This gorgeous dress is not 100% perfect but it's still very wearable and its flaws are not as noticeable once on the body. This was a piece that was produced in limited quantities for retail and was not shown on the runway. I know the date because one of my followers on instagram bought the twin of this dress in December 2012 for her own wedding. The original retail on this dress was over $20,000. The dress is completely wearable and gorgeous. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

The colour of the dress is a beautiful soft ivory. The base is a fine silk tulle netting that has panels of lace overlaid onto it and that run in horizontal rows down the length of the dress. The collar is set wide and is trimmed with two layers of silk chiffon. The upper bodice and sleeves are made from a netting that has little dots of embroidery mixed with beads. This same beaded technique is used on the double ruffled hem that circles the entire lower skirt. The other dress is meant to skim over you and widen out as it nears the ham. The back skirt falls slightly longer than the front and there's a bit of extra fabric at the back so you get the softer suggestion of a train. The body of the dress is completely covered with alternating layers of the lace mixed with tiny little rows of ivory iridescent sequins. These are all set horizontally and wrap around the entire dress. The top layer of the dress has a transparent quality to it and to make the dress wearable it is then lined in three layers of ivory silk chiffon. It is absolute beautiful. Overall excellent condition but please read the additional condition note below

It's flaw is an area of discolouration that runs down the side of the bodice on the right. If not for this discolouration the dress would have be rated as having been never worn. But I do want to be clear that it is there. I have taken both photos of it from all sides so you can see the extent of the discoloration and you can see those following the label shot. I did clean it and my cleaners said that if they were more aggressive they could probably get the discolouration out of the lace however the sequins themselves have been discolored. You could have those replaced. I think because of where it's placed you could also get clever with a sash and bow tacked into place on the side that would completely cover the discoloration. If not for this area the dress would appear to have never been worn. I have listed it for exactly what I paid for it excluding any of my cleaning costs and other costs I incur. Without the area of discolouration it would probably be double or more its price

Fully lined in three layers of silk chiffon. It has an inner corset that's zips to close and an outer hidden side zipper. Each cuff zips to close. The inner zipper is broken. It appears to have never been worn bit please read the additional description notes above. Tagged a modern Valentino 10. Sold as is and final sale.

Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem, 65" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4223

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

A white version of this dress walked the runway in 2003 for Look 75 and I it and was one of the best dresses of that collection. Once in production it was also made in black and it is as good or better in this colour. The dress has the added provenance of being the dress that was recently worn by nominee Paulina Alexis for this years Critic's Choice Awards. I love that I have tons of photos of her, the white runway version of the dress, and the runway video so that you can see just how fantastic this dress is on the body. It is stunningly beautiful. The show was a huge success and the Vogue loved the evening pieces especially; "For the evening review, it gets even better. Valentino's communiqués from his couture collection show up as delicate metallic-embroidered chiffons made into fragile capes, cardigans or dresses. And for the grand occasion, there's a full battalion of the designer's fabulous signature chiffon gowns." The dress moves beautifully and is elegant and chic. That stunning halter top makes it feel insanely sexy too. A beautiful example of the magic of original Valentino pieces.

I love this dress with its incredible volume and amazing use of fabric. The dress is made from yards and yards of a black bias cut silk chiffon that was pleated into sharp little knife pleats. The fabric is very light in weight and this gives you that fantastic floating sensation all around you with your slightest move. The dress is suspended from straps that come out from the center of the bust. The straps continue down and are attached over the fabric of the bodice to give the illusion of it crossing and wrapping around the body. These go all the way around to the back and then come back around again. The straps are heavily embellished with a variety of sequins and beads that catch the light beautifully. He used larger beads so it has this fantastic 3D effect. At the back the straps curve down front he shoulder on an angle to meet in the center. The top of the bust is rounded into a pretty sweetheart shape and the back is cut straight across. The silk on the bodice is gathered in tiny little pleats and set horizontally. Under that the dress cascades to the floor in many yards of feather light silk chiffon. This is where the dress gets truly magical. There are three layers of silk that make up the skirt with the very top layer completely and meticulously pleated into sharp knife plates that gradually soften slightly as they near the hem. The silk is all cut on the bias and the layers flow out in an ever widening silhouette to the ground. There are yards and yard of chiffon that make up the skirt. It is very flattering on the body and it creates a fantastically romantic and dramatic effect as the silk floats around you the slightest bit of movement. It is amazing. This is truly stunning dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. A tiny bit of softening of the pleats here and there but there are so many yards of silk in the skirt that its immaterial. Tagged a vintage Valentino 12.

Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4239

Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 2003 Valentino Runway, Look 75.  /  (4-5) Paulina Alexis in this dress at the 2023 Critic's Choice Awards.

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

This is a fabulous fall 1970 dress from the Valentino boutique label. Valentino launched his ready to wear label in 1962, just two years after opening his first salon in Rome. He eventually expanded and added other boutiques. His first New York boutique launched in the fall of 1970 and it caused a sensation. Traffic was backed up 3 blocks with everyone who was anyone trying to get in on opening night. More boutiques followed including one at Bergdorfs. He encouraged his couture clients to also shop in his boutiques. He wanted everyone to have the Valentino experience and it should be noted that he often carried the lines he created for his Couture label into the boutique work. The primary difference was in the fabric and construction details but they were still remarkably close in quality. This especially held true in the early days. The line between the two labels was often blurred and on this dress you can see that in the hand finishing that is has. This one is extra fabulous because it is so well documented.

When searching for the date for the dress we found documentation that has both Marisa Berenson wearing it for Vogue that season and also Naomi Simms who wore it to that opening of the New York Valentino boutique. Which gives it a significant place in Valentino's history. The dress is gorgeous and it is made of a black silk chiffon that has a ribbon weave fused directly into the silk. This gives it an oversized thatched woven effect. In between the ribbon weave the silk is semi-transparent and the play between the two opacities is stunning in person. The entire dress is backed with a black silk chiffon lining and that gives the more transparent parts a backdrop so that the silk feels like it has depth. To highlight the design even more is that gorgeous print made up of a pink and purple and gold coloured threads that run over the entire dress. I love how the pattern is heavier at the bottom and then slowly makes its way up to be just scattered paisley's on the black backdrop by the top of the dress. The collar is small and neat and the sleeves are cut to pouf out above the buttoned cuffs. The sleeves are not lined so you get a sense of transparency there. The dress is cut into a chic sheath that skims over your bust, waist and hips until it flares out just slightly at the hem. There's no seam to break the line at the waist, instead he has placed two square pockets on each hip to detail this area. The pocket are amazing. Each zips to close from corner to corner and the zipper is then detailed with a long knotted and fringed tassel. Another matching tassel details the zipper that closes the front of the dress. In both the reference photos a sash was wrapped around the waist for added shape and you could easily re-create that look. I think it looks equally as well worn straight and sleek. It's nice to have both options because the dress looks dramatically different each way. It is gorgeous and very well made. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and zippers to close up the front as described above. Each cuff buttons to close with two silk covered buttons and each pocket zips to close. There's an extra button in the lining of the dress. Hand finishes. The dress appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Tag a size 8 with a hand written size label.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 23.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4205

Reference Photos: (1) Marisa wearing Valentino, photo by Elisabetta Catalano in Rome, Vogue September 1970.  /  (2-3) Naomi Sims attends the grand opening of Valentino Boutique on October 12, 1970 in New York City.

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

When hunting for the provenance of this dress we found a great shot of its twin on Moran Atias when she wore it to the Cannes film festival in 2007. I love that I have this so you can see how great it is on the body. The dress also has the significance of being from one Mr. Valentino' final few years before he retired. It is incredibly beautiful and it would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

This ivory silk chiffon and lace dress is stunning on the body. This combination of those two fabric allow it to drape beautifully over the body and highlight your every curve in a very flattering way. The fabric also have a slight stretch that allow the dress to show off your curves while still feeling wildly comfortable once on. The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The front and back of the bodice curves across you to leave the other shoulder bare and exposed. All of the edges follow the natural pattern of the lace and this adds to the feminine feel that it gives. The lace is backed with more silk chiffon so even though the lace has a bit of transparency you are fully covered. It is just tremendously beautiful. The lace is set over the waist in angled panels that work the way down the dress. In between the lace are silk chiffon panels. They are set in a way that emphasizes your curves and give height. The workmanship is exquisite where they meet. It skims over the waist and hips and then falls to the floor in a beautiful drape of lace at the bottom skirting. Both fabrics are light and soft and there are additional layers of chiffon underneath so that it feels amazing against the skin. It is cut supermodel long in length. The back is cut slightly longer then the front so you get this pretty sweep of fabric behind you. It is incredible and I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with two inner layers of silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set side half zipper and then has another one mid-back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The fabric does have some stretch. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat.

Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from top of the shoulder to front hem 66" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4118

Reference Photos: Moran Atias, wearing Valentino, at Cannes Film Festival, 2007.

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

There are hints of this dress from both the 1986 collection and in the 1988 collection. The original owner did buy it in the 1980s but I do not have the exact day. I tend to lean towards the earlier date for it but I have included reference photos from both the above mentioned collections. It is a stunning example of Valentino's work during this time period.

The dress is beautiful to see in person. It flows over the body from the more fitted bodice and the lightness of the silk allows it to move and float around you when you move. The bodice is a stunning example in shaping and couture techniques. Inside it is boned and has built in cups. This interior structure holds it perfectly in place over the body once on. On the exterior the silk is hand set and gathered over the bust and all the way around you. Each individual gather is meticulously hand stitched into place. Above this more structured part of the dress is a single layer of the chiffon. At the front it scoops in a higher set neck and at the back it is set with a keyhole running down to the top of the gathered bodice. The skirt flows out under that in four layers of the silk and each layer is bias cut. This is what allows it to have such beautiful movement when you move. The final touch are those pretty sleeves that are cuffed at the wrist and pouf out around the arm above that. It also has its original very large silk shawl piece. It is beautiful. The dress does have some flaws but is structurally sound. Please review the notes below.

The interior bodice is finished is boned and corseted. The skirt has four layers of silk as described above. The interior corset closes with hook and eye and the silk layer zips to close over. Each cuff buttons with two silk covered buttons and loops. Three buttons at the top of the back neck. There are areas of fading through the skirt that go through the layers. I have photoed the worst of them. There are some faint areas of the same on the silk above the corset and on the sleeves. I see one tiny repair near the hem at the back of the skirt. It comes. I think you could potentially remove the sleeves and upper bodice and use the shawl to create a layer over the worst of the fading or just have it redyed and it would be perfect again. Sold as found and final and the price is according to the description above

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from top of neck to interior waist stay
Skirt: 45" from interior waist stay to hem
Shawl: 54" x 52"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3018

Reference Photos: (1) From the book "A Grand Italian Epic, Valentino", 1988/1989 collection  /  (2-3) The "Degradè" Dress from the Valentino Haute Couture 1986 collection. (4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon taken on location at JohnMel Stables 

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

This gorgeous dress is not 100% perfect but it's still very wearable and its flaws are not as noticeable once on the body. This was a piece that was produced in limited quantities for retail and was not shown on the runway. I know the date because one of my followers on instagram bought the twin of this dress in December 2012 for her own wedding. The original retail on this dress was over $20,000. The dress is completely wearable and gorgeous. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

The colour of the dress is a beautiful soft ivory. The base is a fine silk tulle netting that has panels of lace overlaid onto it and that run in horizontal rows down the length of the dress. The collar is set wide and is trimmed with two layers of silk chiffon. The upper bodice and sleeves are made from a netting that has little dots of embroidery mixed with beads. This same beaded technique is used on the double ruffled hem that circles the entire lower skirt. The other dress is meant to skim over you and widen out as it nears the ham. The back skirt falls slightly longer than the front and there's a bit of extra fabric at the back so you get the softer suggestion of a train. The body of the dress is completely covered with alternating layers of the lace mixed with tiny little rows of ivory iridescent sequins. These are all set horizontally and wrap around the entire dress. The top layer of the dress has a transparent quality to it and to make the dress wearable it is then lined in three layers of ivory silk chiffon. It is absolute beautiful. Overall excellent condition but please read the additional condition note below

It's flaw is an area of discolouration that runs down the side of the bodice on the right. If not for this discolouration the dress would have be rated as having been never worn. But I do want to be clear that it is there. I have taken both photos of it from all sides so you can see the extent of the discoloration and you can see those following the label shot. I did clean it and my cleaners said that if they were more aggressive they could probably get the discolouration out of the lace however the sequins themselves have been discolored. You could have those replaced. I think because of where it's placed you could also get clever with a sash and bow tacked into place on the side that would completely cover the discoloration. If not for this area the dress would appear to have never been worn. I have listed it for exactly what I paid for it excluding any of my cleaning costs and other costs I incur. Without the area of discolouration it would probably be double or more its price

Fully lined in three layers of silk chiffon. It has an inner corset that's zips to close and an outer hidden side zipper. Each cuff zips to close. The inner zipper is broken. It appears to have never been worn bit please read the additional description notes above. Tagged a modern Valentino 10. Sold as is and final sale.

Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem, 65" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4223

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

A white version of this dress walked the runway in 2003 for Look 75 and I it and was one of the best dresses of that collection. Once in production it was also made in black and it is as good or better in this colour. The dress has the added provenance of being the dress that was recently worn by nominee Paulina Alexis for this years Critic's Choice Awards. I love that I have tons of photos of her, the white runway version of the dress, and the runway video so that you can see just how fantastic this dress is on the body. It is stunningly beautiful. The show was a huge success and the Vogue loved the evening pieces especially; "For the evening review, it gets even better. Valentino's communiqués from his couture collection show up as delicate metallic-embroidered chiffons made into fragile capes, cardigans or dresses. And for the grand occasion, there's a full battalion of the designer's fabulous signature chiffon gowns." The dress moves beautifully and is elegant and chic. That stunning halter top makes it feel insanely sexy too. A beautiful example of the magic of original Valentino pieces.

I love this dress with its incredible volume and amazing use of fabric. The dress is made from yards and yards of a black bias cut silk chiffon that was pleated into sharp little knife pleats. The fabric is very light in weight and this gives you that fantastic floating sensation all around you with your slightest move. The dress is suspended from straps that come out from the center of the bust. The straps continue down and are attached over the fabric of the bodice to give the illusion of it crossing and wrapping around the body. These go all the way around to the back and then come back around again. The straps are heavily embellished with a variety of sequins and beads that catch the light beautifully. He used larger beads so it has this fantastic 3D effect. At the back the straps curve down front he shoulder on an angle to meet in the center. The top of the bust is rounded into a pretty sweetheart shape and the back is cut straight across. The silk on the bodice is gathered in tiny little pleats and set horizontally. Under that the dress cascades to the floor in many yards of feather light silk chiffon. This is where the dress gets truly magical. There are three layers of silk that make up the skirt with the very top layer completely and meticulously pleated into sharp knife plates that gradually soften slightly as they near the hem. The silk is all cut on the bias and the layers flow out in an ever widening silhouette to the ground. There are yards and yard of chiffon that make up the skirt. It is very flattering on the body and it creates a fantastically romantic and dramatic effect as the silk floats around you the slightest bit of movement. It is amazing. This is truly stunning dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. A tiny bit of softening of the pleats here and there but there are so many yards of silk in the skirt that its immaterial. Tagged a vintage Valentino 12.

Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4239

Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 2003 Valentino Runway, Look 75.  /  (4-5) Paulina Alexis in this dress at the 2023 Critic's Choice Awards.

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

This is a fabulous fall 1970 dress from the Valentino boutique label. Valentino launched his ready to wear label in 1962, just two years after opening his first salon in Rome. He eventually expanded and added other boutiques. His first New York boutique launched in the fall of 1970 and it caused a sensation. Traffic was backed up 3 blocks with everyone who was anyone trying to get in on opening night. More boutiques followed including one at Bergdorfs. He encouraged his couture clients to also shop in his boutiques. He wanted everyone to have the Valentino experience and it should be noted that he often carried the lines he created for his Couture label into the boutique work. The primary difference was in the fabric and construction details but they were still remarkably close in quality. This especially held true in the early days. The line between the two labels was often blurred and on this dress you can see that in the hand finishing that is has. This one is extra fabulous because it is so well documented.

When searching for the date for the dress we found documentation that has both Marisa Berenson wearing it for Vogue that season and also Naomi Simms who wore it to that opening of the New York Valentino boutique. Which gives it a significant place in Valentino's history. The dress is gorgeous and it is made of a black silk chiffon that has a ribbon weave fused directly into the silk. This gives it an oversized thatched woven effect. In between the ribbon weave the silk is semi-transparent and the play between the two opacities is stunning in person. The entire dress is backed with a black silk chiffon lining and that gives the more transparent parts a backdrop so that the silk feels like it has depth. To highlight the design even more is that gorgeous print made up of a pink and purple and gold coloured threads that run over the entire dress. I love how the pattern is heavier at the bottom and then slowly makes its way up to be just scattered paisley's on the black backdrop by the top of the dress. The collar is small and neat and the sleeves are cut to pouf out above the buttoned cuffs. The sleeves are not lined so you get a sense of transparency there. The dress is cut into a chic sheath that skims over your bust, waist and hips until it flares out just slightly at the hem. There's no seam to break the line at the waist, instead he has placed two square pockets on each hip to detail this area. The pocket are amazing. Each zips to close from corner to corner and the zipper is then detailed with a long knotted and fringed tassel. Another matching tassel details the zipper that closes the front of the dress. In both the reference photos a sash was wrapped around the waist for added shape and you could easily re-create that look. I think it looks equally as well worn straight and sleek. It's nice to have both options because the dress looks dramatically different each way. It is gorgeous and very well made. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and zippers to close up the front as described above. Each cuff buttons to close with two silk covered buttons and each pocket zips to close. There's an extra button in the lining of the dress. Hand finishes. The dress appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Tag a size 8 with a hand written size label.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 23.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4205

Reference Photos: (1) Marisa wearing Valentino, photo by Elisabetta Catalano in Rome, Vogue September 1970.  /  (2-3) Naomi Sims attends the grand opening of Valentino Boutique on October 12, 1970 in New York City.

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

When hunting for the provenance of this dress we found a great shot of its twin on Moran Atias when she wore it to the Cannes film festival in 2007. I love that I have this so you can see how great it is on the body. The dress also has the significance of being from one Mr. Valentino' final few years before he retired. It is incredibly beautiful and it would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

This ivory silk chiffon and lace dress is stunning on the body. This combination of those two fabric allow it to drape beautifully over the body and highlight your every curve in a very flattering way. The fabric also have a slight stretch that allow the dress to show off your curves while still feeling wildly comfortable once on. The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The front and back of the bodice curves across you to leave the other shoulder bare and exposed. All of the edges follow the natural pattern of the lace and this adds to the feminine feel that it gives. The lace is backed with more silk chiffon so even though the lace has a bit of transparency you are fully covered. It is just tremendously beautiful. The lace is set over the waist in angled panels that work the way down the dress. In between the lace are silk chiffon panels. They are set in a way that emphasizes your curves and give height. The workmanship is exquisite where they meet. It skims over the waist and hips and then falls to the floor in a beautiful drape of lace at the bottom skirting. Both fabrics are light and soft and there are additional layers of chiffon underneath so that it feels amazing against the skin. It is cut supermodel long in length. The back is cut slightly longer then the front so you get this pretty sweep of fabric behind you. It is incredible and I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with two inner layers of silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set side half zipper and then has another one mid-back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The fabric does have some stretch. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat.

Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from top of the shoulder to front hem 66" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4118

Reference Photos: Moran Atias, wearing Valentino, at Cannes Film Festival, 2007.

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

There are hints of this dress from both the 1986 collection and in the 1988 collection. The original owner did buy it in the 1980s but I do not have the exact day. I tend to lean towards the earlier date for it but I have included reference photos from both the above mentioned collections. It is a stunning example of Valentino's work during this time period.

The dress is beautiful to see in person. It flows over the body from the more fitted bodice and the lightness of the silk allows it to move and float around you when you move. The bodice is a stunning example in shaping and couture techniques. Inside it is boned and has built in cups. This interior structure holds it perfectly in place over the body once on. On the exterior the silk is hand set and gathered over the bust and all the way around you. Each individual gather is meticulously hand stitched into place. Above this more structured part of the dress is a single layer of the chiffon. At the front it scoops in a higher set neck and at the back it is set with a keyhole running down to the top of the gathered bodice. The skirt flows out under that in four layers of the silk and each layer is bias cut. This is what allows it to have such beautiful movement when you move. The final touch are those pretty sleeves that are cuffed at the wrist and pouf out around the arm above that. It also has its original very large silk shawl piece. It is beautiful. The dress does have some flaws but is structurally sound. Please review the notes below.

The interior bodice is finished is boned and corseted. The skirt has four layers of silk as described above. The interior corset closes with hook and eye and the silk layer zips to close over. Each cuff buttons with two silk covered buttons and loops. Three buttons at the top of the back neck. There are areas of fading through the skirt that go through the layers. I have photoed the worst of them. There are some faint areas of the same on the silk above the corset and on the sleeves. I see one tiny repair near the hem at the back of the skirt. It comes. I think you could potentially remove the sleeves and upper bodice and use the shawl to create a layer over the worst of the fading or just have it redyed and it would be perfect again. Sold as found and final and the price is according to the description above

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from top of neck to interior waist stay
Skirt: 45" from interior waist stay to hem
Shawl: 54" x 52"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3018

Reference Photos: (1) From the book "A Grand Italian Epic, Valentino", 1988/1989 collection  /  (2-3) The "Degradè" Dress from the Valentino Haute Couture 1986 collection. (4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon taken on location at JohnMel Stables 

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