This is a very pretty dress. It is from the Spring 2009 collection and was Look 19 in the show. In 2009 Valentino was headed by Alessandra Facchinetti and this was her third collection for the label. It was also her last. Rumors were swirling about her departure and shortly after this show they were confirmed. The collection as a whole was not well received but there were a few pretty pieces and this is one of them. On the runway it was shown in a shorter length and I don't think that one works half as well as this longer commercially produced piece. Once the added length was added the dress is even prettier.

The dress is made out of a very fine ivory silk that is printed with a black dot print. It is strapless and the bodice is covered with draped silk that is gathered in towards the center and wraps over itself at the center. At the back it narrows down into a twist for a little extra detail there. The dress falls to the floor from under the empire seam. The skirt is cut on the bias and it is set into that seam under the bust so that you get a draped and curved effect at the center of both the back and front. An inner built in corset holds it all in place. The dress is lined with a light silk chiffon and this little bit of added structure gives it just enough weight to hold the shape you see. It falls softly over the body and moves with you when you move. There is a slit that runs up one side so that you get a flash of leg when you walk. You can see how beautifully the dress moves in the runway video here and it is even better in this longer length. To finish the dress she added an elaborate braided cord detail that sits just under the bust. The cord is braided into a box shape and then knotted. Huge glass crystals in pale colours have been hand applied onto the knot for a bit of glitz. It is striking. Excellent condition with one minor note below

There is a built in lingerie stretch net, wire cupped and boned corset that zips to close with its own zipper. The dress is then lined in a silk chiffon and this outer layer zips to close at the side with a hidden set zipper. I see some tiny small lines in the silk here and there is one small mark on a fold at the front silk. Please see the photo after the label shot.

Inner bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 54" from top of bodice to waist
Slit: 26" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4288

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2009 Valentino Runway, Look 19. Model Toni Garrn.

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