In 2004 Mr. Valentino still headed the label and the work he was doing was fantastic. The twin of this dress in white walked the runway for Look 76. I love that I have tons of photos and the video of it so you can see just how fantastic this dress is on the body. It is a killer dress. The show was a huge success and the Vogue review for this collection stated in part; "When the fashion chat is all about the "new ladylike," it's not hard to give in to the methods of seduction Valentino has perfected. He's had "lady" down pat for years—for the genuine ones of the yacht-owning class, that is. His Spring collection covers the waterfront for that society, and those who aspire to it.... It all looked romantically pretty in the just-so mode that his clients adore." And what's not to love? The dress moves beautifully, is elegant and chic, and yet with that open side feels insanely sexy. This is the magic of original Valentino and this one is just tremendous.
This is such a gorgeous dress. It's simplicity combined with that almost shocking open side and its elegant deep blue colour that is so good on so many skin tones, 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 way that it curves up and over your shoulders and scoops at the neckline. It skims over the bust and then starts to widen out and skim over the waist and hips. The skirt falls to the floor under that and it is all cut on the bias. By the time it reaches the hem it has widened out into that beautiful sweeping line that you see. A high slit up one leg gives it additional movement. The bias cut and that slit make the hem of the skirt move and float around you at your slightest movement. The open side is on the same side as the slit. The silk of the dress has been gathered up and around that fantastic cut out on the one side. The opening of the cut out is piped in the same fabric for a bordered and finished feel. Then more of the piping is used to created a laced web feel that sits inside the circle. This gives you a touch of coverage and makes the skin that shows through feel even sexier. Extending out from that opening are long ties that trail down to the floor. These give the illusion of be able to tighten and adjust the lace. It is absolutely gorgeous. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a side hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a modern Valentino 6. The fabric is bias cut so does have some movement.
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 67" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 31" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4164
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 2004 Valentino, Look 76. / (6) Portia de Rossi in Valentino at The 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards, January 2004.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
