ARCHIVE - 2021 Versace White Shell Print Silk Shirt-Dress
This silk dress was designed by Versace as part of the brand’s Spring 2021 collection. The Vogue review described the models on the runway as, “mythical citizens rising from the deep blue in an oceanic make-do and mend of starfish, coral, and seashell motifs from Gianni Versace’s ‘trésor de la mer’ collection.” This dress draws on the Gianni Versace archive - in particular that famous Spring 1992 collection - reimagining those iconic nautical prints for the 2020s. Creative Director Donatella Versace stated of this collection that she had to find “a way to bring the DNA of Versace to a new reality”.
Crafted from pure silk satin twill with a high-sheen finish, the intoxicating, opulent print of bejewelled shells, starfish, coral, cherubs and swirling baroque forms stand out against the white background. The dress is collared with a hidden button-up front and has long sleeves with wide, buttoned cuffs. The button under the collar is crafted from gold-toned metal and detailed with pale pink enamel and a gold starfish motif. The same buttons adorn the cuffs. The skirt is full, adding a femininity to the formal shirt-dress silhouette. It is broken up by panels of sheer silk chiffon printed with the same motifs as the silk. A silk belt encircles the waist, finished with an elaborate gold-tone metal buckle detailed with baby pink enamel and a large gold starfish. This dress is unlined.
This piece is in excellent condition with no flaws of any note and looks barely worn. It has no composition label and is labelled an Italian size 40, UK 8 or US 4. The fabric has no stretch and may work for up to a size bigger as the dress has plenty of room in the hips.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 46 in. (117 cm)
LENGTH - 41 in. (104 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
F.A.Q.
Where can I find more information about this item?
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We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website. We have an extensive offline collection. It is helpful if you can let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
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Many of our lower priced pieces, under £250, are not available to buy online. Dresses usually start at £150 and go up to £30,000 for the very best archival couture. Our bridalwear price points range from £1,000 to £20,000.
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We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
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We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage purchases and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
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Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
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What is archival fashion?
Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?
While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.