• The Valentina Ltd label was a high end knit wear company that flourished through the 1950s to the 1970s and were known for the elaborate bead and sequin work on soft knits and knit jerseys. They had the bead and sequin work done in Hong Kong where the best sequin and bead work in the world outside of the specialty ateliers in Paris was being done.
• The base fabric is a black felted wool and this gives it a soft artisanal feel.
• This was printed in a design using a bright rainbow of colours that run down the dress. This gives the fabric a touch of added texture and it is also soft to the touch.
• The print covers every inch of the dress including the 'ribbons' at the bottom hem. To construct this so that the pattern perfectly lines up like this means that the pattern would have had to be all pre-thought out and laid out onto the fabric before cutting.
• The bead and sequin work is all done by hand and it is added to the fabric to follow and highlight the design underneath.
• I especially love the elaborate work around the waist band where large turquoise coloured discs and rhinestones create a stunning jewelled effect all the way around the waist.
• The neckline is scooped and the sleeves are long. The skirt falls from below the elaborate sequin belt detail and gently widens out a touch as it nears the floor.
• It is truly a very special dress. You just don't see this level of elaborate work on pieces anymore.
• Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper. Each cuff closes with two hidden set snaps.
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 23" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to the top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 59" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5055

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