Gucci Green Dévoré Velvet Mini Dress by Tom Ford (SS 1996)

Curator’s Note

Tom Ford's Spring/Summer 1996 collection for Gucci followed the success of his Autumn/Winter 1995 show, which had helped establish his reputation and brought renewed attention to the house. For Spring 1996, Ford continued to reference 1970s fashion, introducing brightly coloured prints, sheer fabrics and short dresses in silk and velvet. This mini dress is an important design from Ford's early years at Gucci. It features an abstract pattern of green dévoré velvet on sheer black chiffon, with a plunging neckline fastened by a silver-toned interlocking G clasp. The dress is characteristic of the collection's use of patterned velvet and revealing cuts. The dress was seen on the runway and in the season's advertising campaign photographed by Mario Testino. More than 25 years later, Miley Cyrus wore the same design during her televised New Year's Eve special welcoming 2023, performing alongside David Byrne. Lori Harvey also wore it to celebrate her 27th birthday in 2024. An example of the dress is also held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Description

• Green dévoré velvet mini dress with an abstract pattern
• Sheer black silk chiffon base
• Deep keyhole neckline
• Silver-toned interlocking G clasp
• Long flared sleeves
• Short, relaxed cut
• As seen on the runway worn by Linda Evangelista
• As seen on Miley Cyrus
• Featured in the season’s campaign, photographed by Mario Testino
• Part of the V&A Museum collection

Size & Measurements

• Labelled size IT 42 (Please refer to measurements for accurate fit)
• Measurements are taken with the garment laid flat:
  
  • Chest: 44cm
  • Waist: 42cm
  • Hips: 47cm
  • Length: 78cm
  • Sleeve Length: 58cm