This Valentino is very similar to the work he was doing for the 1977 season that was so beautifully captured by Deborah Turbeville for the Fall campaign. I have included several reference photos of the similar gowns from the Haute Couture season that year and you can see how this one would have evolved form those for the boutique line

The dress is made from a feather light silk crepe chiffon in his signature shade of red. The fabric choice allows for the sense of airiness that the dress has once it is on and that beautiful shape. The bodice is strapless and is kept very simple with a straight across cut and inner boning on the sides so it stays on place. Two rows of those silk ruffles run around it and they are set so that just a few inches at the waist is left to be seen. This gives you some shape through the waist and keep the dress from being one solid column of nothing but ruffles. The skirt falls to the floor from there, gradually widening out as it nears the hem. Here the ruffles take center stage and fully cover the skirt in horizontal rows that slightly overlap each other. These run fully down the length of the skirt from waist to hem. The lightness of the silk allows them to move with the slightest bit of movement on your part. The effect that this creates is wonderful. It is a beautiful and romantic dress and showcases the best of Valentino's work. Excellent condition with one minor note below

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Light boning in the sides of the bodice. I see one very faint mark on one ruffle to the side of the waist at the front. Please review the photo after the label shot. Note the back will close completely on the right sized frame. It was just a touch small on my dress form.

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of the bodice to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3403

Reference Photos: Valentino Fall/Winter 1977 campaign photographed by Deborah Turbeville. (Model in Photo 1: Malgosia Bela)

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