This is confusing…
The cute little bag in the picture above has an odd label that says it’s a Valentino, by Mario Valentino.
The price it attractive.
Yet it looks like Celine.
And just who is this Mario??!!
Is it a Valentino or not?
This questions gets asked all the time in our Facebook Group.
Let’s take a closer look.
We are all familiar with Valentino Garavani. Their iconic Rockstud shoes are a must-have in any fashionista’s closet (and a currently on sale in several colors!). However, the bag above is by a different label. It is by Mario Valentino, a completely different designer. Both brands take their roots in Italy and go back to the middle of twentieth century. However, that’s where the similarities stop.
Valentino Garavani is a luxury, coveted label with prices starting around $1000 and rising up to as much as $30K for exclusive couture pieces. Its designs are unique and signature, and can be easily spotted across the room.
Valentino Garavani on Sale:
Mario Valentino also makes quality accessories, with prices reaching $1000, although almost always on sale for no more than $500. And although the name on the label can seem to be deceiving, it is only half the issue with this brand. The main problem are the copy-cat designs. A Celine-looking bag with a prestigious name like Valentino, for a bargain price of $350 can seem like a great deal, but in reality it is just a gimmick with no real value.
However, some of Mario Valentino’s designs are uniquely theirs and they are rather great! The bag below is one of my favorites and I wouldn’t mind rocking it no matter what the label says. I would love to see more original ideas from Mario Valentino, and perhaps than it can compete with its namesake, Valentino Garavani.
