valentino

Incredible Spring 2003 Valentino Runway Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Black Beaded Detailing

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.

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam

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.

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 

Read More

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.

Read More

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