Versace Istante Fall 1996 Dress

This beautifully detailed, black shift dress was designed by Gianni Versace for his Istante line and walked the runway for the Fall 1996 collection on Carla Bruni. During the same season, the twin of this dress was worn by Kate Moss on the runway for Versace’s ready-to-wear line. Istante was created by Gianni Versace in 1985 and was designed to bring in a younger, more dynamic clientele without sacrificing the quality the fashion house was renowned for. Istante formed a sizable part of the Versace company and had its own dedicated boutiques.

This gown perfectly balances the provocation and high-class femininity that the label was known for. Adorned with four patch pockets in the style of a classic bouclé suit, two of these pockets sit over sheer tulle at the chest to preserve the wearer’s modesty. Each pocket is detailed with a silver button adorned with a star and encrusted with black jewels. Gianni’s eye for intricate detail is seen in the stunning appliqué lace that appears to climb up the torso. The skirt is woven from a wool-silk mix and, as such, is weighty and ensures the pockets at the chest stay in place. The back is sheer and, again, adorned with lace, and the wide necklace plays to the sensuous grace of the silhouette. This dress fastens with a hidden tonal zip under the left arm and the skirt is fully lined with black satin. The fabric has a small amount of stretch.

• Istante by Versace Fall 1996 • Shift dress • Sheer tulle top • Four patch pockets • Silver bejewelled buttons • Skirt lined in satin

Fabric: 86% Wool, 6% Polyamide, 5% Silk, 3% Elastane
Lining: 100% Rayon
Size on Label: Italian 40, UK 8, US 4
Stretch: No
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Good condition - there have been a few expert repairs made to the lace by a couture tailor and there are some tiny jewels missing from the buttons on the lower pockets (see photos).

Bust: 91.5 cm (36 inch)
Waist: 71 cm (28 inch)
Hip: 91.5 cm (36 inch)
Shoulder to Shoulder: 35.5 cm (14 inch)
Length: 81.5 cm (32 inch)