When it comes to luxury there are a few classic brands that have been around forever and still cause a stir when you see their craftsmanship. Is Valentino a luxury brand? Or has it lost its value throughout the years?
I can remember my grandmother owning a Valentino coat and it was one of her grand possessions but I never understood why, until I got my hands on it.
The coat just felt like butter. It was an authentic double breasted long sleeve coat made in Italy and of 100% Cupro. Time to find out if that gorgeous coat I have loved for over 15 years was crafted by a luxury brand.
What Is the Secret Sauce Of A Luxury Brand?
As a fashion snob, I’m always hunting for the latest and greatest fashion brands. And in my opinion Valentino has always had grounds for being a designer brand like the big names like Versace and Anne Klein.
But there’s more to being a luxury brand than being around for centuries and being loved by many. Being a luxury brand means creating rare, exclusive pieces with a scarcity to them.
True luxury also comes at a hefty price point.
The products must be designed meticulously, constructed with purpose and crafted from high-quality durable material.
When a brand brings together all these “ingredients,” you can expect top-tier luxury. True luxury represents style, elegance and exclusivity.
Is Valentino a luxury brand? Let’s figure out if the fashion house has the “secret sauce” or if it’s lacking a few ingredients.
The Tale Of Two Valentinos: Where It Began
Valentino Garavani founded the brand in 1960 to create classic pieces that can stand the test of time and feel more romantic than fashion houses that followed such as Moschino.
The fashion house made its international debut in 1962 in Florence, Italy, but it did not gain popularity until 1967 when Garavani released his “no color” collection, which consisted of only white, beige, and ivory pieces.
The brand did not use any bold patterns, just simple lines and soft hues, which was a rarity at that time. The V logo was also introduced and later on the fashion house expanded to New York City and in 1985 Valentino showcased their first menswear show at Milan Fashion Week.
The fashion house continued its legacy through the years with Garavani and his business partner Giancarlo Giammetti.
This all changed in 2007 when Garavani and Giammetti stepped down and appointed Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new creative directors.
Since then, in 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri moved to Dior, and Pierpaolo Piccioli has been the sole creative director.
Do not confuse R. E. D Valentino and Valentino with the brand called Mario Valentino. Though the names seem similar, they are completely different.
Mario Valentino was established in 1952, and it is considered affordable clothing. They feature classic, popular Mario Valentino bags.
This brand would fall under the same umbrella as DKNY and Calvin Klein. While Valentino is a designer brand that has been established among other big names such as Versace.
But is Valentino a luxury brand? The quest continues.
Must Have or Pass on a Valentino Item?
I adore the chic, timeless approach Valentino takes on the majority of their pieces. However, their prices are steep and I just don’t know if I can justify them.
As my research continues I am drawn to discover just how luxurious their pieces are and if exclusivity plays a factor.
So, is Valentino a luxury brand that makes buyers feel as if they are splurging on rare pieces or can anyone buy a Valentino item?
Unlike other big names that are exclusive to their own boutiques or online stores, there is no shortage of Valentino items.
In fact, many luxury retail stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue carry an abundance of Valentino brand products including handbags, shoes and more.
The brand does employ some scarcity, as they tend to launch capsule collections that are limited edition or exclusive to their website.
Valentino is a designer brand that does not offer Private Sale or VIP access for anyone. So, if you land on a sale from luxury retail stores, snag it and don’t look back.
Also keep in mind, sales are extremely rare. If you see one, chances are you have spotted a unicorn – and should call me.
Valentino Plays with Royalty & I’m Jealous
Is Valentino a luxury brand? Like many brands, the fashion house leans on big celebrity names to get their designs out there to the masses.
From the very beginning of the Valentino brand, it’s always been established as a high-end fashion house with classic staples.
But is Valentino a good brand? According to research, Valentino is a fashion brand loved by many. Valentino has dressed some BIG names including princess Diana.
In 1992, the British royal was seen wearing a velvet and lace, knee-length Valentino dress to attend Paul McCartney’s live album, Liverpool.
Having royalty dressed in Valentino caused pandemonium among buyers as everyone wanted to look as chic as princess Diana did that night.
Just last year, Piccioli Valentino’s creative director partnered up with Pantone to create an exclusive color called ‘Pink PP’ for Valentino’s autumn/winter ’22/’23 collection for Paris Fashion Week.
This collection has graced many red carpets, with celebrities like Zendaya and Ariana Grande adorned in the brand’s bold hues and daring silhouettes.
From celebrities to influencers, Valentino has been seen on many big names and with its haute couture collections we can assume we will continue to see the impact the fashion house has created over the years.
Is Valentino a Luxury Brand: Can I Purchase Valentino?
As a luxury fanatic on a budget, I pay close attention to pricing. I want all the luxury without having to pay a high price.
True luxury equals a high price so is Valentino a luxury brand? Can I afford to own a piece from the Valentino brand?
For Valentino a simple sleeveless, one color bodysuit will range from $820 and a cashmere top can cost up to $13,000.
Mini Vsling Handbag with 3D embroidery, which is priced at $5,300.
The drool-worthy bag, made in Italy, features authentic leather, a platinum-finish logo, hardware, and exquisite 3D embroidery.
As for the Valentino shoe, prices range from $920 to $1,590. Again, the prices are luxurious and scream high-end.
Can I afford a piece from the Valentino brand? Only if there happens to be a miracle and all items go on sale for 99% off.
Can You Score Valentino At a Resale Value?
When it comes to luxury labels, their resale value speaks volumes about their longevity. So, how does the resale of the Valentino brand hold up compared to other haute couture collections?
On sites like Poshmark and The RealReal, Valentino items tend to sell for 30-50% off the retail price, which isn’t too bad.
But it does make you wonder if customers are buying Valentino for the purpose of reselling on one of these popular sites.
Popular style shoes like the Rockstud Patent Leather Pumps are 46% off their original price which still makes them expensive but a bit more affordable for some.
While some signature handbag styles are going for up to 65% off. This is a big jump for the fashion house which makes me think that many consumers are taking advantage of the popularity of luxury resale.
After looking at the resale value we can definitely determine Valentino is a luxury brand with high stakes in resale.
Also, they might just be the way for me to score a Valentino item without breaking the bank or selling my home.
Valentino: Quality Materials or Fast Fashion Feel?
Is Valentino a luxury brand? When you first hear the words “luxury” one of the first things that may come to mind is the quality of the item.
Does the Valentino brand care about how luxurious its items look and feel? During my research, I was delighted to discover that Valentino still manufactures and ships all of their items from Italy, including their handbags and shoes.
When looking at their handbags and belts, these are usually made from calfskin and lambskin leather, which provide a luxurious feel and last for a long time.
In addition to luxurious fabrics like cashmere, chiffon, silk blends, silk crepe, and wool blend tweed, Valentino’s fashion collections are often embellished with delicate embroidery or beadwork.
Taking these top notes into consideration Valentino is creating top-quality items that are not only buttery to the touch but they will last for years on end.
Does Valentino Have Iconic Designs?
Is Valentino a luxury brand? In the fashion world, iconic designs tend to separate the legendary brands from the trendy ones.
If you know anything about Valentino then you know the brand is known for a few iconic designs. One of the most well-known being the Rockstud pump.
This shoe design has been a cult favorite since its launch in 2010. There are currently multiple variations of this specific pump, including showcasing the design on kitten heels, ballet flats and even on perfume bottles.
The Valentino brand is also known for creating classic dress silhouettes that have graced the bodies of legendary women.
Is Valentino a Luxury Brand When It Comes to Being Ethical?
Being an ethical brand with a sound philosophy can instantly make a brand feel luxurious. So, how does Valentino measure up to being ethical compared to other luxury brands.
Big round of applause for Maison Valentino who continues to make headway in supporting the community. The brand donates to many fashion schools and continues to hosts fashion students allowing them to witness fashion week in front row seats.
However, in contrast to its closest competitors, Valentino lacks animal welfare policies banning fur and angora from its products.
As an animal lover, this was upsetting to say the least. In 2022, the brand launched their Open for Change Project. Which is a pair of eco-friendly sneakers.
The shoe is a mash up of the fashion house’s most popular sneakers. This new version was created with recycled and bio-based materials.
In order to be a luxury brand, a fashion house must continue to evolve and want to make the world a better place, through its fashion and community.
So far, we can say Valentino has upheld its core values from the beginning.
Is Valentino a luxury brand? A Look at Valentinos Customer Care
As a constant shopper and previous luxury store manager, I know a thing or two about customer service. Having good customer service can make or break any brand.
There are a couple of Valentino boutiques spread throughout the USA and they appear to be a luxurious experience with personal attention from the moment you enter.
However, most customers are shopping online. Based on reviews for Valentino. com listed on Trustpilot. com, shopping on the website is not a good idea, with 85% of reviews being one star.
Reviewers have shared horrible experiences with little to no communication from the brand even when they make a complaint about a purchase.
In my opinion, this puts a bad taste in my mouth about the luxury aspect of such a valued brand. Now that we have concluded our research, let’s answer the question.
Is Valentino a luxury brand? Absolutely. Valentino embodies luxury due to its incredible craftsmanship, elegance and care for the community.
Is Valentino a luxury brand? FAQs
Is Valentino a designer make?
Yes, Valentino is a designer make. This is mainly due to its luxury materials and craftmenship.
Why is Valentino so expensive?
When you are purchasing luxury you can expect a higher price point and Valentino offers just that. The reason why it is so expensive is due to the materials, and location of where products are made. Valentino items come directly from Italy and they use materials such as patent leather and cashmere.
Is Valentino the same as Valentino Garavani?
Yes, Valentino Garavani is the name of the creator behind the Valentino brand. They are one in the same.
Is Valentino a luxury brand?
Valentino Garavani is a luxury brand thant embodies luxury through impeccable attention to detail, premium materials, and commitment to sophistication.