Neon hued dress suit by Gianni Versace Couture which featured in the Spring 1996 ready-to-wear collection, Look number 50. Both the jacket and the dress are made using a beautifully soft silk, in a striking abstract design against a yellow background. The design features brushstroke-like patterns in hot pink, orange, green, white and turquoise, and really epitomises the playful takes on colour which were so favoured by Versace during this period of his career. The dress is cut in a classic mini fit and flare shape - it has a double layered bodice and structured cups for extra support, with gathered detail where the straps meet. The straps themselves tie at the shoulder, and each side features a metal and acrylic Versace medallion with the famous Medusa head logo stamped in the centre. The dress is lined in canary yellow rayon and fastens to the side with a zip closure, finished at the top with a hook and eye. The jacket is cut in a classic 90s tailored shape, complete with light shoulder padding and single button closure at the front. The sleeves are finished with two of the same fabric coated buttons at each cuff, and the interior of the jacket is once again lined in a pale yellow, silky feel rayon fabric.

Both the dress and the jacket are in great vintage condition, with no observable flaws when worn save for a very small mark on the shoulder of the back of the jacket under close inspection. The dress is labelled a 42, and the jacket a 40 - we believe this may be due to Versace's tendency to be less than generous when it came to dress sizing, as both the jacket and dress are well matched for size. The dress comes up much smaller than a 42, and would best fit an 8-10 UK, while the jacket comfortably fits a 10 UK, or 6 US.

MEASUREMENTS:

DRESS:

BUST: 32 in. ( 81.28 cm )
WAIST: 26 in. ( 66.04 cm )
HIP: 32 in. ( 81.28 cm )
LENGTH: 26.5 in. ( 67.31 cm )

JACKET:

BUST: 36 in. ( 91.44 cm )
WAIST: 32 in. ( 81.28 cm )
SHOULDER (SEAM TO SEAM): 32 in. ( 81.28 cm )
HIP: 34 in. ( 86.36 cm )
LENGTH: 25 in. ( 63.5 cm )