The Little Red Dress

“Red has guts… deep, strong, dramatic. A geranium red.  A Goya red… to be used like gold for furnishing a house... for clothes, it is strong, like black or white.” - Valentino

I’m paying homage to Valentino’s perfectly crafted red in this fit and flare Alexander McQueen dress.  After cultivating his creativity at the Parisian salons of Guy Laroche and Jean Dessès, Valentino opened his own atelier in Rome.  His first collection in 1959 marked the debut of “Valentino red,” his signature hue inspired by poppies.  Valentino redefined red; he transformed a color into a mood that is undeniably seductive.  The rest is history…

The great appeal of this dress is that it is hugs the right curves and hides the wrong ones.  The simplicity of its construction makes it the perfect piece to dress down.  I refuse to abide by the rule that cocktail dresses only can be worn on special occasions.  In my world, every day is a special occasion.   

I’ve “casual-ized” with a vintage Yves Saint Laurent sweater that I practically live in, Loeffler Randall platforms, an Anthropologie necklace, and a Gedney Hatattack hat. 

Red dress: Alexander McQueen (Alexander McQueen)

Sweater: Vintage Saint Laurent (Gabrielle Geppert)

Shoes: Loeffler Randall (Barney's)

Hat: Gedney Hatattack(Intermix)
Necklace: Anthropologie