Earlier this week while siting at Starbucks, getting my morning buzz on, I over heard the lady next to me complement another on her style and the bag she was carrying, and was curious where she got it from. She said it was by Mario Valentino. Squinted-eyed and curious while meticulously examining the details of her handbag, she says “I’ve heard of Valentino, but never Mario Valentino.” I didn’t really want to jump into their conversation, so I just went along my merry way and decided to write a blog post about this eavesdropping experience.
It is important to know there are two Valentino designers out there! There is a difference between Valentino by Valentino Garavani and Valentino by Mario Valentino. And no, there was no copyright infringement or lawsuit waiting to happen.
Mario Valentino- Founded by Mario Valentino in 1952 in Naples, Italy. At the beginning of his fashion career Mario had a brief internship with his father’s, Vincenzo Valentino, classic luxury shoe business. There was some design differences, so the young designer moved on and introduced his own fashion-forward designs. Mario Valentino may have started out making luxurious shoes, but has since grown his fashion empire to include luxury leather goods, shoes, and apparel.
Mario Valentino handbag price range is $700 – $1300. However, bags can always be found on sale.
Available: Saks Off Fifth // 6pm
Valentino Garavani- Founded by Valentino Garavani. He received his formal training in Paris, then moved back home and started his own line in 1960, in Rome. During his early career he gained recognition for his red gowns, in a shade that became widely known as the signature “Valentino red.” Over the course of his career, Valentino’s primary lines have been Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma and R.E.D. Valentino.
Valentino handbag price range is $645 – $4,500. However, special editions and exotics could bring a price that reaches up to $30,000+
Available: Neiman Marcus // Saks Fifth Avenue // Net-a-Porter // Luisa Via Roma // MatchesFashion
It is completely understandable for the confusion, both are equally amazing Italian designers who have been around for decades.
