KUANGTU HANDBAGS editorial team
At a glance
Valentino’s official history distinguishes a first Roman atelier in 1959 from the Maison’s formal founding in 1960. Its 1968 White Collection also shows why the house’s story extends beyond a single colour. When choosing a bag, compare outline, surface and ornament separately instead of treating one logo or colour as the whole design.
Why both 1959 and 1960 appear in the history
The Maison’s history places Valentino Garavani’s first atelier on Via Condotti in Rome in 1959, alongside his first Haute Couture collection, Ibis. The next milestone is the formal founding in 1960 with Giancarlo Giammetti, then an architecture student in Rome. One date concerns the atelier; the other concerns the Maison’s foundation.
In 1962, Valentino presented at the Sala Bianca in Florence’s Palazzo Pitti. The official account describes this as a step toward international recognition. These are couture milestones, not evidence that any contemporary handbag or decorative fitting existed in those years.
The White Collection adds a useful colour perspective
The history dates the White Collection to January 1968 and describes its purity and chromatic lightness. That provides a concrete reason to look beyond a single signature colour when exploring the house’s design story.
For a bag shortlist, translate that into three separate observations: the outline at a distance, the surface when seen close up, and the scale of the fittings or lettering. This is our editorial comparison method, not a claim that either supplier example below reproduces the White Collection or belongs to a documented archive.
Graphic tote or curved studded shape?
KU-03DB73B3 shows a pale textured tote with a large tonal V-shaped front detail, contrasting edging and a dark red interior. KU-061DBDAE shows a curved black body with chevron-like stitched lines, round studs and a studded strap; parts of other colours are visible beside it. The tote emphasises a broad graphic surface, while the curved bag draws attention to repeated small details.
The tote’s supplier record says Canvas and 37 × 31 cm. The studded bag is listed at 30 × 21 cm with a store-provided Genuine leather description. Neither record provides depth or strap drop. Those omissions matter when deciding between a broad tote opening and a closer underarm silhouette; a photograph is not an interior-fit test.
Ask about the details that affect daily use
For the tote, request the usable top opening, base depth, lining composition and any main closure. For the studded bag, request strap-drop measurements and close-ups of the studs and reverse side of the strap. If clothing contact concerns you, ask for a sample or a demonstration rather than assuming that the visible finish will behave a particular way.
Save the selected photograph and SKU with your quantity and destination. Brand identity remains unverified for these supplier references. The official history supports the historical context only; it does not certify the photographed goods or establish a Rockstud launch date.
Catalogue references to compare
These photographs and records are separate from the official brand sources. Supplier-listed specifications do not authenticate an item or confirm an exact match to a retail model.
Valentino Canvas Tote Bag — 37 × 31 cmSKU KU-03DB73B3 · Supplier-listed: 37 × 31 cmBrand identity not independently authenticatedView photographs & item details →
Valentino Studded Handbag in Leather — 30 × 21 cmSKU KU-061DBDAE · Supplier-listed: 30 × 21 cmBrand identity not independently authenticatedView photographs & item details →Questions & answers
Was Valentino founded in 1959 or 1960?
The official history dates the first atelier and Ibis collection to 1959, and the formal founding of the Maison with Giancarlo Giammetti to 1960.
What was Valentino’s White Collection?
The official history identifies a January 1968 collection characterised by purity and chromatic lightness. It is a couture milestone, not the date of these catalogue bags.
Is a pale textured bag necessarily raffia?
No. Texture in a photograph does not identify the fibre. KU-03DB73B3 is supplier-described as canvas; ask for the composition of the body, trim and lining separately.
Which measurement is missing from these two catalogue listings?
Both give two measurements in centimetres but omit depth and strap drop. Ask for those values and the usable opening before comparing what fits.
Continue exploring
- Tote Bag Buying Guide: Size, Handles & Compartments
- Browse Valentino-named catalogue references
- Valentino Nellcôte Small: a model-specific comparison
Prepare a wholesale enquiry
Use the catalogue SKU, selected option and quantity in your brief, then add your delivery country and the details you need confirmed. Wholesale orders start from 5 pieces; the permitted mix, samples and shipping are confirmed in the quote.
Wholesale ordering: minimum quantity, samples and quote stepsSources & scope
The Maison history was read on 2 October 2026. Historical dates and collection context are attributed to that page; the comparison of current catalogue photographs is editorial observation, without an asserted archive connection or model launch date.
- Valentino — The History of the Maison · Accessed