This exceptional documented haute couture dress and jacket was seen on the Spring 2007 runway, in a lighter colourway, Look 18. It was entirely hand sewn in the Valentino atelier in Rome and designed by Valentino Garavani himself.

Tailored from a soft, textured natural silk with a slight sheen in a rich, biscuity cream hue. The dress is cut to a classic shift style. The wide straps and panelled bust are crafted from caramel-hued grosgrain ribbon. Atop the ribbon, the incredible work of the Valentino atelier is evident. Three-dimensional florals with petals you can lift and stroke are formed from fabric topped with gold sequins, glittering leaves of iridescent and white beads and metallic gold threaded foliage. The body of the dress skims the curves and falls to a demure length of below the knee. Inside, the craftsmanship is exquisite and it is lined with cream mesh around the top and shaped with grosgrain. It is boned around the bust with straight boning around the back too. The skirt is lined with caramel-hued silk satin. The dress fastens under the arm with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye.

The jacket is tailored from coordinating fabric to an elegant high-collar style. It is shaped to follow the curves of the body, flaring out above the hips. The raised neckline is detailed with the same caramel grosgrain and elaborate embroidery and beadwork as the dress. This exquisite detailing continues in a panel that wraps around the back of the jacket and down towards the bottom hem at the front. The cuffs are also finished with this embellishment. The jacket has front fastenings and is worn open to reveal the details of the dress underneath.

This ensemble would make a truly memorable dress for a wedding reception or rehearsal dinner. The label reads “Valentino Couture” in glittering gold thread on cream silk. Both the dress and jacket are in superb archival vintage condition with no issues of any kind. Due to being couture made, they have no size or composition label so please check the below measurements as the fabric does not have any stretch. The client was around a size UK 8-10 or US 4-6. The original design on A4 card will be supplied with the dress.

MEASUREMENTS DRESS

BUST - 33 in. (84 cm)

WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 40.5 in. (103 cm)

MEASUREMENTS JACKET

BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

HIGH HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)

LENGTH - 21 in. (53 cm)

SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)