c1995-1997 Gianni Versace Couture Silk Chiffon Butterfly & Crystal Dress

When researching this piece I found the photo reference for it that I have include here, but have been unsuccessful in verifying the exact date of that photo. I also came across another dress just like this one that is being sold as from the Fall 1999 collection but the actual label in the dress stating that it was produced by Altas S.P.A. contradicts that as this label is only seen on items prior to 1998. In this particular case, butterflies were used predominately in a couple of collections within the 1995-1997 seasons so it surely falls within that range, making it the work of Gianni himself.

The dress is exactly what you think of when you think Versace from this time period - body clinging and made from a weightless silk that shows off every curve - 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 silk chiffon there is. Two layers of this are finished over nothing but a nude netted interior so it has the very minimal amount of weight possible while still giving coverage. It is suspended from the shoulders from two tiny straps and then molds to the body underneath. There are gathers at each hip to hike the skirt up higher and at the back a panel of silk trails down to add movement and drama. The middle layer of the dress has rows of iridescent crystals fused to the silk and these catch the light and glitter even under the top layer of silk that lies over them. The silk itself is a deep salmon pink. The color you see in the photos is close but does not fully capture the richness and depth of the color. It is even better and a touch more vibrant in person. The silk is screened with hundreds of brightly colored butterflies that add little pops of color. The perfect finishing touch to the dress is the individual cut outs of butterflies that have been added to the straps and all over the body of the dress. They are attached only at their middles so the wings move with the slightest brush of air giving them a 3D, realistic feel. The effect created is that they seem to have just landed on the girl wearing the dress and could at any moment, fly off in a cloud around her. It is truly spectacular and that perfect combination of sexy and yet still innocence and girly that the House does so well. Supermodel worthy. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude net. The body of the dress has two layers of the pink silk over that. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a 38. The fabric has a touch of stretch. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from top of shoulder to front hem, the back panel of silk extends to approx 65" at its longest point but is bias cut so comes up from there a touch once on the body

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3230

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