10 of the Best Valentino Collections Throughout Fashion History

The fashion world recently mourned the loss of the great Valentino Garavani. The 93-year-old's illustrious fashion career spanned decades—from debuting his collection in 1952 to his final collection as Valentino's creative director in 2008.

Taking a trip down memory lane, we highlight some of the best collections from the man dubbed as "The Sheik of Chic" and fashion's "Last Emperor."

1. Valentino Spring/Summer 1968

Called "Collezione Bianca," which literally translates to "White Collection," this iconic collection helped establish Valentino as a key fashion player in the international scene. The collection featured wool, raw silk, white crêpe with a satin feel, linen, and organdy—all in white.

2. Valentino Spring/Summer 1980

There is something to be said for how timeless these two looks are. The juxtaposition of sheer athleisure tops with the flouncy midi-skirts is an unexpected pairing that Valentino surely made work.

3. Valentino Fall/Winter 1984 Couture

Did you know that every Valentino collection has at least one red dress? The red dress is representative of "Valentino Red," which was introduced in 1959. For his Fall/Winter 1984 Couture collection, this red dress worn by Iman stands out for obvious reasons.

4. Valentino Fall/Winter 1989 Couture

For his Fall/Winter 1989 Couture collection, Valentino took inspiration from Viennese architect Josef Hoffman. The coats and gowns throughout the collection celebrated structure and architecture like no other.

5. Valentino Spring/Summer 2002 Couture

Ah, who could forget the opening look that featured a stylized Valentino fascinator on Karolina Kurkova? Before the show, Valentino revealed that he wanted the focus of the collection to be on the top and bosom—mission accomplished.

6. Valentino Spring/Summer 2003

Did you know that the internet calls this collection the Gisele Bündchen show? After all, she opened and closed the show, then walked the finale with Valentino himself. Oh, and she had a total of seven looks.

7. Valentino Spring/Summer 2004 Couture

Valentino's Spring/Summer 2024 Couture was a beautiful display of the complementary power of beauty on fashion. The slightly disheveled hairstyle and dark, vampy makeup sang on the display of evening-leaning looks.

8. Valentino Fall/Winter 2005

For his Fall/Winter 2005 offering, Valentino went the utilitarian chic route—perfectly encapsulated in the opening look on Carmen Kass. As always, craftmanship was on full display.

9. Valentino Fall/Winter 2006

Staging the Fall/Winter 2006 show at the Le Carrousel du Louvre was a smart, sartorial choice for Valentino. There was a sense of elevation—literally and figuratively—to the collection, in which the color story was a visual feast.

10. Valentino Spring/Summer 2008 Couture

Valentino's final collection for the house was the Spring/Summer 2008 Couture show, which closed with a fabulous salutation to the fashion maestro—all the models wearing the same red quintessential Valentino gown. Truly befitting of a standing ovation.