Evening dress

Gianni Versace|Versace Couture|Gianni Versace

1982 · metal · Costume Institute

Gianni Versace used metal mesh in a number of his collections. The ability of the material to drape in liquid gathers made it ideal for classical effects. However, it is technically challenging to join, since sewing it is precluded. Perhaps, because of this, the designer relied on simple orthogonal pattern pieces whenever he utilized this medium. That his chiton appears as much medieval as it does classical is the consequence of the chiton's unfitted shift-like structure-common to many cultures and times.

Artist

Gianni Versace|Versace Couture|Gianni Versace

Date

1982

Medium

metal

Culture

Italian

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Norma Stevens, 1998