1990 Dolce & Gabbana Black Silk Chiffon Red-Roses Floral Appliqué Dress

This extraordinary Dolce & Gabbana black silk chiffon rose appliqué dress from their 1990 fall/winter collection is a poetic example of the designers’ early romantic vision. Emerging in the mid-1980s, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana swiftly reshaped modern fashion with their unmistakable blend of sensuality, Sicilian nostalgia, and theatrical storytelling—an aesthetic that left a permanent imprint on contemporary style.

This rare breathtaking design embodies everything collectors cherish about early 1990's Dolce & Gabbana. The nipped waist silhouette begins with a sexy semi-sheer bodice that follows the torso with elegant precision, featuring a wide neckline that frames the décolletage with quiet drama. From there, the dress blooms into a full, fluid high-low skirt crafted from multiple layers of black silk chiffon. The draping is masterfully arranged, giving the skirt movement, softness, and dimensional depth. Winding throughout the folds are three-dimensional red rose appliqués attached to twisting green stems—each flower individually shaped and placed, creating the effect of living vines spiraling across the fabric. We were especially thrilled to locate a photograph from this very runway season in the book 20 Years of Dolce & Gabbana, confirming its place within one of the house’s most evocative periods. Early Dolce & Gabbana pieces are increasingly sought after, and examples as exceptional as this seldom surface. It’s a perfect choice for any occasion where one wants to wear something unforgettable and unmistakably Dolce & Gabbana.