When asked for the inspiration behind the spring 2018 show Pierpaolo Piccioli said that 'it had been partly inspired by the perspective of the Apollo moon landing, in which the Earth was photographed from space and revealed in all its natural wonder. By the same token, by psychically hovering over the history of the house, Piccioli discovered something else to appreciate that he’d never gone to before. “I wanted to get back something of the glamour of the ’80s that Mr. Valentino did so well”'.  Layered necklines, like the one on this dress, were a theme that ran through the collection as were the tiny fused on rose detailing. This dress is the twin of the dress that walked the runway for Look 38 and it has the added provenance that Naomi Sablan chose to wear its twin, with a belt for shape, to the Vanity Fair party in 2022. It is gorgeous.

The dress has that easy to wear feel that so many of the best of Piccioli's work has. This one brings in a touch of sportswear with the way that the seaming is set at the top of the dress and the collar that sits above that angled seaming adds to that Tshirt / jersey feel. The collar is wide and is made from a top stitched band of deep burgundy silk velvet. This wraps around the neck and then a stripe of it runs down the top of each arm. Under that the dress is pure femininity. The dress is made of two layers attached at the neckline. There is an inner silk chiffon layer done in that classic Valentino red. This inner layer is shaped like a tee with generous wide cut shorter sleeves that drape over the arms once on the body. This sits inside a more opaque outer silk layer. Both layers are cut completely on the bias. The outer layer angles down from the neckline and widens out to the hem in a way that skims and drapes beautifully over the body. Onto that top layer are hundreds of tiny little velvet roses that are fused directly onto the silk. They are such a pretty and romantic touch. At the back the top layer scoops to the low back. The inner layer covers the back above that scoop with a single transparent layer of red. It's very subtely sexy in a very Valentino kind of way. The top layer is also cut on the bias. This allows it to drape and form over the body in a way that highlights you underneath but is not tight. You can see in the photos of Naomi that belts in it completely changes the shape. The dress has never been worn and is in its original supermodel length. It is a stunning dress that makes a strong statement. The fact that it is so well documented through the runway photos and having made an appearance on the Vanity Fair red carpet just adds to its appeal. Excellent condition

The inner red silk chiffon layer acts as the lining. Is it slips over the head to wear with a button closure at the back of the neck. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The main label was removed by my client since it showed through but it has its inner label as photoed. Tagged a size 12. the easy cut and bias cut silks will allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it would drape more.

Shoulders: do defined seam
Bust: open
Waist: 15-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 63" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL

Item# DD4255

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2018 Valentino Runway, Look 38.  /  (4-5) Naomi Sablan (with husband Adam Scott), Vanity Fair Party, 2022.

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