The voluptuously undone, floppy flower says it all. Valentino’s genius lies in walking the line between demure and naughty. This mesh-and-leather sandal encompasses the brand of femininity that designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli have made unmistakably their own: soft, romantic, and transgressive.
Two layers of fishnet lace create double the mystique. The first is an airy whisper and the wide-looped second brings dark charm. This net is frenetic; it has a movement of its own. It all comes to a climax at the chiffon-rose, imperfect and delicate. Think antique gone awry, red-lipped gypsies, and flamenco dancers on the dark cobbled streets of Madrid. The details are all about the exotic old-world; luckily, Valentino made these for the modern woman. A slender silhouette stands at nearly 5” and a strong leather buckle brings updated edge. At Bergdorf Goodman for $945.
Pair with: Do as the gypsy seductresses would and infuse a dramatic velvet twist. Rick Owens’ asymmetric maxi skirt has a varying anklet grazing hem, ideal for showing off these sling-back sandals. On Net-a-Porter for $1,020.
