Valentino Haute Couture Cotton & Guipure Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 57.5 in (146.05 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 56.1 in (142.5 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Geneva, CH
- Reference Number:
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: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Guy Laroche Floral Peplum DressBy Guy LarocheLocated in Geneva, CHPlayful and colored, this 80’s Guy Laroche floral print cotton dress is perfect for summer days or evenings. This fitted dress has a flattering peplum silhouette which can emphasized...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Emilio Pucci Printed Silk Jersey DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Geneva, CHA 70's Pucci dress with an unusual irises print. Fitted bodice, "V" neckline. Buttons with matching fabric all way down the waist. Another border acce...Category
1970s Italian Casual Dresses
- Emilio Pucci By Christian Lacroix Printed Stretch-Jersey Dress, Fall-Winter 2003By Emilio Pucci, Christian LacroixLocated in Geneva, CHSince the beginning of the 50's until today, the Italian - Florentine based - label has celebrated color, movement and bold, exuberant prints. From the 2003 Fall-Winter collection wh...Category
Early 2000s Italian Sheath Dresses
- Lanvin Printed Shirt DressBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Geneva, CHWhimsical and colorful prints have long been a part of Lanvin's DNA. And this wonderful late 60's - early 70's shirt/coat dress will not say the contrary ! Printed with a Chinese mot...Category
1960s French Empire Waist Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Linen Day DressBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Geneva, CHBold and vibrant prints are a mainstay in Yves Saint Laurent designs. Constructed in linen, this 80's YSL dress has a feminine fit-silhouette. It feature...Category
1980s French Casual Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Silk Summer DressBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Geneva, CHSummer mood with this vintage YSL flower print dress ! This wrap-style piece is crafted in a refined silk and features a flattering V-neckline. Fully lined, the dress closes with a c...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Andrea Wilkin 1970s Silk Ivory Fantasy Bridal Dress in Edwardian StyleBy Andrea WilkinLocated in London, GBThis exquisite Andrea Wilkin 1970s fantasy bridal gown in soft ivory exudes femininity and is in wonderful condition. Layers of silk fabric are beautifully arranged to create the cla...Category
1970s British Wedding Dresses
- Iconic Vintage Alaia Neutral Tone Lace Bodycon Knit Dress 1990'sBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage Azzedine Alaia beige fitted dress with knit lace bodice. Features square neckline, bow at front and zipper at back. The dress fits a today's size 4. Please contact us for mea...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Christian Dior by John Galliano equestrian printed silk scarf dress, ss 2000By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in London, GB▪ Important Christian Dior evening dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Equestrian printed silk twill in pink and yellow with an ivory base ▪ Tan leather strap at the neck ▪ Open bac...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Pierre Cardin Vintage Mod Linen Dress and Sash BeltBy Pierre CardinLocated in Sparks, NVVintage 1960s linen dress by Pierre Cardin with contrasting mod stitching and a matching sash belt. Details: Fully Lined Front Pockets Matching Sash Front Button and Snap Closure C...Category
1960s French Shift Dresses
- Vintage Brown and White Stripe Day DressLocated in London, GBA chic and easy to wear day dress in a brown and white stripe. The dress has a brown and white skirt , collar and tie with a central back zip.Category
1960s Unknown Day Dresses
- 1960s Creme Silk Sleeveless Cocktail Dress with EmbroideryLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s Jackie O Creme Duchesse Satin Silk sleeveless dress embroidered with black velvet floral appliqué and beaded with white bugle beads. Perfect for summer cocktail party. Size 6-8...Category
1960s American Wedding Dresses