This is a beautiful example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. The bow in particular was an important element of the collections that year and it is the highlight on this dress. We were able to find the runway photo of this look as worn by the beautiful Amalia Vairelli which shows you just how gorgeous the dress is once it is on an actual body. The dress comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition.

The dress is fairly simply in its cut and it is not until it is on the body that it really transforms. I love that the more you look at it, the more you begin to see the many couture details. At first glance the dress appears to be a skirt and jacket but this is all an illusion as it is all one piece. The inner part of the dress is a black silk crepe and this is cut to create the illusion of wearing a  simple scooped top and pencil skirt under a jacket. Over this he has used an inky black velvet that is cut to look like a sharply tailored jacket over an inner dress. It has bold shoulders and long sleeves. It swoops down at the front on a curve to the waist where it is caught up in a 3D crystal encrusted bow. The lower part of the 'jacket' then curves down and around the hips. This is Haute Couture under the masterful hand of Mr Valentino himself and is an exceptional example of earlier Valentino Couture. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in handset, very high quality black silk crepe. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and it closes with a hidden set metal zipper at the back. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Hand made padding at each shoulder. Signature faceted jet buttons on each cuff and all the buttonholes work. The inner waist stay is smaller then the actual waist so if you needed the room you can just wear it without hooking the stay closed. 

Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks at 24"
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3552

Reference Photo: Amalia Vairelli for the Fall/Winter 1985-86 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Show.

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