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 Maria Grazia Chiuri Pierpaolo Piccioli Prefall 2015 Look 93 Clutch
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in CANNES, FR
Valentino x Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Pre-Fall 2015 Collection – Look 93 Blue resin minaudière featuring an embedded constellation motif, magnetic clasp, and detachab...
$2,629Sale Price|20% Off
Valentino Early 00's Red Butterfly embellished croco bag
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Valentino Garavani - Sold by Skof.Archive - Early 00's - Red Embellished Croco Bag - Silver Butterfly Embellishment - Crocodile Leather - Inside Pocket in Leather - Mad...
VALENTINO red glossy scaled leather oversized bow top zip evening clutch bag
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO red glossy scaled leather oversized bow top zip evening clutch bag Reference: MELK/A00393 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Model: Maison Bow Clutch Material: ...
Valentino Garavani Blue Snakeskin Clutch Bow Bag
By Valentino
Located in Krakow, PL
Condition: Good. Signs of wear visible in photos. Details & Measurements: Size: 26 cm × 13 cm Color: Blue Includes dust bag
Valentino Faille and Pleated Satin Clutch with Jeweled Chain
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino black faille and Signature red satin pleated clutch with jeweled shoulder chain from the 1980's. Each chain link is decorated with Swarovski crystals and the chain can be r...
Valentino NEW with tags. Snake clutch.
By Valentino
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Valentino NEW with tags. Snakeskin clutch. New, perfect condition. Dimensions: length 25 cm (9.8"), height 13 cm (5.1"). Compact, stylish, fits all your essentials. A great gift. Mad...
Valentino Black Python Bag Or Clutch With Detachable Shoulder Strap
By Valentino
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning and rarely used Valentino black python bag / clutch has a removable shoulder strap so becomes two kinds of handbags in one. It has his i...
1990's VALENTINO black textured leather convertible 'envelope' clutch bag
By Valentino
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black textured leather convertible bag in the shape of an envelope designed by Valentino dating to the 1990's. Strap is completely removable. Gold hardware. Off-white top-stitching. ...
1980 Valentino Exotic Lizard Clutch W/ Gold Spiral Hardware Made In Italy
By Valentino, Valentino Night
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Rare Valentino NIGHT by Valentino Garavani exotic ring-tail lizard structured clutch purse with gold spiral bound flap closure. Red satin lining. Fantastic and unique hardware ...
Valentino Garavani Grey Velvet Rocktsud Clutch Bag With Crossbody Chain Strap
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Valentino Garavani Grey Velvet Rockstuds Clutch Bag with Crossbody Chain Strap is a stunning accessory that combines luxury, style, and versatility. Crafted from plush grey velvet, t...
VALENTINO Rockstud black gold round studs logo triangle flat clutch bag
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO Rockstud black gold round studs logo triangle flat clutch bag Reference: NILI/A00049 Brand: Valentino Model: Rockstud Material: Leather Color: Black, Gold Pattern: Studded ...
Valentino Mauve Rockstud Leather Pouch
By Valentino
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Valentino Product: Leather Pouch Size: 30 L x 20 H x 0.5 D cm Colour: Mauve Material: Leather Hardware: Gold Tone Condition: Pristine: The product is in pristine condition,...
Valentino One Stud Leather Clutch Bag
By Valentino, Valentio
Located in London, GB
Valentino One Stud Leather Clutch Bag Green clutch bag designed with signature gold, oversized Rockstud to front. Featuring top snap closure leading to leather interior with one zi...
Valentino Pink Satin Clutch on Chain Crystal Evening Bag 863348
By Valentino
Located in Dix hills, NY
VERY GOOD CONDITION (8/10 or AB) (Outside) Minor rubbing (Inside) Minor marks Width (inch) : 8.85 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 22.5 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 5.11 inch(approx) Heigh...
VALENTINO Rockstud black gold round studs logo triangle flat clutch bag
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO Rockstud black gold round studs logo triangle flat clutch bag Reference: NILI/A00049 Brand: Valentino Model: Rockstud Material: Leather Color: Black, Gold Pattern: Studded ...
Valentino Black Sequin Leather Bow Clutch Bag with Lilac Interior
By Valentino
Located in Philadelphia, PA
RED Valentino Black Sequin Leather Bow Clutch in excellent condition. Double sided sequin body which changes between black and silver depending...
Valentino Python Rock Stud Clutch
By Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino Python Rock Stud Clutch with hand strap. The bag comes with tonal studs at the edges and has a red interior. The item is in mint condition a...
Valentino NIB Rock Stud Wristlet Clutch
By Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino NIB striped rock stud clutch with detachable wristlet . Multicolor leather and silver tone hardware. Includes tag, original box and dust cover.
Valentino Monogram 1980s Suede Clutch
By Valentino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the sophisticated Valentino Monogram 1980s Suede Clutch, a luxurious accessory that exudes timeless elegance. Crafted from sumptuous gre...
Custom Silk Satin Clutch with Malachite and Coral
Located in New York, NY
Custom Silk Satin Clutch with Malachite and Coral from the 1960's. Emerald silk satin is lined in peach satin with antique clasp of Asian origin with coral cabs and a large genuine malachite slab...
Zushi Handpainted Red Snake Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Unusual red snake clutch with handpainted gilt floral wood frame. Signed "Zushi". Excellent condition. 1980's USA. 8" x 7" x 3"
Renaud Pellegrino "Juliet" Evening Clutch Box Bag
By Renaud Pellegrino
Located in Geneva, CH
Perfect for evenings when you only need the essentials, this Renaud Pellegrino "Juliet" embellished box clutch is made from black satin silk and decorated with metal studs. In fact, ...
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, 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...
Elizabeth Mason Couture Red Pave Rhinestone Evening Clutch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Small' Red Pave Rhinestone Evening Clutch with Crossbody Shoulder Chain Measurements: Length: 8 in. Width: 2 in. Height: 5 in.
Gucci Parfums Vintage 70’s GG Clutch Bag
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in luxury with the Gucci Parfums Vintage 1970s GG Clutch Bag. Crafted with GG Monogram Canvas and PVC leather trim, this bag exudes elegance and soph...
$495
H 3.5 in D 2 in L 6 in
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber, Great Condition.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber Great Condition, No Crystals missing. Silver Strap Inclosed.
Judith Leiber Clear and Green Rhinestone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber clutch Clear and green rhinestones in a stripe pattern Silver snap closure Silver chain strap that can be stored inside Soft silver leather lining Comes with silver coin purse...
$12,920
H 12 in W 16 in D 3 in
Chanel 2004 Rare Vintage Bible Book CC Limited Edition Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2004 Rare Vintage Bible Book CC Limited Edition Minaudière Clutch Bag Year: Fall 2004 Gold accent Black suede book motif Diamond quilted S...
Louis Vuitton Crafty Red Neverfull Pochette GM or MM tribal Limited African
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
New (10/10 or N) Includes Care Tag This is A Brand a new Rare item for VIP's
Chanel 2001 Vintage Quilted Enamel Minaudière Micro Mini Gala Clutch
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Quilted black Chanel enamel minaudière with hidden interwoven wrist chain and cc logo name plate 2001 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Antique silver hardware B...
F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Rhinestone Embroidered Velvet Mini Bag
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a quilted velvet rhinestoned and embroidered mini bag designed by Donatella for Gianni Versace. The handles are made of black silk sati...
Valentino Red Rockstud Leather Pouch
By Valentino
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Valentino Product: Rockstud Leather Pouch Size: 30 L x 20 H x 0.5 D cm Colour: Red Material: 100% Leather Hardware: Gold Tone Condition: Pristine: The product is in pristine...
Valentino Rockstud Leather Ziparound Organizer Wallet in Light Blue
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valentino Rockstud Leather Ziparound Organizer Wallet in Light Blue. Additional information: Material: Leather, Studded, Zip closure Color: Blue Size: 8" W x 4" H Country: Italy Co...
Valentino Early 00's Green Glazed Crocodile Clutch Bag
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Valentino Garavani - Early 00's - Sold by Skof.Archive - Green Embellished Pochette Bag - Emerald Closure - Crocodile Leather - Excellent Codition - Made in Italy
Valentino Clutch Silk Bag
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -(Made in Italy) Silk bag entirely embroidered with pearls and rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 23 cm - Height: 12 cm - D...
VALENTINO Rockstud rose gold burgundy leather studded logo clutch
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO Rockstud rose gold burgundy leather studded logo clutch Reference: ECLO/A00063 Brand: Valentino Model: Rockstud Material: Leather Color: Burgundy, Gold Pattern: Solid Closu...
S/S 2004 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Faux Pearl Rhinestone Coral Clutch
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This incredible Valentino Garavani clutch debuted on the Spring/Summer 2004 haute couture runway as part of look 21, modeled by Karolina Kurk...
Valentino New Rockstud Black Clutch
By Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino black leather rockstud 2 way clutch, with booklet and original dust cover. Brand new in unused condition.
Valentino Emerald Green C-Rockee Zodiac Fringe Clutch
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Amman, JO
Valentino emerald green C-Rockee fringe clutch, with one slide pocket on the inside, and mermaid gold detail. In excellent condition. Gold scarab at corner for the perfect finger han...
VALENTINO black & ivory 2015 STRIPED MONOCHROME MINAUDIERE Clutch Bag
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino minaudiere clutch in ivory and black striped metal with gold-tone frame closure. Lined in black suede. Missing chain strap. Has been carried and is overall i...
Valentino New White/Celeste Clutch
By Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Valentino new white and celeste toile clutch, rope handle. Comes with original tag, booklet, dust cover and box.
Valentino Pewter Calfskin Rockstud Envelope Clutch 1123v39
By Valentino
Located in Dix hills, NY
Valentino Pewter Calfskin Rockstud Envelope Clutch 1123v39 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11.5" Width: .5" Height: 7.2" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Accessories: ...
Valentino Black Leather Rockstud Panel Clutch Handle Bag 111va17
By Valentino
Located in Dix hills, NY
Valentino Black Leather Rockstud Panel Clutch Handle Bag 111va17 Date Code/Serial Number: BS-M467VAP2 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 12" Width: 2" Height: 9" OVERALL VERY ...