Valentina

[claireshaeffer]

Remember the Valentina exhbit last year at the Museum of the City of NY. I've just finished an article for Threads about Valentina and a wonderful dress made for Vera Zorina, one of Balanchine's wives. The dress is silk organza with a silk crepe slip so I focused on sheer techniques.

The skirt is incredible. It has 9 quarter-circle panels. The interesting thing is Mainbocher liked these quarter circles too; the skirt is very flat at the waist with an enormous flair at the hem. Can you imagine dancing in this?

 

[denisebrain]

I will pick up Threads, Claire. It sounds like a wonderful article and a wonderful dress. Do you actually own this dress, or did you get a chance to take a very close look?

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

You must be getting quite the adrenaline rushes, Claire, getting to see these fabulous pieces up close!

 

[vintagedevotion]

Looking forward to reading the article!

 

[fuzzylizzie]

Great. I always enjoy your Threads articles, and Valentina is such a rare label that it will be fun learning more about her.

 

[Patentleathershoes]

I remembered this thread when I saw this portrait of Valentina herself on the Life magazine site

http://www.life.com/image/82363784/in-gallery/32232/tim-gunns-favorite-fashion-photos

Nice to put a face to a label. She was a stylish woman and stunning as well.

 

[Leisa]

When will your article be in the magazine?

I would love to read it.