The Valerie Dress

The Valerie Dress is an 80's day dress with a little extra something. It features a beautiful v-neck, mirrored by the dropped basque waistline. It has a lovely midi length skirt and full length sleeves all in a gorgeous dark blue paisley pattern. This dress was made by the brand "Vivien Smith" in York, UK and is in perfect vintage condition.

Vivien Smith was born in Colchester in 1947 and moved to York as a teenager when her father was posted to Strensall Barracks. After studying fashion design at the Lucie Clayton College in London, she returned to York and began creating her own clothing designs, employing local dressmakers to sew them. 

Vivien initially sold her clothes wholesale to boutiques in York, Harrogate, Leeds and London, later renting a workroom and opening a small shop on Micklegate. By 1968 she launched Simply Clothes at 40a Micklegate, with all garments produced in York—first by homeworkers, and later at her own factory on Hospitalfields Road.

Suggested size UK 12.

Pit to pit: 18".
Waist: 30".
Length (shoulder to hem): 47".

Made of what feels like a cotton.

All of our items are vintage and preloved so will show signs of wear.