The History Of Valentino Garavani & The VLogo Emblem

As with any relationship, our bond with logos is ever changing and seasonally-evolving - but the love never falters. The ‘90s saw the first peak of logomania, a trend which has firmly cemented its place in cult fashion history. Fast forwarding to autumn 2022, designers chose a more minimalist approach, when a subtle take on monogram-embellished designs emerged, signalling the start of a quieter, more pared-back luxury which is still prevalent today.

Whether subtle or bold, the symbolic significance of a logo should never be underestimated as a distinctive signifier of any luxury brand, the one true identifier spotted at first glance. Few motifs rival the allure and timelessness of Valentino Garavani, one of the most instantly recognisable logos that has left an everlasting mark on the world. The luxury diffusion brand of the haute couture Maison of Valentino pays homage to the brand’s heritage in leather goods, presenting handbags, shoes, trainers, jewellery, accessories and wardrobe staples (across womenswear and menswear) adorned with the iconic emblem.

Read on to go behind the seams of the rich legacy of the iconic VLogo and how to pledge your allegiance to Valentino Garavani.

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11th May 1932 was a big day for the fashion industry, when Valentino Garavani was born in Lombardy, Italy. From a very young age, he inherited his love of fashion from his aunt Rosa. During the Swinging Sixties, the designer launched his eponymous brand alongside architect Giancarlo Giammetti, and went on to change the course of fashion history forever as a beacon of constant elegance. In the late ‘60s, the famed “V” emblem was debuted, nicknamed the VLogo.

Whilst originally debuted with “Garavani”, the logo underwent an evolution of subtle yet impactful changes. Proving that less is more, the House tapped into the power of minimalism and the transformed, enlarged emblem took centre stage in the late ‘70s. What appears to be just a “V” enveloped by a semi-oval, this timeless typography represents so much more than merely shapes together. Symbolising the brand’s DNA, it reflects the unmistakable prestige, luxury and elegance that all the brands under the Maison Valentino umbrella are synonymous with. Amongst rebellious rockstud embellishments and the signature bold red hue famed as the Maison’s most iconic house codes.

Launched as a dedication to accessories, Valentino Garavani delivers collections of luxury, season-transcending finishing touches to pair with everything. Tap into the quiet luxury trend with nods to the brand in beautiful drop earrings, timeless mini bags, statement sunglasses and slip-on-sleek loafers adorned with the logo. When you’re feeling bold, you may want to let louder luxury do all the talking. The hypnotic Valentino Toile Iconographe collection lets you do just that. Launched in 2022, this capsule is an ode to iconographic saturation, offering everyday essentials covered seam-to-seam in a block print adaptation of the famed VLogo. By pledging your allegiance with attention-commanding sandals, shirts, cashmere scarves, go-to jeans and knitwear, you can make a chic logoed style statement whatever the weather.

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Words by Sophy Davis Russell