To what lengths will you go for a formal affair?

Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli presented four hemline lengths for his Haute Couture Summer 2019 show in Paris recently.

One may wear a mini dress which can go thigh-high, or knee-length, calf-length midi, and ankle-grazing, which suddenly looks new and young beside the usual floor-sweeping.

Piccioli is now one of the most popular and most copied designers in fashion—from his signature prints and psychedelic colors to diaphanous gowns (sometimes 300 yards for a single dress).

Piccioli also chose black models for the most dramatic looks, with supermodel Naomi Campbell closing the show. Campbell, who has not modeled for Valentino for 13 years, shed tears of joy as the finale drew a standing ovation from the press and couture clients. House founder Valentino Garavani also cried joyful tears.

So, since your legs are the last body parts to age, consider these new lengths for your next formal wear. Textured or even printed stockings will help seal the deal.

Take a cut of fabric and hoist it up against your body, from mid-calf to sexy mini, and look in the mirror. You may even recycle a long gown and shorten the hemline. These four hemline choices will make you slimmer and taller, too. —CONTRIBUTED