In the 1980s and 1990s Gianni Versace ruled the catwalks. He was the favourite of the Supermodels and they were featured predominately in his runway shows and his ad campaigns. Versace launched his label in 1978 and by 1989 he presented a couture collection. The days that Gianni headed the label were heady, glamorous ones and set the tone for the label as we know it today. He remained at the helm until his death by assignation in 1997. Everyone wanted to own and wear a Versace.

What I love about this dress is that it shows the level of his tailoring skills. This is a dress that is extremely simple in cut but every line is done with purpose to highlight and shape to the body. It is also a dress that really needs a body in it to come to life. I think it looks pretty great on my dress form but it is going to be even better once it is on an actual body. The fabric that it is made out of is light in weight but holds the shape well. That fabulously fitted shape that you see is all constructed by the bare minimum of seams needed. Seams have been set into curving lines at each side and one at the back to create an hourglass shape. The seams also help to give the dress structure, shape and support. The waist nips in and the hips curve out following the lines of the body. The skirt falls to the floor, the lower skirt flares out slightly, and then the back is cut longer than the front so you get a bit of a sweep behind you. The bust is spectacular. Wide straps curve up and over your shoulder to meet a high set back neckline. At the front the neckline dips down into a squared off shape. The front cups sit inside a bandeau feeling panel that runs across you and each cup has an inner built in cup. At the sides the fabric narrows down and then it hooks into place on one side and it is seamed on the other. This slight narrowing at the sides allowed him to create a little open cut out. Another little cut out sits where the bust attaches into the skirt and then there is one that sits at the centre of the back. These are much more apparent once on the body and your bare skin is showing through. It adds quite a sexy touch to the dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk crepe. Built in cups in the bust. It close with a hidden set side zipper and the side of the bodice hooks to close above that. Tagged a vintage Versace 6

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A to small B cup
Seam under the cups: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
High waist seam: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" to the seam under the bust
Total length: 53" from shoulder to point of the front hem, 57" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4770

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