“I like the body. I like to design everything to do with the body.”, claimed Gianni Versace. And indeed he did. He rarely drew any designs, instead deciding to pin the material on the mannequin or a model, cutting it and shaping it to best fit the figure. No wonder that it took him little time to come up with his own fabric which soon became the object of desire: Oroton
Invented and patented in 1982, the material soon gained worldwide fame and brought to its creator his first award: L’Occhio d’Oro. Constructed in collaboration with engineers, made of small metallic pieces, the ‘metal dress’ defies the usual properties of metal: it is soft, it is delicate, it accentuates the figure, moves with the body. It will make you look like you’re covered in liquefied gold, creating a simply breath-taking sight to compete with Cleopatra.
After 30 years, the metal dress is a signature piece of Versace, representing all what Gianni stood for in his designs: it’s sensual, it’s unique, it celebrates the female form in the way that will make anyone look like an ancient goddess. Or modern, if one opts for a colourful version of Oroton or chooses it mixed with other fabrics, like in the Fall 2012 Versace collection. But what didn’t change through the years is that this dress, like Versace, doesn’t leave place for shyness: if you’re not ready to be a star of the party, don’t even come near it. But if you do… step out of your limo and smile for the cameras, we hope to see you in Cannes!
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