Valentino Garavani was first struck by the fashion fever on a trip to watch the opera Carmen as a child, bewitched by the show’s gilded gowns and floral arches. So, it’s no surprise the Roman house’s sumptuous collections have a certain theatricality that crescendos like an elaborate composition. This gown is spun from swathes of liquid-like silk and cascades languidly over your frame to a floor-pooling hem. Then, you’ll spot the label’s unmistakable, gold-toned initial crowning the plunge neckline.| Valentino silk gown100% silk; lining 91% viscose, 9% elastaneSlips onRelaxed fit, round neckline, V-cut at neckline, long sleeves, brand hardware at front, crepe texture, split at hem sides, linedDry clean onlyMade in ItalyTrue to sizeSize UK 8: length 62in / 157cmModel is 5ft 10in/1.78m and wears a size UK 8Midweight, slight stretch