Valentino 1980s Pinstripe Chain Link Belted Midi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 42 in (106.68 cm)Marked Size: 10 (NA)Waist: 30 in (76.2 cm)Hip: 39 in (99.06 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167220641462
Valentino
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Polka Dot Dress & Brooch SetBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Scottsdale, AZMake a Bold Statement with the Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Polka Dot Dress & Brooch Set! Introducing a striking ensemble from the 1980s, the Yves Saint Laurent Polka Dot Dress...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Chanel Black Perforated Knit Short Sleeve DressBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe Chanel Black Perforated Knit Short Sleeve Dress is a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern craftsmanship, reflecting the iconic Chanel aesthetic with a contemporary twist....Category
2010s French Day Dresses
- Chanel 2018 Water Drop Embellished Cotton DressBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe Chanel 2018 Water Drop Embellished Cotton Dress is a modern and whimsical addition to any fashion collection, showcasing Chanel's ability to infuse classic designs with unique an...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Chanel SS19 Umbrella Print Silk Sun DressBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Chanel sun dress is so flattering and fun! Featuring a red and blue umbrella pattern with Chanel logos, four ruffles cascading down the dress, adjustable spaghetti straps and a zipper closure in the back. This luxurious 100% silk fabric drapes so nicely on the body while still being very breathable. From Chanels Spring/Summer 2019 collection, 'The Break'. Style this with a white Missoni cardigan and some Miu Miu ballet flats...Category
2010s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
- Vintage Hand Painted Silk Caftan DressLocated in Scottsdale, AZDo not miss out on this absolutely stunning 1970s caftan style dress in the most eye catching and vibrant hand painted silk! Long sleeve lightweight ...Category
1970s Maxi Dresses
- Pucci 1960s Printed Multicolor DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZGet your hands on the Pucci 1960s Printed Multicolor Dress! This vintage masterpiece encapsulates the essence of 1960s fashion, combining style, comfo...Category
1960s Italian Casual Dresses
- Lela Rose Ivory Cotton Blend Sleeveless Patchwork Dress - 8By Lela RoseLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLela Rose Ivory Cotton Blend Sleeveless Patchwork Dress - 8. This fitted dress is in excellent condition and has a unique look. The patchwork is comprised of squares and the piece ha...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Day Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta Red, Black, & Ivory Cotton Sleeveless Tribal Print Dress - 8By Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta Red, Black, & Ivory Cotton Sleeveless Tribal Print Dress - 8. This adorable Oscar dress is in excellent condition. It features a lovely red, black, and ivory cott...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- Emilio Pucci Aqua Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Dress with Sheer Cutouts - 10By Emilio PucciLocated in West Palm Beach, FLEmilio Pucci Aqua Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Dress with Sheer Cutouts - 10. This dress is in very good condition with some pulling throughout, consistent with such a fragile piece. The...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- Salvatore Ferragamo Peach Cotton Knit Short Sleeve Shift Dress - MediumBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLSalvatore Ferragamo Peach Cotton Knit Short Sleeve Shift Dress - Medium. This lovely dress is in excellent condition. It features a feminine peach cotton knit material, two pockets...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shift Dresses
- Missoni Vintage Earthtones Chevron Knitted Tunic-Style Dress - S - Circa 70'sBy MissoniLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMissoni Vintage Earthtones Chevron Knitted Tunic-Style Dress - S - Circa 70's. This adorable dress is in excellent vintage condition with only very slight pulls near the bottom. It ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- Tomasz Starzewski Ivory Soutache Lace Strapless Dress w/ Jacket-12-90'sBy Tomasz StarzewskiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLTomasz Starzewski Ivory Soutache Lace Strapless Dress w/ Jacket-12-90's This perfect vintage summer piece is made of a beautiful soutache lace, the dres...Category
1990s English Day Dresses