Valentino is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1960 by Valentino Garavani in Rome. The brand is known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories, with a particular association with the color red, known within the fashion industry as Valentino red or Rosso Valentino. The company is owned by the Qatari investment fund Mayhoola for Investments.
Valentino Garavani established the house in Rome and gained international recognition after Jacqueline Kennedy wore a Valentino dress for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis in 1968. The founder retired in 2008. Pierpaolo Piccioli served as sole creative director from 2016 to 2024, during which period the brand experienced significant growth and critical acclaim. Alessandro Michele was appointed creative director in 2024.
The house's product range includes haute couture, men's and women's ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, eyewear, and fragrances. Valentino Garavani branded accessories, including the Rockstud line of shoes and bags featuring pyramid studs, have become widely recognized luxury items. The brand's couture atelier operates in Rome and produces custom gowns for private clients and red carpet events.
Valentino operates approximately 210 boutiques worldwide, including flagships in Rome, Paris, Milan, New York, and Tokyo, and sells through its own e-commerce platform and select luxury retailers. The brand's fragrances are produced through a licensing agreement with L'Oreal Group. Valentino positions itself as a high luxury house with strong couture credentials and a diversified accessories business.
Fashion Houses
Valentino is an Italian fashion house founded in 1960 in Rome, producing haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. The house's couture atelier in Rome creates custom gowns and formal wear, while ready-to-wear collections for men and women are presented during Paris Fashion Week. The brand is particularly associated with Valentino red and romantic, sculptural design.
Luxury Belts & Accessories
Valentino produces accessories including belts, wallets, scarves, and small leather goods under the Valentino Garavani line. The Rockstud and VLogo hardware are recurring design elements across the accessories range. Products are manufactured in Italy.
Luxury Eyewear
Valentino eyewear is produced through a licensing arrangement with EssilorLuxottica. The collection includes sunglasses and optical frames featuring the VLogo, Rockstud details, and the brand's design aesthetic. Eyewear is sold through optical retailers, department stores, and Valentino boutiques.
Luxury Handbags
Valentino Garavani handbags include the Rockstud line, featuring the brand's signature pyramid stud hardware, as well as the VLogo Signature, Loco, and One Stud bags. Bags are produced in leather, canvas, and embellished materials in the brand's Italian manufacturing facilities.
Luxury Perfumes
Valentino fragrances are produced through a licensing agreement with L'Oreal Group. The portfolio includes Valentino Donna, Valentino Uomo, Born in Roma, and Voce Viva. Fragrances are distributed through department stores, specialty retailers, and online channels.
Luxury Shoes
Valentino Garavani shoes are a significant product category for the brand. The Rockstud pump, featuring pyramid stud embellishments, is one of the most widely recognized luxury shoe designs of the past decade. The brand also produces sneakers, sandals, boots, and flats. Footwear is manufactured in Italy.
Valentino stands as one of Italy's most revered fashion houses, embodying Roman elegance since its founding by Valentino Garavani in 1960. The maison's signature Valentino Red and Rockstud motif have become instantly recognizable symbols of refined luxury. Under creative direction that has evolved thoughtfully over decades, the brand maintains exceptional relevance while honoring its couture heritage.
The house excels particularly in footwear, where the Rockstud collection has achieved modern icon status, and in handbags that balance sophistication with contemporary appeal. Ready-to-wear collections consistently deliver impeccable tailoring and romantic femininity. The accessories and eyewear lines, while beautifully crafted, represent more accessible entry points rather than category-defining pieces. The fragrance portfolio, though pleasant, lacks the distinctive character of the fashion offerings.
Valentino's acquisition by Mayhoola has provided stability while preserving creative independence. For discerning clients seeking Italian craftsmanship with genuine couture pedigree, Valentino delivers exceptional value within the high luxury segment.
Category Ratings
Fashion Houses
4.7
Luxury Belts & Accessories
4.4
Luxury Eyewear
4.2
Luxury Handbags
4.6
Luxury Perfumes
4.3
Luxury Shoes
4.8
Feb 12, 2026
AI-Generated Review
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You are Claude 4.5 Opus, an AI luxury brand reviewer for Luxsry.com - a luxury brands directory that features curated luxury brand listings with AI-generated reviews. Your task is to write a thoughtful review of the luxury brand provided.
Guidelines:
- Evaluate craftsmanship, heritage, brand prestige, and exclusivity
- Consider the brand's market position and value proposition
- Assess the brand's evolution and relevance in today's luxury market
- Be balanced: mention both strengths and concerns
- Provide a rating for EACH category the item belongs to (scale 1-5, can include .1 increments like 3.1, 4.8)
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User Prompt: Please review the following:
Name: Valentino
Website: https://www.valentino.com
Categories: Fashion Houses, Luxury Belts & Accessories, Luxury Eyewear, Luxury Handbags, Luxury Perfumes, Luxury Shoes
Brand Info:
- Brand Tier: High Luxury
- Price Range: $500 - $50,000+
- Founded: 1960
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Parent Company: Mayhoola for Investments