This elegant cocktail dress was designed as part of Valentino’s 1983 Fall haute couture collection. Many high profile, couture clients request minor variations to runway looks and we have pictured a long version of the dress modelled by Dalma Callado for an editorial shoot. She was one of Garavani's favourite models and regularly walked the catwalk in his shows.

The dress, which is about knee length, is entirely hand stitched and a combination of rich emerald green silk velvet and matte green wool. The top half is the velvet which has a slight shimmer and features long, elegantly slim sleeves with zip-up cuffs (to allow for the slim shape). It has a drop-waist cut from under which the wool skirt flares out. The skirt is playful and cut to a skater style which kicks out around the wearer as they walk. in keeping with the era's tastes, there are removeable silk shoulder pads. The torso and sleeves are fully lined in emerald silk. It fastens at the back with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The label reads “Valentino Couture”.

In excellent vintage condition with no flaws and looks to have been gently worn just once or twice. There are no size or composition labels so please check our below measurements as the fabric has no stretch. We believe this would best fit up to a size UK 8-10, US 4-6 and smaller. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 31" (80cm), Waist 25" (64cm), Hips: 34" (87cm) and 5' 4" (164cm) and she's a size UK 6, US 2. This dress was a good fit on her but there was some room to spare.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)

LENGTH - 35 in. (89 cm)