The “Garavani Effect”: 5 Valentino Must-Haves You Need to Buy Now Before You Can’t Afford Them

It is a harsh reality of the luxury market: Death drives demand.

We saw it with Alexander McQueen. We saw it with Karl Lagerfeld. And mark my words, we are about to see it with Valentino Garavani.

Right now, there is a golden window. The collectors are mourning, but the investors are already moving. As of this morning, searches for “Vintage Valentino” are spiking. The pieces that were sitting on The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective yesterday are going to disappear or double in price by next week.

If you want to own a piece of history—not just a brand name, but the soul of the man who dressed Jackie O—you need to act fast. Here are the 5 Valentino essentials that are no longer just clothes; they are assets.

1. The “Rosso Valentino” Dress

This is the Holy Grail. Valentino didn’t just use red; he invented a specific shade (100% magenta, 100% yellow, 10% black).

What to look for: Avoid the modern, neon-bright reds. You want the deep, blood-orange crimson from the 80s or 90s archives. Look for drapes, bows, and structure.
Why buy now: This is his signature. Owning a generic red dress is fine; owning a Rosso Valentino is like owning a Picasso. The value of these specific gowns is about to go through the roof.

2. The V-Logo Belt (The 1968 Original)

Before the flashy logos of today, there was the “V.” It debuted in his legendary 1968 “White Collection” and it screams “Old Money.”

What to look for: Skip the modern, thick brass buckles. Hunt for the vintage, thinner belts with the elliptical “V” hardware. They are often found on resale sites for under $300 (for now).
Why buy now: It is the ultimate “if you know, you know” accessory. It cinches a blazer or a coat and instantly tells the room you understand the history of the house.

3. The “White Collection” Blouse

In 1968, at the height of psychedelic prints, Valentino sent an all-white collection down the runway. It was a masterclass in purity and sculpture.

What to look for: A crisp, white cotton or silk blouse with architectural details—pleats, ruffles, or balloon sleeves.
Why buy now: This is the aesthetic that made Jackie Kennedy call him. It is timeless. While everyone else is chasing trends, a vintage white Valentino blouse will look expensive in 2026, 2036, and 2046.

4. The 80s Power Blazer

I have said it before: Valentino understood a woman’s body better than she did. His tailoring in the 1980s was impeccable—sharp shoulders, nipped waists, and fabrics that felt like liquid.

What to look for: Wool or crepe blazers with jewel buttons. Look for the “Valentino Boutique” label (the vintage ready-to-wear line).
Why buy now: Current designer blazers cost $3,000+. You can find vintage Valentino blazers for a fraction of that, and the quality is often superior. But once the “tributes” start rolling in, these will vanish from the market.

5. The Silk Scarf

If a gown is out of budget, this is your entry point.

What to look for: Prints featuring leopards, zebras, or poppies. Valentino loved nature and the exotic.
Why buy now: A framed vintage Valentino scarf is art. Worn around the neck, it’s elegance. It is the most accessible piece of the archive, but it’s also the first thing that sells out when nostalgia hits.

Tamara’s Tip: Go to your favorite resale sites right now. Filter by “Valentino” and sort by “Oldest.” Do not look at the Rockstuds (those are great, but they are modern). Look for the labels that say “Valentino Garavani” or “Valentino Boutique.”

Happy hunting. And remember: You aren’t spending money; you are preserving history.