Valentino is known for its luxury designs, and in more modern times, the iconic Rockstud collection. However, Valentino designed much more than just clothing and shoes.
Since the late ‘70s, Valentino has been releasing luxury fragrances. Keep reading for our guide to Valentino fragrances, including a brief background of the Valentino brand and some of the most popular Valentino Fragrances throughout the history of the label.
A Brief Introduction to Valentino
The Valentino story begins with the name behind the brand, Valentino Garavini. Garavani was born in Lombardy, Italy - and was a fashion lover from a young age. Like many designers, started his long career as an apprentice for local designers in the area.
Valentino trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris while working for Jean Desses and Guy Laroche. This only furthered his ambition and love for fashion, giving him the inspiration and experience he needed to begin his own brand.
Once he’d completed apprenticeships with designers in the local scene in 1959, Valentino moved back to Rome to open his own fashion house. He modelled his business on the style of homes he saw during his time in Paris.
Valentino Garavani met Giancarlo Giammetti in the summer of 1960, and they quickly became good friends, developing a professional and romantic relationship. Although their romantic relationship didn’t last long, their friendship and professional collaboration is still going strong.
Upon their meeting, Giammetti was an architecture student. They came together and developed the Valentino fashion house, which quickly became one of the most popular names in the fashion world.
The pair worked on the business for a couple of years and then worked to organise the Valentino debut runway show in 1962, at the Pitti Palace, Florence. Naturally, it was a huge success and cemented the reputation of the Valentino brand.
With people from all over drawn into the Valentino hype, the brand’s reputation was cemented - but the pair’s journey was only just beginning.
French Vogue dedicated their whole cover to Valentino, which was their first cover of an Italian designer. Valentino was known for its stylish red dresses and haute couture, and women all over the world were spotted in luxury Valentino pieces.
Throughout the ‘60s, the brand continued to rise in popularity, becoming known for its modern prints and geometric designs. Valentino launched the lingerie line in 1966, which featured brightly coloured feminine pieces.
Countless icons, celebrities, and even royalty have worn Valentino pieces. In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy’s wife Ethel Kennedy wore a Valentino dress to meet the Pope. His client list included Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Begum Aga Khan, and Queen Paola of Belgium.
Many iconic names have chosen to tie the knot in Valentino dresses - including Friends star Courtney Cox, Anne Hathaway, and Princess Madeleine of Sweden. Valentino designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress when she married Aristotle Onassis, and she also wore Valentino during her transition from mourning after the passing of her first husband J.F Kennedy.
Valentino Garavani sold the brand back in 1998 to the Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali SpA (HdP) - although he remained the creative director of Valentino. Just four years later, the house was bought by Gruppo Marzotto, the fashion group.
Most Popular Valentino Fragrances
Valentino is primarily known for its luxury fashion pieces and iconic footwear, but the brand is also known for its aromatic luxury fragrances.
The first Valentino fragrance was launched in 1978 and was an instant hit, as expected with anything released by the luxury label.
Valentino Red was released in 1979, and some other notable scents include Vendetta & Vendetta Pour Homme which was released in 1991, Very Valentino which first came out in 1997, Very Valentino Homme in 1999, and Valentino Gold, which was released in 2002.
Whether you’re male or female, you’re sure to find the perfect Valentino fragrance for you.
Valentino By Valentino
The original Valentino Perfume is Valentino by Valentino. This was created by the highly respected Givaudan house, who also designs perfumes for Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more.
Some primary notes include peach, citrus, basil, and green accords. However, the perfume is lifted with floral aromas such as rose, hyacinth, carnation, jasmine, and lily of the valley.
Some base notes that you can smell in this popular perfume include cedar, oakmoss, musk, and civet.
The bottle features a classic yet elegant design, with a large spherical lid that reads the Valentino logo on the base. You can find 30ml EDT, 50ml EDT, and 75ml EDT sizes of this scent.
This perfume was relaunched in 1986 after proving very popular. The scent was instantly recognisable as Valentino, and this was the first of many Valentino fragrances.
Valentino Born in Roma Donna
One of the most popular scents by Valentino has to be Born in Roma Donna. This perfume was launched in 2019 and is one of the most recognisable modern Valentino perfumes.
The bottle is covered with the iconic Valentino’s studs, the same found on the Rockstud shoes including the Rockrunners.
The fragrance itself primarily features floral notes, including bergamot and jasmine. At the heart of the fragrance, you can notice jasmine tea, jasmine absolute, and jasmine grandiflorum. Some base notes of Born in Roma Donna include cashmere, bourbon vanilla, and guaiac wood.
Born in Roma Donna adds some edge to your classic Valentino perfume, celebrating the street culture of Rome - classy, yet edgy.
Very Valentino
It’s not just women that can enjoy Valentino fragrances. This scent was launched in 1999 and is still one of the most popular Valentino scents for him.
Harry Fremont was the nose behind this iconic fragrance. He also created scents for Vera Wang, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Estée Lauder, and many more.
Primary notes you may notice in this poplar scent include anise, sage, nutmeg, and coriander. At the heart of the fragrance, there are notes of Brazilian rosewood, carnation, lavender, tobacco, and caraway. Some base notes include resin, cedar, musk, amber, and sandalwood - making for a delightful masculine fragrance.
