The is from the Spring 2017 collection which was an important and interesting show for two reason. First it was the first solo show for PierPaolo Piccioli and second he brought in Zandra Rhodes to make prints for the fabrics shown in the collection. This dress did not make the actual show but I have included a photo of the dress with the same print that did. The show was a huge success and the Vogue review for this collection stated in part; 'They (the models) were wearing a collection he’d based on looking at a lot of medieval art, but particularly at Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych, The Garden of Earthly Delights—not that the clothes read as historicist at all. “I like to know my history, and then forget it,” Piccioli said.... He’d also become fascinated by the work of Zandra Rhodes, the great British fashion designer of the ’70s and ’80s, known for her hand-drawn prints and floaty, haute hippy dresses, so he got on a plane to London to see her. “He was wonderful,” exclaimed the pink-haired designer, who was sitting in the front row today. “He and an assistant came to my studio for two days, I showed them everything in my archive, and he asked me what I could do to make prints from the Bosch painting. It’s just incredible to see what they did with them." In short, he aced it, not only meeting expectations but surpassing them too.'

I own the twin of this dress myself and I love it. It is one of my favorite pieces. It feels thoroughly Valentino but it also nods at the work and cut of Zandra. Then you add in that spectacular Rhodes print that covers its surface and it's just a joy. The dress is made from a fine light weight silk that is cut on the bias. Think scarf weight. This is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk, the fabric of the skirt and those fantastic caped sleeves catch the air and billow out around you. The colour is a beautiful clear red and the print draws in several other tones and shades of red. It plunges into a V at the bodice at the front and then at the back it is scooped quite low with a crossover of skinny straps to hold it n place and still leave your back bare. The seams runs angled under the bust and then it just falls from there to skim over the waist with no seam there to break the line. Depending on your height, the skirt falls to just above the floor in a sweeping expanse of fabric. This is a signature length for him and it allows your shoes to peek out from under the skirt. The skirt is cut beautifully and gradually widens out as it nears the hem. That and the bias cut of it is what gives it the floating effect it has when you move. There is actually several yards of fabric in the skirt. The sleeves are wonderful. Each is extremely wide and falls from the wide set shoulders. I took a shot where I held one out so you can see how wide they are. I love them. The precision in cut to have this all fall and move so beautifully should not be underestimated. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Lined through the front bust in a red silk and the rest of the dress is unlined. The dress has a low set zipper at the back. Tagged a Valentino 36. The easy cut should fit a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 56" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3958

Reference Photo: Spring 2017 Valentino Runway, Look 44. Model: Blesnya Minher.

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