Gianni Versace Couture SS97 Blouse rarity, Swarovski?

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eudemonist

Registered Guest
Howdy all!

Recently I came into possession of a GORGEOUS Gianni Versace Couture silk blouse, which I was able to find shown at Spring/Summer 1997 GVC show in Paris, the second-to-last show before Gianni's murder. The blouse was part of the ultimate outfit, a bridal ensemble as per tradition. (the show, blouse at 23:30):
I have two questions, neither of which probably has a definitive answer, but I'd like to pick your collective brains.

First, I know basically nothing about haute couture: roughly how many of these pieces are made? I'm sure it varies by piece, but it seems supplies would be limited at least. These runway pieces aren't really mass produced, I don't think: the handwork on the accent stitching alone would preclude that. But are we talking dozens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands? Or impossible to even guess?

Second question is, is there any way to positively identify Swarovski crystal, or does anyone know if Gianni was working with Swarovski at the time, late '96-early' 97? I know they *have* done stuff together, but I know Versace worked with other crystalliers as well. The buttons sparkle juuust like the other Swarovski crystals I have, but I could just not know any better.

Thanks in advance for any help, pointers, or suggestions!


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John Muellerr said:
Hey thanks for the super helpful reply. I'm not sure how I missed that thread. I haven't quite mastered the search function on here. The Information you shared above is great. I have been reading all you shared here. In this you explained everything very well. Thanks I am going to bookmark this https://forums.vintagefashionguild.org/threads/gianni-versace-couture-ss97-blouse-rarity-swarovski.75990-results/.
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I think you might have replied to the wrong comment.
 
Let's bring our couture sewing expert in: Paging @claireshaeffer ...could you tell us how many of these were likely to have been made?

It's a gorgeous blouse with wonderful details, but I don't think I'm seeing the same blouse in the video. The buttons are obviously different, but also the raglan sleeves. I like yours better.
 
I am not 100% sure what levels (haute couture, ready to wear) and so on Versace does or did, and when... But the shirt clearly has all the labels of a commercially made item, so it's from a ready to wear line I guess, even though the line is called Versace Couture. And not haute couture as in the top level, only a few made on order for the few who can afford it. According to the information on our Label Resource, it's Atelier Versace that's at couture level.
 
denisebrain said:
... but also the raglan sleeves. I like yours better.
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Oh dang! Good eye! The shoulders were covered by the veil most of the time, but there are a couple of frames toward the end where you can see the shoulder seam, and you're absolutely right. Thank you!

@Midge Yeah, the very existence of a price tag made me think it couldn't be TOO rare, but like I said, I don't know squat about squat, hah. It's very similar at least to the one in the Atelier video, so maybe a RtW cousin to the runway piece?

Anyone have suggestions on how to determine if the crystals are Swarovski?
 
I agree with Karin. It's not an haute couture piece. Versace is one of many that used the term "couture" on their more expensive rtw.

These items are manufactured in limited quantities--probably based on the orders received after it was shown to buyers.

Today--if a garment has a size label, you can assume it is not haute couture.

Before the French couture houses manufactured pret-a-porter, they sold couture designs to high end stores. Often the buyer purchased with specific customers in mind. These models will have a designer label and a store label, but I've not seen a size label. The construction quality varied and was often demi-couture.
 
I have read a couple of bits of info that state that ALIAS S.P.A Manufactured for Gianni Versace until his death in 1998. It may well be from the same 97 collection as you have posted. I would say that the stones may well be crystals in the Couture line, which as other have said is not 'Haute' Couture. But it was certainly very expensive as your price tag indicates. Also, those buttons are very desirable!
 
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