c.1977 Valentino Strapless Silk Chiffon Red Ruffle Full Length Dress designer-la-mendola The silk was hand woven

The silk was hand woven in India and it is hand finished

Shown on a mannequin with an average head size

The pencil cut skirt is kept simple and flattering

The inner skirt shows grubbiness and marks around the hem

c.1977 Valentino Strapless Silk Chiffon Red Ruffle Full Length Dress designer-la-mendola The silk was hand wovenThis 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