Pieces from the Valentino boutique are very hard to find. Girls that have them squirrel them away and hoard them and if its a really beautiful piece like this one its even more hard to get your hands on! So I was very excited when this arrived from my NYC buyer. It dates from the late 70s, early 80s and has all the elements you look for in a Valentino. The fabric is to die - its a silk with a vivid pink leaf print and a self woven secondary design that works its way through the entire thing. The shoulders and that stunning back swag are a matching silk chiffon. The skirt is lean and lined in silk chiffon so feels like a dream on. The bodice is gathered above a nipped in waist and it has a built in corset. Feminine, romantic shoulders sweep up and over with a slight drape at the beck and the stunning back skirt detail of chiffon sweeps just past the hemline. I seriously gorgeous piece - it takes me breathe away! Excellent condition!
Bust: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 22" from waist to bottom hem
The skirt is fully lined in semi-sheer black silk chiffon and the bodice has a full corset built into it with grosgrain ribbon around the waist that hooks to close. It closes with a back painted metal zipper with additional hook and eye at the back of the corset foundation.
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD583
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival
Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!
Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:
- We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
- payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
- The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
- items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit
We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.
Want it faster?
We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.
SIZE GUIDE
Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.

SEE MORE FROM VALENTINO

valentino
Documented Spring 1987 Valentino Haute Couture Red Silk Crepe Dress w Bow Details
I Have a Question
The dress comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. The twin of it walked the runway for the Spring 1987 Haute Couture presentation and my client ordered this identical dress from that show. This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. 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. I am also very pleased to have the runway shot of it for reference.
The lines of the dress are beautiful and I am glad to have that runway shot so that you can see just how wonderful it is on an actual body. Couture pieces are sometimes difficult to truly show in a photo as they are meant to highlight and show off the body and only truly come to life when worn. The fabric is a light silk crepe and it is cut to drape perfectly over the body, skimming over your curves to flatter and fit perfectly. The color is absolutely fantastic. It is his signature clear red that flatters most skin tones. It is a better shade of red in person then how it has photoed. If you know Valentino's work, then you know this red already. The top is sleeveless and angles in towards the high collar. There is a long band of fabric that runs down one side from the collar to the top of the hip and all of the fabric on either side is set to gather in towards that band. A large flat bow its at the top of the band and and I love how the shoulder is left bare beside it to really showcase the bow. A second bow sits at the bottom of the band so that you are wrapped in silk and finished up with those pretty and feminine touches Under there the skirt falls to the floor with in an expansive amount of fabric. It is cut on a curve all the way around and comes up shorter in the front. The back hem is cut longer so you get a slight bit of a trained effect there. The amount of fabric in the skirt is tremendous but its so light that it falls long and sleek when you are standing but can expand out almost to a full circle skirt if you twirl. The entire bottom edge is finished with a red silk satin banding. It is just stunning on the body and an amazing example of his earlier Haute Couture work. Excellent condition.
The bodice and top portion of the skirt are lined in a fine red silk. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and closes with a hidden set zipper under the front panel of fabric and then has silk covered snaps & hook one eye. Inner waist stay hooks to close.
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to shortest point of the front hem, 61" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3579
Reference Photo: Dalma for Valentino SS 1987 Haute Couture.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
This shrug was shown on the runway in a darker colour but I prefer this amazing cream version. Its a little sleeker in feel an the colour feels more elevated to me. I have held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the fur pieces being produced by designers like Valentino during this time period. Fur was well established as being treated like a fabric by this period. It is made from a soft mink in a pale creamy ivory. In person it has a more creamy feel then how it photoed. The fur is supple and very very soft. What is remarkable is that the curving pattern that you see winding down each arm . The lines all match up perfectly across the back s they go into the sleeves. This gives the shrug an added bit of texture and pattern. To wear it you simply slip it over the shoulder. It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No splitting, issues or shedding. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black and white Valentino printed silk lining. It slips on with no closures. Tagged a 42
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: no defined side seams
Height at back: 14" from top to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# S924
Reference Photo: Fall 2004 Valentino Runway Collection, model Malin Persson.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. Fur coats are final sale.

valentino
Spring 2001 Valentino Re-Edit of the Famous 1969 Haute Couture Printed Silk Dragon Dress
I Have a Question
If there is a dress more instantly recognizable and famous then the Valentino dragon dress I am not sure what dress that might be. It is a star even among the many outstanding dresses that Valentino has created over the years. The Haute Couture version was first created to great fanfare in 1969 and we have included some of the many reference photos that can be found for that original version. Then for the spring of 2001, the Valentino atelier released a limited edition collection of re-edited copy of the dress. This is one of those dresses and my couture client purchased it directly from Valentino. This is a rare chance to own an official Valentino version of one of the most iconic dresses ever produced.
This version of the famous dragon dress follows the lines of the original couture one perfectly. The only difference is that this one is of ready to wear finishings rather then made to the Haute Couture level that the original would have been made to. At first glance you immediately think of the 1969 version and it is such a special piece. The description of the dress where it is documented in the book on Valentino's work sums it up perfectly; 'Printed tunic dress with a yellow, green and red oriental dragon against a very dark background; it features a seamed bust line, a stopped neckline, long sleeves and a deep slit along the left hip.' The dress is made out of a silk that has a satin like finish to it with that wonderful dragon printed on its surface. The dragon curls around the body on both the front and the back of the skirt and across the back and bust. Even the sleeves have part of the design on them. The neck is scooped and the sleeves each end in a wonderful flare out by the time they reach their ends. A curved horizontal seam gives a touch of definition just under the bust and then the skirt flows to the floor in a widening line. The choice of fabric is perfect as it is just heavy enough to keep the shape that you see so that you get the full view of the dragon design from any angle once it is on. The slit on the one side is very high and shows a ton of leg when you move, balancing out the coverage everywhere else. It is incredible. Excellent condition
The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper and a hook & eye at the back of the neck. It has no tags but was purchased direct by my couture client. Proper interior tag and tagged a size 42. The cut is small through the upper bodice and arms hence the XS-SML size designation I have given it
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 33" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3561
Reference Photos: (1) Vogue, December 1968. / (2-3) Valentino dresses, 1969. / (4-5) The re-issued Spring 2001 dress and credit from the book "A Grand Italian Epic: Valentino Garavani" by Taschen. / (6) Heidi Klum Valentino at the 2018 From Paris With Love Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala. / (7) Ruth Negga in Valentino, New York, 2018.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

valentino
Documented Fall 1994 Valentino Haute Couture Hand Beaded & Pleated Top, Skirt & Jacket Suit Set
I Have a Question
This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work from the early 1990s. Finding true couture pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition and so well documented is a rarity and and I am very pleased to have this beautiful evening suit in the shop. The set comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. It was ordered from the runway collection as presented in 1994. It was shown on Helena Christensen on the runway with just the jacket and skirt. My client also ordered the matching silk top to go with it. Having the reference shots gives you a wonderful way to see the suit how it looks worn on its own and with the top under it as on my dress form.
Each of the three pieces that make up this set is exquisite and would be an amazing vintage find on its own. The suit itself is true to the runway. The skirt is cut to hug the hips and then flares out in a wide 11" band of silk at the bottom hem. The silk has been folded into sharp pleats and then set into the skirt so that by the time they reach the hem they open and swirl and curve around you. The movement this creates is wonderful. Over this is that stunning jacket that is cut and tailored to perfection. The soft set shoulders have just a suggestion of padding. It falls from those shoulders and gently widens out and away from the body. This gives the detailing on the jacket an uninterrupted line to be displayed on. The hem of the jacket ends in a rounded curving edge and then under that is a panel of the same pleated silk that finishes the skirt. It layers over the top portion of the skirt and the tiered effect it creates is stunning. The detailing on the jacket is extensive and the pattern combines insets of black silk and silk velvet with hand beading. Glass tube beads are densely applied by hand around the insets and these run from the hem to just about the bust area and all the way around the jacket. Each sleeve is finished with the same treatment. It is insanely beautiful. My client also ordered the matching pleated silk taffeta top to go under the jacket and it is remarkable in its own right. When worn under the jacket it is cut so that the top two pleated tier and collar lie perfectly over the jacket's neckline. That top tier is cut at the back in a way so that it sits perfectly in place so that it can be worn like this. The front of the top has a high ruffled collar and then there are three tiers of silk set on a slight curve at the front. A velvet strop runs down the centre with glossy black dome buttons. These are set on the upper part of the top and then hidden snaps close the bottom part. Each cuff is finished with a pleated ruffle. You can wear everything together or mix and match any of the pieces with what you have in your wardrobe. This is a very special documented set and a fantastic way to add a piece of real Haute Couture to your closet. It is absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition
The top is unlined and the jacket and skirt are lined in a fine black silk. The skirt zips to close at the side and then hooks at the waist. The jacket closes with the glossy black dome buttons as seen and hand set silk loops. The top buttons to close and has hidden set snaps from where the buttons end to the bottom of the front. My client had the pleat that runs around the the of the jacket made so that it can be removed and worn without the ruffle which makes it even more versatile. Made with Haute Couture techniques and by hand. Hand done detailing on the jacket. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little
Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to first hem, 32.5" to the end of the pleated hem
Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3554
Reference Photos: Helena Christensen for the Fall 1994 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Collection.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

valentino
Documented Fall 1986 Valentino Haute Couture Very Full Skirted One Shoulder Dress
I Have a Question
The dress comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. It was ordered and made on the same time 1985 period as the crystal bow dress I am listing today. This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. 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. I am also pleased to have found a reference photo to fully document and date it on Christy Turlington from the November issue of Vogue 1986
This dress is divine. The lines of it are beautiful and as good as it looks on the dress form it is perfection on an actual body. Couture pieces are very difficult to truly show in a photo as they are meant to highlight and show off the body and only truly come to life when worn. The bodice of this dress is made from an inky black silk velvet. It is fitted and nipped in at the waist. One shoulder is left bare and the other is encased in a sheath of velvet. The sleeve is cut to the wrist and the shoulder is set to be high and capped with a pretty gathered seam set on an angle on both the front and the back. The shoulder pad underneath is hand formed so that it is rounded to flow and exaggerate the curve of the shoulder. The skirt is wonderful. It is set into the waist in a series of soft pleats that help to give it the fullness that you see. It is very full and cut with a nod to the skirts of the fifties. It is made from a gunmetal silk taffeta that has wide panels of velvet flocking fused to its surface. These wrap around the skirt in three bands starting just under the waist and ending just above the hem. The inner construction of the skirt is amazing. The outermost layer is backed in a silk organza and all of the seams are hand finished along their edges. Set inside the skirt is that startling emerald green silk taffeta underskirt that is built into the dress. It falls below the hips and then has a second ruffled piece nearer the hem for fullness. This is placed into the interior by hand and backed in silk. There is a wide strip of stiffened net running though the two inner hems. It is cut very full to give the skirt its shape and volume. Plus the unexpected flash of green when you move a certain way or sit is fantastic. It feels very tactile on to have all these skirt swirling around you as you move. It really is wonderful and an amazing example of his earlier Haute Couture work. Excellent condition.
The bodice, skirt and underskirts are all lined and backed in silk. The sleeve is self backed. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and it closes with a hidden set metal zipper at the side and then has silk covered snaps and a secondary zipper on the side of the skirt. I have photoed this for you. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Hand made padding on the shoulder and light boning at the side of the bodice around the zipper. A fine metal zipper to close the end of the sleeve. Built in underskirt with stiffened inset at the edges as described above.
Sleeve: 22.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem with 4.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3553
Reference Photo: Christy Turlington in Valentino, Vogue, November 1986.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

valentino
Documented Spring 1987 Valentino Haute Couture Red Silk Crepe Dress w Bow Details
I Have a Question
The dress comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. The twin of it walked the runway for the Spring 1987 Haute Couture presentation and my client ordered this identical dress from that show. This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. 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. I am also very pleased to have the runway shot of it for reference.
The lines of the dress are beautiful and I am glad to have that runway shot so that you can see just how wonderful it is on an actual body. Couture pieces are sometimes difficult to truly show in a photo as they are meant to highlight and show off the body and only truly come to life when worn. The fabric is a light silk crepe and it is cut to drape perfectly over the body, skimming over your curves to flatter and fit perfectly. The color is absolutely fantastic. It is his signature clear red that flatters most skin tones. It is a better shade of red in person then how it has photoed. If you know Valentino's work, then you know this red already. The top is sleeveless and angles in towards the high collar. There is a long band of fabric that runs down one side from the collar to the top of the hip and all of the fabric on either side is set to gather in towards that band. A large flat bow its at the top of the band and and I love how the shoulder is left bare beside it to really showcase the bow. A second bow sits at the bottom of the band so that you are wrapped in silk and finished up with those pretty and feminine touches Under there the skirt falls to the floor with in an expansive amount of fabric. It is cut on a curve all the way around and comes up shorter in the front. The back hem is cut longer so you get a slight bit of a trained effect there. The amount of fabric in the skirt is tremendous but its so light that it falls long and sleek when you are standing but can expand out almost to a full circle skirt if you twirl. The entire bottom edge is finished with a red silk satin banding. It is just stunning on the body and an amazing example of his earlier Haute Couture work. Excellent condition.
The bodice and top portion of the skirt are lined in a fine red silk. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and closes with a hidden set zipper under the front panel of fabric and then has silk covered snaps & hook one eye. Inner waist stay hooks to close.
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to shortest point of the front hem, 61" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3579
Reference Photo: Dalma for Valentino SS 1987 Haute Couture.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I Have a Question
This shrug was shown on the runway in a darker colour but I prefer this amazing cream version. Its a little sleeker in feel an the colour feels more elevated to me. I have held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the fur pieces being produced by designers like Valentino during this time period. Fur was well established as being treated like a fabric by this period. It is made from a soft mink in a pale creamy ivory. In person it has a more creamy feel then how it photoed. The fur is supple and very very soft. What is remarkable is that the curving pattern that you see winding down each arm . The lines all match up perfectly across the back s they go into the sleeves. This gives the shrug an added bit of texture and pattern. To wear it you simply slip it over the shoulder. It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No splitting, issues or shedding. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black and white Valentino printed silk lining. It slips on with no closures. Tagged a 42
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: no defined side seams
Height at back: 14" from top to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# S924
Reference Photo: Fall 2004 Valentino Runway Collection, model Malin Persson.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. Fur coats are final sale.

valentino
Spring 2001 Valentino Re-Edit of the Famous 1969 Haute Couture Printed Silk Dragon Dress
I Have a Question
If there is a dress more instantly recognizable and famous then the Valentino dragon dress I am not sure what dress that might be. It is a star even among the many outstanding dresses that Valentino has created over the years. The Haute Couture version was first created to great fanfare in 1969 and we have included some of the many reference photos that can be found for that original version. Then for the spring of 2001, the Valentino atelier released a limited edition collection of re-edited copy of the dress. This is one of those dresses and my couture client purchased it directly from Valentino. This is a rare chance to own an official Valentino version of one of the most iconic dresses ever produced.
This version of the famous dragon dress follows the lines of the original couture one perfectly. The only difference is that this one is of ready to wear finishings rather then made to the Haute Couture level that the original would have been made to. At first glance you immediately think of the 1969 version and it is such a special piece. The description of the dress where it is documented in the book on Valentino's work sums it up perfectly; 'Printed tunic dress with a yellow, green and red oriental dragon against a very dark background; it features a seamed bust line, a stopped neckline, long sleeves and a deep slit along the left hip.' The dress is made out of a silk that has a satin like finish to it with that wonderful dragon printed on its surface. The dragon curls around the body on both the front and the back of the skirt and across the back and bust. Even the sleeves have part of the design on them. The neck is scooped and the sleeves each end in a wonderful flare out by the time they reach their ends. A curved horizontal seam gives a touch of definition just under the bust and then the skirt flows to the floor in a widening line. The choice of fabric is perfect as it is just heavy enough to keep the shape that you see so that you get the full view of the dragon design from any angle once it is on. The slit on the one side is very high and shows a ton of leg when you move, balancing out the coverage everywhere else. It is incredible. Excellent condition
The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper and a hook & eye at the back of the neck. It has no tags but was purchased direct by my couture client. Proper interior tag and tagged a size 42. The cut is small through the upper bodice and arms hence the XS-SML size designation I have given it
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 33" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3561
Reference Photos: (1) Vogue, December 1968. / (2-3) Valentino dresses, 1969. / (4-5) The re-issued Spring 2001 dress and credit from the book "A Grand Italian Epic: Valentino Garavani" by Taschen. / (6) Heidi Klum Valentino at the 2018 From Paris With Love Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala. / (7) Ruth Negga in Valentino, New York, 2018.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

valentino
Documented Fall 1994 Valentino Haute Couture Hand Beaded & Pleated Top, Skirt & Jacket Suit Set
I Have a Question
This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work from the early 1990s. Finding true couture pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition and so well documented is a rarity and and I am very pleased to have this beautiful evening suit in the shop. The set comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. It was ordered from the runway collection as presented in 1994. It was shown on Helena Christensen on the runway with just the jacket and skirt. My client also ordered the matching silk top to go with it. Having the reference shots gives you a wonderful way to see the suit how it looks worn on its own and with the top under it as on my dress form.
Each of the three pieces that make up this set is exquisite and would be an amazing vintage find on its own. The suit itself is true to the runway. The skirt is cut to hug the hips and then flares out in a wide 11" band of silk at the bottom hem. The silk has been folded into sharp pleats and then set into the skirt so that by the time they reach the hem they open and swirl and curve around you. The movement this creates is wonderful. Over this is that stunning jacket that is cut and tailored to perfection. The soft set shoulders have just a suggestion of padding. It falls from those shoulders and gently widens out and away from the body. This gives the detailing on the jacket an uninterrupted line to be displayed on. The hem of the jacket ends in a rounded curving edge and then under that is a panel of the same pleated silk that finishes the skirt. It layers over the top portion of the skirt and the tiered effect it creates is stunning. The detailing on the jacket is extensive and the pattern combines insets of black silk and silk velvet with hand beading. Glass tube beads are densely applied by hand around the insets and these run from the hem to just about the bust area and all the way around the jacket. Each sleeve is finished with the same treatment. It is insanely beautiful. My client also ordered the matching pleated silk taffeta top to go under the jacket and it is remarkable in its own right. When worn under the jacket it is cut so that the top two pleated tier and collar lie perfectly over the jacket's neckline. That top tier is cut at the back in a way so that it sits perfectly in place so that it can be worn like this. The front of the top has a high ruffled collar and then there are three tiers of silk set on a slight curve at the front. A velvet strop runs down the centre with glossy black dome buttons. These are set on the upper part of the top and then hidden snaps close the bottom part. Each cuff is finished with a pleated ruffle. You can wear everything together or mix and match any of the pieces with what you have in your wardrobe. This is a very special documented set and a fantastic way to add a piece of real Haute Couture to your closet. It is absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition
The top is unlined and the jacket and skirt are lined in a fine black silk. The skirt zips to close at the side and then hooks at the waist. The jacket closes with the glossy black dome buttons as seen and hand set silk loops. The top buttons to close and has hidden set snaps from where the buttons end to the bottom of the front. My client had the pleat that runs around the the of the jacket made so that it can be removed and worn without the ruffle which makes it even more versatile. Made with Haute Couture techniques and by hand. Hand done detailing on the jacket. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little
Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to first hem, 32.5" to the end of the pleated hem
Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3554
Reference Photos: Helena Christensen for the Fall 1994 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Collection.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

valentino
Documented Fall 1986 Valentino Haute Couture Very Full Skirted One Shoulder Dress
I Have a Question
The dress comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. It was ordered and made on the same time 1985 period as the crystal bow dress I am listing today. This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. 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. I am also pleased to have found a reference photo to fully document and date it on Christy Turlington from the November issue of Vogue 1986
This dress is divine. The lines of it are beautiful and as good as it looks on the dress form it is perfection on an actual body. Couture pieces are very difficult to truly show in a photo as they are meant to highlight and show off the body and only truly come to life when worn. The bodice of this dress is made from an inky black silk velvet. It is fitted and nipped in at the waist. One shoulder is left bare and the other is encased in a sheath of velvet. The sleeve is cut to the wrist and the shoulder is set to be high and capped with a pretty gathered seam set on an angle on both the front and the back. The shoulder pad underneath is hand formed so that it is rounded to flow and exaggerate the curve of the shoulder. The skirt is wonderful. It is set into the waist in a series of soft pleats that help to give it the fullness that you see. It is very full and cut with a nod to the skirts of the fifties. It is made from a gunmetal silk taffeta that has wide panels of velvet flocking fused to its surface. These wrap around the skirt in three bands starting just under the waist and ending just above the hem. The inner construction of the skirt is amazing. The outermost layer is backed in a silk organza and all of the seams are hand finished along their edges. Set inside the skirt is that startling emerald green silk taffeta underskirt that is built into the dress. It falls below the hips and then has a second ruffled piece nearer the hem for fullness. This is placed into the interior by hand and backed in silk. There is a wide strip of stiffened net running though the two inner hems. It is cut very full to give the skirt its shape and volume. Plus the unexpected flash of green when you move a certain way or sit is fantastic. It feels very tactile on to have all these skirt swirling around you as you move. It really is wonderful and an amazing example of his earlier Haute Couture work. Excellent condition.
The bodice, skirt and underskirts are all lined and backed in silk. The sleeve is self backed. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and it closes with a hidden set metal zipper at the side and then has silk covered snaps and a secondary zipper on the side of the skirt. I have photoed this for you. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Hand made padding on the shoulder and light boning at the side of the bodice around the zipper. A fine metal zipper to close the end of the sleeve. Built in underskirt with stiffened inset at the edges as described above.
Sleeve: 22.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem with 4.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3553
Reference Photo: Christy Turlington in Valentino, Vogue, November 1986.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.