Important Gianni Versace Couture Gown Formally Owned by Gianni Versace, F/W 1987-88

"The early years of the twentieth century rendered fashion cylindrical and with cling that would adhere not to an artificial structure but to the body itself, and Versace brought the same idea to this dress that uses the teens and twenties style but clearly identifies the modern woman. The presence of a train seems historical; the cleaving to the bust and ribs seems erotic." Gianni Versace page 108, Richard Martin

This dress was featured in the Gianni Versace retrospective exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; December 11 1997- March 22. 1998.
The dress is shown on page 108-109 in Gianni Versace, Richard Martin. Published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York.

Curator Richard Martin was interviewed at the opening of Gianni Versace where he stated the following. "I think there will be two enduring aspects of Versace in fashion history, one is his strong sense of sexuality. This is not fashion for somebody who wants to be a wallflower, this is not fashion for someone who is uncomfortable with their body, this is really about the body and sexuality and secondly it is about a world of spectacle, this is not for the demure client once again. It is really for that world of spectacle that he inhabited and knew so well."

This dress was also presented at Dr. Faustus at La Scala Opera in Milan, May 1989.

Formally owned by Gianni Versace.

Spaghetti-strap floor-length gown in embellished black silk chiffon. V-neckline. Bias cut skirt. Beading embellishments throughout, hanging strands of beads at center of chest. Slight train at back hem. Zipper closure at side. Unlined.
Label: Gianni Versace
Date: F/W 1987-88
Country of Origin: Italy

Approximate Measurements:
Chest: 32“
Waist: 24“
Hips: 40“
Length (neckline to hem, at front): 50“

This lot is located in Chicago.

From the Collection of a New York Collector