Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani are two popular fashion labels in the industry. While both brands offer the same lines of products such as shoes, clothing, and accessories, some key differences between the two set them apart.
Both brands are quite different when it comes to their designs, target markets, and overall aesthetic. Mario Valentino gained fame for its handbags, while Valentino Garavani has been particularly in its dresses.
Fashion critics and enthusiasts thoroughly know and can see the differences between Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani. But for the general people, the question remains: Which one should they go for? And how to differentiate one brand over another?
Quick Mario Valentino Overview
History
Founded in 1952, Mario Valentino is a brand that takes its name from its founder. The Mario Valentino company started in Naples, Italy as a small atelier and today has turned into an international fashion house. Mario Valentino himself was known for his clean and elegant designs that aims to be catered to the upper-class market.
The Mario Valentino brand is all about classic and timeless pieces with a modern twist. Mario Valentino bags are its most popular product. The brand is also known for its high-quality craftsmanship, using good quality materials to create its designs.
What are they popular for?
Mario Valentino is popular for its affordable handbags, which come in a variety of styles to suit any taste. The brand also offers a wide range of other products such as shoes, clothing, and accessories. Mario Valentino has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a classic piece or something with a more modern edge.
The brand is also popular for its use of good-quality materials and craftsmanship. Its bags are made with leather and fabrics, ensuring that they will last a long time. Thus, the brand also uses other options to make its products more affordable to the consumers such as Sauvage, Chevron, Palmelatto leather, polyester, and rayon.
Quick Valentino Garavani Overview
History
Valentino Garavani, more popularly known as Valentino, is an Italian fashion designer founded in 1960. The brand was named after its founder. Both Valentino and his own brand are best known for their extravagant red carpet designs and haute couture dresses. Valentino’s line of products also includes shoes, handbags, accessories, and fragrances.
The Valentino Garavani brand has been worn by many celebrities and the elite around the world. Some of its most famous clients include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn.
While, in modern times, celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Reese Witherspoon have all been spotted wearing or using Valentino. Needless to say, because of the known people who have worn the brand, it is also one of the reasons why it’s one of the most sought-after in the industry.
The Feud With The Other Valentino Brand Over Trademark Rights
While Valentino Garavani is a newer brand unlike Mario Valentino, they have both been involved in a legal battle over the trademark rights to the name “Valentino” and the “V” logo.
Mario Valentino has been using the name since 1952, while Valentino Garavani only started using it in 1960. Thus, it did not stop the latter from using the name and logo. While there’s a difference between the two names, both brands have the same concern that the public could get confused about which is which.
On the other hand, both Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani are in a co-existence agreement in 1979. This agreement lets Mario Valentino use the “Valentino” name for its products in Europe, while Valentino Garavani can use it in the United States.
However, this co-existence agreement seems to not work out after all after 40 years when Valentino Garavani filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in 2019 against Mario Valentino. The court battle is still ongoing as of today, with both brands continuing to use the “Valentino” name and logo. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will play out and who will come out on top.
The Main Differences Between Mario Valentino And Valentino Garavani
| Mario Valentino | Valentino Garavani |
| Founded in 1952 | Founded in 1960 |
| Famous for its bags | Famous for its dresses |
| Premium (Designer) brand | Luxury brand |
| Many of its products are affordable | Many of its products are really expensive |
| The brand was founded by Vincenzo Valentino and latr inherited by his son, Mario | The brand was founded by Valentino Garavani, a famous fashion designer |
FAQ
Are Mario Valentino bags made in China?
No, Mario Valentino bags are made in Italy. According to its website, “Valentino Bags® has put together a luxury line of handbags and accessories made in Italy of the highest quality at an attainable luxury price point. This line is manufactured and produced in top Italian factories that also support a variety of other luxury brands.”
Are Valentino Garavani bags expensive?
Yes, Valentino Garavani bags are definitely expensive—even the brand’s other products. Its prices start at around $2000 and can go up to $5000 or more, depending on the materials used and the design of the bag.
What is the difference between the Mario Valentino logo and the Valentino Garavani logo?
The Mario Valentino logo is a “V” with a crown on top of it.
The Valentino Garavani logo is just a “V.”
And while there is a difference between both logos, everyday people oftentimes get confused about which is which.
What is red Valentino vs Valentino?
Red Valentino is a diffusion line of the Valentino Garavani brand. It was launched in 2006 and is aimed at a younger, more casual market. The line includes ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories.
Valentino Garavani is the high fashion haute couture version of the brand. It was founded by designer Valentino Garavani in 1960. The line includes ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories.
How are Mario Valentino bags different from Valentino Garavani bags?
The main difference between Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani is their prices—Mario Valentino’s are more affordable, while Valentino Garavani’s are expensive. Both brands offer a variety of other products such as dresses, and shoes.
