stavropoulos
Exceptional 1970s George Stavropoulos Couture Bias Cut Grey Ribbon Silk Chiffon Dress w Sash
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George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns 'seemed to float on air'. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. The majority of his gowns are almost entirely made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s one of his evening dresses started at a cost of around $8500USD and they went up in cost from there. To put that in modern terms, that would be about thirty thousand dollars now. It was an incredible amount of money at the time and yet women couldn't get enough of them.
The dress is made out of a single layer of a bias cut printed ribbon silk chiffon that sits over three more layers of ivory silk chiffon. All of the inner layers are also bias cut and the four layers float over each other perfectly to drape over the body. It is incredible. All four layers are as light as a feather so that the dress feels wonderful once on the body. It is incredible how light and airy it feels. The neckline is scooped across the front and then the back dips into a low V that leaves a bare expanse of skin showing. From there the dress falls in this extravagant swoosh of bias cut silk. It is cut very long and I love that the top layer has that ribbon finish to it so that there is a play on the transparency through the two parts of the silk chiffon. It has also been printed in a stunning and intricate pattern made of soft grays that have a subtle touch of a metallic feel to them. Only the body of the dress is lined so you get another play on transparency with the sleeves being left unlined. It falls over you loose and easy for an almost caftan feel to it. The bias cut lets it swirl around the body underneath but at the same time it feels insanely comfortable on because the fabric weighs ounces. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut so that they get wider as they reach the ends and this gives them stunning movement as well. This one also comes with its original matching sash tie belt that you can use to cinch in the waist or you can tie it around the neck. I pictured both those options here. You could also use it as a headpiece for an ultra glamorous feel. The pattern that covers the dress is like that of a huge silk scarf and this gives it its fabulously glamorous bohemian feel. It is immensely flattering once on and should work an a wide variety of shapes. This is a dress you will want to wear over and over for every summer occasion from day to evening. It is truly a remarkable dress that is hands down one of my favorite pieces ever. Excellent condition
Made from four layers of silk chiffon as described above and the sleeves are online. It closes with a box set zipper. It comes with its original sash belt. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut does have stretch so should fit a variety of sizes
Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Sash: 21" at its widest point x 92" long
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4359
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Halston did variations of these chiffon wrap dresses over the course of several years and they are still among the most collectible of all of his pieces. Nothing says Halston like this classic shape. When you find one in a silk chiffon and in a classic black that you can wear over and over it is a joy to have in the shop. Versions of this dress have appeared in several museum exhibits of his work and like many of his pieces it is just insanely comfortable and easy to wear. This one is from his main label and it is a very special piece of his work and it is gorgeous.
This dress is drop dead gorgeous with its yards and yards of bias cut silk chiffon in that perfect simple black. The construction on it rivals any of the best Halston pieces I have seen to date. The dress is made of four feather light layers of bias cut silk chiffon stacked on top of each other through the body and then the upper shoulders and sleeves are a single layer. This gives it a play on transparency that I love. It is just stunning to see it in person. Layering the chiffon like that also gives it so much more movement then it would have otherwise. Your slightest movement while this is on causes the silk to float and move around you. The layers have just enough weight to stay in place when you are standing still and then when you move they will move with you and the result is gorgeous. This is a fabric that is notoriously difficult to work with and it shows just what a genius he was by the way that he was able to make it flow and sit so beautifully. The dress wraps at the front and is secured in place with hook and eye on the inner and outer waist. For some of the photos I added a pretty black ribbon so you can see how it would look belted. You could wear any belt and instantly change the look. I also photoed it without a belt so you could see that it's just as great worn like that. The neckline plunges in a low V at the front and then the dress falls in a loose and easy cut that skims over you. The bias cut lets it both cling and skim over you at the same time and its incredibly easy to wear. It simply falls from the neckline to skim over the bust and nip in a bit at the waist. The hips also skim over you and are an easy fit due to that bias cut silk and wrap. The skirt widens out as it nears the hem and the layers and bias cut of the silk all create more movement and swing when you move. Depending on your height and how cinched in you make the waist the dress falls to about mid-calf or a little lower. Cinching it can bring it up more. I love the way the shoulder are set on a slant and then fall to the wide cut sleeves. The silk there is only a single layer so you get a glimpse of skin through them and it's very sexy in that very Halston kind of way. This is a dress that must be on a body to really come to life. As good as it looks here it is nothing compared to it on and moving. And even as beautiful as it is, it is also a technical masterpiece with all those layers of silk and the way he constructed it. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition
The layers of silk as described above act as the lining. It hooks and snaps to close along the waist line. The waist is elastic so has a bit of stretch. If you need to adjust the waist you could easily move the hooks to fit you perfectly either up or down or cinch it in more with a belt.One tiny repair on the innermost layer of the skirt
Sleeves: approx 21"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: no true side seams
Elastic waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can cinch it in as much as needed with a belt
Hips: open
Length: 51" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4357
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I just had one of these on the shop fairly recently and am very happy to have another so soon. In 1968 Ossie Clark was designing his own couture line and also designing pieces for Alice Pollock for her Quorum Boutique. The Radley company approached Alice to find out of she could convince Ossie to design a top of the market collection that they would produce and sell to various boutiques and department stores. Dresses like this were the result of that collaboration. Even with this early version of 'ready to wear' the pieces that were made were still never produced in vast quantities and certainly nowhere near whet we think of today as RTW. as gar as quantities. It is a classic Ossie design and one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable creations. A version in ivory is held in the Victorian and Albert Museum. Lily Sullivan wore a version and you can see how it is transforms once on the body and especially if you wear it with the buttons left open like she did. Those shots give you a great idea of just how fabulous the dress looks like on.
The design of this dress seems so simple when you see it on a hanger and yet it still retains the flow and drape that he was known for. His signature sexuality that he worked into his pieces is displayed in that ultra low front plunge if you choose to wear it open and buttoned. What I really love about this particular style is the ability to fully button it. When you do, it had an almost puritanical feel and you are fully covered, but somehow he still managed to make even that feel sexual. The buttons have been covered in the same moss crepe as the dress is made from. They run from the top of the neck all the way to the waist so you can control just how plunged it is. An attached tie wraps around and ties to give you some the shape and definition through the waist. The skirt flows from under there to cascade to the ground. It widens out quite a bit by the time it nears the hem and there is a wonderful amount of volume that flows around you when you move. This is balanced out by huge bishop cut sleeves that puff up above each cinched wrist. More moss crepe covered buttons close each wrist and there is even an extra button sewn into an inner hem. I own one of these myself and it will always be in my collection and I can tell you from personal experience that it is a dress that you will wear over and over. It easily goes from day to night and it can be worn to feel very sexy or more covered. It is in its original uncut length which is hard to find with many Ossie pieces you now see out there for sale. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist. It buttons down the front. Each cuff has three fabric covered buttons at the wrist. There is the slightest sense of pressing to some of the seams. The easy cut should fit a variety of sizes, Tagged a vintage Ossie 38
Neck when buttoned: 14.5"
Sleeves: 28" but come up when cuffs are buttoned
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be defined by the attached tie
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4356
Reference Photos: (1) 1969-1974 Ossie Clark Dress in the V&A Collection. / (2-4) Lily Sullivan at the Inaugural Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) Ball in Sydney, February 2018.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
john galliano
Gorgeous 2010s John Galliano Spanish Influnced Tiered & Ruffled Black Lace Bias Cut Dress
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This is the second time I have had this extraordinary dress and this time it is in a larger size then the last one which I love. It is from John Galliano's own label and I believe it is from within those last few years that he held the position of Creative Director there. Galliano has always been known for his amazing bias cut gowns and this example is a stunning lace version of that. His work, especially the bias cut pieces like this, have a feeling of high decadence mixed with the glamorous luxury of the twenties and thirties. They are always beautifully cut. His work marries the old Hollywood feel of those past eras with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early aughts and the results are stunning. I just love this dress. It is completely glamorous but at the same time very easy and comfortable to wear.
This dress is exceptionally beautiful. It is made out of a soft black lace with tiers and flounces made from that same lace. It is completely cut on the bias and once on the body it skims over your curves and highlights your shape. The inner lining is a stretch nude that makes it extremely comfortable to wear and give it that nude dress illusion. The lace is draped over that so that the entire dress simply skims over you. The neckline is set in a V at the front for a bit of skin to show and the shoulders are slightly wide set. The back has a low scoop that is covered with a single layer of the lace. This is set to drape down softly and I love that you can see your skin through that part. This also picks up perfectly on the lower part of the skirt to tie it all together. The bust has some angled seaming so define it a touch and then the dress skims over the waist and hips from there. On the lower skirts there are multiple layers of lace ruffles that wrap around you and are set on curving angles. The placement of the ruffles draws the eye vertically and give you the illusion of added height. They also create this massive volume that you only see once you move. It is incredible. I also love how the ruffle visually anchor the dress and darken the illusion of lace of a nude base as it nears the hem. This ruffled technique makes it feel like it might just be some fabulous gown from the twenties or thirties. It is just stunning and in its original supermodel, uncut length. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a bias cut silky nude rayon. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Bust: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4351
Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my Instagram. They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made and detailed. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. I am always happy to find the really fabulous examples for the shop and this is definitely one.
This is a wonderful example of her work and it is gorgeous too. The cotton is soft and it is a dream on. Most of her caftans tended to be bright vivid colours so it is a bit unusual to see this one with in this deep charcoal and ivory combination. There is still that pop of vivid colour though with the embroidery work on it and the muted coral stripes. I love it. The cut through the body is full and easy. It falls from the shoulders and opens up even more as it nears the hem. The panels set along each side add volume and I love how those are a striped fabric that add contrast to the solid charcoal middle. I also shot the caftan laid out flat so that you can see how this looks. Because the cut is more loose and easy over the body it is incredibly easy to wear. The sleeves are fantastic and each is wide and cut along a curve underneath. You can see on the photo of the caftan laid out how they are cut straight across the top and then curve to add shape at the bottom. At the front is a huge embroidered flower and there is a small embroidered flower in each sleeve. These are all done by hand. It is stunning. Excellent condition with minor notes below
Unlined and closes at the back with a metal zipper. I see a few small spots on thisone. On the sleeves and a couple on the body of the caftan. Please see the photos after the label shot. They are all pretty minor and get lost in the pattern. It is even better in person and has a beautiful authentic vintage patina. The loose cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: approx 20"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4349
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
balmain
Stunning 2010s Balmain by Olivier Rousteing Huge Floral Print Front Plunge Knit Mini Dress
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This is a spectacular and bold Balmain dress by Olivier Rousteing. This dress was a piece made for production for retail and is one that was sold out everywhere when it was released. I actually own the twin of this dress and I have included some older shots of me on the dress so you can see how it looks like on. It is very bold and short but the huge floral pattern keeps it feeling bright and happy to offset the sexiness of it. I love it.
The print on this dress is fabulous and it takes it from being a simple little dress to something really special. It is made out of a tightly woven knit and that huge flower print is worked into it to cover the entire dress. The print just explodes in a bright wash of colour and then it anchored by the black neckline and bands of black at the hem and cuffs. It has just enough weight to it hold the shape and structure that the dress has but without feeling too thick or too structured once on the body. The knit helps shape you and it is super comfortable to wear. The shoulders have Rousteing's signature bold and sharp shape and the sleeves taper to the wrist from there. Each cuff is finished with his signature bold and chunky zipper and zipper pull . The neckline is done in a deep V for a bit of skin to show and the waist is banded for shape. At the back, the Balmain signature chunky zipper runs down the center almost to the hem. It is spectacular and sexy and a collectible both now and as a future vintage piece. It has its original tag attached and has never been worn. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes at the back with the signature chunky brass Balmain zipper. Padding in shoulders. Tagged a modern Balmain 40. Original tag. It has a little stretch
Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 17" to the seams including the shoulder pads
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to top seam
Skirt: 20" from top seam to hem including the 5" banding at the waist
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4344
Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Leonard Paris label began as a textile firm in 1954 and for the first four years of its existence it only produced fabric. In 1958 they started making garments but it was not until about 1970 when they started using a printed silk jersey for the majority of their collections that the label really took off. They are often compared to Pucci and during the seventies the two labels battled it out to be the label of choice for the jet set. This is a particularly fabulous dress from the label
I love whenever I get a fabulous Leonard dress into the shop. They are so chic and easy to wear and travel with. This one is a beauty that is made out of one of their signature silk jersey fabrics. This fabric choice is what gives these dresses their perfect drape and fit. Each of their dresses were made of custom designed fabrics and prints. The colour combination on this one is stunning. It combines a variety of ocean blues ranging from pale turquoises to deep sea blues. These make up a gorgeous swirling print that runs over the entire dress. The dress is meant to skim over you and widens out a bit as it reaches the hem. The sleeve are long and detailed with a contrasting border at each cuff. The neckline is high at the front and also finished with a contrasting border for detail. That same border is used at the end of the hem too. It has this fabulous slightly oversized, boxy shape that is easy to wear. You just throw it on over anything and walk out. It great as a piece on its ow or as a super glamorous beach piece while traveling. It is short so can play double duty as both a tunic or a micro mini if you dare. It is a real little beauty. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a back, hand set metal and nylon zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch. A small size frame can wear it more oversized
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: 20-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4342
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Attico brand was founded by street-style stars Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini and the line has a vintage vibe to it that I love. This dress is from the Spring 2017 collection and this was the collection that the duo expanded their line and started the path the really become the broad and well known label they are today. Gilda told Vogue that the theme of the new collection was 'exotic and erotic'. This was one of the best pieces in the collection and it is the twin of the runway presentation dress that was Look 25.
This amazing wrap piece is made out of a light weight black silk that is then densely covered with over-sized paillette sequins. There are thousands of them on this piece and that gives it some weight despite the lightness of the base. It also gives it a fabulous sound. All of those paillettes are attached by one top point so they have freedom to move. So when this is on you get this swishing sound as all of the sequence brush up against each other. They completely cover every square inch of the piece. It just makes it feel super glamorous and I love the way that the light catches the sequins from every single angle. It is also a piece that is so easy to wear. I love that you can choose to wear it as a dress or use it to layer over or under other pieces and treat it like a light weight coat. It is also long enough that it would layer perfectly over the pants and adding a wide legged trouser would give it a whole new feel. It is equally as good on its own as a dress or a coat. It has no collar and the wrap creates a bit of a front plunge. It is loose cut through the body. Each sleeve is cut straight for a bit of a decadent feel. They're also cut a little longer than normal so you can push them up a bit once on. You can definitely see a bit of a nod to the Kimono and/or Yukata in its cut. It comes with its original tie belt that is made out of the same sequin covered fabric. It too is cut ling so you can tie or wrap it as you wish. It is very chic and very versatile. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black crepe and slips on to wear. It wraps and ties with the matching sash. Pockets on each hip. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged an Attico size II but its loose and open cut should fit a variety of sizes. The colour is a perfect solid black. Any green or any other colours you see are just the light reflection from the camera
Sleeves: approx 28" and are 16" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 19" across
Bust-hips: 23" and widens to about 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 49" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4345
Reference photo: Attico Spring 2017 Look 25
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
emilio pucci
Gorgeous 2010s Emilio Pucci Feather Light Pink Silk Chiffon Scarf Weight Printed Caftan Dress
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This gorgeous Pucci is a more recent piece that I believe is from the Peter Dundas years but since it's not a runway piece I don't know for sure. Regardless it is stunning. It is made from a bias cut feather light silk chiffon that has a classic Pucci print covering its entire surface. The silk has a touch of transparency to it which is nice because you can literally wear this to the beach as a cover-up if you want to feel more glamorous, or wear something nude and/or covered underneath and you can go out for the evening in it with a quick change of shoes and accessories. The front is cut into a V for a touch of skin to balance out the volume of the caftan. The side seams are done along the very outer edges of the caftan so it is completely open through the body making it a piece that should be able to fit just about any body shape, size or type. To wear it you simply slip it over your head and slip your arms through the openings down each side. It also has a little bit of an opening at the top of each shoulder for a little more skin to peek through. The sides of the caftan are cut far longer than the middle so you get the stunning floating, trailing feel around you whenever you move. The silk itself is feather light so it also moves at the slightest bit of air. It's an exceptionally pretty and versatile piece. Excellent condition with one small note below.
Unlined and slips on to wear. The open cut should fit most sizes. There is a bit of grubbiness and a couple of stable small holes where it had caught on something at some point near the hem. It is on one of the long points and not seen when worn. Please see the photo after the label shot
Width: 52" flat across side to side
Length: 51" from the neck to the front center and drops to about 67" to the longer side points
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD4340
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This is a spectacular and bold Balmain dress by Olivier Rousteing. This dress was a piece made for production for retail but I have included the runway reference photo of the suit that had the same fabric as this dress does. You can also see where this mini got it's strong shouldered silhouette from that photo as it was obviously based on the jacket of the runway suit. It is like Olivier closed the front of the jacket to make it a dress and then extended the jacket just enough so that it could be worn as a mini. I love it.
The fabric on this dress is fabulous and it takes it from being a simple little black dress to something really special. It has a 3D quality to it from the eyelash detailing and I love that it has that added metallic finish. The whole dress has a touch of glitz to it because of this. It has just enough weight to it hold the shape and structure that the dress has but without feeling too thick or too structured once on the body. The shoulders have Rousteing's signature bold and sharp shape and the sleeves taper to the wrist from there. There are five gold toned metal snap buttons at the end of each cuff for another play on that suit feel. The neckline is done in a deep V for a bit of skin to show and then one side wraps and hooks over the front of the hips. The fabric on that top piece is gathered in and up to play further on the feel that it is wrapped around you. At the back, the Balmain signature chunky zipper runs down the center almost to the hem. It is spectacular and sexy and a collectible both now and as a future vintage piece. It has all its original tags attached and has never been worn. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the back with the signature chunky brass Balmain zipper. The inner lower skirt is closed all the way around. One side of the front wraps and hooks into place. Padding in shoulders. Tagged a modern Balmain 40. All the original tags and it comes with an extra button for the cuffs.
Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15.5" to the seams and then the shoulder pads extend beyond the natural shoulder a bit
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4332
Reference Photos: Fall 2013 Balmain Runway, Look 11. Model Othilia Simon.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
christian dior
Fabulous 2004 Cruise Christian Dior by John Galliano Deep Blue Lace Jacket Mini Dress
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This gorgeous jacket is from the Dior 2004 Cruise Collection and is a beautiful example of the work John Galliano was doing during this time. As a stand alone piece it is spectacular. It is the kind of thing that you can pair with just about anything. It would work with a sleek pair of pants, wide pants, long skirt, short skirt. You can layer things under it and it could potentially go from wearing it as a jacket or light coat to wearing it on its own as a mini depending on how you style it. The jacket is structured and the base is a deep blue. This is then covered with a layer of an open weave deep blue cord lace. The jacket has a bit of weight to it so that it feels expensive once on. It is very beautiful and the openness of the lace against base underlayer layer of the jacket is stunning and gives the jacket a bit of a sexy feel. The front is dropped into a V with a notched collar that is also covered in the lace. There are two buttons below that to hold it into place. It is meant to skim over and follow the body. It curves in at the waist and then over the hips. I love the pocket details on each hip. They add detail and a bit of exaggeration to the shape through the hips. The sleeves are long and each ends with a single button detail at the cuff. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with the two buttons at the front. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4331
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram. They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made and detailed. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. I am always happy to find the really fabulous examples for the shop and this is definitely one.
This is a wonderful example of her work and it is gorgeous too. The cotton is soft and it is a dream on. Most of her caftans tended to be bright vivid colours so it is a bit unusual to see this one with in this black and ivory combination. There is still that pop of vivid colour though with the embroidery work around the neck. I love it. The cut through the body is full and easy. It falls from the shoulders and opens up even more as it nears the hem. Panels are set into the sides to add volume and I love how those are a striped fabric that add contrast to the solid black and cream parts. I also shot the caftan laid out flat so that you can see how this looks. Because the cut is more loose and easy over the body it is incredibly easy to wear. The sleeves are incredible You can see on the photo of the caftan laid out how they are cut straight across the top and then drop into long points almost to the hem. Running around the squared off neckline is a wide band of embroidered rows of multi-coloured embroidery all done by hand. This wraps over the shoulders and all the way around the back in the same way. It simply slips on to wear and is fabulous. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Unlined and slips on to wear. I see a couple of very small spots. One on the sleeve and a couple on the body of the caftan. Some of the threads in the embroidered parts are a little loose. They could probably be clipped if this bothers you. Please see the photos after the label shot. They are so minor they have zero impact. There are some natural variations on the colour of the cotton here and there. The black is a little softer in person and the ivory a bit more a natural linen colour than how they photoed. It is even better in person and has a beautiful authentic vintage patina. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: 39" to the longest point
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4324
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
isaac mizrahi
Prettiest 1990s Isaac Mizrahi Pale Pastel Lavender Silk Dress w Flared Skirt & Back Bow
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Isaac Mizrahi presented his first collection at a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman's in 1987. By 1992 Chanel had bought a stake in the company and Isaac's name was everywhere. He was doing custom work for clients and Hollywood on top of his mainline. In 1995 Isaac was the subject of the movie 'Unzipped' based on his Fall 1994 collection. He is known as much for his personality as he was for his clothing. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized him with the Perry Ellis Award (now called the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award) in 1988 and the women's wear designer of the year award in 1989. He loved to experiment and would often change his aesthetics from season to season. This comes directly from the client that worked with him one on one to create this dress.
My client had this dress custom made and it is a gorgeous. I love the nod to Old Hollywood it has. The bodice cut into a V at the front and it does the same at the back. The silk has enough weight to hold the shape you see but it still feels light on the body. The pale purple colour is beautiful. In person it is a touch lighter then how it photoed and it is even better. It is cut to skims over the bust, waist and hips with the shape created by ling vertical seaming. At about the knee the lower skirt flares out in from an slightly angled seam. The way the seam is set helps to visually elongate the line of the dress to make the whole dress feel longer. At the back there is an oversized bow that is also set on an angle to follows the seam. It is fabulous. And l love that you can see that little bit of the bow peaking out from the front. The skirt is cut slightly longer at the back and there is a bit of extra fabric there so that it flares out behind you. It is even better in person. Excellent condition with a small note below
Fully lined in a matching purple silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. There is a bit of grubbiness at the back hem. Please see the last photo after the label shot.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A-B cup
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to front hem, 62" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3595
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Mary McFadden patented her Fortuny inspired pleating technique just a couple of years after launching her label in 1973. By the eighties she had many licensing agreements and her dresses were being made on a larger scale. She called her pleated fabric 'marii' after her own name. She went around the world to source the fabric she wanted and her pieces need up being made out of a synthetic charmeuse that she sourced from Australia. The fabric was then sent to Japan to be hand-dyed and the pleating technique was done by a machine press in the United States. Mary was known to say frequently that there was no greater beauty than pleated cloth on the human body and she said then when she developed her 'marii' fabric her aim was to have it 'fall like liquid gold on the body, like Chinese silk.' This is a gorgeous example of her work. We found a very similar dress to it on the Spring 1980 runway that has the same skirt finish and have included that shot here so that you can see just how spectacular the dress will be once on.
This dress is made from McFadden's fabric in her signature pleating technique. Like many of her best pieces the pleating gives it the comfort of a bias cut and it is very sexy while still feeling refined. The colour is a brilliant deep royal purple that is flattering on most skin tones. The lightness of the fabric lets the dress fall over you beautifully and skims over you in a way that is very flattering. The neckline is set on an angle and there is a panel set over the bust area. This is done so that she could put the pleats running horizontally in contrast to the ones underneath. From one shoulder is an elaborate strap made of gold metallic cord. Covering that are a series of oversized faceted beads in two tones of blue. The strap is set at the back and then curves up and over the shoulder. Where it meets the front the cords are left in a fringe to cascade over the bodice on that side. The dress falls to the floor from under the bust area in a column of pleat work. These longer skirts like this are not always seen in her later work. As time went buy she tended to prefer to design pieces that ended well above the ankle so you could see the shoe underneath. This makes the truly longer pieces a bit rarer and harder to find. I love the detailing on the lower part of the skirt. A wide panel has been added to the sower skirt and it creates a subtle ruffle where it is joined into the body of the dress. This give you extra kick when you walk and added detail. No matter how good it is in the photos it is better in person and it is wonderful once on the body. It is beautiful example of her work. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. The easy cut and give of the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage 10
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
The waist and hips when laid flat are 16" flat across from side seam to side seam but will open to well over 25" across because of the bias pleat work
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4323
Reference Photo: Spring 1980 Mary McFadden Runway.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I have had the twin of this dress in the shop a couple of times now and it is one of my favourites. It is also a very well documented dress and our research turned up two different ads that it appeared in for Vogue. It also made an appearance in one of Vogue's party round up editorials. The ads were from the September issues of both 1980 and 1981 and this one with its more solid designed gold belt is the 1981 version. Countless celebrities own and have worn this dress. Lady Gaga wore a version, as have girls like Rachel Zoe & Nicole Richie and every girl that has bought one through me has loved it. It is one of those fail safe pieces that you know is going to work every time you put it on.
The dress is insanely sexy and bare feeling with a halter style front that plunges right to the waist. It ties behind the neck and then the back is left completely open and bare. The dress is made of a wash and wear black liquid nylon jersey. It is so light and slinky and it feels amazing on the body. The fabric is almost weightless. Despite its bareness it is cleverly cut so that when you have it on it stays in place. At the front of the skirt there is a high slit that shows lots of leg when you walk or sit. I love the signature wide top stitched gold fabric belt at the waist. The belt is attached all the way around the back and then ties at the front to cinch you in exactly to where you want. The belt is really what gives it that signature Bill Tice look and this one has the little harder to find more rounded and detailed ends to the ties. The dress has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece that you can throw into your suit case and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach your destination and be instantly ready to go. It packs down to almost nothing and barely wrinkles. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on. Ties at the back of the neck and at the waist. Elastic through the front portion of the waist. The easy fit allows it work on a variety of sizes. The gold is a true bright gold in person
Bust: variable as there are no side seams
Partial elastic waist: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from natural neck to waist but can be tied to adjust the length if needed
Skirt: 40" from top of back waist to hem
Front slit: 20" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4320
Reference Photos: (1) Bill Tice for Swirl Ad. Vogue US, September 1980. / (2) Bill Tice Ad. Vogue US, September 1981. / (3) Nancy Kissinger in Bill Tice, Vogue, October 1980.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This fringed body suit is by Bob Mackie and it is a very unusual piece but one that perfectly reflects his costume designing side. Mackie was best known for dressing Cher and for his signature glamourous looks but he was also extremely active as a costume designer throughout his career. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to entering costume design and he began by co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In some ways he and his creations defined their careers and that era of glamour. His work always has that touch of the best of the bygone glamor of Hollywood. I have no information on this piece other then it is an earlier label when he would have went solo and that its original intention would have been for stage.
A modern girl could probably wear this out and make it work with the vast range of styles and looks that we have access today but it would have originally been a costume piece. I hope that one day someone might chance across what it was originally intended for. Either way it is an interesting piece for the collector. It is a body suit that has had fringes added to extend the length and give movement. The body suit is covered in a black nylon jersey so that it has a bit of movement and stretch. It is vertically seamed all the way around which again gives it that ease of movement while still holding the body in place. The cups are shaped and there is padding added by hand inside for support and lift. It plunges low at the front and the front appears to cross over itself. This illusion is made even more so by the clear and black rhinestones edging the neckline and down the front. The straps extend to hook at the back of the neck. The back is scooped and there is a large brass zipper to close. The inner bottom is wide cut with elastic around the opening for each leg. More rhinestones circle the waist and come up to meet the ones extending from the neck and then he put a rhinestone edged bow on that hip. The fringes are set under that waist detail and the movement they have at your slightest move is incredible. It is fantastic. Excellent condition.
The bodysuit is interlined and slightly boned. Hand set padding in the bust and a partial waist stay that hooks to close to help hold it in place. It hooks at back of the neck and closes with a low set zipper. Hooks or metal end of stage costume size and weight so they're very sturdy. The zipper appears to be made of brass. Elastic through the leg openings. boning through the body suit. The gusset in clean and fresh. Hand finishes throughout. There are some sequin and rhinestones missing near where the hook closes at the back of the neck. Please see the two photos after the label shot
Bust: each cup is 6-7" flat across from side to side
Waist: 11-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodysuit: approx 30-33" from top of neck to inner seam
Full Length: approx 37" from neck to shortest point of fringes and 55" to the longest point
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4322
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Dan Werle launched his label just after the end of World War II and by the 1950s he was dressing Hollywood starlets on a regular basis. He designmany of the looks worn by Loretta Young for her TV show 'The Loretta Young Show' that ran from 1953 to 1961. She often launched her show wearing one of his designs and it was that publicity that made his label thrive. His work tended to stay on the more simple side but they were still striking. You get the feeling that he made pieces for women to be able to wear over and over without tiring of them or made things that were to outlandish.
I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a brilliant blue silk and the colour is breathtaking. The choice of this silk gives it just enough structure to hold the shape but still keeps the dress light and comfortable to wear. That fabric choice mixed with the soft billowing cut that it has gives it feeling of high drama. The bodice is cut to skim over the torso and the neckline is extraordinary. The dress is meant to be worn off the shoulder for a bare expanse of skin to show across the top of the shoulders. The line there is set on a curve so that it dips down at the front and back into a V. This is then edged with a little matching silk ruffle all the way around the top for the prettiest detail. The sleeves are unlined and are cut to be extremely full and wide so that they billow out to just past the elbow and above the elastic at each cuff. The bodice is cut to skim over you and the waist nips in. The dress comes with a matching long wide sash that you can use to cinch the waist in even more. The skirt is very long and full. It flows to the floor in a cascade of silk. I have shown it without any underskirts but you could easily add a crinoline if you wanted even more fullness. Pockets on each hip. The dress has a fantastic romantic feel but is still sexy and beautiful. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined in a matching silk, the sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a pale blue organza. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. A small faintmark on the skirt lost if folds. Each cuff has elastic. Has its original matching sash belt. Hand finishes.
Sleeves: 19"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Bodice: approx 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4319
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
josefa
Colourful 1960s Josefa Deep Blue Cotton Caftan Dress w Multi Coloured Ribbns & Hand Embroidery
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I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram (go peek one day). They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. This one is not perfect so is at a really great price but its still 100% wearable and has that perfect vintage patina
I have had this pattern on a Josefa caftan in a gold and black before and I really love seeing this far more colourful version. The cotton is still crisp the colour of the base is a deep deep blue. Like all the Josefa peiece I have seen there are natural color variations in the fabric since they were all hand dyed and I love the feel of authenticity this gives the fabric. Bright multi-colour ribbons adorn the neckline and I love how they are set to cross over each other and have a woven effect where they meet at the base. Those same rainbow colored ribbons also wrap all the way around the hem and each cuff is finished with them. If that was not enough the caftan has medallions of hand done embroidery work just below the front neck and down the each side. More embroidery work is set on each sleeve. The sleeves are fantastic. Each is cut wide and mimic the way that the skirt widens out as it nears the hem. The dress is cut to sit slightly more fitted through the bodice and then flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut to do the same and widen out as they near the cuffs. Good overall condition with notes to review below
Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has natural variations in it. It's even better in person I think. There is a mark on the ribbon at the front and one of the medallions and a bit of grubbiness to the ribbons. There are a couple areas of fading on the fabric where the fabric folded during storage and was exposed to sun. There's a sense of overall light patina and a bit of fraying to the ribbon at the botton edge. Please review the photos after the shot of the label. None of these affect the strength and wearability of the caftan. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4318
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
chanel
Striking Spring 1996 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Fitted Dress w Pockets Chanel Buttons & Belt
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The near twin of this gorgeous Spring 1996 Chanel dress was worn by Kirsty Hume on the Runway for Look 160. The runway dress was done in velvet and was full length and then this version was produced in a light weight wool silk mix done to mid-calf for the shops. Women's Wear Daily described the show as 'Karl hits the Mall' and this is the collection that the nipple covering micro bikini came fro. Karl said that it was a 'Little fantasy, a little glamour, optimism and brightness… a little shape is coming back to the body but they're soft curves – it's body-conscious relaxed'. This dress is definitely one of the body-conscious pieces and it is just a spectacular little black dress.
The dress is made out of a stunning light wool and silk that is light in but heavy enough to keep the structure. There is a slight ribbed texture to the fabric. It is so simple in it's cut but is so chic and elegant once it is on the body. It feels very much that perfect French origin Little dress. Two wide straps curve over the shoulders and the front neckline is done in a V. At the back it dip slightly lower with a more squared off feel. The front is shaped in a bit of a triangle feeling halter and there is a little two faux pocket on each breast. It buttons down the front with four Chanel logo buttons in silver and black. The waist nips in and it is defined even more with a slim belt that clearly says Chanel on its silver buckle front. The skirt falls under that in a neat little pencil silhouette with a vent the back for you to be able to walk. Also at the back are two more faux pockets for each have a Chanel logo button. I love the angled pockets on each hip and the zipper closure at the front. These little details just elevate the dress that much more. Once on this fits and hugs your curves in the best possible way. It is a beauty. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with one tiny note below
The dress is fully lined in a black silk. It closes at the front with the buttons and zipper as noted above. The belt is original to the dress and has a slip buckle closure. Tagged a vintage Chanel 40. The zipper has a slightly sticky feel.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can cinch with the belt that has three holes at 28", just under 29" and at 29 3/4"
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 34" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4316
Reference Photo: Spring 1996 Chanel Runway, Look 160. Model Kirsty Hume.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
chanel
Incredible 1990s Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Silk & Silk Chiffon Jumpsuit w Camellia Applique Overskirt
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This fabulous little jumpsuit has had the part of the label that tells the collection date removed at some point in its history but I believe it is from the late 1990s based on the styles and similarities to other dresses I have previously had in the shop from that period. Regardless of its exact date it is definitely Karl's work and it is a gorgeous example of his work. It is a very easy to wear piece and I love how unusual it is while still being utterly Chanel in feel.
I love that this little jumpsuit looks like a dress at first glance. It is just the cleverest thing and it has the added bonus of making it super easy to wear. It has that touch of a flapper feel to it that so many of his pieces have and it is just so pretty. The jumpsuit part is made out of a light in weight black silk that is soft and easy to the touch. It has that feel of the best of 1930s silk. Over that the skirt overlay is a black silk chiffon that has camellias and ribbon appliqued onto it for added detail. This mixing of fabrics give is a play on the different transparencies. It is light in weight and wonderfully easy to wear. Despite its light weight the fabric still has enough structure to hold the cut and give it the wonderful shape that you see. The top of the jumpsuit is sleeveless and cut to skim over you all the way down to the low dropped seam at the top of the hip. The neckline plunges into a V at the front and there is a row of silk covered decorative domed buttons underneath that. Where the bodice meets the skirt there is a wide gathered 4" band made from the same silk as the top. This band is pleated and I love the detail it adds. Under the skirt are attached legs that continue down from the top. These are done in a peg leg shape and they narrow down as they reach their hem. On the outside of each leg there is another row of tightly spaced buttons that match the ones on the bodice. Depending on your height they will probably be a bit of a cropped pant. The skirt falls over that from under the banding and it is made up of a silk chiffon that is softly gathered in around the waist. Onto the skirt are embroidered and silk cut out of the famous Chanel camellia and then it is finished all around the hem with ribbon. The lightness of the silk allows it to flare out and the movement that this creates once it is on is incredible. The construction is immaculate and it looks to have been worn very little if at all. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The cut is meant to be loose and easy through the body. The band around the waist buttons to close. The buttons on the top are decorative and the ones on the pants are functional. The easy cut should fit a range of sizes.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of bodice: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner pant hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to seam at bottom of bodice
Skirt: 30" from seam at bottom of bodice to hem
Pants: 32" from seam at bottom of bodice to hem
Inseam: 27"
Gusset: 29" from top of shoulder to inner back seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4315
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
arnold scaasi
1980s Arnold Scaasi Brillaint Emerald Green Strapless Dress w Woven Heart Print & Bows
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This dress is by Arnold Scassi and I love the choice of sequin and net that he used for this one. Scaasi worked under Charles James at the start of his career and many of his dressed reflect this early influence. His boutique line was launched in 1984 and was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive. Pieces from it often have a demi-couture level finish and really are an extension of his couture line. This one is with its heart print is just so pretty
The color of this dress is just outstanding. It is a true brilliant emerald that is beautiful to see. The colour alone would have been enough but the fabric also has these little hearts on it that are part of the fabric itself. The technique used to create the hearts is very unusual and really adds to the dress. Each of the hearts is a single chiffon layer that is transparent so that they add depth and interest to the green. It is almost like the way a silk devore is created but in chiffon and silk. It is quite brilliant. The dress is strapless and the bodice is lighting boned inside for structure and support. There is a full inner green silk dress inside and then that solid and transparent top layer falls over that from the top of the bodice to the hem. This gives the dress one long line as it falls to the floor in a cascade of fabric. The back has extra panel of fabric built in so that it is fuller there. The is gathered into a soft pleated curve that sits just under the small of the back and give the back skirting that extra fullness and volume. Just above that there are a series of four large bows set edge to edge across. It is just beautiful. Excellent condition
Fully lined in green silk and closes with a back zipper. The inner waist stay hooks to close and the bodice is lightly boned. The skirt has an inner skirt made of two layers of silk and the outer layer is interlined in an organza. Both the inner and outer layer of the skirt have a wide banding of stiffened netting at the hem to help hold the shape.
Bust: to 17" flat across inside from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 52" from top of bodice hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4313
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
arnold scaasi
Prettiest 1980s Arnold Scaasi Strapless Metallic Finished Brilliant Floral Print Dress w Bow
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This dress is by Arnold Scassi and I love the choice of sequin and net that he used for this one. Scaasi worked under Charles James at the start of his career and many of his dressed reflect this early influence. His boutique line was launched in 1984 and was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive. Pieces from it often have a demi-couture level finish and really are an extension of his couture line. This one is especially fabulous and just is one of those pieces that feel joyful to look at.
This is one of those dresses that just fills you with joy when you see it. The dress is made from this fabulous fabric that has a metallic finish to it and then that is absolutely covered with a gorgeous flower design that covers it's entire surface. In addition to the overall gold that is woven through the fabric there are also these big gold circles that are subtly woven over everything. It is gorgeous in the light. The fabric is very light and fluid and it weighs next to nothing once on. The strapless bodice is lightly boned inside for support. On the exterior the fabric is gathered over the bust in soft pleats in towards the center. The waist nips in and there is a large flat bow that sits at the center. All of the fabric is gathered in towards the center to this bow and this makes it feel like the dress is wrapped into place around you. The skirt adds to this wrapped around feel with an overlapped front that curves down and opens to the hem. This let's a little extra leg show when you walk and sit. It is an easy dress to wear and so very pretty. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a red silky rayon and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. It is lightly boned through the bodice. The skirt is tacked into place to hold it at the front and this could be released or placed higher if you wanted it to open higher
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD2632
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.
Irene Lentz dressed many of the stars in Hollywood during its heyday and her designs are still highly sought after. She started by doing made to order dresses and in 1947 added a ready to wear line. She had replaced Adrian Gilbert as the head of MGM costume design in 1942 so had built a large and loyal following in Hollywood which put her in the perfect position to launch this new part of her label. This is a stunning example of the work she was doing in the early part of the 1950s.
This pretty little dress has absolutely beautiful details. The skirt is a black silk taffeta and its cut comes over the hips and then widens out as it nears the hem. There is an overlay of the same fabric set over the inner skirt and this gives it more of a flare as it reaches the hem. The overlay is cut in so that the hem falls in soft curves all the way around you. At the back it meets on two curved panels and these just fold over. I feel like you could potentially tack them into the place that best works on you. The bodice is beautiful. There is a band of pale blue silk ribbon that wraps around you from the back to the front. At the front it is finished in a large flat bow that completely covers the bust area. Above that a nude mesh attaches that inner bodice to the shoulders so that it stays in place. That is then placed underneath a full bodice that is made of a fine black lace. The neckline is set wide across the shoulders and the sleeves extend out from there with no seaming along their tops to break the line. The lace falls loose and easy over the inner bodice and the back is scooped low for a touch of bare skin. It is so pretty. This is a very rare designer piece from this era. Excellent condition with a small note below
The skirt acts as the lining of the skirt as does the inner bodice of the top. It closes with a back metal zipper. I see stitch marks of where the back flaps may have been tacked into place at some point as described above. It's been left as found so you can place it where it works best on you. I also see evidence that the back bodice was lined in the nude chiffon but it has been removed at some point. I see a couple of storage marks on the inner nude chiffon of the front bodice and there is some grubbiness along the inner edge of the bodice. I see a very faint mark on the skirt at the side. These are all minor and it presents beautifully.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D641
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I Have a Question
I am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.
Adolph Schuman started the Lilli Ann company in 1933 and named it after his wife Lillian. This dress is from one of the earlier labels and is from the earlier part of the 1940s. We know this because right after the second war ended Adolph went to Paris and the subsequent labels had 'Paris' added to them. The label was known for their beautiful work and this is a stunning early and rare example of their work.
This stunning little dress combines an inky black velvet that runs down the center of the dress and then the rest of the dress is a teal brocade that has an amazing detailing applied over its surface. The fabric is amazing. The detailing on it is a looped metallic ribbon that has a raised effect off of the fabric. It is set in swirling curves that follow the design in the brocade underneath. I’ve never seen anything like it. The swirling design gives an extra bit of detailing and adds a metallic glint to the entire surface. The cut of the dress is equally unusual. The two fabrics meet at the top of the shoulders with the black velvet set underneath. It is cut into a V at the front and the shoulders are set wide so they fall slightly to the edge of your shoulders. This then wraps around you to create another V at the back. At the front the wide panel of velvet extends down from there and runs down the center of the dress to the hem. The rest of the dress is made of the teal brocade and it comes up and wraps around the back of the neck. This creates this unique double neck and shoulder detailing that is gorgeous. It nips in at the waist and the black velvet at the center makes the waist feel even smaller. The skirt falls from under there and it is very full. I have shown it with a light crinoline underneath, but even without that, it is almost as full because there is so much fabric in the skirt. If you added more of an underskirt you could make it a true cupcake feeling dress. The colours are stunning and that fabric is beautiful. Excellent condition with a small note below.
The bodice is lined in a black silky rayon and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back metal zipper and hooks to close at the back. I see a bit of flattening in the front velvet panel bit it is minor. It just makes the light catch the velvet in some spots differently than others. You can see it in the photos here.
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 29.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# D643
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.
The lines of this dress are so unusual and interesting. It is made out of an emerald green matte satin that is bright and true. The neckline is squared off at the front and it falls into a V at the back for a bit of bare skin. The sleeves are capped and short and come off of the shoulder in an easy curve with no top seam to break the line. It skims over the bust and then nips in at the waist. The shaping is all done through the vertical seam work that you see. From there it is curved over the hips and the inner skirt flares out just a bit by the time it reaches the hem. Wrapped over the skirt are these elaborate panels of the same fabric. It starts at the seam on one side of the front then the panel wraps all the way around the body and back to the front where it curves underneath to create a crossed over feel. The pleats and the way that they are set onto the skirt give it this very bombshell hourglass silhouette. There is even built in tulle under the panel on each hip to help lift and shape it. This is a dress, that on a girl who fills it out properly, is going to look 10 times better than how it does on my dress form. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a combination of the same fabric and a black matte rayon. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Built in tulle at the hips as described above.
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML -MED
Item# D646
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I Have a Question
I am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.
This is such a pretty spring dress from the David Hart label. It is just absolutely gorgeous and the fabric it is made out of is so unusual. The inner fabric is a cotton that has been printed with a swirling abstract flower design. This print is done in pretty spring colours and it covers the entire dress. Green, yellow and soft pinks are all mixed together in a floral explosion and it is quite beautiful. Then over and onto that is an attached outer layer of organza. This sits over the inner print and gives it that dreamy wash that softens the colour underneath. Sequins are then hand placed in a way that highlights the flower designs. These are scattered over the dress. This little extra detailing plays two purposes; It helps to keep the two layers of fabric perfectly together and it adds a sense of romance and softness to the dress. The neckline is set in a V that sits wide and right to the outer edges of the shoulders. The bodice skims over you and the nips in at the waist. The skirt is extremely full under that. I have added a light crinoline to show you the fullness to some of these photos. Even without that it is still very full in part because of the way it is seamed and it also has its own light underskirts built in. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes at the side with a metal zipper. The sequins are hand applied. Built in light underskirts. It appears to have been worn very little.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D645
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I Have a Question
I am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.
This stunning little dress is from the Jobere label out of New York and it is made from a deep blue silk mixed with silk chiffon and a pretty corded lace. It is beautifully made with detailing that runs around the upper portion of the bodice. It is cut wide across the shoulders so that it sits just on the outer edge of each shoulder. This leaves a bare expanse of skin across the neck and at the back it dips slightly lower. The bodice skims over you and then it nips in at waist with the shape there created by vertical seaming. The waist is detailed with panels of silk chiffon for a pretty softness. The skirt falls from under that and widens out as it nears the hem. I love the wide panel of silk that runs all the way around the hem and ends in a flat bow on one side. This wide ribbon finish at the bottom serves a dual purpose of not only adding detail but it also gives the hem extra structure so that the dress retains its shape once on. At the very top of the bodice there is a wide nude colored added panel that covered with a deep blue cord lace. This adds the prettiest most romantic detail. It’s a lovely little dress. Overall great condition but it does have some small issues to review below.
The dress is fully lined in a copper coloured silky rayon and it closes with a back zipper. The lace hand applied. There is some separation to the lace throughout. It could be worm as is or the lace removed or replaced if you wished. There is also fraying at the very edges of the skirt here and there. Please see the photos after the label shot.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D647
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I Have a Question
I am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.
Fred Perlberg is an interesting designer. He started his label in 1920 at the grand old age of 19 and continued as the designer until 1968 when he retired. The Perlberg company dresses were well made and done in small production runs so that they could focus on good quality pieces. This is an amazing and early example.
I love this dress. It is strapless and has such incredible volume and movement once it is on the body. The bust is inset with an off white organza that is intricately pleated and is set shelf bust style and on a curve to emphasize the breasts. The contrasting colour of that detail to the rest of the dress also brings added attention to the bust which was the intention. The bodice is fitted and then the waist nips in. Below that the skirt flares out to be tremendously full. I have added a light crinoline underneath to show you how full it is but even without it you get the sense of fullness because of the way it is shaped and seamed. The fabric is extremely lightweight and it is very unique. The base is a light blue toned grey coloured cotton that has been completely hand-painted with a silver floral design. It is hard to convey in words the unusual texture that this gives the fabric and when you feel it for yourself you will agree that it is astonishingly good. I love this dress. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined in a cream silky rayon and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back metal zipper and the bust is lightly boned. It appears to have been worn very little
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D648
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I Have a Question
I am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.
This dress is beautiful. It as made in France and is made to a demi-couture level with hand finished inner seams. The lace that covers the dress is a beautiful French made lace and then under that is a nude silk inner layer. This keeps you fully covered but from a distance it has that nude illusion feel that you are perhaps not wearing under anything underneath. It is cut square across the top with a double strap that curves over the very top of the shoulders. The back scoops down just a touch. It is cut to skim and fall easy over the bodice. The waist is detailed with a wide black ribbon that ends in a flat bow at the front. The skirt skims over the hips and widens out slightly as it in nears the hem. The cut is simple and then it is the lace that gives it all the visual interest. It is a net lace that is covered in intricate medallions running over the entire dress. Each has a ruffle finish in a silk chiffon that stands up and away from the fabric for a 3D effect. As it gets near the hem the pattern in the lace and that extra applique becomes more dense. I love the play on transparency that this gives the dress. The same ruffle finish sits at the neckline and very bottom of the hem. This is an extremely well made dress and it is beautiful. Excellent condition.
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML - MED
Item# D649
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
louis feraud
Exceptional 1970s Louis Feraud Bias Cut Silk Light as a Feather Silk Chiffon Caftan Scarf Dress
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Louis Feraud opened his first boutique in 1950 in Cannes selling sundresses to the jet set. When Brigitte Bardot was photographed in a white pique and lace number, he became the darling of the fashion world. By 1956 he had moved to Paris and opened a couture atelier and in 1960s made his first official couture presentation. Ready to wear followed in 1970. He won the Golden Thimble in in 1978 and again in 1984. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans of the label. This is a wonderful caftan dress from the early 1970s that shows his depth as a designer. It is just exceptional.
The dress is made out of a single layer of bias cut silk chiffon that sits over an inner layer of a nude silk chiffon. The inner layer is also bias cut and the two layers float over each other perfectly to drape over the body. The fabrics used are as light as a feather so that the caftan feels wonderful once on the body. It is incredible how light and airy this one feels. The neckline is a wide scoop that sits wide across the neck. From their falls in this extravagant swoosh of bias cut silk. It is cut very long and I love how one side is done to sit a little shorter then the other. This is a very clever detail as it not only emphasizes the pattern that you see but it also gives more movement to the dress as it moves and catches the air. It falls over you loose and easy for an almost caftan feel to it. The bias cut lets it swirl around the body underneath but at the same time it feels insanely comfortable on because the fabric weighs ounces. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut extremely wide and then has elastic at the wrist to create a bit of a balloon effect above. The pattern that covers the dress is like that of a huge silk scarf and this gives it its fabulously glamorous bohemian feel. It is immensely flattering once on and should work an a wide variety of shapes. This is a dress you will want to wear over and over for every summer occasion from day to evening. It is truly a remarkable dress that is hands down one of my favorite pieces ever. Excellent condition with one minor note below
The body of the dress is fully lined in a nude biased cut silk chiffon. The sleeves are unlined. To wear it you just slip it over the head. There is one tiny mark on one sleeve. Please see the photo after the label shot. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finishes
Sleeves: approx 30" to their longest points and will sit up more when on
Shoulders: no true defines seam
Bust: 16-27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 60" from the shoulder to the longest point of the hem, 48" to the shortest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4311
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
yves saint laurent
Fantastic 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Light and Airy Top w Curved Sleeves & Tiered Dress Skirt Set
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This is fairly early YSL from the 1970s and if I had to guess I would probably put it somewhere between 1973 and 1975. This is the kind of piece I love finding from him. It is light in weight and easy to wear. Once on the body this is the kind of piece that becomes even better. His clothes were made to sit and fall on a person not a dress form and this set definitely follows that philosophy. It is a two piece set and I love that this gives you the added benefit of being able to mix and match both pieces with other things already existing in your wardrobe. When worn together they look like a dress that is soft and romantic feeling. It is made out of a light and airy cotton voile and this choice of fabric holds the colour and print exceptionally well. It also has a slight transparency to it that gives it a light and airy feel. The skirt slips on with a wide elastic waist and the top also simply slips on to wear. Both pieces are cut to flow over the body in a loose and easy fashion. The top is gorgeous. It has a loose and easy cut. The neckline is scooped and set wide across the neck so that your collarbones show. The body of the top opens and widens out to be full to the hem. The sleeves are cut wide and full and each is cut on a beautiful curve. At the center of the neck are two long straps in the same fabric. These can be tied around the back of the neck so the top has a suspended and more caftan feel around you, or you can wrap them under the bust, or even fully around the waist to add more shape. You can also play with the styling of this and add a belt for an even more shaped look. The skirt is has two tiers of the same fabric and I love that when the top and skirt are worn together it feels like a three tier dress. The fabric is feather light so it has movement with your smallest move. It is so pretty and and so easy to wear. Excellent condition.
Both piece are unlined. The skirt has elastic through the waist and the top slips over the head to wear with the attached ties at the front the neckline. Both pieces are tagged a vintage 38 but the easy bias cut and elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Top
Sleeves: approx 17" to longest point
Shoulders: no true defined shoulder
Bust: 22-26" flat across from side seam to side seam and widens out by several more inches to the hem
Length: 26" from neck to hem
Skirt
Elastic waist: 12-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4309
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
emilio pucci
Prettiest 1960s Emilio Pucci Original Pink Silk Jersey Dress w Lattice Flower & Leaf Print
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I am always thrilled to find a really great Emilio Pucci piece. The truly great ones from the labels earlier years are getting very hard to find and this one is fabulous. By the 1960s, the time period that this dress is from, Pucci was a world-wide phenomenon. Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and even Jackie Kennedy were huge fans. For all of the many attempts since to catapult the label back to the height of its glory, the days when Emilio himself oversaw the label and designed the prints will always be the most special to me.
The colors on this Pucci dress are gorgeous. The dress is made from his signature silk jersey and this fabric choice held the colour beautifully. The colours are still crisp and bright. The pattern is a this fabulous combination of a pink for the backdrop and then a lattice design is laid over that with trailing, vining leaves and flowers covering the entire surface. The silk jersey is light in weight and easy to wear as it has a touch of movement to it so that it skims over the body easily. The dress buttons down the front to the slightly dropped waist and the skirt falls below that in a widening out a bit to the hem. The button front allows you to open it as low as you wish for some skin to show or do it up right to the the little pointed collar. His signature contrasting border highlights the cut and design of the dress. He has used down the front behind the buttons, for the collar, cuffs and around the hem. You could add a belt for more shape if you wished or wear it more loose and easy. The entire dress weighs ounces and is wonderfully bright and happy. It is a beautiful Pucci. Excellent condition with one small note below
Unlined and closes with a side painted metal zipper. It also buttons down the front as shown with functional silk covered buttons. Each cuff has hidden set snaps to close. Finished by hand throughout. The fabric has a little bit of stretch. Tagged a vintage Pucci 10. There is one light spot in the arm. Please see the photo after the label shot
Sleeves: 24.5" and to 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam above hips: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hip under the seam: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from neck to seam above hips
Skirt: 24" from seam above hips to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4301
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
hanae mori
Romantic 1970s Hanae Mori Huge Pink Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress w Grey Scale Backdrop
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Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional. Hanae Mori excelled at these beautiful floral prints and when I find pieces with these bright and pretty colours and prints that are so definitely identifiable as her work I am very happy. I feel that pieces like this are among the very best representations of her work.
This is everything you look for in a piece by Hanae Mori. It has one of her custom designed prints screened onto a feather light silk that is then layered over another layer of a solid silk colour. This allows the two layer to float softly over each other to give the print on that top layer extra depth. The neckline is set in a scoop at the front with a pretty little gather at the center for detail. It skims loosely over the bodice to the seam at the waist. The waist is cut loose and easy and I added a pretty grosgrain ribbon that I will include just to bring the shape in a bit. You could easily wear it either way. The skirt falls from under that and gently widens out until it reaches the hem. The sleeves are so pretty and they billow out above the cuffs. The print has huge pink flowers over a grey scale backdrop and that bright burst of colour is perfect. The dress is a stunning example of her work and beautifully made with hand rolled edges in part and hand finishes throughout. Overall great condition with a small note below
The body of the dress is lined in a pale grey silk. Each silk layer closes with its own series of her signature silk covered teeny tiny snaps. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. Hand finished throughout. Hand rolled edges. The ribbon at the waist is not original but will be included with the dress. I see some small marks on the sleeves and there is a tiny area of yellowing under one arm. These get lost in the print and colour but mentioned for accuracy. Please see the photos after the label shot
Sleeves: 22.5" and up to 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: up to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: up to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4303
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I always watch for dresses by Yuki and am excited to have another one so soon after the last. It is one of the more rare labels to find and I love his work. Gnyuki Torimaru started out as an architect before becoming a textile engineer and then a designer. He worked for Louis Feraud, Pierre Cardin and Norman Norell before striking out on his own in 1972. Shortly after the launch of his couture label he teamed up with Rembrandt to produce a ready-to-wear line that had the feel of his couture pieces but was available at locations outside of his atelier. His name became very well known around the globe after creating pieces for Princess Diana’s visit to Japan in 1986. This is one of the most gorgeous examples of his work I have ever had in the shop and I am obsessed with it.
This dress is amazing and it is also an incredible statement piece. This is one of the most fabulous dresses I have seen from this label ever. The fabric is a feather light weight synthetic chiffon in a brown that has a bit of an underlying reddish tone to it. The dress is very easy to wear despite its dramatic presence. It is cut very loose and easy through the entire body and the sleeves are phenomenal. The design is quite clever. An attached piping connects the back and front peak of the halter that connects in the middle at the front and the back once it is zipped closed. The back and front bodice sit suspended from this center point and both sides angle down to the side of the dress. This leaves the entire upper shoulders bare. The sleeves are created by extending out the chiffon that covers body of the dress. Elastic runs through their tops so they they are held in place around the upper part of your arm. I have shown them suspended off the shoulder as best I could on my dress form but in theory you could also wear them up on top of the shoulders. I love this versatility. An elastic is also at each cuff so that they are comfortable to wear. This also helps them to billow up above the wrist more. It falls from the arm and swoops down to the hem on a curve. This created this unbelievably dramatic effect and when you walk or move the fabric billows around you beautifully. The movement and boldness of the design is amazing to see. The dress itself falls from the halter and widens out as it nears the floor. Everything about this dress has a feel of organic movement and drama. It is a remarkable dress and even more stunning on. Excellent condition.
Fully lined through the body in a matching silky rayon and it closes at the back with a zipper. Elastic at the top of each sleeve and at their cuffs. Tagged a vintage UK 10. The outer chiffon layer is tremendously voluminous so it would be easy to add or take in the inner dress if needed. A couple of teeny darkened marks on one side that is lost in the draping. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just drape more
Sleeves: from elastic at the top to elastic at the cuff is 32"
Bust: up to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4299
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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John Bates founded the Jean Varon label in 1960 and it quickly became known for the futuristic designs and innovative use of fabrics. He dressed Dianna Rigg portraying Emma Peel in the 1965 season of the action TV series 'The Avengers' and that helped bring him even more commercial success. By the late sixties and into the seventies his work tended more towards more floaty, feminine designs. Some of the very best pieces were made during this time period. His caftan dresses in particular are fabulous and they are some of my favourites to find. This one with its dramatic sleeves and print is one of the best I have ever seen
I love that this piece has that caftan feel but it still has defined sleeves too. The top layer that you see is made from an ultra light fabric that has an almost mesh feel to it but with a tighter weave. This fabric choice has just enough weight to it to help hold the lines of the dress and make it drape correctly once you slip it on but still stay light and easy to wear. The neckline is scooped and finished with a piping of the same fabric. A pretty curved and open keyhole with a decorative button just above it sits at the front for a little skin to show. At the back the outer layer of fabric has a row of fabric covered buttons and loops set over the inner zipper for added detail. The dress falls from there and widens out substantially as it nears the hem for that nod to the caftan cut. This lets the entire body of the dress be a simple loose and open cut. Running over the fabric is a stunning ombre and abstract floral and leaf design that covers the entire surface of the dress. The print mixes several shades of green that range from lime to teal. If that wasn't beautiful enough the sleeves are little works of art in themselves. Each has these elaborate ruffles that are attached to the underside of each sleeve. The ruffles are made from a double layer of fabric that cascades down the undersides of the your arms and fall almost to the hem at their longest points. This adds an incredible amount of movement and drama to the dress. When it is on the entire caftan flows around you and the sleeves even more. It is really an exceptional piece. I love it. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a nude silky rayon through the body and the sleeves are unlined. The lining has a zipper to close and then the outside layer buttons to close over that. I see some scuffing to the edge of the hem of the inner lining and a couple areas of thinning near the hem of the inner lining. It is strong and stable still and of course you don't see this when it is on. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little. The easy cut should allow it to work on a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: 25" and the ruffles hang to 55" at their longest points, the upper arm is 12" around
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4295
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns 'seemed to float on air'. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. The majority of his gowns are almost entirely made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s one of his evening dresses started at a cost of around $8500USD and they went up in cost from there. To put that in modern terms, that would be about thirty thousand dollars now. It was an incredible amount of money at the time and yet women couldn't get enough of them
This dress is drop dead gorgeous with its yards and yards of silk chiffon and draping. It is not perfect which is why it is not double or even triple it's price but it's still very wearable if you don't mind wearing things not 100% perfect. I think it's flaws are forgivable and it is such a beautiful dress it needs to find a home. The dress is made of four feather light layers of bias cut silk chiffon stacked on top of each other. The very top layer is the fantastic bright and joyful green colour and then the three layers that lie under that are all a solid ivory. It is stunning to see in person. The effect of layering the chiffon gives it so much more movement and drape and it creates this beautiful movement when you move. The layers have just enough weight to stay in place when you are standing still and then when you move they move with you and the effect is gorgeous. The slightest bit of movement on your part or bit of air around you will cause it to move. This is a fabric that is notoriously difficult to work with and it shows just what a genius he was by the way that he was able to make it flow and sit so beautifully. The majority of work is all done by hand and it would have taken many, many hours of work to create this dress in this way. The neckline is just slightly scooped and then there is one sleeve that is slit open down it's topside. On the side with the sleeve the layers fall into a draped seam that creates this beautiful curving line down the side of the dress. There is entire top overlay to the dress. It is attached around the neckline and it opens off to one side at the front. It continues around to the back with the sleeve coming through, and then it drapes over the back, over the shoulder and then snaps into place to meet the other side at the front. This creates this sweeping cape effect over the one shoulder. It's also cut longer on that side so it trails down and behind you. Inside the dress is a loose and easy cut that skims over you. The dress falls from the neckline, skims over the bust and then the waist and hips are open and easy underneath. As it nears the hem it widens out considerably. This is a dress that must be on a body to really come to life. As good as it looks here it is nothing compared to it on and moving. As pretty as it's also a technical masterpiece with all those layers of silk and the way he constructed it. It is very beautiful. Great condition with a note below to review
Both the dress and attached overlay are made from four attached layers of the silk chiffon. It zips to close at the back and the overlay snaps to close over the inner dress as described above. Hand finishes. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes upwards and drapes more on a smaller size. There is a slight darkening to the silk on the front like a watermark just under the bust, near the hip areas and a tiny bit lower and toward the middle and a spot it two on the interior dress. A tiny bit of fraying to the edges of the hem here and there. There is so much fabric and draping that for the most part all this is hidden when it is on but it is there. Please see the photos after the label shots for the most apparent ones. The very bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes as long as the sleeve fits
Sleeve: 26" and it is approx 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 16-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem and the overlay extends another 10" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4296
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I love when I have this dress in the shop. It is one of those perfect, pretty, easy summer dresses that you can wear to just about any event and it easily goes from day to evening. It is utterly gorgeous and has all the hallmarks of the best of what Hanae Mori could do. The colors are stunning and the palette she used for it are vibrant and bright. The soft backdrop print is a brilliant mint green that has touches of blue in it and this has been screened onto a soft, polished cotton feeling fabric. Onto that pretty backdrop are a design that has huge exotic birds flying over its surface. These bold and beautiful birds fly across the dress in an array of bright pinks and corals and they seem about to fly off the green backdrop. It is cut in an easy to wear caftan style with an elastic through the waist. If you wished you could add a belt to cinch it in for more shape or just wear it loose and easy. The bodice is full and easy and the skirt widens as it nears the hem. Hidden front pockets are hidden along the front seaming detail that runs down the dress. The neckline is cut into a V and the sleeves are wide with no seams at the arms to break the lines of the print. I love the curve of the sleeves to give them a bit of a caped feel. I actually own one of these myself and wear it endlessly. An absolutely wonderful piece. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic at the waist. The easy cut allows for a range of sizes. Pockets hidden along the front seams. Tagged a Med.
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: no true defined side seams
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to top waist seam
Skirt: 40" from top waist seam to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4297
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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Azzedine Alaia pieces are always a delight to find. His knits were all self developed and are among the best out there. He started his career as a dressmakers assistant and copied couture gown for wealthy Tunisian clients. In 1957 he moved to Paris and worked for Christian Dior for a grand total of five days. He then moved to Guy Laroche and quietly started to get private commissions on the side. By 1960 he was doing mainly private work and within a few years established a small salon on the Left Bank where he continued designing privately. He stayed at that salon until 1984. During this time period he also did private freelance work for other designers including Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler and even Yves Saint Laurent. It was not until 1981 that he launched his first official collection and by 1983 he had a boutique in Beverley Hills. The French Ministry of Culture honored him with the Designer of the Year award in 1985. In 1993 he decided that the established fashion show schedule was not for him and he eschewed producing a new collection every season. Instead he showed when his collections were ready and continued to do so until his death in 2017.
This is one of two pieces I have from the Spring 1992 collection today. Both must have been had washed at some point as they each have a slight patina to the knit. They are otherwise in fabulous condition and at a great price.
The dresses from 1992 were as well known for their prices as they were for their tight body conscious fit. Elle reported that year that his collection was 'extraordinarily pricey with cardigans run around $1,400 and dresses between $2,500 and $3,500'. In a 10 page spread that season, Azzedine speaks of his 'delights in the space-age fabric he used for his Spring 1992 collection (he calls the NASA-developed material "Relax" for its purported ability to act as a screen against microwave emissions)'. The shoulder treatment you see on this dress was used throughout the show on several of the dresses. The knit he used hugs and shapes the body because of the structure built into it. The neckline sits low across the bust and wraps around to the back. The shoulder straps curve over the outside of the shoulder and then a second strap curves around the top of the shoulders. The upper edge of the neck is finished with his signature scalloped edging and this same finish is used at the hem. This little detail gives it a pretty and feminine touch. In between it follows your curves. It is sexy as hell. Great condition with a note below
Unlined and closes with a hidden set zipper up the back. Tagged a vintage Alaia S. The fabric does has some stretch and the measurements below show the comfortable range laying flat. As mentioned the fabric does have a light bit of a slight faded patina and was probably washed by hand at some point in its history.
Bust: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4290
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1992 Azzedine Alaia Runway, Look 58. Model Eva Herzigová. / (2) Claudia Schiffer in Alaia, 1992.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
azzedine alaia
Documented Spring 1992 Azzedine Alaia Black Knit Mini Dress w Curving Halter Neckline
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Azzedine Alaia pieces are always a delight to find. His knits were all self developed and are among the best out there. He started his career as a dressmakers assistant and copied couture gown for wealthy Tunisian clients. In 1957 he moved to Paris and worked for Christian Dior for a grand total of five days. He then moved to Guy Laroche and quietly started to get private commissions on the side. By 1960 he was doing mainly private work and within a few years established a small salon on the Left Bank where he continued designing privately. He stayed at that salon until 1984. During this time period he also did private freelance work for other designers including Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler and even Yves Saint Laurent. It was not until 1981 that he launched his first official collection and by 1983 he had a boutique in Beverley Hills. The French Ministry of Culture honored him with the Designer of the Year award in 1985. In 1993 he decided that the established fashion show schedule was not for him and he eschewed producing a new collection every season. Instead he showed when his collections were ready and continued to do so until his death in 2017.
This is one of two pieces I have from the Spring 1992 collection today. Both must have been had washed at some point as they each have a slight patina to the knit. They are otherwise in fabulous condition and at a great price.
The dresses from 1992 were as well known for their prices as they were for their tight body conscious fit. Elle reported that year that his collection was 'extraordinarily pricey with cardigans run around $1,400 and dresses between $2,500 and $3,500'. In a 10 page spread that season, Azzedine speaks of his 'delights in the space-age fabric he used for his Spring 1992 collection (he calls the NASA-developed material "Relax" for its purported ability to act as a screen against microwave emissions)'. The neckline treatment you see on this dress was used throughout the show on several of the dresses. The knit he used hugs and shapes the body because of the structure built into it. The upper edge of the neck is finished with his signature scalloped edging and this same finish is used at the hem. That edging extends out from the neckline and curves around the neck. At the back it scoops down in a curve. This little detail gives it a pretty and feminine touch. In between it hugs and follows your curves. It is sexy as hell. Great condition with a note below
Unlined and closes with a hidden set zipper up the back. Tagged a vintage Alaia XS. The fabric does has some stretch and the measurements below show the comfortable range laying flat. As mentioned the fabric does have a light bit of a slight faded patina and was probably washed by hand at some point in its history.
Bust: 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 9-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from top of neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML
Item# DD4292
Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 1992 Alaia Runway, Look 84. Model Yasmeen Ghauri. / (4) Spring 1992 Alaia photographed by Gilles Bensimon.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I always watch for dresses by Yuki. It is one of the more rare labels to find and I love his work. Gnyuki Torimaru started out as an architect before becoming a textile engineer and then a designer. He worked for Louis Feraud, Pierre Cardin and Norman Norell before striking out on his own in 1972. This is an easy to wear example of his work and I love it
One of his trademarks was to use minimal seaming on his pieces and this dress is no exception to that. It has just one central seam that runs down the back and that is it. It is made out of a black silk jersey and this fabric has exceptional drape to it. It is a dress that you just slip on and go. The straps at the neckline are elastic that is covered in a layer of the silk. They have enough stretch that you can wear them set wide and on each shoulder , cross then at the neck or wear like a more traditional halter. It just depends on which way sits on you best. The dress falls from there and drapes beautifully down each side. You are completely covered and it is not tight and yet the draping still suggests the body underneath. The jersey drapes and moves beautifully. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with hook & eye at the back above a keyhole. The straps are elastic. The stretch of the fabric will allow it to fit a large range of sizes as it will just drape more on a smaller figure.
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seamWaist: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of straps to hem and will sit longer if you wear it off the shoulder
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4285
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The Goldworm label was created by Gertrude Goldworm in 1928 and became one of the best known American knitwear companies of its time. In the early fifties they collaborated with an Italian knitwear company and merged the aesthetics of American fashion with Italian traditional craftsmanship. Just befirre the turn of the sixties, Beverly Tuttman, Gertrude's daughter, joined the firm as head designer and bright high fashion to the label. This dress is from the early 19770s and the label was well established and a part of American evening wear. It is a simple little dress that still has high impact.
The dress is made from an easy to care for black synthetic knit mixed with a silver metallic lame knit on the straps and waist. The addition of silver takes an otherwise simple little dress into something fabulous. It is an easy dress to wear and it has elastic through the waist so is easy to fit. You just slip it on and the waist adjusts to sit perfectly on you. The front is made to skim over you and wraps slightly around the sides. The waist is detailed with the silver. At the top the neckline is gathered and looped over the straps for a bit of detail there. The back is left completely open except for the silver straps that crisscross over you. Because of the elastic at the waist you can wear the dress with the elastic sitting higher and have the top blouse over more or pull it down low to the top of the hips for a longer feel. The skirt falls from there in a long easy line that widens out as it near the hem. It's just an easy fabulous dress. Excellent condition
Online and slips on to wear with elastic through the waist. Tagged a vintage 6. The easy waist and open back should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The knot has stretch
Bust: no true side seams but will cover 17.5-21"
Elastic waist: 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem with 3" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4285
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman and was eventually made available at other retailers. The line was high end and extremely well made. This part of his brand was created specifically to appeal to his non-couture clients who wanted to be able to purchase a piece of the Givenchy dream. This label continued until 1992 when it was retired and rebranded as the Givenchy Couture label.
When dating this one we found photos of its twin on the runway that season and it has the added provenance of being was used in the ad campaign that year. On the runway the dress was shown with matching removable sleeves. It is interesting to note that for the ad campaign it was shown without those sleeves. That might mean that they were not produced at all and were only made for styling on the runway. I have never seen one come up for sale with the sleeves.
The dress is so pretty in its purple and soft taupey colour combination. It is strapless and the silk is softly gathered over the bust. At the center it extends out into ties. These adjust the fit by a little bit and having the ends trail down, or tying them into a knot or bow, adds a nice little bit of detail at the front. The silk is feather light and weighs ounces. It falls from just under the bust and widens out quite a bit by the time it hits the hem. When you walk or move it floats around you beautifully. Inside it is lined with a light almost gold taupe nude silk to keep it wearable. It is just pretty and light and fabulous. It is an easy to wear a dress that is even better once on an actual body. Excellent condition
Fully lined in silk and closes at the side with the zipper. The front ties let you adjust it by a little bit across the bust area. Tagged a 46. The hem has a hand finished edge. I see a tiny repair along the hem of the inner lining that of course is not seen when on.
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Skirt: 50" from seam under the bust to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4283
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1977 Givenchy Runway. / (2) Spring 1977 Givenchy Ad Campaign, L'Officiel. / (3) Spring 1977 Givenchy Runway. Credit Unknown.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I just sold a burgundy one of these and I have had this dress in both a peach and a black version before. This pale purple one is fabulous and I love it in this colour. Versions of Tice's one shoulder pieces sit in the closet of countless celebrities like Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie and even my own. This is one of those dresses that you know is going to work every time you put it on. I love it.
These are just the perfect, easy to wear and easy to travel with jersey caftan feeling dress. It is made from that liquid jersey you started yo see in the late seventies and the fabric feels amazing on the body. The colour is a beautiful pale lavender purple that is so so pretty. It is super light in weight and it is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach some far off destination and be perfectly ready to go. The inner dress is long and straight cut and then this is topped by a wrapped looser overlay that is cut on a curving angle. A slit runs up the inner side of the inner dress so you get a flash of leg when you walk or sit. At the top of the shoulder there is a large knotted flower detail. Both the flower and the neckline are edged and accented by gold lame ribbon. It is just gorgeous. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear. The easy fit should allows it to work on a variety of sizes. The fabric has a bit of stretch. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. Perhaps a faint mark here and there but nothing that shows on
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from shoulder to hem
Slit: 34" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4282
Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture on the peach version
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I have had this dress in both a peach and a black version in the shop before and was super happy to find yet another colour. Versions of Tice's one shoulder pieces sit in the closet of countless celebrities like Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie and even my own. This is one of those dresses that you know is going to work every time you put it on. I love it.
These are just the perfect, easy to wear and easy to travel with jersey caftan feeling dress. It is made from that liquid jersey you started yo see in the late seventies and the fabric feels amazing on the body. The colour is a great shade of deep red burgundy that is flattering on almost every skin tone. It is super light in weight and it is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach some far off destination and be perfectly ready to go. The inner dress is long and straight cut and then this is topped by a wrapped looser overlay that is cut on a curving angle. A slit runs up the inner side of the inner dress so you get a flash of leg when you walk or sit. At the top of the shoulder there is a large knotted flower detail. Both the flower and the neckline are edged and accented by gold lame ribbon. It is just gorgeous. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear. The easy fit should allows it to work on a variety of sizes. The fabric has a bit of stretch. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. Perhaps a faint mark here and there but nothing that shows on
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from shoulder to hem
Slit: 34" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4280
Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture on the peach version
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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I have had the twin of this before and I was very pleased to have found a second. This dress beautifully showcases the genius of Oscar de la Renta and the work that he was doing in this time period. The attention to detail alone is fabulous. The dress has a beautiful elegance to it and is quite striking. This sense of refinement is a constant in Oscar's work and I particularly love the earlier examples of it. You can see how many of the elements in this dress are a reflection of the standards he adhered to for his entire career and body of work.
The dress is made from multiple layers of a lightweight, slightly textured, silk chiffon in the most stunning deep sapphire blue colour. The bodice is gathered in an elaborate ruching of silk that meets in the center under a thick braided detailing. The braiding runs down the center of the bodice to the waist. The dress is strapless and the neckline is cut into a rounded sweetheart shape that is very flattering. The bodice is fitted and cinches in at the waist with interior boning to help hold the shape. The skirt cascades to the floor at the back and then curves up and around to be higher at the front so you get a flash of leg when you move. The skirt is made up of three layers of weightless silk chiffon and this lets the skirt float over and around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. The lightness of the silk gives it a gorgeous movement when you move and walk. This one comes with a matching huge silk chiffon shawl / cape piece that its twin was shown in the runway with that season. It has no closures and you can just float it over the shoulders and it billows out around you. It is fabulous. Overall excellent condition with a note below.
The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a hand set blue silk and the three layers of silk chiffon the skirt is made of serve as its lining. The dress closes with a side painted metal zipper. Hand finishes. I see an area on the skirt that has darkened. Please see the photo after the label shot.
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 36" from top of the bodice to shortest part of the front hem, 51" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4276
Reference Photos: Spring 1990 Oscar de la Renta Runway.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This dress is instantly recognizable as having been designed by Bob Mackie. He was best known for dressing Cher and for his signature glamourous looks. The best of his work are the pieces like this that are dripping with beadwork. Modern girls are obsessed with his vintage pieces. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to working as a costume designer and co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In some ways he and his creations defined their careers and that era of glamour. His work always has that touch of the best of the bygone glamor of Hollywood.
This is an amazing dress that is extremely sexy and flattering even though you are covered completely. The base of the dress is made of a black net and it is lined through the body with a black chiffon. Onto that is a pattern made up of beautiful curving vertical bands that feel like they are trailing over you from shoulder to hem. That design is made up of blue and silver glass tube beads that have been set in those curving bands over the entire dress. Scattered within those are little highlights done in a silver sequin with a tiny clear bead at their centers. This combination of the blue and pops of silver give the dress an extra layer of texture and glamour as every inch of it catches the light and sparkles. The dress has a decent weight to it when it is off of the body because of that extensive bead-work, and yet once on the body it drapes in a way that it is balanced and not at all unwieldy. The necklace is high and the collar is extremely detailed. The upper bodice has not been lined so you get a sense of transparency through the black net. The sleeves have also been left unlined so you see glimpses of skin through the pattern there as well as they run down to the wrist. The waist is brought in to create shape but there is no horizontal seam to break the lines of the design. The skirt is incredible and pure Bob Mackie in design. It is cut on a curve so the back is longer then the front and it has a high slit at one side of the front. The effect of this is far more dramatic and fabulous on a real body and it really shows off the legs. If you even remotely love it in the photos you will love when you see it in person. These were sent to the stores lined with that black chiffon through the body and it is already a touch transparent in a strong light but I have had people remove even that lining to get that more nude dress, even more see through feel that Mackie became so well known for. Excellent condition.
Lined through the body except for the areas as described above in a semi-sheer black chiffon. It closes with a back zipper and each sleeve has a zipper at its end. Tagged a vintage 4.
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59.5" from neck to longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4277
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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This gorgeous dress is from the Spring 2013 collection. It was not a runway piece but it was not unusual for other pieces to be produced for retail by the brand. From his very first collection for the Fall of 2002, Alber brought a beautiful silhouette to the house that was flattering to women but still was very easy to wear. As good as it looks on my dress form it is even better on an actual body that will give it shape. It is a really beautiful dress.
The dress is gorgeous and I love the deep blue colour of it. A deep blue is always a touch softer than a black and flattering on almost every skin tone. The dress is made from a silk crepe and it detailed with a black coloured silk ribbon at the bust. The bodice is strapless and the dress skims over the body from there to the hem. The very top edge is flipped over to create a little panel of silk that runs all the way around you and that wide black ribbon is tucked in just under that. At the center front there is a ruffled detailing of the blue silk and then the black ribbon is formed into a large asymmetrical bow that sits tucked under it. This gathering detail at the front gives it a bit of visual interest and keeps the dress feeling soft and romantic while still being on the more minimalist side. The silk is gathered in softly under that and then falls to the floor in a sheath of fabric all the way to the hem. Underneath is a built in silk lined corset that holds the dress in place to hold it it securely in place. The rest of the dress just falls easy and free over that. The closure is hidden and it snaps and zips into place underneath all the front detailing. This creates a soft fold down the dress to the hem. Hidden under that fold is a very high slit from the hem up and when you walk, move or sit you get a flash of leg. This was his way of adding a little bit of sexiness to the dress but in a very Alber kind of way. It is so fabulous. Excellent condition
The top has a lightly boned built on corset to help hold the dress in place and shape you. That zips to close and then the dress snaps into place over that. The inner bodice is lined in a matching silk and the outer layer of the dress is unlined. The color is slightly bluer in person. If you needed more or less room in the waist or bust you could expand or take in the inner corset. Tagged a modern 38
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52.5" from strapless bodice to shortest point of front hem, 59" to the back hem
Hidden slit: 29" from shortest point of front hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4278
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The John Kloss for Cira line was originally intended to be worn as lingerie pieces but many that you find now can be worn as a dress. The recent trend towards wearing items more sheer and layered over inner foundation garments makes them suitable as outwear now. They are very collectible and fabulous examples of 1970s lingerie / hostess wear
This one walks the edge as far as how sheer it is. It def has a touch of sheerness in a strong light but you could use it as a cover up, layer it, or be daring and just go for it with undergarments. I love his work and this piece is a great example of how his designs worked with the curves of a woman's body to show it off to its best advantage. He deliberately chose good weight and quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. This simple cut piece is done in a bright barbie pink. It is better in person in my opinion as the camera is not quite catching the right tone of pink. It slips over the head with no closures. The straps curve over the shoulders and at the front the bodice has a curve seem that runs under the breast. The panel of fabric above this is cut so that it drapes slightly went on the body. At the back it is scooped very low that leaves the back almost completely bare. The skirt falls from there skimming over the waist and is quite full by the time it reaches the hem. That is it. It is bare on top and that brilliant colour and sexy fabric is all that it needs. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear no closures. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Cira large.
Bust: no true seems but will cover up to 15" across
Seam under the bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to seam under the waist
Skirt: 42" from seam under the waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4275
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.