Size 40; women's S / XS.

Jean Colonna asymmetric floral dress from S/S 1998. Made in Italy.
In new condition with tags (retail price: ~ £500).

A piece that epitomises Jean Colonna's minimalist sensuality, this dress has an interesting asymmetric design. The left side is constructed with a regular long sleeve, while the right side is sleeveless and the neckline functions as a shoulder strap. The designer explored this concept in several of their mid '90s collections. 

The piece is crafted from an unusual technical jersey (71% viscose, 21% nylon) with a floral print that would look right at home in a '70s living room. Most interestingly, sections of the printed pattern are applied using devoré (burnout), a technique where the viscose part of the fabric has been dissolved to create beautiful transparent motifs. 

Note the diagonal panels that give shape to the bottom of the dress, interrupting the side seams and creating subtly aggressive triangular shapes on the front and back. Likewise, the chest is shaped by darts.