1991 Valentino Runway Documented Sequinned Top and Blue Trousers Suit
This superb embellished top and trousers ensemble walked the runway for Valentino’s Spring 1991 show. Designed when Valentino Garavani himself was still at the helm of the house, this look epitomises the glamorous, high-octane designs that made his label a household name. The top is tailored from matte silk in cobalt blue. It is cut to a unusual feminine silhouette that elongates the torso, nips in the waist and emphasises the shoulders. It has pretty cap sleeves, a wide curved neckline, and a curved bottom hem at the front and back which rises at the sides to reveal the cut of the trousers. It zips shut down the front with a hidden cobalt blue tonal zip. As is often the case with vintage Valentino, the beauty is in the embellishment. The top is smothered in thousands of tiny sequins, the cobalt blue, sand, mustard and white hues forming a blown-up print of tropical flowers. The top is lined in cobalt blue matte silk.
The trousers are cut to a loose, cigarette style typical of the late 1980s, early 1990s era. They have a high waist that fits perfectly underneath the more flamboyant top. The fabric is a very fluid cobalt blue silk and they are lined with a stiffer silk in a slightly darker blue hue. They fasten at the left hip with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.
This ensemble is in truly excellent vintage condition with no flaws to the silk or the beadwork. There is no size or composition label, so please check our measurements below. The fabric has no stretch. We believe these pieces would best fit a size UK 8-10, US 4-6.
MEASUREMENTS TOP
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)
LENGTH - 19 in. (48 cm)
MEASUREMENTS TROUSERS
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
RISE - 12 in. (31 cm)
LENGTH - 38 in. (97 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website - please let us know a week in advance.
We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.
We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.
You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage pieces and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.
Where's the showroom?
Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
Do you have parking?
We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
How do I get there by public transport?
Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line
Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal