This dress is from the Spring 2012 Valentino collection. During this time period both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors and it is interesting to see the collaboration that they did in these earlier years. This dress was not a runway piece but was produced for retail in a black, red and white. It has the feel of Looks 24 & 25 with that deep plunge at the front that is really fantastic. There is actually a Courreges mini dress that I am aware of that has this same scalloped front plunge and I always wonder if it was the direct inspiration for this longer version. Either way it is a fantastic dress. The show was a huge success and the Vogue review for this collection stated in part; "For Fall, the designers wove an enchanting, globe-trotting story through the sweetly feminine silhouettes they've established as their own over the last few ready-to-wear and couture seasons". Even if not a runway piece this dress was one of my favorites of the season and I was so pleased to have the red one come my way. It is just a fantastic dress.

This is such a gorgeous dress. Its simplicity combined with an almost shocking plunge at the front and its bright true red colour add up to an incredible piece. It is in its original supermodel long length and made of a beautiful silk crepe that gives it its sleek sculpted feel. The dress is very sexy and shows off some skin but still feels very elegant and refined. The fabric has just a touch of a bias cut to it through the body so its very comfortable to wear. It is really a dress meant to be on an actual body and not a mere dress form. As good as it looks here it only really comes to life once on. I love the wider straps that curve up and over your shoulders and how all the edges of the bodice are set in a soft curving scallop pattern. The bust is set wide to the sides of the dress and then it opens up across the upper chest to the outer parts of the shoulder. The front plunges down from there to almost the waist. I love the band of the same fabric that sits part way down to keep it perfectly in place and creates just a subtle little key hole below the breast. This wraps all the way around you to add shape and structure. So it is a very deep plunge but a very wearable one. It is such a pretty and feminine touch. At the back it is scooped wide across there as well and then down into a V to leave most of your upper back bare. The skirt falls under that in a sculpted A line with that very specific shape. It widens out as it nears the hem and moves beautifully around you when you move while still holding that wonderful shape. A wide band of fabric circles all the way around the hem and this is what gives it a slight bit of added weight and structure to help hold the intended shape. It is a beautiful dress. Excellent condition.

The bodice is fully lined in a red silk and the lower panel of the skirt is a double layer of the same fabric. The skirt between is unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a modern Valentino 44

Bust: 17" flat across the back seam and each cup is 8" across at the widest point
Band under the bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from top of shoulder to the top seam of the band under the bust.
Skirt: 52" from the seam under the bust (and including the 1" band) to the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4030

Reference Photos: Fall 2012 Valentino Runway Collection, Looks 24 & 25.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.