This is a gorgeous dress. It is from the 2011 Resort collection and was Look 29 of the presentation. In 2011 Valentino was headed by both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. They had stepped into Mr Valentino's shoes and were breathing new life into the brand. Vogue's Nicole Phelps said of the show; 'Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli have won the hearts of the Hollywood and social sets. For proof, one only need look at the red carpet—Sarah Jessica Parker and Dree Hemingway wore Valentino couture to the New York premiere of Sex and the City 2 and the Cannes amfAR gala, respectively.....Taking cues from both the late sixties (when Valentino Garavani was one of the first couturiers to use logos on ready-to-wear) and the current runways...for the eveningwear, in which cheery garden party florals slowly fade to black on the hems of sleeveless dresses and strapless gowns. Well, most of the eveningwear. There were a few perfectly pretty flower-strewn frocks for occasions when edge is out of the question.' This is one of those flower strewn dresses and it was an instant success selling out worldwide. It has the added provenance of Michelle Williams choosing its twin for the Golden Globes Red Carpet. 

This is the kind dress that you see in real life and it makes you swoon. As good as it looks on the red carpet you can also imagine it working as a wedding dress or part of a wedding event for a bride looking for something not quite as traditional. It is made out of a silk organza that is a light nude cafe au lait colour. This is layered over multiple layers of silk. There is an inner silk lining topped by two layers of chiffon and then a layer of solid silk organza between those and the very top layer. The detail and care put into it is just incredible. The very top layer of silk has been printed with that gorgeous daisy print that you see. It has been printed onto the fabric so that it appears to have been hand painted. These bright pops of white are fantastic against the nude silk and give the dress its fresh and romantic feel. At the front the dress is cut to be fairly sleek in feel with a v cut neckline and high waist seam. It flows to the floor in a long column and you get just a suggestion of the ruffles that you will see when you turn around. The back skirt is cut to be far more full then the front. It is finished with a double layered of ruffles that start at the base of the low back and then curve out on each side all the way to the hem. The effect this creates is wonderful. The back is cut to be longer then the front so you get just the hint of a trained effect. The back is cut right down to the waist to leave a bare expanse of skin showing. The straps are the perfect finish. They curve up and around the shoulder and then angle gracefully in towards the centre of the low back. Each is finished with a combination of 3D embroidered and white leather flower embellishments. It is so pretty and even better in person. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in silk and constructed as described above. It closes with an off-set back zipper that is hidden along a side seam. No size tag present. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It retailed for $7900 in 2011

Bust: approx 18 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulders to seam under bust
Skirt: 48" from seam under bust to front, 50" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3648

Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2011 Valentino Collection Presentation, Look 29. Model: Tati Cotliar.  /  (2-4) Michelle Williams in Valentino at the 2011 Golden Globes.  /  (5) Resort 2011 Valentino Dress. Photo: netaporter.

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