This elaborate, runway documented knitted top was designed by Valentino Garavani for the Fall 1998 / 1999 Haute Couture collection. The hand-written label inside the hem states "MOD 70" and the years ”98.99”. We believe this label indicates that this may have been the runway piece itself. Woven from luxurious super-soft cashmere, the knit across the body and sleeves is a loose chain stitch which creates a peekaboo effect that hints at whatever the wearer wears underneath. The thick hems are woven more tightly and are ribbed. Varying tones of pale-grey, charcoal and navy thread result in a dark grey-blue colour overall. The beadwork and embroidery on this couture top are exquisite. The front of the body has honeycomb-like detailing created from hexagons of iridescent black and silver beads. These sit on a patchwork of charcoal grey suede leather, occasionally embroidered with spirals of silver thread which shimmer as they catch the light. This jumper is unlined. The label reads “Valentino Couture”. Paired with a silk maxi skirt during the runway presentation, the top would look equally at home on the red carpet or paired with jeans and a blazer.

'Modern' haute couture garments are rare to market and Circa is something of a specialist in this area with many fine pieces in our collection. The top is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note and looks barely worn. Due to this being couture-made and a likely runway piece, it does not have a size or composition label so please check our measurements below. The fabric has some stretch so we have allowed a small degree of flexibility and estimate it could fit up to a size UK 8-10 or US 4-6.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

HIP - 32 in. (81 cm)

LENGTH - 20 in. (51 cm)