The names Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani often cause confusion due to their shared surname. However, these are two distinct entities with unique identities and contributions to the fashion industry. Diving deep into their distinguished legacies reveals not just the differences in their design philosophies and target markets but also highlights their individual paths to prominence within the global fashion and handbag domain.
Mario Valentino
Mario Valentino, founded in Naples, Italy, in 1952 by the designer of the same name, has established itself as a leader in leather goods, shoes, accessories, and haute couture. The brand is recognized for its premium quality and dynamic wardrobe offerings, focusing on a leather look with a punchier, fun take on women's fashion. Despite being a premium brand, it is often sold in outlets and is categorized alongside brands like Calvin Klein, DKNY, and Diesel. The headquarters of Mario Valentino have remained in Naples since its inception, emphasizing its commitment to Italian craftsmanship and design.
Valentine Garavani
On the other hand, Valentine Garavani commonly referred to as Valentino, was founded in 1960 by Valentino Garavani in Rome. This luxury fashion house is part of the Valentino Fashion Group and has made a significant impact on international fashion through its Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter lines for both women and men, as well as through the Valentino Garavani accessories lines that include shoes, bags, small leather goods, eyewear, scarves, ties, and fragrances. Valentino Garavani's legacy is celebrated for its elegance, attention to detail, and influence on future generations of designers. Since 2012, Valentino S.p.A. has been controlled by Mayhoola for Investments LLC, which has facilitated rapid growth and global recognition of the brand.
Which Valentino is the luxury brand?
Valentino Garavani, commonly referred to as Valentino, is the luxury brand renowned for its high-end luxury fashion, including Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter lines for both women and men, as well as accessories lines. This brand, founded by Valentino Garavani in Rome in 1960, is celebrated for its elegance, attention to detail, and significant impact on international fashion, making it a towering figure in the luxury sector, in contrast with Mario Valentino, which specializes in premium leather goods and accessories.
Mario Valentino Vs Valentino Garavani Legal Battle
The confusion between Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani was further complicated by legal battles over branding and product similarities. In 1979, a global co-existence agreement allowed Mario Valentino to use and register the full name "Mario Valentino" or "M.V." This agreement was designed to delineate the operational spaces of both brands, with Valentino Garavani being more associated with couture and high-end fashion, while Mario Valentino focused on leather goods and accessories.
Despite this agreement, disputes arose, such as the lawsuit filed by Valentino Garavani against Mario Valentino in July 2019, accusing the latter of selling look-alike bags and misleading consumers regarding the origin of their products. The filed a lawsuit in a California Federal Court against Mario Valentino, accusing the latter of breaching the co-existence agreement through false advertisement, unfair competition, and design patent infringement. This lawsuit highlighted the alleged confusion created by Mario Valentino's marketing strategies and product designs, which purportedly leveraged Valentino Garavani's brand equity in the U.S. handbag market.
Further complicating matters, proceedings in Italy mirrored the disputes in the U.S., with both parties engaging in legal actions before the Court of Milan and even reaching Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation. The Italian legal battles revolved around similar issues of trademark use and adherence to the co-existence agreement, with a notable decision in March 2023 rejecting both parties' pleadings and remanding the matter back to the Court of Milan for a damages determination.
Amidst these legal entanglements, the broader implications for both brands are significant. The disputes not only challenge the practical application of the co-existence agreement but also raise questions about the potential for brand dilution and the strategic maneuvering necessary in the luxury goods market. With Valentino Garavani's brand valued at almost $6 billion and generating substantial revenue from its leather goods, the outcome of these legal battles could have far-reaching consequences for how the Valentino name is perceived and utilized across various product categories.
As the cases continue to unfold in both the U.S. and Italy, with key deadlines and hearings scheduled throughout 2023 and into 2024, the fashion industry watches closely. The resolution of these disputes may set precedents for trademark co-existence agreements and brand differentiation strategies
"Anyone else confused by Mario Valentino?"
What people are saying on the thread: "Mario Valentino is not considered in the same category as Valentino (which is a luxury brand). MV is like DKNY, Michael Kors etc. There’s about a 10 year difference in how long the brands have been around but Valentino had been working in fashion years prior to stating his own line. Mario Valentino only does leather goods( including shoes) whereas Valentino (Garavani) started with ready to wear and then added leather goods and now has an assortment that ranges from ready-to-wear all the way to makeup."
Another commenter said, "They just have the same last name. Mario Valentino is supposedly not as “luxurious” as Valentino Garvani so it’s not sold in boutiques in the US but they are both made in Italy and the quality is the same ; just different leathers imo. Mario I believe was actually the first Valentino"
While another added: "The quality of Mario Valentino is TERRIBLE for the price. I’ve had coach purses look better for longer. I’ve had my Mario Valentino bag for 2ish years and the brass studs are tarnished, the lock on the front scratched the heck out of the other hardware and a screw came loose on the locking plate so now it swivels around. I messaged them to see if they can do anything about it, but I am doubtful."
FAQs: Mario Valentino Vs Valentino Garavani
1. What is the main difference between Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani?
Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani represent two distinct fashion entities. Mario Valentino, established in the early 1950s in Naples by Vincenzo Valentino, is known for its premium leather goods and accessories, offering a dynamic and varied wardrobe with a focus on leather looks and a punchier, fun take on women's fashion. Valentino Garavani, on the other hand, founded his eponymous fashion house in Rome in 1960, becoming renowned for high-end luxury fashion, including the iconic 'Valentino Red' dresses, and competes with luxury powerhouses like Chanel and Dior.
2. Are Mario Valentino products considered luxury?
Mario Valentino falls into the premium brand category, aligning with brands like Calvin Klein, DKNY, and Diesel. It offers well-made clothes and accessories that are aspirational yet attainable, distinguishing itself from the high-level luxury tier where Valentino Garavani resides.
3. Why are there two Valentino brands?
The existence of two Valentino brands stems from a global co-existence agreement signed in 1979, allowing both brands to trade under the "Valentino" name without amending their image. This agreement was made when Valentino Garavani's brand was more associated with couture than handbags, permitting Mario Valentino to use and register the full name "Mario Valentino."
4. How can consumers differentiate between Mario Valentino and Valentino Garavani products?
One straightforward way to distinguish between the two is by noting the branding. A Valentino Garavani bag will never say "Mario," while a Mario Valentino bag will always include "Mario" in its branding, regardless of how it is presented. Additionally, Mario Valentino products often come with a serial number and are wrapped in a dust bag to maintain their condition.
5. Why is there disagreement between Valentino and Mario Valentino?
Disagreements arose after decades of peaceful coexistence when Valentino Garavani filed a lawsuit against Mario Valentino, accusing the latter of selling look-alike bags and attempting to obscure the fact that their bags were licensed by them instead of being genuine Valentino Garavani products. This legal battle highlights the complexities of sharing a prestigious name in the fashion industry.
6. Where are Mario Valentino bags made?
Mario Valentino bags are manufactured in Naples, Italy, where the company's headquarters have remained since Mario Valentino opened his studio. The brand has become one of the leading manufacturers of leather goods, including shoes, accessories, and haute couture.
7. Is Valentino by Mario Valentino considered a knock-off of Valentino Garavani?
No, Valentino by Mario Valentino is not a knock-off but a separate, legitimate brand with its own history and product line. While both brands share Italian origins and the Valentino name, they cater to different segments of the fashion market, with Mario Valentino focusing on premium leather goods and Valentino Garavani on high-end luxury fashion.
Conclusion
Despite these challenges, both brands have continued to thrive in their respective niches. Mario Valentino is celebrated for its premium offerings and contribution to the leather goods market, while Valentino Garavani remains a towering figure in luxury fashion, known for its exquisite designs, innovative approaches, and global presence through directly-operated boutiques and points of sale.
