Valentino by Mario Valentino
Mario Valentino SpA · Italy
Valentino by Mario Valentino is the bags, shoes and accessories line of Mario Valentino SpA, a Naples leather goods company founded in 1952 by Mario Valentino. It is best known for handbags and sneakers.
| Company | Mario Valentino SpA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1952 |
| Founder | Mario Valentino |
| Headquarters | Naples, Italy |
| Website | mariovalentino.it |
What is Valentino by Mario Valentino?
Valentino by Mario Valentino is a leather goods and footwear brand from Mario Valentino SpA, headquartered in Naples. The company was founded in 1952 by Mario Valentino. It is distinct from the Rome couture house Valentino.
History
The family's link to shoemaking predates the company: Mario's father, Vincenzo Valentino, made the first shoes under the Valentino trademark in Naples in the early 20th century. In the 1950s the company signed a contract with I. Miller in New York, at the time the only overseas company importing and distributing luxury shoes in the United States.
Products and positioning
- Handbags, with lines such as Astra, Elsa, Iris and Kendra
- Sneakers, including the Apollo, Baraga, Bounce and Stunny lines
- Small leather goods and accessories
The brand offers accessible Italian leather and accessories styles under a heritage name.
Distribution
The company has historic boutiques in Naples and a showroom in Milan, and the line is widely sold through department stores and online retailers internationally.
Why it matters
The brand shows how a mid-century Neapolitan leather house has repositioned its heritage name for the accessible bags and sneakers market.
Frequently asked questions
Is Valentino by Mario Valentino the same as Valentino?
No. It belongs to Mario Valentino SpA, a Naples leather goods company founded in 1952, which is separate from the Rome fashion house Valentino.
What does Valentino by Mario Valentino sell?
It sells handbags, sneakers and other shoes, and small leather accessories.