• This top is from the Spring 1974 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino
• Valentino launched his ready-to-wear label in 1962 just two years after opening his first salon in Rome. He often brought in the designs that he created for his main couture label into the boutique work. In these early days pieces were remarkably close in quality and the line between the two labels was often blurred. 
  
• I love that this has the classic seashell print from that year. We included reference photos of similar pieces from the collection. It is a very special and rare piece of original Valentino.
• The top is made out of a beautiful green silk that has the fantastic seashell print made up of several varieties of seashells.
• The seashell pattern has been set onto the silk on an angle and it covers the entire top.
• The shoulders and the way the sleeves are cut on this one are wonderful. The shoulder is deliberately dropped and then the sleeves are cut to be extremely full and generous. They almost have the feel of a pirate sleeve. They are full all the way down and then are brought back in at the buttoned cuffs.
• The cut is boxy and generous through the body for an easy fit. The top came with its original little matching silk string belt that you can use to tie around the waist for added shape. You could always use it around the neck.
• The collar is fantastic. It is pointed in that wonderful feel of the 1970s.
• Not only did this one come with its original little belt but it also came with a triangular shaped matching scarf that you can wrap and tie around the neck or around the head as a head scarf like how I styled it here for you to see.
• This is a fantastic piece of Valentino history, and I love that it has one of his most iconic prints from this era.
• The top is unlined and closes at the front with a series of buttons. Each cuff buttons to close. I see one small mark. Please see the photo after the label shot. The top is meant to feel more loose and generous if you choose to wear it without a belt and un-tucked. It should fit a variety of sizes and just feel more oversized on a smaller frame.
• Tagged a vintage Valentino 8
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 25" and they are up to 21" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: approximately 21"
Bust- hem: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 26" from neck to hem
Head, scarf: 49 from end to end x 21" at the widest point wide

Modern Sizing Equivalent:XS-MED

Item# DD5659

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1974 Valentino Ad Campaign photographed by Gianpaolo Barbieri.  /  (2) Spring 1974 Valentino phootgraphed by Andre Carrara.

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