1997 Runway Documented Versace Lime Green Embellished Dress

This dress walked the runway as part of Versace’s Fall 1997 show - the last ready-to-wear collection that Gianni Versace ever designed. The final time he appeared on the runway to take his bow for a ready-to-wear collection, he was standing next to the model wearing this gown. As such, this is a poignant piece of fashion history.

Versace was known for its innovative, intricately-detailed embellishment and the work on this one-shoulder dress is no exception. The beadwork is weighty and exceptionally implemented; beaded vines wind their way up this gown, starting at the skirt and climbing up over the two straps on the shoulder. They are formed of tiny iridescent apple green sequins and silver-tone metal beads with tonal green and thick silver metallic embroidery holding them together. Teardrop-shaped rhinestones are scattered across the leaves as though water is glistening on them. The body of this silk-crepe dress is in two clashing colours - vibrant neon yellow-green and deep inky black. The skirt has a jagged hemline; the black silk-crepe appears from underneath the neon and forms an asymmetric bottom hem. Both the front and back of the dress have a panelled construction which gives way to pleating in the skirt at the drop-hem. The construction of this dress is thoughtful both inside and out - the bust is lined with neon silk-satin and is boned the whole way around. This dress fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.

This piece is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws to the silk or beadwork and it has never been worn; the store label is still attached. The size label states that this is an Italian size 42, UK size 10, or US size 6 but please double-check our measurements below. The composition label states that this is 98% Silk, 2% Nylon, with a lining of 40% Silk, 60% Rayon. The fabric has no stretch.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)

WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)

HIP - 42 in. (107 cm)

LENGTH - 52 in. (132 cm)