This is a gorgeous Valentino dress that is from the Fall 2006 collection. It is beautifully made and a wonderful example of Valentino's main label and the work that he was doing during this time period. I love this one with its insanely low set sheer side panel. It is almost shocking to see it be that bare and from that time period. It is a little sexier then some of his work tends so be but it still has that refined elegance that you would expect from him combined with a bit of pure drama created in that moment when you first see the dress on and that huge expanse of skin covered with nothing but netting and sequins. 

This is a stunning Valentino and it is almost shocking when you realize how deep that side panel falls and that the entire half of the front is made of that same sheer netting. This is the kind of dress that you see in real life and it makes you swoon. As good as it looks in the photos it only really comes to life on the body. The dress is cut with a very soft and easy feel. The bodice is suspended from two tiny straps that curve over your shoulders and each strap is finished with a row of tiny black sequins. The center dips softly down at the front and a panel of netting is set on one half of the front. This netted panel has no backing so is sheer and transparent. It runs from the top of the neckline and then angles down the front all the way down the side to past the hip. The netting is completely finished with an intricate pattern of glossy black sequins that cover it entirely. It angles back up the back to meet the other strap and leave part of the back bare under the netting as well. It is like a long inverted triangle. Falling on either side of the triangle is a double layer of silk chiffon panels that create a ruffle that runs down the dress. At the front it starts around the waist area and at the back it falls from the top of the dress just under the strap. These create tremendous movement when you move. The rest of the dress is made from a light silk crepe that is entirely cut on the bias so that it drapes down and over the bust, waist and hips yet still shows off your curves. At the back the dress falls in a low scoop that leaves actual bare skin. The dress is loose and easy through the body to offset all that bareness. The hem widens out quite a bit which create lovely movement around the bottom of the skirt. It is so sexy and yet so refined. It is just stunning on the body. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined under the silk parts with a black silk. The netting is not backed.  It closes with hidden set back zipper. Tagged a vintage Valentino 12. I see a bit of very minor snagging on near the seam opposite to the netting and a tiny area of thinning near the end of the chiffon panel

Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4266

Reference Photos: Fall 2006 Valentino Runway. 

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