This elegant, runway documented gown was designed as part of Valentino’s Spring 2008 collection (look 66/88). This was to be Valentino Garavani’s last collection before he handed over the designer reigns to his half-century strong brand. Vogue stated that “Valentino played it as an upbeat, fast-paced whirl of breezy, pretty, drop-dead gorgeousness that blew any lingering sense of ladylike stuffiness to the winds.” Cut to skim the body, this column dress is tailored from smooth off white, very pale cream silk that falls to the ankle. The neckline is elegance itself. A scarf-like detail can be tied across the front or left to hang loose, revealing the high, gathered neckline. It gives way to a relaxed cowl-drape across the back. The bottom of the skirt is adorned with four shimmering stripes formed from rows of minute silver sequins, each stripe larger than the previous. The scarf at the neck is also detailed with a sequin stripe on each end. The dress is fully lined with a silk-mix cream crepe. The bust is padded for modesty. It fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.
This piece is in excellent vintage condition with no notable flaws and was possibly worn just once. We noted on very close inspection a tiny beige coloured mark close to the zip at the centre back; it was impossible to photograph and is undetectable when worn. It is 100% Silk and the lining is 77% Acetate, 18% Silk, 5% Polyamide. It is labelled a US 6, UK 10 but please double-check our measurements below as we feel this runs a little small and would suit a UK 8-10 or US 4-6 best. The fabric has no stretch and we cannot detect signs of previous alterations.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 56 in. (142 cm)