Valentino Evening Gown 2pc Set Documented Formal Beaded Mosaic Vintage S/S 89

Valentino was often inspired by medieval art and this design was based upon a 16th century wooden stool, inlaid with tortoiseshell and mother-of-pear.

This ensemble can also be seen online as a video of the runway collection from the period. An identical ensemble was featured in the exhibit ‘Nan Kempner: American Chic’ which was on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from 12/06 – 3/07 and at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco from 6/07 – 11/07. Kempner owned and wore the same set.

This ensemble consists of a brown silk chiffon top completely covered in sequins, mother-of-pearl leaves, gold chain embroidery and bronze color seed beads. The top has a wide set neckline that sits at the top of the shoulders and is self-lined in a second layer of brown silk chiffon with a hand-stitched side nylon zipper and snaps at the cuffs. The full length skirt is crafted of 3 layers of matching brown silk chiffon, which help it to move as you walk. Gathers are set into a yoke that is attached to a set-on waistband. Fastens with a side nylon zipper.

Perfect for your upcoming events and parties, and guaranteed to generate compliments each time its worn!

Made in Italy. Tagged VALENTINO BOUTIQUE. Dry clean only. No size label but this set would best fit a modern size M, based on these measurements, taken flat and doubled where appropriate:
Top: Bust – 37in, Waist – 34in, Shoulder to hem length – 23in, Sleeve Length – 23in
Skirt: Waist – 28in, Hips – full, Length – 41.5in

Preowned/vintage with some signs of prior use and wear: there’s one teensy snag in the silk next to the zipper (about the size of a pin head) which is hard to see when wearing but evident upon close inspection.