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, 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. While researching this piece I found several photo references of different variations of the dress from both the catwalk and ad campaigns. I have included those here. I love this chic graphic version in the black and white. It is an exceptional example of his work from this time period.

The dress is exactly what you think of when you think Versace from this time period and it is instantly recognizable as his because of that famous ad shot. The dress is made from a very fine wool and it is the kind of dress that instantly demands your full attention. The dress is almost weightless once on the body, an effect achieved by the use of the finest, lightest wool that there was at the time. The shape is as simple as you can get. It is a simple shift that is meant to hang suspended over the body underneath. The simplicity of it perfectly captures the mood of 1995 and it allows that little check pattern to take the spotlight. The pattern is a series of small 1/2" squares and I love the care and attention to line the pattern up at the seams and back zipper. It is truly spectacular and that perfect combination of sexy and yet still innocent because of the easy to wear shape. If there was ever a dress proven to be supermodel worthy this one is it. This is a rare and very collectible Versace. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. I see a tiny run on the fabric near the side at the front and an even smaller one a little ways up from that. You would never see these once on. Please see the shots after the label shot. Otherwise it looks to have been worn very little if at all. The easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes

Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3578

Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 1995 Versace Runway Collection (Look 46-Claudia Schiffer, Look 47-Nadja Auermann, Look 48-Naomi Campbell)  /  (4) Shalom Harlow by Richard Avedon for Versace Fall 1995.  /  (5) Stephanie Seymour by Richard Avedon for Versace Couture Fall 1994.

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