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 in 1989 he presented his first couture collection. The days that Gianni headed the label were heady, glamourous ones and set the tone for the label as we know it today. He remained at the helm of the brand until his death by assassination in 1997. This is from those years in the 1990s when the label was everywhere and everyone wanted to own and wear a Versace. Vogue recently added this show to its runway archives and in the show notes Gianni was quoted as saying; 'To use art in a flat way, without creative intervention, is in bad taste. I mix it up'. This top stitched bodice feature was an important part of that season's collection. The dress was shown in yellow on the runway and was worn by Yasmin Le Bon. There was also a jumpsuit that we found with the same bodice treatment. It is so good.

As good as the dress looks from the front as soon as you see the back you can't help but fall in love. The dress is made out of a linen silk mix and combines a bright tropical coral orange with black. The clever play on colour helps to emphasize the bust with making the waist and hips look slimmer. The bodice is a play on the bullet bra and intricately top stitched to follow the high rounded curve of the neckline. It is darted for shape at each side and then curves down in at the center. Under that is a band of the sane colored fabric that cinched you in just under the bust. The waist is set high in under that and the entire top portion of the fitted skirt is also top stitched so that you get that fantastic corseted lingerie effect. The skirt hugs the hips and then goes to about the knees, depending on your height, to fall in  a fitted pencil silhouette. Then when you turn around the dress gets even better. It buttons all the way down with a row of tightly spaced gold metal buttons. He has kept the closure on the bodice separate so that it is a like a front attached bustier. This leaves an open cut out of skin showing between the back strap and the skirt which is so sexy. The skirt then buttons all the way down from there leaving a bit of a vent below the final button to allow you to walk. It is fantastic. Excellent condition

Backed in a non top stitched version if the same fabric. It closes with the buttons done the back as shown. Tagged a vintage Versace 44

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with room for a B-C cup
Seam directly under the bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5.5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust, 8" to waist seam
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3970

Reference Photos: (1) Yasmin Le Bon for the Spring 1989 Versace Runway.  /  (2) Spring 1989 Versace Runway Collection.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.