Spring 2014 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 62 Densely Beaded Mini Dress Play Suit

The Shrimpton Couture Archives

• The twin of this playsuit walked the runway for the Spring 2014 collection as Look 62.
• It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia
• The show was inspired by the opera and specifically, Maria Callas' Madea. Vogue referred to the woman who would wear the clothes as a "mythical sorceress" 
• It is incredibly beautiful and it might even make an amazing wedding piece for part of a weekend wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.
• The original retail on this was just over $15k USD because of the extensive beading that covers the entire playsuit.
• Both the outer and inner layer are the same deep bronze/taupe coloured netting. The parts that only have netting for the bodice and sleeves are more transparent and then for the shorts portion there is a built-in inner nude silk chiffon lining that allows it to be opaque enough to be worn. Even with the bottom portion being lined, it still creates the illusion of nudity between the extensive bead-work when you see it from a distance.
• Onto the top layer of the netting is an elaborate and extensive design created by thousands of tiny bronze seed beads applied over its surface.
• The neckline is scooped and the shoulders are soft and sloped. They drop into a short sleeve that is cut slightly wider and is also elaborately finished with beads.
• The bodice is cut in a more shift shape over the body with a slightly more generous feeling waist that has horizontal bands of bead-work to define and highlight the waist. The lower shorts flare out below the waist and are cleverly hidden by wide pleated panels that go all the way around. The pleats make it look like the shorts are actually an ultra mini but you still have the safety and comfort of having shorts underneath.
• The design that covers the entire playsuit is made out of the tiniest beads. I have taken close-up shots for you to see how beautiful the design and workmanship is. Wide bands circle the neckline and a double band wraps horizontally around the waist. In between that on the bodice are large round medallions with elaborate patterns worked within the circles. The sleeves and the skirt have more of the same but edged with smaller borders to highlight each pleat. It is incredible.
• Because so much of the playsuit has those beads applied onto it, it subtly catches the light perfectly from every angle, and every angle that you view the jumpsuit from is absolutely stunning.
• My dress form is a touch short through the body so it does not sit perfectly on it. Please make sure to review the runway pieces to see how it will sit properly once on.
• The playsuit is fully lined from the waist down in a nude silk chiffon. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged a modern Valentino 42
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 5.5" from the drop shoulder and are 11" around their ends
Dropped shoulders: approx 22"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 32.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Inseam: 3" 

Modern Sizing Equivalent:SML-MED

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2014 Valentino, Look 62. Model Harleth Kuusik.

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