c.1977 Valentino Strapless Silk Chiffon Red Ruffle Full Length Dress designer-ceil-chapman Hips: to 23" flat across

Hips: to 23" flat across the inside back from side seam to side seam

The top skims over he bust and has little gathers just under to emphasize

Fully lined in an ivory matte silk satin with no closures at the front at all

both then and now

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

c.1977 Valentino Strapless Silk Chiffon Red Ruffle Full Length Dress designer-ceil-chapman Hips: to 23" flat acrossThis 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