"The video walls exploded in a kaleidoscope of color, and Amber Valletta, grown-up and gorgeous, strode onto the runway in a swinging psychedelic print cashmere coat shrugged over a white turtleneck and pants. It was the opening shot in a collection in which Donatella Versace proved herself in supreme control of a powerful new classiness. Color and sexiness are to be expected—even demanded—at Versace. But the surprise was how Donatella delivered on that while showcasing outstanding, couture-standard clothes with a five-star wearability rating. "I wanted to do quality and tradition—but with fun," said the designer. Versace coats are some of the most gorgeous of the season, impeccably cut and with embroidery, quilting or edgings and inserts of leather expertly deployed to emphasize shape. There was casually luxurious fur, sheared inside and out to look like corduroy. Some of the best looks were the collection's most spare: a neon yellow cashmere tank with black flares and a huge black bag, a candy pink double-face coat paired with a tank and lilac pants, even a restrained, oversized black coat, its buttonholes edged in satin, thrown over a plain black pantsuit. There were great bright micro-flower print dresses and the obligatory slit-up-to-there red-carpet evening gowns. But Donatella's knockout punch was putting glamour, color, excitement—and, believe it or not, simplicity—into an adult woman's day."
This gown was from that collection and was look number 64 in the show. Once i was actually produced the color was strengthened from what was shown on the runway, and intensified to really showcase the contrast in the design and create that fabulous ombre effect that you see. It was strong enough a piece that Celine Dion chose to wear its twin for the concert on World's Children day in September of 2002. The gown is extraordinary and like the floral gown from Versace that I have, is cut to fit and flatter the body in a way that few other designers achieve on a consistent basis. It is made from a fine silk chiffon that gives it the drape and flow that you see. The neck at the from is cut high and scooped and simple. The back is left almost entirely bare with a twisted knot running across the back neck to hold everything in place. From there that spectacular skirt flows to the floor and beyond, and you get that amazing play of colors across the surface. It is all cut on the bias with one panel sweeping up high on the front hip in a knot. Where the fabric meets under that knot is left entirely open in a slit so that when you walk you get a tremendous flash of leg. To hold everything perfectly in place there is an inner built in body suit from the waist down. The photos really cannot convey the sheer beauty of movement all that flowing silk chiffon has. It is spectacular. Excellent condition
