This rare and outstanding vintage Valentino evening gown from c. Spring 1985 is crafted from red wool crêpe and black silk taffeta and features an extravagant one sleeve design that perfectly encapsulates the glamourous chic of the 1980s.

The sleeveless red crêpe dress features a finely pleated black silk taffeta appliqué that spirals around front and back and finishes in a large bow. Black silk taffeta wraps around the shoulders like a stole and extends into a long sleeve on the left side, finishing with a zipper at the wrist. The floor-length skirt fits tightly aroung the hips and finishes with a flared mermaid hemline with a small train at the back. The dress has a built-in boned corset that closes with a back zipper; the main dress closes above that with a zipper and a metal hook and eye. Material tag illegible, probably 100% wool and 100% silk. The dress is fully lined in red silk and hand-finished. Made in Italy.

Available reference photos show similar dresses from Valentino Spring 1985. 1) Valentino ad campaign, 2) Horst P. Horst for Vogue Paris, March 1985, 3) Guy Bourdin.

CONDITION
Excellent

SIZE
Tagged a UK 12, runs small and will fit a D 36-38, F 38-40, I 42-44, US 6-8, UK 10-12, SMALL-MEDIUM

MEASUREMENTS (laid flat)
Bust 45,0 cm/17.7"
Waist 38,0 cm/15.0"
Hips 50,0 cm/19.7"
Length approx. 160,0 cm/63.0"