Gianni Versace was first exposed to fashion through his mother who ran her own dressmaking business in Italy. Versace went to work for her before moving in Milan in 1972 where he designed his first prêt-à-porter collections for Callaghan, Genny and Complice. Versace drew on the rich history and iconography of Italy and reinterpreted familiar images into his designs. The medusa head became a signature Versace element that is still used today. He never compromised his exquisite dressmaking skills while breaking the traditional rules of fashion. Gianni Versace understood the power of alliances with celebrities and as Anna Wintour told The New York Times, "Versace was the first to realize the value of celebrity in the front row, and the value of the supermodel, and put fashion on an international media platform."
"I don’t believe in good taste." - Gianni Versace
1980s Gianni Versace Purple Silk Chiffon Embroidered Top & Jodhpurs Outfit
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Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.

We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
DRESSES | PANTS | |
BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
|
WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve.

Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.SaveSaveSave
Description
This is a very rare vintage Gianni Versace 2 piece deep plum purple outfit from his Fall/Winter 1981 collection. This particular Versace collection included many embroidered pieces on rich solid colors.
It includes a pair of high waist knee length jodhpur style pants or knickers, and a beautiful silk chiffon blouse with a gold star embroidered on the front. The outfit also comes with a beautiful string belt that has hand knit balls.
The top is silk chiffon with ribbed satin trim and a spit portrait collar that reveals a gold embroidered star underneath, and the top closes with a single button in back at the nape of the neck.
The pleated pants are jodhpur style with side slit pockets and a front zipper and button for closure. They are made in a wool and silk ribbed satin and have a slight sheen. This is such a fun outfit and it can be a great evening dress or day dress alternative or worn as separates with other pieces in your wardrobe.
The pants are a size 2 and the top fits a small to medium. The pants are marked Italian 38 and the top 40. Please review all of the measurements for the best fit!
Pants -
WAIST: 24"
HIPS: 44"
INSEAM: 20"
LENGTH of outer leg from top of waist to bottom: 31"
RISE: 12"
Top -
BUST: Up to 40"
LENGTH: 24"
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a smilar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
All of our pieces have been professionally cleaned and arrive ready to wear.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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Gianni Versace was first exposed to fashion through his mother who ran her own dressmaking business in Italy. Versace went to work for her before moving in Milan in 1972 where he designed his first prêt-à-porter collections for Callaghan, Genny and Complice. Versace drew on the rich history and iconography of Italy and reinterpreted familiar images into his designs. The medusa head became a signature Versace element that is still used today. He never compromised his exquisite dressmaking skills while breaking the traditional rules of fashion. Gianni Versace understood the power of alliances with celebrities and as Anna Wintour told The New York Times, "Versace was the first to realize the value of celebrity in the front row, and the value of the supermodel, and put fashion on an international media platform."
"I don’t believe in good taste." - Gianni Versace