This is a beautiful example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. I have dated this to the Spring 1980 collection based particularly on the sleeves which were a highlight of the collections in and around this time period. The dress is exceptionally well made and of course being Haute Couture was entirely made by hand. It is beautiful. Finding pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition is a rarity and I am very pleased to have this beautiful dress in the shop. 

This exceptional and rare Haute Couture dress from Valentino Haute Couture is wonderful. The dress has a deceptively simple cut but the closer you look at it the more of the numerous couture details become apparent. It is a very easy dress to wear with its simple shift feeling shape but at the same time it is cut to drape over you perfectly. The neckline is a simple and wide scoop at both the front and the back. It runs down and over the body and is meant to skim over your curves. The waist is cut with a generous feel and if you wanted to add shape you could easily add a belt to cinch it in and give the dress an entirely different feel. Under the generous waist seam the skirt falls in a series of small knife pleats, each set precisely beside its neighbour at exactly the same distance apart. These pleats give the skirt lots of movement. Inside and underneath is a second layer to the skirt and it is also finished with the same pleating. That inner layer has a double panel of the pleats so that you actually see the edges of three full layers when wearing the dress. These layers swing over each other and when you move they move to create a stunning effect. The sleeves are the perfect finish and balance out the pleat work on the skirt.  Each is three tiers of ruffled pleats and they also give movement when you move. The perfect finishing detail is the subtle black on black floral print that is woven through the silk. The dress is soft and fluid and it falls beautifully once on an actual body. This is Haute Couture under the masterful hand of Mr Valentino himself and is an exceptional example of his work. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in handset, very high quality black silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is lined in a black silk. All couture construction and it closes with a hand set, fine metal zipper at the back. Made by hand to haute Couture standards

Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 14" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 27: from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3788

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.