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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.
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I am always on the look out for this style of dress by Halston. It is perhaps the most iconic of all of the Halston silhouettes and in 2016 a red version of this dress entered modern day fashion history when Kate Moss wore its twin on the red carpet at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. We have had Martha Hunt wear a white one version that she sourced from us to Cannes. She landed on several Best Dressed lists as a result. These were made in a variety of colours and this one is a gorgeous pale pink colour that I have not had before.
Halston was a master at this cut. There is a certain sexiness caused by the illusion of having the entire dress suspended by one shoulder. It gives the sense that the entire dress could drop in a puddle around you. It is constructed from two attached layers. The inner dress skims over the body in a long sheath. The inner part of the dress has a high slit that travels up the side of the leg opposite to the draped side. So when you walk or sit you gat a flash of leg. Attached to that inner sheath lies a draped panel of the same nylon jersey that is suspended from the shoulder. This falls from that shoulder and drapes down and over the front and the back of the dress so that the jersey cascades loosely down and over the inner layer for the ultimate Grecian goddess feel. This is a classic dress by Halston that is perfect for traveling as it is wash and wear and so easy to style. A quick change of shoe takes it day to night in a snap. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. I love the pale pastel pink of it. It is just so pretty. Great condition with a note below
The dress slips on to wear with no closures. These will fit a variety of sizes since they are not cut to be super fitted and the jersey does have some stretch. Note the colour is slightly brighter in person and even better I think. I see a couple of very small faint marks on the back of the shoulder and an area near the hip. You see them when its laid out flat but once on the drapes conceal them. There is a couple of tiny pinholes near the edge of the draping that looks like it was pinned at some point. These are mentioned for accuracy. Please see the three photos after the label shot
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hip: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top ff shoulder to longest point of hem
Slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD3911
Reference Photo: (1-2) Kate Moss in Vintage Halston at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. / (3) Karen Bjornsen, Alva Chinn, Connie Cook and Pat Cleveland in Halston Dresses, photographed by by Harry Benson, 1978. / (4) Martha Hunt wearing this dress in Cannes, 2019. / (5) Martha Hunt on Harper's Bazaar Australia Best Dressed List. / (6-7) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. / (8) Halston Form Fit Ad, 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 is a gorgeous little YSL dress form the 1983 resort collection that has a fun and exotic vibe to it. The dress is made from a crisp cotton that has enough weight and structure to it to perfectly fall into the line that Yves desired it to have. It has a nod to the Hawaiian dresses of the forties in its color and cut. I love the bold blue color that is combined with a soft clay colour and a deep purple that makes up the abstract print that covers the dress. The shape is soft and cut to skim over the body. The dress is suspended from wide straps that curve around each shoulder. The bust is more fitted and gathered for fullness and shaping. The skirt is a faux wrap that overlaps over itself along the side with the bow, So when you walk or sit it will open a bit to show some leg. On the one hip is a large half bow that adds amazing shape and detailing. It is fantastic on the body. Excellent overall condition with a note below
Lined through the bodice in the same fabric and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a side zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 36. I see one light mark on the bodice that fades into the print. Please see the photo after the label shot.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 25.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4272
Reference Photos: Yves Saint Laurent 1983 Resort Collection Advance.
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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Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many more. His label gained international recognition and was known for his bright, clear colour choices and daring cuts. He once said in an interview; 'When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite.' He is one of my favourite designers to find and with all of the emphasis on recreating these looks from the eighties by many modern designers you can't beat these original vintage version on terms of cut, style and quality.
I love how this dress combines the sexiness of the fitted strapless dress with the drama of that unusual skirt. The dress is made out of a deep blue printed with a white dot that covers the entire dress. The silk keeps it light in weight but at the same time is the perfect choice to help to hold the shape and give the dress structure. The top portion of the dress has been gathered in soft folds from the bust to the top of the hips. The folds are set to help to highlight the hourglass shape of the dress. They have the illusion of being wrapped around you and they are set in gathers all the way down to really emphasize the shape of the body underneath. The neckline is strapless and the top of it curves over the bust to make a sweetheart neckline. Inside the dress there is light boning at the sides for extra support. The waist nips in beneath this and then the skirt falls under that with just a touch of flare at the hem. The front of the skirt is gathered and stitched to suggest a flower. The sits just off side and adds volume and a visual interest that is fantastic. It is even better on an actual body. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from top peak of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4270
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
halston
Fabulous 1970s Halston Metallic Gold & Black Lame Lurex Full Length Caftan Dress w Notched Neckline
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I always love when I find these. I have had the twin of this piece a couple of times now in the shop and they always get snatched up immediately. This is from the Halston IV line and is a made from a gold lurex lame. The simple classic design makes it an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. Rachel Zoe owns and wears the twin of this in the brighter gold version and she has worn and posted herself wearing hers a few times on her Instagram account. It just proves that this is an incredible and glamorous staple piece that you can wear again and again.
Today I have two of these, one in each version of gold that were made. I have one in the lighter brighter gold and then this one in the darker gold thread on a black base. Whenever I get these metallic ones I feel that they are just that little bit extra special. It is a dress that is so easy to wear. I own one myself and can attest that these can go from the beach, to entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamour. The caftan has a simple and easy to wear cut. There is a slit front neck and then a second slit runs up the center seam at the front from the hem. So when you walk or sit you get a flash of leg showing. The cut is loose and easy to wear. It is meant to skim over the body. The sleeves come out directly from the body of the caftan and then narrow down towards the wrist. The skirt flows to the floor and widens out to be quite full as it reaches the hem. The waist is open and easy. If you wanted more definition you could easily add a belt or fabric sash to add shape. This is a wonderful piece with all the minimalist lines that we all love about Halston. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has a slight transparency to it. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. These always have a loose thread here and there but is part of the vintage charm of them. I see a very tiny pull here and there near the side seams. All minor and what I have seen in everyone I have had. The colour is a touch brighter gold in person then how it photoed
Sleeves: approx. 20"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and it widens to approx 26" flat across around the hips
Length: 59" from shoulder to hem
Slit: 26.5" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4267
Reference Photos: (1) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture wearing a similar caftan. / (2-3) Rachel Zoe wearing Halston (from her Instagram)
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
halston
Fantastic 1970s Halston Metallic Gold Lame Lurex Full Length Caftan Dress w Notched Neckline
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I always love when I find these. I have had the twin of this piece a couple of times now in the shop and they always get snatched up immediately. This is from the Halston IV line and is a made from a gold lurex lame. The simple classic design makes it an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. Rachel Zoe owns and wears the twin of this in the brighter gold version and she has worn and posted herself wearing hers a few times on her Instagram account. It just proves that this is an incredible and glamorous staple piece that you can wear again and again.
Today I have two of these, one in each version of gold that were made. I have one in the darker gold and then this one in the lighter brighter gold thread with a tighter weave of the lame. Whenever I get these metallic ones I feel that they are just that little bit extra special. It is a dress that is so easy to wear. It can go from the beach, to entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamour. The caftan is cut deceptively simple with a slit front neck and a second slit that goes up the center seam at the front from the hem. The cut is loose and meant to skim over the body. The sleeves come out directly from the body of the caftan and then narrow down towards the wrist. The skirt flows to the floor and widens out as it reaches the hem. The waist is open and easy. If you wanted more definition you could easily add a belt to add shape. This is a wonderful piece with all the minimalist lines that we all love about Halston. Excellent condition with one small note below
Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has a slight transparency to it. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. There is a tiny repair at the front of the caftan beside the seam a few inches down under the neckline. Please see the photo after the label shot.
Sleeves: approx. 22"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam and it widens to approx 25.5" flat across around the hips
Length: 55" from shoulder to hem
Slit: 14" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4269
Reference Photos: (1) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture wearing a similar caftan. / (2-3) Rachel Zoe wearing Halston (from her Instagram)
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
nina ricci
Prettiest 1970s Nina Ricci by Gerard Pipart Deep Red Floral Pattern Silk Skirt w Pockets
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This wonderful skirt is from the Nina Ricci Boutique ready to wear line. The Ricci atelier was launched in Paris in 1932, with Nina retiring from designing in the early 1950s. Jules Francois Crahay then headed the design team until he left for Lanvin in 1963. Gerard Pipart took over from Crahay and stayed on with Ricci until 1998. This skirt is just the prettiest example of the sweetness the house could do in terms of design. It is exceptionally easy way to add a bit of vintage into your wardrobe and have a stand out piece at the same time.
The skirt is made out of a woven silk that is absolutely beautiful. The weave creates this beautiful floral pattern. The backdrop is a inky black and then the red flowers pop off of that in a soft and pretty way. The flowers are highlighted with a bit of a silver gray and a soft blue that is just very pretty. It is banded at the waist and then falls open and full from there to the floor. I did not photo it with any crinolines underneath. The fullness that you see is created by the way it is inset around the waist and the sheer volume of fabric in the skirt. That said even with the fullness it is light in weight and easy to wear. If you wanted it to be even fuller you could easily add an underskirt. It is exceptionally beautiful and it even has pockets. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a zipper and hook and eye at the waist. Pockets hidden along the seam of each hip. Some hand finish inner seams and built in stiffening along the inner hem. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little.
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 41" from waist to hem with 3" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# S988
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
Incredible 1960s Arnold Scaasi Couture Pink Coral 3D Yarn Covered Silk Skirt w Ribbon Waist
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Arnold Scaasi was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal and the name Scassi is simply his own surname in reverse. He studied in Montreal and in Paris, apprenticed at the house of Paquin and then worked with the legendary Charles James. In 1964 he opened own couture salon. He dressed Hollywood stars like Lauren Bacall, Diahann Carroll and Elizabeth Taylor along with several first ladies. He even once bragged that he refused to give Jackie Kennedy clothes for free. He was the man behind the scandalous 1969 Barbra Streisand sheer trouser outfit that she collected her Oscar in, and he was presented with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. In 2010, The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, who hold the bulk of his archives, launched an exhibit of his work titled "Arnold Scaasi: American Couturier"
This incredible skirt is from his main label and pieces from this label were made to order and done to couture standards.
There are certain pieces that you come across that seem to go beyond just a piece of clothing and start to belong to the category of being a piece of art. This skirt qualifies. It is one of the most unusual and exceptional pieces I have seen. It is almost camp in feel and yet it has an incredible craftsmanship at the same time. It is made from looped tufts of wool in a pink, coral, deep burgundy and pale purple, that are independently attach by embroidery to a silk ribbon background. That silk ribbon is then sewed together and stacked row by row with a tiny gap left between each row. This creates this amazing sub-texture underneath the yarn. The yarn detailing is set horizontally and they puff out from the skirt so that it has a 3D feel. At the waist is a wide red grosgrain ribbon that sits in a bow at one side. Under the nipped in waist the skirt falls on an angle to widen out quite a bit by the time it reaches the hem. It somehow manages to stay both soft and feel structured at the same time. It's not unwieldy to wear but it does have the feel of substance. Inside it is hand lined in a fine red silk. It is an incredible piece of fashion history and one of those amazing vintage pieces that you will never see again. Excellent condition
Fully lined by hand in a fine red silk and closes at the back with a zipper and then hook and eye at the banded waist. All the work is done by hand and all of the yarn has been done by hand and applied to the silk ribbon behind it.
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# S989
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
philip hulitar
Beautiful 1950s Philip Hulitar Couture Brilliant Floral on Ivory Print Silk Strapless Dress
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The three dresses I have for you today are more from that same single owner collection that I recently did two capsules from. 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. The first two drops centered around the 1930s but we have expanded into her collection to add some other decades this time. This dress is absolutely beautiful and the workmanship that has been put into making it is just extraordinary. Philip Hulitar designed under his own namesake label from 1949 to his retirement in 1964 so his pieces fall in a very defined window for dating. He was known for his sophisticated dresses and evening gowns. Shortly after the launch of his label a journalist gushed that; 'The star of a gifted designer has risen recently on the fashion horizon'. Prior to launching his own label, Mr Hulitar was the in-house designer and head of the women's dress division for Bergdorf Goodmans for 18 years. His designs are stunning and this floral number is to die.
This dress so beautiful to see. The fabric is an ivory colored silk that has a bit of texture running through it. Onto this is a stunning and vivid floral design that is screened onto the silk to give the impression of a painting. The flowers run over the entire dress and the colors pop off the ivory backdrop. It is just gorgeous to see. The cut of the dress is pure Old Hollywood starlet. The bodice is fitted and strapless and I love how it is set on an angle so that one side peeks up higher then the other. It is cut to follow every curve. It cinches in at the waist with one side of the bodice hand gathered just above the waist seam. At the base of the back there is a bow made of the same fabric. The bow has a bit of stiffened net inside so that it hold the shape. It is large enough that you just see it peeking out from the side as you move but not so large that it's overwhelming. This is all done to to add to your curves and the hourglass feel the dress has. The skirt curves over the hips falling to the floor in a column of silk. Everything about this gown is cut to emphasize your curves. The bodice is lightly boned and everything is done by hand. I love it. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent overall condition with small notes below.
Fully lined cream silky rayon through the bodice and a silk organza through the skirt. There is boning in the bodice. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. All hand work from top to bottom. There are some small marks here and there that are all minor. Please see the first four photos after the label shot. The final photo shows the hem which has fallen. You can see there are two faint lines where it was hemmed before. I decided to leave it as is so the new owner can choose the length that works perfectly for them or leave it at its full length it is now
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# PS028
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
james galanos
Fabulous Late 1970s James Galanos Intricate Flute Pleated Black Silk Jersey One Shoulder Dress
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In 1951 a 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites. This dress is absolutely gorgeous and has been in my archives for some time. It is just so striking.
This dress dates to the late 1970s or early 1980s. It is absolutely gorgeous and as good as it looks in the photos, it is even better in person. The quality of the silk jersey fabric is remarkable and it glides effortlessly over the body and falls like a dream. The jersey is light and fine and this allows it to move and flow as you walk and move. The dress is suspended from a single strap that curves over one shoulder. At the front the jersey rises in a sharp peak to meet that strap at the top of the shoulder. It angle down low across to the other side and then wraps around to the back. The back is set on a softer angle to leave your upper back bare. This bare expanse of skin is broken only by that skinny silk strap that angles across you. The tiny strap against the bare expanse of skin is stunning. The entire top of the bodice, back and front, has been intricately pleated with rounded, fluted box pleats. These are one of the hardest pleats to execute and on this dress they're executed to perfection. A hand set tacked partial seam runs just under the bust and follows the angle above. From under that they open and flow into the silk of the skirt. The skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful column of silk. On either side of the waist there is a attached wide silk ribbon in a deep olive colour. This ribbon is attached through the seam on either side and then runs around the inside of the back. You tie it at the front and it brings the waist in and adds shape. At the back the silk falls in a loose column over the interior ribbon all the way down to the hem. The effect this has once on and when you move is fantastic. It is fabulous on the body. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined and it has some light interior structure. The rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a side zipper. Hand work throughout. The loose through the body should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Bust: covers to 16" flat across from side to side with no true side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam at the back where the ribbon creates a set size. The front is open and loose
Hips: open
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem with 2.5" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4264
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 love when I find these. I have had versions of this piece a couple of times now in the shop and they always get snatched up immediately. This is from the Halston IV line and is a made from a black washable jersey. The simple, classic design makes it an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. Rachel Zoe owns and wears a version of this in the green version and I included a shot of myself on a close looking one. It just proves that this is an incredible and glamorous staple piece that you can wear again and again.
Halston is one of those rare labels where the more time that goes by since the pieces were originally made it feel like the more relevant his pieces become. This is one of those pieces that will instantly become a closet staple for you. It is a no brainer in that you just slip it on and you know that you will look and feel amazing. It has his signature simplicity and ease with a touch of that Studio 54 sexiness thrown in. It simply slips on and is a wash and wear jersey. This one is more of a true caftan than the one I had on the shop previously and it is fantastic. The body of the dress is cut very loose and easy and it narrows down as it reaches the hem. To wear it you just slip it on and then slip your arms through the holes on either side of the seams of the dress. The seams are at the outer edges of the caftan which means this should fit just about anybody. A front slit allows a bit of leg to show when you move or sit. The front falls in a simple V for the perfect bit of skin to balance out the coverage of the dress. The basic black means you can wear it with just about anything and dress it up or down depending on how you style it. Brilliantly Halston in every way and very easy to wear. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Unlined and slips on to wear. The easy cut and fabric should allow it to fit any size and it is tagged as being 'one size fits all'. I see some light pilling on the interior of the back hem and perhaps the tiniest bit of fading along the edge of the neckline. Very minor and only in a bright light.
Width: 50" across tjhe widest point from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 55" from neck to the hem
Slit: 20.5" from the front hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD4265
Reference photos: (1) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. / (2) Rachel Zoe in a similar green version at a Calvin Klein event. / (3) Rachel Zoe more recently in Montauk.
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 gorgeous Valentino dress that is from the Fall 2006 collection. It is beautifully made and a wonderful example of Valentino's main label and the work that he was doing during this time period. I love this one with its insanely low set sheer side panel. It is almost shocking to see it be that bare and from that time period. It is a little sexier then some of his work tends so be but it still has that refined elegance that you would expect from him combined with a bit of pure drama created in that moment when you first see the dress on and that huge expanse of skin covered with nothing but netting and sequins.
This is a stunning Valentino and it is almost shocking when you realize how deep that side panel falls and that the entire half of the front is made of that same sheer netting. This is the kind of dress that you see in real life and it makes you swoon. As good as it looks in the photos it only really comes to life on the body. The dress is cut with a very soft and easy feel. The bodice is suspended from two tiny straps that curve over your shoulders and each strap is finished with a row of tiny black sequins. The center dips softly down at the front and a panel of netting is set on one half of the front. This netted panel has no backing so is sheer and transparent. It runs from the top of the neckline and then angles down the front all the way down the side to past the hip. The netting is completely finished with an intricate pattern of glossy black sequins that cover it entirely. It angles back up the back to meet the other strap and leave part of the back bare under the netting as well. It is like a long inverted triangle. Falling on either side of the triangle is a double layer of silk chiffon panels that create a ruffle that runs down the dress. At the front it starts around the waist area and at the back it falls from the top of the dress just under the strap. These create tremendous movement when you move. The rest of the dress is made from a light silk crepe that is entirely cut on the bias so that it drapes down and over the bust, waist and hips yet still shows off your curves. At the back the dress falls in a low scoop that leaves actual bare skin. The dress is loose and easy through the body to offset all that bareness. The hem widens out quite a bit which create lovely movement around the bottom of the skirt. It is so sexy and yet so refined. It is just stunning on the body. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Fully lined under the silk parts with a black silk. The netting is not backed. It closes with hidden set back zipper. Tagged a vintage Valentino 12. I see a bit of very minor snagging on near the seam opposite to the netting and a tiny area of thinning near the end of the chiffon panel
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4266
Reference Photos: Fall 2006 Valentino 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 is an absolutely beautiful wedding dress by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin from his 2013 collection. He did several variations of this dress and I've included a few of them because I think that it gives you an idea of how the dress will look like on the body. It is stunning and doesn't feel like your typical wedding gown. As good as it looks on my dress form it is even better on an actual body that give it shape. It is a really beautiful dress.
The dress is gorgeous and I love creamy ivory colour of it. The dress is made from a fine silk detailed with ivory coloured silk ribbon. The bodice is strapless dress skins over the body from there to the hem. At the back it is gathered up in that elaborate ruffle detailing. This gathering brings the dress in slightly under the hips and gives it a pretty interesting shape as it falls around you. The ruffles are tremendously beautiful. They are set down the back where they trail down past the hips. They are elaborate and caught up with stitching to hold them in place. The top of the bodice is detailed with a silk grosgrain ribbon that wraps around the upper edge. This goes all the way around you and you tie it into a bow at the center of the back as the perfect topper to top the cascade of ruffles. To create the shape over the body is made from horizontal panels that are set on top of each other from the top of the bodice is all the way to the hem. Each panel is top stitched at its bottom edge and overlaps the one under it. The edges are finished with his signature slightly raw feeling edge on these and the ruffles. The fabric has a slight texture running over it and is just thick enough to hold the shape that you see. It is so pretty. Excellent condition with one small note to review below
The top has a lightly boned corset to help hold the dress in place and shape you. There is an attached waist stay to also help. The inner bodice is lined in an ivory silk and the skirt is unlined. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper between the ruffles at the back. There is an attached ribbon that extends out from the neckline of the bodice that you tie into place at the back. It appears to be unworn but there is some very minor grubbiness here and there and a small area of spots that I have photoed. All minor. Please see the photo after the label shot. The color is slightly richer and creamier in person. If you needed more or less room in the waist it would be easy to expand or take in the inner corset. Tagged a modern 40
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist stay: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from strapless bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4251
Reference Photos: (1) 2013 Lanvin Blanche Collection. / (2-5) Lanvin Wedding Dresses, credits 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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This particular design from the Halston IV line is one of my favorites besides the one shoulder dresses I find for you. The design is so simple but at the same time it has so much impact with its bare and sexy feel created by the plunging front and sides. It is an incredible piece that you can wear over and over and style it in a zillion ways depending on what you pair with it. I have included some reference photos from the main Halston line that shows where the design for this dress originated. I have also included photos of Martha Hunt and Emmy Rossum who both have worn the twin of this dress from my archives. I love having these photos because it lets you see just how fabulous this dress is on.
This is a dress that is insanely sexy and bare feeling yet the ivory colour of it keeps it feeling fresh with a touch of innocence to it. It somehow manages to walk that line in that very Halston kind of way. The dress is made of a wash and wear cream coloured jersey. It has amazing drape and it feels easy-to-wear once on the body. The bodice has a halter style front that plunges right to the waist. It has an opening that you slip your head through and then a panel of the same fabric drapes over the back. Long ties extend out from each side of the panel and you use these to wrap it into place and tie it at the front. At the back this leaves a gap between the bottom of the panel and the waist for a little flash of skin. The sides are also left open and bare to the waist. Despite its bareness it is cleverly cut so that when you have it on it stays in place. The ties snatch in the waist as much as you want and the skirt falls from there. There is a lot of fabric in the skirt and this gives a tremendous movement when you move. The dress has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece that you can throw into your suitcase and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach your destination and be instantly ready to go. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Unlined and slips on to wear. There is elastic through the waist and it ties into place as described above. This makes it very easy to fit and it should fit a range of sizes. If you don't like how it dips in the back and leaves that space you could easily tighten the elastic more or tie it in a way so it doesn't do that. I see perhaps the faintest a bit of darkening here and there in the skirt. This is only seen when it's laid out flat. There's so much fabric that I really just mentioning to be very picky. The easy cut and elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Bust: no true side seems but each triangle covers up to13.5" flat across
Waist: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam and you use the tie to belt to cinch it in
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem and the back extends down couple inches lower
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4250
Reference Photos: (1) Emmy Rossum in Halston for Harper's Bazaar US. / (2) Martha Hunt in Halston. / (3) Spring 1973 Halston Runway. / (4-6) Spring 1977 Halston 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 love all of the pieces by Bill Tice that I bring into the shop. Most, including this one, were made in the 1980-1981 time period. His easy-to-wear and glamorous jersey pieces have been worn by countless celebrities for the red carpet and events. Every girl that has bought one of his pieces through me has absolutely loved it. This is the first time I have had one of these long open jackets in the shop and I'm absolutely obsessed with it
It is made of a black jersey that is meant to mimic the feel of silk jersey. This is one of those things that is a fail-safe piece that you know is going to work every time you put it on. This fabric has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on over just about anything upon arrival with either flats or heels and you are instantly ready to walk out the door. It is cut to feel long and slim with pleats running down its full length. It has gold cording that defines the collar, the bodice and back, around the arms and the cuffs. There's also a long stripe of the gold cording that follows the ties that close it at the neck. To wear it you just slip it on and tie it at the neck with those ties. The fabric is very light so when you move this has a ton of movement and will billow out around and behind you. It's fantastic. Excellent condition.
Unlined and ties at the top of the neck. The easy cut and open front should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Sleeves: 24"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: 26"+ flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4247
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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"It was woman as dandy." declared Tom Ford. That was his comment to Vogue's Sarah Mower. Her review talked about 'the sinuous twenties and thirties feel he (Ford) melded into satins and chiffons for YSL's Spring collection....Together with the major frizzed hairdos and sexy high-heeled spectator shoes in leather and canvas, it added up to a new silhouette for the tall, sexually-in-control woman Ford envisions as the spirit of modern YSL.' This dress was not one that walked the runway but was a sell out when it was released. This was helped in part by the appearance of Renee Zellweger who wore its twin on the cover of Elle Magazine that season. It has a gorgeous decadent feel and sense of sensuality once on the body.
The dress is made from a feather light silk chiffon that has the iconic YSL lip print scattered over it surface. This was a print originally conceived of by Yves and Tom Ford went back into the archives and resurrected it for part of this collection. I have photoed the dress with the V placed at both the front and the back for these shots. On the Elle cover photo Renee is wearing the opening at the front I believe and it looks like she is just holding it closed. I’ve seen the twin of this dress photoed on mannequins elsewhere in the past with the front tacked into place to be able to wear it. And you could definitely do that. That said it would only make sense to tack it into place while it’s on you so that you find that perfect spot that works on you. I do think it was originally meant for the back to be open and bare like how I have photoed it for most of the shots here and it is very pretty worn that way. A ruffle starts at the shoulders and goes around the edges of the dip at the back. The skirt wraps around you and the sleeves go to just passed the elbow. The ruffle at the end of each sleeve is attached with stitches that are set apart from each other to leave a gap between. To wear the dress you just slip your arms into it and then the dress wraps and ties into place, one tie at the inner waist and one on the other side on the exterior. This lets you adjust how loosely it sits on the body. Tom meant for it to feel like the dress will just fall off you at any moment. He was known for this overt sexuality in his pieces. You could easily layer this over something else underneath to make it feel less risque and then it makes wearing it either way around even more a possibility. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
The bodice of the dress is two layers of the silk chiffon and the sleeves are unlined. The skirt is lined in an ivory silk chiffon. It ties into please at the waist so you can adjust how it sits. Brand tag is missing but the labeled contents tag is present. YSL logo imprinted as part of the pattern on the silk. Tagged a F36. The easy wrap style should allow it to work on a range of sizing.
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam and you can adjust up or down by a few inches either way
Hips: approx 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4245
Reference Photo: Renee Zellweger in Yves Saint Laurent for Elle Magazine, November 2004.
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 more recent Prada that as made for the shops. It is just gorgeous and one of the prettiest dresses I have seen by the label. They have a knack for making this pretty postcard pieces with pretty prints and then add a twist on the design to make it have that Prada girl feel. The cut is simple but still edgy. The top is cut the skim over the body and the shoulders are capped. There is elastic around the arms and this bit of gathering gives the shoulders just a touch of support so that they sit up and off the shoulder just a touch. It is a very clever detail. The top is gathered in towards the neckline with more elastic there and then it blouses and skims over the bodice. The waist has a very unusual detailing. There is a wide panel of elastic ruching that wraps around from the back and then curves down on an angle on one side only. There is a gap of fabric without the ruching on the other side of the waist. This gives it a bit of a flapper feel and chic quirkiness. The skirt falls from under that. One side is cut longer and at a slight point on that side while the gathered waist side is shorter. The skirt has a pretty fullness to it. The fabric is gorgeous. It is a light cotton that has a touch of crispness to it. The entire surface of the dress is screened with a design depicting pink flowers in pink pots giving it a nod to the post card dresses of the fifties. It is fabulous to see and a definite showstopper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Elastic at the neckline, arms and waist. Tagged a Prada 42. Appears unworn
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to highest spot of gathered ruching at waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to shortest point of hem, 37" to the longest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MES
Item# DD4243
Reference Photos: 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.
oscar de la renta
Amazing c.1967 Oscar de la Renta Gold Metallic Brocade Jumpsuit w Extensive Detailing
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This gorgeous little Oscar de la Renta would be from the 1967-68 collection. I have had similar examples in this type of brocade that he favoured during this time period in the shop in the past and I've included a dress example here from a recent exhibit of his work that has the same similar fabric. He used this fabric freely throughout the 1967 and 1968 collections in particular and we often see his use of it in a couple of different colour ways. The label in the dress identifies it as being a part of his earliest main line. When Oscar De la Renta first started his career he began a partnership with the fashion house of Jane Derby in 1965. Jane Derby died shortly after and in 1966 the first labels that bore only the Oscar de la Renta name appeared. That makes this a very early example of his higher end work. It is gorgeous.
This jumpsuit is an absolute knock out once on. It is also very representative of his work during this time period. The fabric is quite exceptional and the silk metallic brocade forms a stunning design that runs from shoulder to hem. The fabric is lighter in weight then you would think at first glance. It is heavy enough to hold and retain the shape that he desired it to have but is still light enough so that it feels easy and comfortable to wear. It has a very refined feel to it but it feels youthful and fresh at the same time. It perfectly sums up Oscar's love of opulence mixed with the exuberance of the decade. The cut is kept simple to allow that stunning fabric to take center stage. The pants falls from the slightly high set waist. They skim over the hips and there are hidden set pockets on either side. They widen out to be extremely wide by the time they reach the hem. Each leg is a full 34 inches around by the time they hit the hem. The waist is seamed but left more on the open and easy feeling side rather than being severely cinched in. The sleeves are cut straight and wide to just pass the elbow. The bodice is cut to skim over the body. The fabric is a silk brocade that is a gorgeous mix of pink, corals and a soft yellow. Woven through that is a muted gold thread that adds a soft metallic shimmer over the entire dress. The thread is set in swirling designs that sit on top of the swirling pattern underneath. The effect is amazing. The bodice detail is spectacular. Bands of a gold metallic lace are laid over the bodice in vertical rows and then horizontally around the waist and collar. Large pink and orange crystal rhinestones are set onto that along with metallic embroidery. It closes down the front with hook and eye and then a zipper under the waist. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Fully lined in a bright yellow silk with ribbon finished interior seams. It closes in the front with hook and eye to the waist and a painted metal zipper under that. Pockets on each hip. There is a bit of a mark on the fabric on the back of one arm. It gets lost on the pattern but mentioned for accuracy. Please see the photo after the label shot. There are some minor repairs to the lining near the shoulder and neck and zipper sticks but is original and functional so I left it as is.
Sleeves: 17"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to waist
Pants: 38" from waist to hem with 3" turned under
Inseam: 25"
Back neck to inner seam of legs: 31"
Back waist to inner seam of legs: 15.t"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4236
Reference Photo: Oscar de la Renta, Evening Dress, fall 1967, synthetic matelassé with rhinestone, bead, and sequin embroidery from the The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta Exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts Houston in 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.
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I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a beautiful pink silk taffeta that has a slight iridescent quality to it. The choice of this silk gives it just enough structure to hold the shape but allows it to feel almost weightless once on. 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 cut so that it is scooped at the front and the back. 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 dress can be worn off the shoulder as I have shot it for a bare expanse of skin to show across the top or fully on the shoulders. The shoulders on the bodice are edged with a little matching silk ruffles along their tops for a pretty detail. The front is set with an elaborate design made of little glass tube beads that are set in a 3D pattern that comes off of the silk. These are then mixed with clear iridescent and facetted beading. The beading follows the neckline and then comes down into a point towards the waist. It is repeated at the back where it is even more densely applied. The beads catch the light wonderfully and add a little bit of sparkle to the dress. 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. A long matching silk sash cinches in the waist. The dress has a fantastic romantic, pretty and light feel, but is still sexy and beautiful. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined in a matching silk, the sleeves in a silk organza and the skirt is lined in a pink cotton feeling fabric. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each cuff has elastic. Has its original matching sash belt. Hand finishes.
Sleeves: 18"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Bodice: 18" from shoulder to waist
Slightly dropped skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Sash: 11" x 90"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4237
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 1970s Emilio Pucci Original Pink & Coral Floral Print Brown Silk Jersey Dress
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Emilio Pucci is one of my favorite designers and every single dress is a work of art. His colors and prints are mixed with a masterful hand and when you get a good piece of Pucci it tends to be a piece that you can wear for a lifetime. This one is particularly gorgeous.
The dress is made out of one of his signature lightweight silk jerseys, a fabric that he preferred because of the way it moved and held colour. It is screened with one of his custom prints that he has laid out onto the fabric to highlight the cut and line of the dress. The sleeves are long and the bodice is cut to skim over the bust with a V neckline. The waist is banded but not super fitted and then from under that it flows past the hips to the floor. The colour mix is gorgeous. The backdrop is a deep brown and then the floral pattern explodes off of that mixing pinks and corals. The flowers and vines trail over the entire dress and I love how the pattern is concentrated in areas to highlight the cut. One of the signatures on his pieces are those bands of a contrasting print and on this dress he used that to define the neckline, circles around the cuff and runs around the hem. A double band is also set to run up down the full length of the back of the dress the upper back of the dress. The entire dress weighs ounces. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each cuff has a small notch at the side with no closures. Tagged a vintage Pucci The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch. I have given the comfortable measurements laying flat. Hand finished throughout.
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 15.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4230
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
Mid-2000s Christian Dior by John Galliano Metallic Eyelash Lame Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Dress
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John Galliano went from Givenchy to Dior in October of 1996 and stayed there until he was dismissed in February of 2011. During John Galliano's years at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut dresses in the house's history. His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Boutique line and it is gorgeous. It is so classically Galliano for Dior in its shape and cut. It is a real beauty.
This dress is made from a black silk chiffon that is cut completely on the bias. It is very beautiful. Parts of the design use have just the black silk chiffon on its own and then the majority of the dress has a fused layer of a metallic eyelash lame set on top of the chiffon. This bit of a metallic glint is insanely fabulous and it gives the dress a liquid feel as it drapes over the body. The signature bias cut that he often did allows the dress to skim and drape over the you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The seaming is highly reminiscent of the work you see from the twenties and thirties which became another of John's signatures. The fabric has been pieced together and laid out to form the bodice and then low dropped angled panels that create the various parts of the pattern that you see. One side can be worn slightly off the shoulder and the back dips into a bit of a V. Set along the seams are ruffles made out of the unadorned silk and I love how this highlights the lines of the dress. The dress is suspended from wide straps that curve over each shoulder dropping down on one side as mentioned. The bodice is simple and soft with dropped seams. It glides over the body and then flares out as it reaches the hem. The widening of the hem is created by the way angled silk chiffon panels are inset all the way around. It is an incredible feat of patterning. The skirt falls longer on the side opposite tot he dropped shoulder. On the same side as the shoulder is a high cut slit that runs up the side to add to the movement of the skirt. This also gives you a flash of leg when you sit or move. A row of tightly spaced buttons run up high on one side. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn. It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk chiffon and both layers are cut on the bias. It slips on to wear with a row of tightly spaced buttons at the side. The bias cut does allow some give in measurements. The length might come up when on depending on the size of the girl underneath since it is cut on the bias. The measurements given below are the comfortable stretch of the fabric laying flat.
Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 24" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML
Item# DD4228
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
bill tice
Easy to Wear 1980s Bill Tice Black Jersey Caftan Feel Dress w Gold Shoulder Detail Detail
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I love when I get versions of these Bill Tice dresses in the shop and this black one is especially easy to wear. These were made in the 1980-1981 time period and I have included a shot of Rachel Zoe from 2008 when she wore the near twin of this one to the AMAs. She wore hers belted and you can see how adding a belt really changes the look of the dress and gives it shape.
Versions of these Bill Tice pieces have been worn by countless celebrities for the red carpet and events and every girl that has bought one through me has absolutely loved it. It is just one of those fail-safe pieces that you know is going to work every time you put it on. The dress is made of a liquid, slinky jersey that feels amazing on. This fabric has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on upon arrival with either flats or heels and you are instantly ready to walk out the door. There is a high slit at one side that shows when you walk or sit. The neckline is cut into a V front and the sleeves come out from the sides of the dress and narrow down to each wrist. It is cut loose and easy through the body and then fall to the floor coming in slightly as it nears the hem. The Tice signature top stitched gold detailing makes it appearance on the shoulders of this one. This one differs from versions I've had in the past because the gold on the top of the shoulders is set in a pattern mixed with black rather than just being a solid panel of the gold. This adds an instant dose of high glamour and I love it. This is a very easy to wear dress that can go full on glam if needed. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear. A slit up one side. The easy fit and open waist should allow it to work on a variety of sizes. I have styled it with a ribbon for some shots. The ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included.
Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: no true defined seam as they are dropped
Bust: to 36" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 30" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Slit: 24" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4227
Reference Photo: Rachel Zoe, in Bill Tice, at the 2008 American Music Awards.
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 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites. This dress is absolutely gorgeous and has been in my archives for some time. It is just so striking.
This is one of my favourite Galanos pieces. The dress is cut to a supermodel length and it is beautiful. It is made of a light weight silk crepe that is the finest silk crepe that you could get. The dress is so very simple in cut. He favoured this particular cut and you often see it repeated in his work. The dress is cut in a long column that skims over the body to the floor. It is suspended from tow piper silk straps made from the same fabric as the dress. The bodice is scooped wide across the front and the back with the back dipping a little lower. On one side there is a high slit that shows almost the entire leg. The slit is 33 inches in height so when you walk your entire bare leg flashes. One thing I find exceptionally clever is that the edges of the dress are finished in a piping that matches the straps. The way the slit is made is that the piping on each side lays over each other. This allows you to open or close it to exactly where you need it with a few stitches. Leaving more open creates a sexy flash of skin when you walk to offset the more easy fit through the body. Finally is the pattern itself. The red is a bright true red that should work on host skins. Onto this is a huge oversize floral print in an off-white ivory color. The contrast between the two gives it this wildly tropical, fresh feel that is a joy to see. It is as simple a dress as can be but at the same time it's incredibly impactful when you see it and very beautiful. It also completely had finished and meticulously made. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear with a hook and eye above a keyhole on one side of the bust. A high slit runs up that same side. It looks to have it been worn or worn very little. The silk is cut on the has so has some give.
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from top of shoulder to hem with 2" turned under
Slit: 33" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4225
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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Adele Simpson launched her label in 1949 and remained at its helm until the early 1980s. She became known as 'America’s First Ladies’ Designer' after dressing 6 first ladies over the course of her long career. She was also one of the founders of both the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the Fashion Group International (FGI). She favored quality and longevity over trends and her pieces were well made ready-to-wear at prices that were attainable for the modern woman. She was once asked what fashion was to her and she replied that for her it was 'a fascination with the way people all over the world express their sense of beauty.' This is a beautiful example of her work during this point of her label.
This dress is just gorgeous. It is made out of a deep red brocade mixed with an ivory pattern that covers the entire dress. worked in through the design is a muted gold thread that gives the entire dress a touch of a metallic feel. I love the elaborate floral pattern that runs over the entire dress. With the metallic finish to them it really makes this pattern pop. The dress is cut to skim over the bust and the neckline is a simple scoop. From there the dress skims down over the waist and hips and the skirt flares out beautifully as it reaches the hem. This would be a beautiful dress just with this fabric alone but this one has the added detail of rhinestones, silver braiding and gold beads that elevate it even more. The silver braiding is laid out with the beads and rhinestones applied on top of it. It circles all the way around the neck and then runs in a double row down the front. From there it runs around the waist and is set slightly high to emphasize the empire cut feel that the dress has. More of the rhinestones and silver run around the end of each sleeve and then a panel runs up vertically to just below the elbow. This at an incredible amount of glamour to the dress and I love it. It is a stunning piece. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a red silky rayon and closes at the back with a zipper. The occasional rhinestone may have a slight darkening to it. It looks to have been worn very little.
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to detailing at waist
Skirt: 44" from detailing at waist to hem with 3" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4224
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
givenchy
Pristine Mid 2000s Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci White Cotton Gauze & Lace Dress w Matching Underdress
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This beauty is from the mid 2000s and I believe is was from one of the 2016 collections. For both the resort and spring collections he worked extensively with laces and created pieces similar to this one. This would be a piece that was produced for retail only as it was not shown on the runway. It has all of the feel of Tisci era with its use of stark white with a camisole feel and lace edging. He excelled in this body skimming feel without being extremely fitted. It is a spectacular dress and has never been worn so it is in pristine condition. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.
The first thing you notice about the dress is that almost weightless. It is made out of a feather light cotton guauze that gives it this light as air effect. It is cut in a long lean column that widens out as it nears the hem. The collar is edged in two beautiful panels of lace stacked on top of each other. The lace has been lightly gathered to create a slight ruffle effect as it circles your neck. The dress skims over your bust, waist and hips from there and the dress comes with its original inner white silk slip. The slip is short so that you get the feel of full transparency over the legs. Having the top layer of fabric have that touch of transparency also gives it a bit of depth while having the short slip underneath makes it wearable. On the bodice there are more lace panels that are set on an angular pattern that run down the front of the dress and then wrap around to the back. From there to the hem you have sections of horizontal pleats made out of the same fabric interspersed with more panels of lace. Each sleeve is finished off with yet another wide panel of the lace for the prettiest romantic finish. A high slit runs up the back for a flash of leg. It is an absolutely beautiful dress. It has never been worn and still has its original Givenchy hang tag. Excellent condition
The slip acts as the lining and it slips over the head to wear. The outer dress closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. Tagged a modern Givenchy 38. Original hang tag is still attached and it has never been worn
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Wait: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to waist
Slit: 27" from hem up
Slip
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33.5" from top of shoulder hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4221
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 not 100% perfect but it's still very wearable and its flaws are not as noticeable once on the body. This was a piece that was produced in limited quantities for retail and was not shown on the runway. I know the date because one of my followers on instagram bought the twin of this dress in December 2012 for her own wedding. The original retail on this dress was over $20,000. The dress is completely wearable and gorgeous. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.
The colour of the dress is a beautiful soft ivory. The base is a fine silk tulle netting that has panels of lace overlaid onto it and that run in horizontal rows down the length of the dress. The collar is set wide and is trimmed with two layers of silk chiffon. The upper bodice and sleeves are made from a netting that has little dots of embroidery mixed with beads. This same beaded technique is used on the double ruffled hem that circles the entire lower skirt. The other dress is meant to skim over you and widen out as it nears the ham. The back skirt falls slightly longer than the front and there's a bit of extra fabric at the back so you get the softer suggestion of a train. The body of the dress is completely covered with alternating layers of the lace mixed with tiny little rows of ivory iridescent sequins. These are all set horizontally and wrap around the entire dress. The top layer of the dress has a transparent quality to it and to make the dress wearable it is then lined in three layers of ivory silk chiffon. It is absolute beautiful. Overall excellent condition but please read the additional condition note below
It's flaw is an area of discolouration that runs down the side of the bodice on the right. If not for this discolouration the dress would have be rated as having been never worn. But I do want to be clear that it is there. I have taken both photos of it from all sides so you can see the extent of the discoloration and you can see those following the label shot. I did clean it and my cleaners said that if they were more aggressive they could probably get the discolouration out of the lace however the sequins themselves have been discolored. You could have those replaced. I think because of where it's placed you could also get clever with a sash and bow tacked into place on the side that would completely cover the discoloration. If not for this area the dress would appear to have never been worn. I have listed it for exactly what I paid for it excluding any of my cleaning costs and other costs I incur. Without the area of discolouration it would probably be double or more its price
Fully lined in three layers of silk chiffon. It has an inner corset that's zips to close and an outer hidden side zipper. Each cuff zips to close. The inner zipper is broken. It appears to have never been worn bit please read the additional description notes above. Tagged a modern Valentino 10. Sold as is and final sale.
Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem, 65" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4223
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
isabel marant
Spring 2017 Isabel Marant "Lavern" Printed One Shoulder Runway Dress w Ruffle Details
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This was one of the best dresses from the Spring 2017 collection. It instantly sold out and was photoed on everyone lucky enough to get their hands on one. Its twin walked the runway and Ellie Goulding wore hers to Cannes. “Everyday femininity” was the main inspiration behind the collection and Vogue noted that the usual pant loving Marant; "..admitted that she’d been feeling the idea of dresses more than usual, and the best of the lot were as romantic and flirty as the designer gets: replete with ruffles, covered in Liberty London-style floral prints, and finished with the billowing statement sleeves we’ve seen all over the runways for Spring." This was Look 29 on the runway and one of the best of those dresses.
The dress is in mint condition and was never worn. It still has that crisp, just off the rack feel. It is the perfect easy little summer dress and still feels relevant and fresh. It is made out of a crisp cotton mix covered with a fabulous print that has a strong pops of blue running through it. I love the crispness of the fabric. It is what allows the dress to hold it shape once on. The dress is cut to skim over the bodice and dips down on one side to leave your shoulder and arm completely bare. On the other side there is a dramatic ruffle that starts at the neckline, circles around the shoulder and then trails all the way to the hem at the back. The waist is seamed and the skirt has the illusion of being wrapped in place around you. I love how the hem curves up on the side to play into that wrapped feel. The bottom of the hem is finished with a 6 inch ruffle and this lets it flare out and away from you. The dress comes with a matching tie belt so you can cinch in the waist and I've seen this dress worn with a variety of other belts that really change up the look of the dress. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a modern 40. It was never worn and is new without tags
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4215
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2017 Isabel Marant Runway, Look 29. Model: Yasmin Wijnaldum. / (4-5) Ellie Goulding at Cannes Lions Entertainment in France, June 2017. / (6) Spring 2017 Isabel Marant Matches Fashion Lookbook.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
leonard paris
Fantastic 1970s Leonard Turquoise & Tan Fashion Silk Jersey Dress w Matching Tie Belt
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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 really good. It combines a soft turquoise with a black, white and two tones of brown. These make up a gorgeous geometric print that runs over the sleeves and across the shoulders, trails down the bodice and then runs heavily around the hem and up and into the skirt. That pop of turquoise against the other colours is remarkable. The dress is meant to skim over you and widens out a bit as it reaches the hem. I love the sleeve and how they each flare out at the cuff. They are a full 16.5" around at their ends. The bodice dips into a V at the front with a contrasting border for detail. That same border is used at the end of each sleeve. This also comes with a matching belt that is wide and made of the same fabric. This gives you the option of wearing the dress simple and without the belt or use the belt to give it shape. Having the belt made from that same print as the rest of the dress lets it become a design element in itself. It is a real little beauty. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Unlined and closes with a back, hand set metal and nylon zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch. Has its original matching belt. I see the barest bit of a mark under one arm near the seam
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4214
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
vicky tiel
Gorgoeus Early 1980s Vicky Tiel Ivory Silk Pouf Shoulder Button Top & Pleated Skirt Set
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Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how gorgeous and dramatic her work could get.
This is a spectacular two piece set in a ivory silk. It is an early example of Vicky Tiel's talent and ability to work and tailor a pieces while working with very fine fabrics. I love the versatility of having the two pieces. It means that you can mix and match them with existing pieces. The colour of the set lends itself to be a great piece for a potential court or more casual wedding or any other great event. Both pieces very light in weight and the silk is very fine. The skirt is a masterpiece. It is banded at the waist and then there are two tiers of fabric under that. The top tier is completely and meticulously pleated with tiny precise knife pleats. At just about the knee the second panel creates a more ruffled feel to the hem. The pleats on the bottom tier open out as they near the hem. The skirt has a lot of fabric and can be worn with or without a crinoline. I have photoed it both ways so you can see the fullness you can achieve. The jacket has a strong nod to the Victorian era with those amazing puffed shoulders. Each shoulder is very full at the top and then narrows down to the wrist. The waist is nipped in and below that is a feminine little hip peplum. The collar is neat and rounded and it closes with a series of silk covered buttons down the front. It is just a gorgeous little set. Excellent condition with a small note below.
Both pieces are unlined. The jacket closes with silk covered buttons down the front and the skirt closes with a side zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist. Light padding in each shoulder. Hand finished throughout. I see one mark on the skirt and a very tiny one on the top. Please see the two photos after the label shot. It is slightly creamier in colour in person.
Top
Neck: 16" around
Shoulders: 15" across
Sleeves: 25" long
Bust: to 18" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 13" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 21" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side to side
Hips: open
Length: 29" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4211
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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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 prints that combined nature had elements of her homeland. When I find pieces like this one with such a stunningly beautify example of that I am very happy. I feel that pieces like this are among the very best representations of her work. This one in its pretty and romantic colour palette is even more so.
This is everything you look for in a piece by Hanae Mori. It has one of her custom designed prints screened onto feather light silk that is that has that soft finish to it that the very best silks have. Think the finest silk scarf you could have in terms of weight and feel. It is also a fabric that takes colour exceptionally well. The entire dress has been printed with that gorgeous flower design and I love the dreamy colour combination of the deep rich blue with pinks and lighter blues. The neckline is set high at the front and closes with buttons at the back. The silk has been gathered across the top of the shoulder for pretty detail. From the neckline it cascades and skims loosely over the body, gently widening out until it reaches the hem. The dress is cut to simply float over the body. It has a slit on one side at the hem and this adds to the movement it has once on the body. Inside the corners at the base of that slit, are hidden weights inside the hem and then more on the opposite side so that the dress falls perfectly. It is incredibly loose and easy on the body and there are even pockets on each hip. I have added a pretty pink ribbon to some of the photos so you can see how you can add shape and completely change the look of the dress by adding something at the waist. The sleeves are fantastic. Each is an incredibly full balloon sleeve that poufs about the cuff. The movement and drama this creates is extraordinary. This is a dress that you slip on and feel completely comfortable when wearing it and yet it has as much drama and impact as you could ask for. It is a stunning example of her work and beautifully made. I love it. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear with three silk covered buttons above a keyhole at the back of the neck. Each cuff closes is the hidden silk covered snap. The ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included. Hand finished throughout with hand finished inner seams. Tagged a vintage 12 and the loose and easy bias cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. It will just drape more on a smaller frame and be more fitted on a larger
Sleeves: 27" but meant to come up once on
Soft shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 29" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4210
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 stunning dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. His use of print and colour is just outstanding.
This Lanvin dress is gorgeous. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a gorgeous graphic colour and print combination that effortlessly combines a stark black and white with colour. The fabric is a light weight cotton voile that holds colour exceptionally well so the colors are still crisp, bright and true. I love when I find great examples of this label from this time period. The dress has long sleeves and what I did not show in these photos is that the bottom two and half inches are lined in the graphic black and white print inside. Which means that you could actually flip them up for a shorter sleeve look and to get that contrast there as a cuf. It zips down the back and I think it’s amazing how the pattern at the back and on all the other seams have been matched. The waist is seamed and I have added a pretty black ribbon that I will send with the dress to cinch it in a bit. You could also add a thin or wide belt to get different looks and by changing the colour of the belt it would change what colour is picked up from the print. From the waist the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. It is gathered in around the waist and that extra fabric that results in the skirt softens the print. The pattern that runs over the entire dress is spectacular and it is an instantly recognizable piece of his work. Excellent condition with a note below
The bodice and sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a black silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. The ribbon at the waist is not original but will be included. There are some small areas of thinning on the fabric. Please see the photos after the label shot. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all and they are stable
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4209
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 the easiest dress to wear and it was never worn so it is in perfect condition. It is the perfect little dress that translate seasons and will work all year round. Its classic lines keep it feeling relevant and fresh. It is made out of a soft black fabric that drapes beautifully. It is both top stitched and has a open chain stitch technique to piece the various parts of the pattern together. When you wear it you actually get little glimpses of skin through the chain stitches. The cut is loose and easy. It skims over the bodice and the waist and then the skirt flares it from there. I love how the sleeves are short and capped and the soft detail on the shoulders. So sweet. Excellent condition.
The bodice is unlined and the skirt has a chiffon inner skirt. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The shoulders have light padding. Tagged a modern 42. The easy cut should fit a range of sizes
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 35" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4206
Reference Photos: Fall 2015 Isabel Marant Runway, Looks 16 & 33.
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 amazing little dress is from the days when founder Consuelo Castiglioni was the head of the company and acting Creative Director. The brand launched in 1994 and quickly became known for their innovative prints and the way she mixed and matched colors and draped fabrics. This is classic Marni from this time period. It is a beautiful little dress
This dress is one of her very easy to wear loose and open draped pieces. It is just genius. It has sleeves that run just above the elbow and the cut through the bodice is loose and full but gathered all up and to the one side. The neckline is a simple off set scoop then at the back it scoops a bit as well. There are long attached ties on either side of the neck and I have wrapped them around like a choker. When it's on the body you can also tie them looser so you can wear this dress off the shoulder as an option. Under the V at the front the fabric has been gathered in and up. The dress falls in a loose draped shape around and below that. The waist is seamed but it's very open and the skirt has an easy cut as well. It has such a quirky shape that you can totally wear and style this a few different ways. You can also add a belt to give it more shape and an entirely different look. The fabric is a deep blue that's almost a black and is very light in weight. It is a great example of her work during this time period. Plus it has pockets. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear with a hidden set side zipper. Pockets hidden along the hip seams. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a 42. The loose and easy cut should fit a range of sizes. It will drape more on a smaller frame and be more fitted on a larger
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 26" 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: 39.5" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4208
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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This gorgeous little dress is by the Italian designer Alberto Fabiani. His work is held in Museums around the world including The Met and they have a nice little summary of him that I will share here; 'Alberto Fabiani was a well-received Italian designer, rising to fame in the 1950s. He was known for his classic designs and flattering silhouettes. Interestingly, he married one of his contemporaries, Simonneta Visconti, previously Duchessa Simonetta Colona di Cesaro. Their design ideas were quite diverse, each fulfilling the needs of a different clientele." The dress is beautifully made and a fabulous example of Italian design during this time.
The dress is stunning. It is made from that really high end fine wool that you mostly see from this time period and just before. This fabric has a rich weight to it but still feels completely comfortable to wear when it's on the body. The shape is a study in simplicity. It has no collar and curves around the neck. It is notched into a V at the front and this allows some skin to show. At and around the base of the plunge is where that elaborate design sits. The design follows down the center of the dress all the way to about the waist or just past it. It is made from hand applied braided silk cord with a wired silk cord beside that and laid out into an intricate design. Interspersed among the cording are tiny seed beads, larger faceted beads and black crystals to catch the light. The dress is cut with soft shoulders and meant to skim over the bust, waist and hips. The shape is created by vertical panels set on these beautiful curves at the sides. As it nears the hem it's flares out for that perfect sixties shape. The fabric is turned under at the hem to give both some allowance to be let down if needed and to also act as a slight added weight to keep the shape. Each sleeve follows that same basic shape where they fall from the shoulder and widen out as they near their ends. The ends are shaped into this little curve that comes up on the outside of the arm for a pretty little detail. Each sleeve has its own elaborate medallion that pays off the one on the chest. The majority of the work appears to be done by hand and it is a beautiful little dress. Excellent condition with a small note below.
Fully lined in a hand set black silk except for the sleeves. Some small repairs and minor shattering to the interior lining. Hand finished throughout and closes with a fine back metal zipper.
Sleeves: 20" and 12.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4201
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 Capriccio label was founded in 1987 and they quickly grew in popularity. During the late 1980s and early 1990s they were the brand to wear and they were known for their historically based designs with the added volume and excess of the eighties. Some of the Capriccio stores had an in-store area where you could get custom pieces in silks and based on the rest of the pieces from the estate I have been working through lately this may be one of those. It is incredible and it would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. It is just so spectacular.
This is actually a set and I love that about it because it makes it that much more versatile. You can wear it together for the full on effect or mix and match either with simpler pieces from your wardrobe for an entirely different feel. I also think there is the possibility that the top could be worn as an ultra-mini depending on how it sits on you. Both pieces are made out of a tea stain feeling coloured silk organza. This fabric choice helps to keep the volume and shape that you see. It also keeps both pieces extremely light in weight. The top is spectacular. It is cut so that it skims down and past the hips and has a back and front draped panel at the center that extends down over the skirt. It is shaped through the waist by the way that the fabric is formed and gathered into the middle. Pin tuck detailing runs from the collar to that panel on both the front and back. Elaborate floral appliqué work adorns the entire front and details part of the back. The collar is high and the top is cut to skim over the bust. The sleeves pouf out dramatically and are caught up with a little clusters of lace appliqué and beadwork. This gives them that extreme full volume feel but they still have a sense of shape and detail. The lower portion of the sleeves are gathered all along the lower arm to the wrist. Each is then finished with appliqué work all the way down. The skirt below that has incredible volume and fullness. It is cut to be more fitted over the top of the hips and then opens out to that incredible volume that you see. When laid out flat the lower portion under the hips is a full circle skirt. Depending on your height it will be full length or fall to just about the ankle. The amount of detailing on this piece is fantastic. This may not be a piece for everyone but on the right person this is going to be unbelievably spectacular. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
The top is made from a double layer of the organza and the skirt has an inner cream silky rayon lining. The top slips over the head to wear with pearl buttons at the back of the neck and on each cuff. The skirt closes with a zipper and flat hook and eye at the waist. Rolled padding on the very edge of the inner shoulder to help support the volume. The top is tagged a size small and the skirt a medium. You could get a little more room on the neck by moving the buttons probably up to 1/2-3/4" depending on where you place them.
Top
Sleeves: 23"
Slightly extended shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to longest point at the front and approx 28" to the sides.
Neck: 15" around
Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4198
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This is a stunning and rare dress designed by Coty Award winning, Haitian born designer, Fabrice Simon. His clothes were worn by some of entertainments most famous names - Kathleen Turner, Natalie Cole, Ivana Trump and Whitney Houston, who wire one of his dresses o the 1988 Grammy's. The top supermodels of the time like Iman, Beverly Johnson, Christy Brinkley and Jerry Hall were all fans. Fabrice is a designer that is not as well-known but should be. He was one of the preeminent black designers during this time period and pieces by him are hard to find. This dress is gorgeous and typical of his flashy glitzy style.
Fabrice was known for his handmade dresses and he excelled at evening pieces. At the time his work sold for $2000-3000 dollar - the equivalent of about $7500 today. This is a gorgeous example of his work. The dress is made out of a black silk chiffon that is densely covered with one of his own self drawn designs. The pattern is made from a combination of silver and clear tube beads, faux pearls and little silver ball beads. This is all then combined with curved lines of silver sequins worked into and round the design. These cover the entire dress and I love how the pattern is laid out to highlight the edges and design. The top is made to skim over you with soft shoulders and no collar. The neckline has hidden hooks and this allows you to wear it more closed for modesty or you can choose to wear it open and plunged completely to the waist. The waist is elastic and the dress comes with its original matching about that is completely covered in silver tube beads. This adds a striking pop of glitter around the waist and gives you shape. The skirt skimmed over the hip and falls into layers. Each layer ends in a jagged pointed design and the beads and faux pearls follow that design. The sleeves are the perfect finish with their fabulous balloon finish. This is a rare dress by one of the few black American designers from this time period. I love it. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk chiffon except for the sleeves. It slips on to wear with elastic through the waist. Each cuff hooks to close. It comes with its original matching belt that hooks to close. Tagged a vintage
Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from top of bodice to waist but meant to blouse over a bit
Skirt: 33" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4195
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
mary mcfadden
Runway Fall 1988 Mary McFadden Couture Red Pleated Dress w Gold Edged Ruffle Detailing
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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 from her higher end couture line that had a more limited production and sold at higher end shops. We also found a runway photo of it so that you can see just how specatular it is on.
This dress is made from McFadden's fabric in her signature pleating technique and is the twin of the dress that walked the runway that season. 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 true red that is flattering on most skin tones. The lightness of the fabric lets the dress fall over you beautifully and skims over your body underneath to be very flattering. The neckline is scooped and set slightly wider across the shoulders. The sleeves are long and the pleating allows then to adjust to fit your arm. The bodice is cut to skim over you from the shoulder to the hip with one of her signature curving panel wrapping over the front and the back back waist to shoulder. It is made to give the illusion that the dress is wrapped around you. The skirt underneath falls to the floor in a column of pleat work. A longer skirt like this is not always seen in her later work. She preferred to design pieces that ended well above the ankle so you could see the shoe underneath so the longer pieces are a bit rarer and harder to find. The detailing on the one side of the waist is spectacular. There is a fanned ruffle of pleat work edged in gold that runs down either side of the hidden set side zipper there. Then on the front hip are two rolled flower like additions that are also made of the red pleats and edged with gold. These sit at the base of the front curved panel and add a stunning 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. Hand finishes. 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. Padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage 10
Sleeves: 24.5" and the upper arm will expand to 22" around if needed and fit any size smaller then that
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4186
Reference Photo: Fall 1988 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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In 1981 Haslton was still in full control of his brand. He had not yet signed the international licensing agreements that would be the beginning of his downfall in 1983. At this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable. This jacket is spectacular. This is the matching sequin design to a dress a sold a couple of months ago and its as good ojn a jacket form as a dress.
Halston's beaded and sequin pieces were being made in India during this time period. Halston personally chose the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his collection and then sent them to India where they were beaded and sequinned to his specific instructions and assembled. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. This jacket is gorgeous and easy to wear. It slips on to wear and has a hook and eye at the neck. Under that it is open to the hem. The collar is high and neat and there is no padding in the shoulders. It is meant to sit soft on the body. The sleeves are long and straight cut. It is straight cut through the body as well with a slight flare as it nears the hem. All of the bead and sequin work on it is completely done by hand. Silver tube beads, silver beads and silver sequins are tightly spaced and have been hand applied onto the black silk chiffon. I love the boldness of the silver and how the entire jacket glitters and sparkles in the light from every angle. The silk chiffon under the sequins and beads has the slightest touch of transparently to it. It is very flattering on the body and easy to wear. It is pure glamour. Great overall condition with some notes to review below.
Unlined and Close is a hook and eye at the neck. The bead and sequin work is completely hand done. I do see some areas where beads are missing and some loose beads and threads here and there. With the black underneath they almost feel deliberate and I don't think would be an issue once one. Please see the photos after the label shot. Tagged a size 4
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from top of bodice to waist
Neck: 13.5" around
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# S981
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
attico
Gorgeous Spring 2018 Attico Bellisima Collection Look 5 Silk Chiffon Tropical Sunset Coloured Dress
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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 2018 collection entitled 'Bellissima'. Co-founder Giorgia Tordini said that it was loosely inspired by Luchino Visconti’s filmic feminine vision and that the collection was supposed to be 'romantic and dramatic.' As with most of their collections, especially the early ones, it is very vintage inspired and you can see the 1940s inspiration with this dress. This may have been the prettiest one of the collection and it is the twin of the runway presentation dress. It is also new with tags.
This dress is just phenomenally pretty. It is made out of a light semi-sheer silk chiffon that has a touch of texture to it. All of the seam edges are raw. This leaves a deliberate fraying that runs along all of the seams that act as detailing on the upper part of the dress. It dips into a deep V at the front and the sleeves are capped and poufed. The dress is cut to skim over you and has curved seams and ruched gatherings reminiscent of the way that pieces where made in the 1930s and 1940s. Under that the skirt flares out and there's quite a bit of fabric in it that will billow out around you when you move. A panel runs down the center of the skirt and it is purposefully set so it's a little bit longer and has a very vintage feel to it. The dress closes down the side with a series of hidden set buttons. Another nod to the 1930s and 40s in feel. What is definitely not something from an earlier time period is the color. It has been dyed in a dramatic tropical sunset feel. It begins with a yellow at the top and then softens to coral tones in the middle and then slowly changes to pinks. The very bottom of the skirt is a bright in vivid pink and it is stunningly gorgeous. It is meant to be semi transparent and you can either go with something nude underneath to be full on daring or add a slip in almost any colour to give it different looks. The dress has all its original tags attached and was never worn. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with hidden set buttons at the side. Tagged a modern 40. New will tags and never worn. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4176
Reference Photo: Spring 2018 Attico Collection, Look 5.
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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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 prints and when I find pieces with one of her bird prints on it I am very happy. I feel that pieces like this are among the very best representations of her work.
This is an easy to wear and fun little piece of her work. I have had it in green a couple of times before and I loved finding this wonderful and happy feeling pink example. The dress is easy-to-wear and can go from day to evening with a quick change of accessories and shoes. It is utterly gorgeous and has all the hallmarks of the best of what Hanae Mori could do. It is made out of a soft polished cotton feeling fabric that is super comfortable once on the body. The colors are vibrant and bright. The backdrop colour is a soft pink that has abstract circles of a deeper pink over it. Onto that pretty backdrop is a large bird design that has them flying over the surface. These bold and beautiful birds fly across the dress in an array of bright pinks, blues and purple. They have been captured mid-flight and seem about to fly off the pink backdrop. The waist is banded and you can wear it loose and easy or you can add something to cinch it in. I've added a pink grosgrain ribbon for some of the shots that I put just above that seam so you can see how easy it is to add shape. The neckline is cut onto a V and the bodice is full and easy. The skirt widens out as it nears the hem. Hidden front pockets lie along the front seaming detail that runs down the skirt. The sleeves are gorgeous. They are wide and set on a curve for a slight caped feel over the shoulders. It is a very pretty little dress. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear. The grosgrain ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included. The waist has to be able to go past your shoulders or your hips to get the dress on
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: no true defined side seams
Waist: to 17.5" 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# DD4175
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
Gorgeous 1990s Yves Saint Laurent Black Cotton Wrap Dress w White Faceted Square Buttons
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This a great little black dress by Yves Saint Laurent. I love that to wear it you just slip your arms through the straps and the it just wraps around you and buttons in place to close. This wraps it around your curves in the most fantastic way. The fabric is a black cotton that is heavy enough to give the dress some structure. At the front the wrap creates a deep V and the top payer creates a curve of fabric that runs past the nipped in waist and over to the side of the hip. The straps are wide and gathered into where they attach to the top. The curve over each shoulder and dip down the back to meet in the middle. This leaves most of your upper back exposed and bare. The skirt chic pencil silhouette.. I love the bold square cut white buttons with their faceted finish at their tops. These are what keep the dress in place and act as an anchor to the straps at the front end at the back. On the side opposite to where it buttons there is a slash pockets on the one hip. This not only adds an easy feel to the dress when you are wearing it but also adds to the illusion of more shape and balances the curve created by the buttons on the other side. This slight flare at the top help give the hips a bit of an hourglass feel. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body. It is wonderful. Excellent condition
The skirt is lined in a black silk and the bodice is unlined. It wraps and closes with buttons and hidden snaps and flat hooks along the inner waist. A pocket on one hip. Tagged a YSL 38. You could potentially move the buttons and snaps to get up to half an inch to an inch up or down from the listed measurements.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist at inner waist stay: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4172
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 April 1999 Gemma Kahng gace an interview were she said 'The inspiration for each of my collections comes from my desire to create clothing that is sexy, witty, glamorous, comfortable, and most importantly, practical... Each of my collections begins with high-quality fabrics, an important tool for good design. Mostly I choose wools, silks, cottons, and linens that are luxurious yet basic, so that my design aesthetic becomes more prominent than the fabric itself. The details of clothing from the historical past are a good influence for my ideas. I am fascinated by the cultures of different time periods, especially the Victorian era, and find it challenging to combine them with the look of today.' Barbara Phillips of the Wall Street Journal onve wrote that 'her (Gemma's) work is to render a classic idea slightly askew or fresh with a theme of whimsy' and that 'it is all just right but for that one eccentricity or detail that seems gloriously juvenile or marvelously anomalous in the template of a traditional garment.' I feel this perfectly sums up the concept behind this dress. It's very simple little black dress but the details on it give it that exaggerated sense of whimsy and bit of sexiness. It's a fantastic dress and is far better in person than how the photos came out.
This is an incredible dress. It is very short, very bare, and yet somehow manages to seem very girly, chic and yet eccentric, all at the same time. The dress has almost a Chanel feel to it with when you first glance at it. It is suspended from the shoulders with wide black silk satin straps that extend out from the top of the bodice and curve down to the back where they meet in the center, leaving most of the back exposed and bare. The neckline is cut straight across at the front and then dips down and around under the arms. It is edged with a border of that same silk satin ribbon as the straps. It's cut to skim over the bust, come in for the waist and then skims over the hips. At the hem it flares out in a bit for the suggestion a ruffled like finish that has more movement and shape than how you see in the photos. The shape is made by panels of fabric that have been pieced together vertically around the entire dress. It is just fantastic in person. At the back the waist line curves down to the low back and this really emphasize that ruffle finish at the bottom. The front is embellished with four black grosgrain bows that have a large gold floral topped black button at their centers. Two sit at the base of the straps where they connect into the neckline and then two adorn the top of little slash pockets that sit at the front of each hip. The pockets actually are functional and each has a little hidden snap to help support the weight of the bow. The perfect finishing touch is the large black bow at the back that sits at the base of where the straps. This gives the dress this fantastic and extravagant detail as you walked away. I love it. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a offset hidden zipper at the back hidden under the bow. The straps button to close inside at the back. There are two buttonholes on each strap so you can adjust its length if needed. Tagged a vintage 8. The gold on the buttons show a tiny bit of patina. The fabric little bit of stretch.
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4174
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
oscar de la renta
Prettiest Early 1970s Oscar de la Renta Floral Printed Halter Dress w Crossed Strap Open Back
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The Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967 which makes this one from one of the very earliest collection for this line. His boutique label is important as is marked the first ready-to-wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces have lots of hand finishes and are just stunning example of his work during these early days of his career. I suspect that this dress is from either Spring 1970 or Spring 1972. Both those two spring collections used fabric similar to the one on this dress and had similar cut pieces.
The dress is made out of an easy to wear and travel with printed cotton mix. This fabric choice makes the dress so easy to wear and comfortable. It is travel friendly too. You can literally pull it out of a suitcase and pop it on and go. The colours hold true on this type of fabric too so they feel as crisp and true as they would have been when it was produced. I love the brightness of the print that covers the entire dress. It is a pretty pop of bright turquoise with pinks and that as nearest them in poles and dozens of other colours into the mix of the print. The dress is cut into a chic halter at the front. It heavy at the neck and then wraps around with a neat little collar to the back. Straps extend down from the shoulder and crisscross at the back leaving the rest of the upper back bare for a bit of skin to show. It actually closes down the front and the hooks are hidden behind that bit of a panel that runs in between the piping at the front. The waist is cinched and the dress comes with a wide piped edge belt in a matching fabric. You can dress without the belt or use it to cinch the waist in further. The skirt falls to the floor from there and widens out as it nears the floor. I love how the hem is also finished with that same turquoise piping as the other edges of the dress. The skirt has a pretty amount of fullness in it to give it a bright and happy feel. It is a gorgeous dress. Excellent condition with one tiny note below
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with hook & eye at the front and a low painted metal zipper under the waist band. The belt was missing the hooks to close it so snaps have been added at some point for it to be able to work. You could adjust those for the perfect fit for you or add more.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4170
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
bill blass
Chic 1970s Bill Blass One Shoulder Cut Out Little Black Light Weight Silk Dress w Silk Sash Tie
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have a way of flattering the wearer. He knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is a very chic little example of his work from this time period.
The dress is made out of a scarf weight black silk that weighs ounces. It is so simple in it's cut but is so chic and elegant once it is on the body. It is a one shoulder design and the silk is cut to curve up and over that shoulder. The strap there is slit into two halves. This leaves an open angled cut out that runs down the front for a bit of bare skin to show. At the back it does the same thing but there that plunge runs down far deeper then the front one and it wraps almost around your entire back to the other side. It is cut to skim over your bust and the waist is seamed. It comes with its original wider sash that ties neatly around the waist and lets you cinch it in as much as you want. The skirt falls under that in a neat little pencil that just slightly flares out as it reaches the hem. It is a beauty. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Has it original matching silk tie belt. One pocket on the side opposite the zipper
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" 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: XS-SML
Item# DD4166
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 Fall 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Deep Runway Blue Velvet Jumpsuit w Slouchy Front Pockets
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This 1980s Yves Saint Laurent jumpsuit is fantastic. It has that cool easy feel that pieces from that decade had. This particular jumpsuit had such great lines that I could not resist picking it up. There was just something so young and fresh about this jumpsuit. It is done a deep royal blue flat pile cotton velvet that to hold its shape once it's on the body. Its lines make you think that it borrows from the 'flight suit' in feel. The fabric is just heavy enough to hold the shape but it's just really easy and comfortable to wear. The bodice is cut to be loose and easy. It skims over you with some volume to the seamed waist. Even though the waist does have a seam it is also cut more on the loose and easy side. If you wanted to add shape you could easily add a wide belt and really cinch it in. The sleeves are long and full above the cuffs. Each is meant to button at the cuffs however it is missing the buttons. That's part of the reason it's priced what it is priced at. A super easy fix and you can customize them to what you want this way. You can wear the sleeves with the cuffs closed, you can push them up do you have them sit above the elbow or roll them for a jauntier look. The bodice zips to close down the front and this lets you make the plunge as low as you want. The pants start out fuller around the hips and stay more on the wider side as they reach the ankle. You could roll these to get a totally different feel. I love the slouchy slanted pockets on each hip. Two more sit on each side of the bodice. It is a super fun piece and looks like it was never worn or worn very little. Excellent condition with one note below.
The bodice is fully lined in a blue silk and the rest of the jumpsuit is unlined. It closed with zipper at the front. Meant to button at each cuff but the buttons are missing. Tagged a size 40. Meant to be fuller on and more oversized.
Sleeves: 23.4"
Dropped shoulders: 18"
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from neck to hem
From neck to inner seam on pants: 31.5"
Inseam: 28.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4163
Reference Photo: Fall 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Collection.
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 remarkable example of Courreges and the work that Andre was doing during this time period. I know we often associate his work with very mod and short pieces but he also did these fantastic pant sets and he did them so very well. I am sometimes more excited to find these more unusual pieces from him then the more classic ones associated with his name. I have had versions of these in the past and I just love whenever a set comes into the shop. This one is a little extra special because it is a numbered set.
Andre Courreges pushed the envelope when it came to design and even amongst the many pieces of Courreges I have seen this is a stand out. The design and use of zippers and seaming to create interest on this set is fantastic. Both pieces are made from a deep blue cotton velvet with a flat pile. This helps the pieces to hold their shape while still feeling great on. The color is stunning. It is a deep dark blue that is super flattering on most skin tones. The pants are fantastic. They have a smooth flat front with a zipper closure. They skim over the hips and then the legs are wide and full. They are fabulously made and fully lined. I love the jacket. It has that perfect seventies vibe to it with his signature chunky silver zipper and silver toned metal buttons. A tie runs through the waist so you can cinch it in to add shape or leave it loose and wear it more boxy. The way it closes is so unusual. The zipper is set at the top part of the bust and then it snaps to close under that to the hem. Having the two pieces gives you have that extra versatility of being able to break the set up and wear them separately or together. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.
Both pieces are fully lined in a blue silk. The pants close with a front zipper and snap & hooks at the waist. The jacket zipper and snaps to close with a drawstring waist. Both pieces are tagged a Courreges 00 and are numbered
Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to hem
Pant
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41.4" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under
Inseam: 31"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4165
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.