Vintage 1980s Gucci Silk Blend Devore Velvet Top Made in Italy
This is a vintage 1980s silk blend devoré velvet top by Gucci, made in Italy and retailed by Holt Renfrew. The top is constructed in a sheer silk ground with black devoré velvet floral pattern and subtle metallic floral accents, creating a rich textured fabric typical of high-end Italian evening wear of the 1980s.
The blouse features a loose dolman sleeve cut with shoulder pads, elasticized cuffs, and a wide ribbed elastic waistband that allows the top to blouse slightly when worn. The cut is relaxed through the body and designed to drape rather than fit closely, which was a very typical silhouette for Gucci evening and cocktail wear during the 1980s.
The fabric is a devoré (burnout) velvet consisting of rayon velvet pile on a silk ground with metallic fibres. This type of silk blend devoré velvet was an expensive specialty fabric and is commonly seen in higher-end Italian designer garments from the period.
The label reads G. Gucci SpA – Made in Italy – Size 40, and the garment also retains a Holt Renfrew retailer label, indicating it was originally sold through the Canadian luxury department store known for designer and high-end fashion.
This piece would work well as evening wear, cocktail wear, or paired with high-waisted trousers or a skirt.
Materials
60% rayon (velvet pile)
30% silk (sheer ground)
10% polyester (metallic or stabilizing fibres)
Origin
Made in Italy
Retailed by Holt Renfrew, Canada
Size
Marked Italian size 40, which corresponds approximately to a modern US size 4/6. Due to the dolman sleeve cut and elastic waistband, the fit is difficult to measure, but please note the following measurements:.
Measurements
Shoulder width (pad to pad): 19"
Sleeve length (shoulder pad to cuff): 22"
Sleeve inseam: 18"
Bust: approx. 58" (dolman cut – meant to hang loosely)
Elastic waistband: 21" unstretched, stretches to approx. 32"
Length (centre back): 23"
Condition
In excellent condition. The velvet pile, silk ground, and elastic remain in very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear, soiling, staining or odour.
Era
1980s