The Story of Valentino: From Jackie Kennedy’s Couture to Iconic Rockstud Shoes

Since its founding in 1960, Valentino has occupied a specific, elevated space in the Roman fashion landscape.

While many houses of its era leaned into the theatrical, Valentino Garavani established a signature based on disciplined elegance—a balance of the vibrant “Valentino Red” and the sharp, architectural footwear that defined the latter half of the 20th century.

Today, the house operates from its historic headquarters near the Spanish Steps, continuing to bridge the gap between mid-century couture and the technical precision of modern luxury accessories.

Valentino’s iconic VLogo, a symbol of the house’s enduring Italian elegance and modern luxury identity

The brand’s identity is currently split between its storied past and a new era of creative direction. While the main Valentino line carries the heritage of the runway, the Valentino Garavani label has become the primary home for the house’s most recognizable work: its shoes and handbags.

From the spiked geometry of the Rockstud to the towering silhouettes of the Tan-Go platform, these designs form the foundation of the brand’s enduring relevance.

Celebrity Valentino Style Moments That Show the House at Its Best

Valentino’s presence at major events often serves as a barometer for current footwear trends.

Whether it is the introduction of a new “it-shoe” or the revival of an archival silhouette, the brand’s choice of ambassadors reflects its shift toward a more eclectic, modern aesthetic.

These celebrity looks highlight Valentino’s enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences with timeless elegance and innovation.

We will cover everything you need to know about this legendary fashion brand, including its history and where you can purchase your Valentino pieces.

The History of Valentino: From Rome’s Couture Salons to the Red Carpet

Founded in Italy in 1960, Valentino quickly became synonymous with a refined, jet-set elegance shaped by its visionary founder, Valentino Garavani.

Pronounced valen-ti-no, the name has long carried the weight of couture history—one that spanned decades of red-carpet dominance and royal patronage. Garavani passed away in Rome on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that continues to define modern luxury dressing.

Valentino Garavani, pictured in 2018 at the Ocean’s 8 world premiere, founded the Italian luxury fashion house in 1960 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Before launching his brand, Valentino Garavani studied at the École des Beaux Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris. He had an apprenticeship with Jean Desses before working with Guy Laroche for two years.

He returned to Jean Desses, having left the fashion house five years earlier. After helping Laroche with his brand, Valentino returned to Rome in 1959 to launch his own label.

Elizabeth Taylor dances with Kirk Douglas at the Spartacus premiere after-party in Rome in 1961, capturing the jet-set glamour that helped define Valentino’s early couture era

Valentino first gained attention in 1959 when Elizabeth Taylor was in Paris filming Cleopatra and purchased a white dress to wear to the premiere of ‘Spartacus.’

The brand made its international debut in Florence in 1962, but its defining breakthrough came just two years later—thanks to Jackie Kennedy. The First Lady had spotted a striking black organza two-piece and, intrigued by its quiet sophistication, asked to be introduced to the designer behind the look.

Upon discovering it was Valentino, she became interested in purchasing a piece. Valentino had traveled to New York to present his collection at the Waldorf-Astoria and sent a selection of pieces to the Kennedy apartment on Fifth Avenue.

Jackie Kennedy marries Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968, wearing a white Valentino wedding dress that cemented the house’s place in couture history

Jackie purchased six dresses she wore throughout the year of mourning after her husband’s assassination. Jackie became Valentino’s friend, and he later designed the white gown that she wore to her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.

A pioneer in using logos within the design of his apparel, Valentino debuted the idea in his unforgettable 1968 Sala Bianca show in Florence

In 1968, Valentino released his all-white collection that featured the ‘V’ logo, which is now synonymous with the brand. This collection marked a breakaway from the brand’s signature red color and would go on to win him the Neiman Marcus Award.

During the 1970s, Valentino split his time between Italy and New York. He became part of the jet-set culture, befriending figures like Andy Warhol.

Lady Gaga fronts Valentino’s “Voce Viva” fragrance campaign, embodying the house’s modern vision of individuality and expressive glamour

Like most luxury fashion houses, Valentino has its range of fragrances. The brand released its first scent in 1978, Valentino Classique for Women.

Valentino’s first men’s cologne wouldn’t follow until 1999, when they released Very Valentino for Men. The newest Valentino fragrance is ‘Voce Viva,’ with Lady Gaga as its ambassador.

Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti at the La Traviata opening gala in Rome on May 22, 2016 (Credit: SHOTPRESS / WENN)

In 1991, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti created L.I.F.E, an organization to support AIDs patients, encouraged by Elizabeth Taylor.

The organization was funded by ‘Accademia Valentino,’ a space near the brand’s atelier in Rome that hosted art exhibitions. Valentino Garavani received the French ‘Legion of Honor’ medal in 2006 for his dedication to the fashion industry.

Valentino Garavani at the 65th Venice Film Festival premiere of his documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor on August 28, 2008 (Credit: Apega / WENN)

In September 2007, Valentino announced that he was retiring after his final haute couture collection in January 2008.

His final show featured a collection of the world’s most iconic international supermodels, including Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Karen Mulder.

The last year of Garavani’s time at the brand was the subject of a feature-length documentary, ‘Valentino: The Last Emperor’, which premiered at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival.

When Valentino Garavani retired in 2007, he was succeeded as Creative Director by Alessandra Facchinetti, who left the position in 2008. After her departure, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli became joint Creative Directors, with Chiuri departing in 2016 to make Piccioli the sole Creative Director.

On June 14, 2010, Amanda Seyfried was photographed leaving a gym carrying a Valentino ‘Summer Flowers’ tote, a bag currently valued at $2,690.00 (Credit: INFphoto)

Under Picciol’s leadership, the brand has fundamentally changed since 2016, blending modernity and beauty with innovative designs. Valentino combines its haute couture heritage with streetwear to stay current and appeal to the next generation.

In March 2024, Valentino announced the departure of creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, marking the end of his transformative tenure that began in 2016. Following him, Alessandro Michele, renowned for revitalizing Gucci, took the helm as Valentino’s new creative director.

Valentino offers haute couture and ready-to-wear collections for both men and women. Their extensive range of accessories includes handbags, eyewear, small leather goods, and shoes. The ‘Valentino Garavani’ range is dedicated to accessories and the most common collection you’ll see on the market.

Who Owns Valentino Today? A Look at the Brand’s Changing Ownership

Valentino Garavani and his associate Giancarlo Giammetti sold the ‘Valentino’ label in 1998 for $300 million to HdP, an Italian conglomerate led by Fiat’s corporate head, Gianni Agnelli.

HdP sold the brand in 2002 to Marzotto Apparel for $210 million, when it generated $180 million in revenue.

Speculation surrounding HdP’s sale of the brand centers on rumors of a disagreement over the personal expenses of Garavani and Giammetti, who remained with the company.

The brand is now in a unique position where a foreign state owns it. In 2012, Qatar purchased the brand for 700 million euros through an investment company called ‘Mayhoola for Investments S.P.C.’

Why Valentino Remains One of Fashion’s Most Iconic Names

Today’s fashion followers will associate Valentino more with their accessories than their ready-to-wear. Their romantic aesthetic has developed to meet the needs of today’s consumers.

Valentino’s iconic Rockstud collection—featuring pointed pumps, strappy sandals, and leather accessories—defined by signature pyramid studs that add edge to classic silhouettes

Valentino’s most popular and recognizable collection is the ‘Rockstud’ range, part of the Valentino Garavani line.

The ‘Rockstud’ collection jumped onto the scene as slingback pumps and has since inspired an entire product range. The shoes remain one of the brand’s best-sellers and now come in a series of styles, including mules and caged pumps.

The Rockstud collection includes crossbody styles, tote bags, and clutches. You can also find bracelets and cardholders in the Rockstud line-up.

Valentino’s accessories collection highlights the signature reversible VLogo hardware, featured across structured leather bags, combat boots, and belts that blend bold branding with refined craftsmanship

The other iconic collection within the fashion house’s accessory line is the ‘Reversible VLogo Signature’. The ‘V’ logo is incorporated on everything from knee-high boots to belts and handbags.

If you’re considering checking out the Valentino brand for the first time, these timeless collections have a cult following.

One unique reason Valentino is famous is for its bridal range. While other luxury fashion houses have dabbled with bridal collections, Valentino has an unmatched record.

The brand created the wedding dresses of Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Hathaway, and Jennifer Lopez. Valentino was also responsible for the lace wedding dress of Princess Madeleine of Sweden.

Princess Madeleine of Sweden married businessman Christopher O’Neill at the Royal Palace in Stockholm in a bespoke bridal gown from Valentino Garavani (Credit: WENN)

Valentino’s client list is practically unrivaled within the industry. The brand was a favorite of Queen Paola, the Queen of Belgium, and Princess Margaret. Audrey Hepburn was regularly photographed wearing Valentino, and the brand is now a red-carpet staple.

You might also recognize Valentino Garavani as one of the few designers who made a cameo in the hit film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. He appears in one scene with Meryl Streep during Paris Fashion Week.

Where to Buy Authentic Valentino Shoes, Bags, and Accessories

Valentino has an international presence with over 175 Valentino boutiques in more than 100 countries. Valentino has more than 1500 points of sale, including major luxury department stores.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing Valentino online. You can buy your order directly from Valentino’s official website and receive all the trimmings and wrapping.

They stock Valentino at all the major luxury department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.

You can also find Valentino at Flannels, both in-store and online. The brand is sold by several online luxury retailers, including Bloomingdale’s, Mytheresa, and Farfetch.

If you keep an eye on these online retailers, you might be able to pick up Valentino products at a slight discount when they offer promotional codes.

Valentino is one of the most recognizable Italian brands in the world. Valentino is an ideal brand to add to your list if you’re considering investing in shoes or a handbag. Their products are the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship, with classic silhouettes and shapes that will last the test of time.

More Valentino Shoe & Fashion Moments Worth Exploring

From couture salons in Rome to the red carpet and beyond, Valentino’s influence is best understood through the women who wear it. If you’re drawn to the house’s balance of romance and edge—from sculptural platforms to signature studs—these curated moments offer a deeper, footwear-first look at how Valentino continues to shape modern style.