1997 Valentino Runway Metallic Gold Beaded Embroidered Floral Lamé Silk High Slit Column Gown

ID: 0930263

Size: medium

Condition: excellent

This exceptional and ultra rare Valentino metallic-gold lamé silk embroidered floral column gown dates back to his 1997 fall/winter runway collection. By the late 1990s, Valentino Garavani had already spent decades dressing royalty, movie stars and some of the world’s most glamorous women, and this collection continued that energy. Reviewing this season, Los Angeles Times fashion editor Mimi Avins stated, “Valentino Extends His Hot Streak,” describing his clothes as increasingly “naughty, surprising and unrepentantly glamorous.” She singled out the brilliant evening colors, rich combinations of texture and extravagant embellishment—and this gown could hardly illustrate her words better.

Documented as Look 81 and modeled by 1990s supermodel Kirsty Hume, the gown has a long, chic column silhouette that follows the body through the bust, waist and hips before falling straight to the floor. Cut from an impressive light weight silk-blend metallic lamé in a gleaming antique-gold hue, the fabric catches the light beautifully as you move. The sleeveless design features a softly pointed V-neckline that draws the eye toward the elaborate floral embroidery sweeping across the bodice. A high center slit reveals an inset of fine metallic-gold mesh, offering a glimpse of leg as you walk. But the embellishment is what takes this dress to another level. Large embroidered flowers in shades of blush pink, ivory and dusty rose wind across your body with leaves worked in sage, silver and dark green. Tiny beading outlines sections of the leaves and vines, while also highlighting sections of petals. The back plunges in a long and narrow V nearly to the waist, leaving a peek of skin exposed. Flowers and branches continue across the back, making the gown every bit as beautiful from behind. With Valentino Garavani’s passing earlier this year, pieces like this carry an even greater significance, preserving the love of beauty that defined his legacy. There is something particularly exciting about his work from the 1990s, when the house’s established codes took on a sexier attitude. With its documented runway history, gorgeous metallic silk lamé fabric, intricate embroidery and flashes of skin, this is a 'Holy Grail' piece created by Valentino himself.