c.1977 Valentino Strapless Silk Chiffon Red Ruffle Full Length Dress designer-ceil-chapman pausing at key moments within

pausing at key moments within its history

This is Valli at his best and is a stunning achievement in cut and concept

There is always one small but perfect detail in a Norell piece and on this it is that unusual softly gathered collar that give the neckline a slight fullness and edgy feel

Another silk flower is placed at the waist and is attached to a ribbon of silk that circles around you and snaps into place underneath the flower

It is gorgeous on the body

c.1977 Valentino Strapless Silk Chiffon Red Ruffle Full Length Dress designer-ceil-chapman pausing at key moments withinThis 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