani Gold & Rhinestone Parade of Elephants Brooch
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
The Valentino Garavani Parade of Elephants brooch from the 1980s is a beautiful and collectible piece! The gold-tone metal, rhinestone accents, and Italian craftsmanship reflect the ...
Gold Plate
Vintage Massive VALENTINO Red Enamel Dangling Earrings
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive VALENTINO Red Enamel Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 4.72 inches (12 cm) Width: 1.85 inches (4.7 cm) Weight per Earring: 46 grams Features: - 100% Authentic...
Shield Cuff Solid Silver
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Fluid and bold solid Silver cuff. Pairs with Shield Ring. Also available in Yellow Gold and White and Rose Gold by special order.
Sterling Silver
Kaleidoscope Multicolored Burma Spinel and Diamond Oval Dangle Earrings
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Spectacular assortments of Burmese Spinels and brilliant cut diamonds create high drama in these long dangle earrings, set in 18k yellow gold. These heirloom worthy earrings can be d...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold
$1,965
H 2.37 in W 1.86 in Dm 1.86 in L 2.37 in
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold and Silver Peridot and Tourmaline Bracelet
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
Presenting a cuff bracelet all handmade from sterling silver and solid 18 Karat yellow gold granulation work decorated to create a unique look. This bracelet features 2.80 Carat cabo...
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
$1,050 / item
Memento All Diamond Heart with Pages Charm Pendant
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
A collection symbolizing a special life moment or a new chapter in our life, the Memento collection is a luxurious and modern representation of classical motifs. This collection feat...
Statement Interlocked Hoop Earrings with Hieroglyphic Amulets Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Newest Addition to Ammanii's Malikat = Queens Collections. Hand crafted, interconnected hoop earrings with amulets inscribed with hieroglyphic signs to give you the power of life, he...
Chrysophrase, Lapis Lazuli, Freshwater Pearl, Zircon, Vermeil
Drop Earrings with Moons and Stars Tassels in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Part of AMMANII's Sa'mma = Sky Collection. Homage to the sky, the universal blanket that covers mankind and connects us all under its wings. The drop earrings with moon and stars tas...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Silver
Ilias Lalaounis 22k Gold Estate Ivy Dangle Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Featured in his 1984 book Metamorphoses, these stunning statement earrings by Ilias Lalaounis dance with attractive pull. Inspired by ivy leaves at the Mycenaean Palace of Nestor at ...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Two-Tone Diamond Bee Brooch Pin, Retro Style, 0.50ctw, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat Two-Tone Diamond Bee Brooch Pin. Very pretty white and yellow gold with pave-set round diamonds on the body. There are thirty-five 1.6mm round diamonds with a carat total we...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Memento Half Onyx, Half Diamond Cloud with Pages Charm Pendant
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
A collection symbolizing a special life moment or a new chapter in our life, the Memento collection is a luxurious and modern representation of classical motifs. This collection feat...
Authentic Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Pin Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co. Style: Pin / Brooch Metal: 18k Yellow Gold - 30.0 grams Hallmark: "TIFFANY&Co. 18kt ITALY " Includes: -Tiffany & Co Jewelry Pouch - Ce...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,300 / item
Aquamarine Drop Earrings 18k White Gold
By Karma El Khalil
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold featuring Custom-Cut Pear Drops of Shimmering Aquamarine Aquamarine: 13.11cts 18k White Gold: 5.78g From Karma El Khalil's Conversations With The Moon Collection...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,500 / item
Lavender Quartz Waterfall Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Karma El Khalil
Located in New York, NY
Ethereal Ombre Lavender Waterfall Earrings in 18k white gold, featuring ten graduating custom-cut cabochons of Lavender Quartz. Each earring displays five cabochons of lavender quartz gracefully decending in to a single trillion-cut blue-violet Iolite point. 18k White Gold Lavender Quartz : 36.65cts Iolite : 0.19cts From Karma El Khalil's Conversations With The Moon Collection
Iolite, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
W 1.38 in L 4.06 in
Valentino Vintage Extra Long Trio Interlocked Crystals Pearl Hoop Drop Earrings
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Vintage Extra Super Large Massive Long Trio 3 Oval Interlocked Hoop Crystals White Round Circle Pearl Chunky Statement Exquisite Glamorous Drop Dangl...
Gold Plate
Valentino Vintage 1980s Beads Pearls Trio Strands Layers Crystals Long, Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Golden Beads Pearls Trio Three 3 Strands Layers Crystals Pendant Long Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe some light scratches, ba...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 1.38 in L 4.06 in
Valentino Vintage Extra Long Trio Interlocked Hoop Crystals Pearl Drop Earrings
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Vintage Extra Super Large Massive Long Trio 3 Oval Interlocked Hoop Crystals White Round Circle Pearl Chunky Statement Exquisite Glamorous Drop Dangl...
Gold Plate
Valentino Vintage 1980s Beads Pearls Trio Strands Layers Crystals Long, Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Golden Beads Pearls Trio Three 3 Strands Layers Crystals Pendant Long Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe some light scratches, ba...
Gold Plate
A 1990s Costume Jewelry 1990s Valentino Garavani Flower Brooch
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a 1990s Valentino Garavani flower brooch, a striking piece of costume jewelry showcasing the luxury and sophistication associated with the Valentino brand. The brooch is desi...
Sold
H 3 in D 2.5 in Dm 6.5 in L 4.75 in
Valentino Night 1980s Large Gold, Black & Clear Rhinestone Bow Cuff Bracelet
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
This 1980s bow cuff is a stunning vintage piece showcasing Valentino Garavani’s exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The intricate openwork bow design adorned with blac...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 1.38 in L 4.06 in
Valentino Vintage Extra Long Trio Interlocked Hoop Crystals Pearl Drop Earrings
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Vintage Extra Super Large Massive Long Trio 3 Oval Interlocked Hoop Crystals White Round Circle Pearl Chunky Statement Exquisite Glamorous Drop Dangl...
Gold Plate
Italian Bracelet With Cameo By Valentino Garavani
By Valentino Garavani
Located in New York, NY
An Italian bracelet with pink and mother of pearl beads and a cameo by Valentino Garavani. The striking bracelet is made of multiple rows of pink and mother of pearl beads, gold plat...
Valentino Garavani Jeweled Resin Cuff Bracelet Bangle
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Atlanta, GA
This adorable oversized Valentino Garavani jeweled bracelet bangle features a chunky cuff shape made of crystal clear acrylic resin and is ornate with chromed metal pyramid studs and...
Valentino Vintage Massive Trio Oval Interlocked Crystals Pearl Drop Earrings
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani 1980s Vintage Massive Super Large Long Trio Oval Interlocked Crystals Chunky Exquisite Glamorous Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Lights scratch...
Gold Plate
Valentino Garavani Havana Plastic Bracelet Cuff Gold Metal Studs
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Rome, Rome
Valentino Garavani havana plastic cuff bracelet. The bracelet features gold metal spike studs in the center. Open design. Internal circumference: 6 inches - 15.2 cm Condition A - EXC...
Gold
Valentino Vintage 1980s Golden Pearl Trio Strands Crystal Pendant Long Necklace
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Golden Pearl Trio Strands Crystal Pendant Long Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe some light scratches, barely noticeable. All st...
Gold Plate