I have had one of these dresses in the shop before and it is one of my favorites. It's twin walked the runway that season and then the dress was photoed by David Seidner before it was released to the public to purchase. It is a beautiful example of Yves work during this time period and one of my favorite dresses by him. I myself own one and I love it. It is extraordinarily beautiful.

The first thing you will notice about the dress is that it is as light as air. It is made from a feather light silk voile that has enough crispness to it to hold the shape but that adds as little weight as possible. The dress is strapless and the bodice is gathered into soft draping pleats that are gathered in and held in place down the seam on both sides. There is no shaping or boning inside. It simple drapes over your body and your coverage is provided by two layers of the fabric and the opaqueness caused by that double layer of silk combined with the draping. The gathers run from the top of the bodice to just below the hip. The seam that ends at the hip is cut on a slight downward angle so that the visual line it creates adds length. The skirt falls under that to the floor and it is also made from a double layer of the same fabric. The two layers of the skirt float over each other and will move with your slightest movement. Attached all the way around that seam at the hip is a wide sash of fabric. It extends out into extra long ties at one side. This is how you create that fabulous big soft bow at the side. This adds so much detail and volume and I love it. The print that runs over the entire dress is the perfect final finish. It combines a pretty purple with a muted green and an off-white. The fabric has a touch of transparency to it and with the double layer of the silk the pattern floats over itself and there is a depth created by the effect of the two patterns layered over each other that is fantastic. One of my favorite pieces ever. It is even better in person. Excellent condition

The second inner layer of the same fabric acts as the lining. It closes with a side set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3960

Reference Photo: (1-3) S/S 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Collection. Model: Anna Bayle.  /  (4) Yves Saint Laurent 1983, David Seidner Archives.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This 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 hugel​y ​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. This dress is from the early part of the 1970s and it is incredible. The Lanvin label is numbered and it is made to demi-couture standards. I love it.

This dress is incredibly beautiful in person. The camera really cannot do it justice. It is made from a fine blue silk tulle that has a floral pattern embroidered over its surface in the same blue. The entire dress is lined in a purple silk and this gives it this very unusual colour that lies somewhere between a deep blue and purple. A metallic gold thread was then embroidered over parts of the floral design. Around the entire lower skirt is a dense application of the gold with two wide panels completely covered in a open chain link design. These circle around the entire hem and lower skirt with more of the floral netting in between. The result is fantastic and I think in person the effect is far stronger then how it photoed. I love how the gold catches the light from every angle. The bodice skims over you and the sleeves are long. Each sleeve has a subtle poufed effect above its elastic cuff that would show more once on an actual body. The waist is seamed but cut more loose and easy. If you wanted a more defined shape you could easily add a ribbon or a belt. The skirt falls to the floor from there and widens out as it nears the hem.  Besides adding beautiful detail those added panels of gold at the hem also help to give just a touch of weight and help the skirt hold its volume and shape. It is very light in weight and just stunning. Far better person then the camera is doing it justice. The fabric has so much texture and the metallic bits pick up the light perfectly. Gorgeous. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a purple silk chiffon through the top and a purple silk through the skirt. It closes with a back hand set zipper and there is elastic in each cuff. Hand finishes and hand finished inner seams mixed with machine work. The label is numbered. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut of the lining and the net give it a little give so I have put the comfortable range of measurements where it will give a bit.

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3925

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 Gibb was one of the most influential designers in 1970s Britain and his clothes were worn by the rich, the famous and the beautiful. Much of his work verged on couture and he was unrelenting in striving for perfection. His work has a high fantasy element to it. Every piece I bring into the shop is very special and the range he had was incredible. I recently had a deep brown version of this dress in the shop only a couple of weeks ago and I'm very pleased to have another one so soon. This dress is also a little extra special because its twin in ivory was part of the 'Great Names in Fashion' exhibit at the Fashion Museum Bath.

The body of the dress is made of a fluid black jersey fabric that is light in weight and drapes amazingly on the body. It cascades and flows to the floor from the densely beaded panel that sits across the upper bust. A second matching panel is also set at the back. Both panels have been completely hand covered with a design that is made out of hundreds of ivory and gold glass tube beads. Along the one side of the front panel there is a row of hand carved mother or pearl buttons that runs from the top of the shoulder to just past the waist. The buttons are functional and hold a decorative overlay in place that tops the inner dress. This overlay loops under the opposite arm and wraps around you to the back where it attaches to the panel there. The overly adds this incredible draped Grecian feel to the dress and it also gives it added movement when you move. The dress underneath is a long sheath that falls from the shoulders and widens out slightly as it nears the hem. The sleeves are long and each one ends with more of the MOP buttons. The entire dress is detailed with these strips of tiny little raised beads on a silver strip. These follow all of the edges of the dress and he even use them for all of the long interior seams of the inner dress even though you don't easily see them. I just love that he did that and it just shows you the attention that was paid to dresses during this time period as opposed to modern pieces where they probably wouldn't have bothered to put extra detailing where no one would ever see it. The strips add a touch of weight and help the dress to fall perfectly around you and they also catch the light for added glamour. During this time period these jerseys would have been cutting edge fabrics and an unusual choice for a designer to use and considered very avant garde. It is stunning and a beautiful example of Bill Gibb's work and its never a bad thing when it is a proven museum worthy piece. Excellent condition with a tiny note below

The dress is unlined and slips over the head top wear. The attached panel buttons into place over the interior dress. Each cuff has loop and buttons to close. It appears have been worn very little if at all. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. I have given the comfortable range of measurements while laying flat. On a smaller frame it will just drape more. The striped applique at the top of one shoulder has a couple of beads missing on one part. Please see the photo after the label shot

Sleeves: 21.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15"
Bust: 15-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4232

Reference Photos: Bill Gibb Dress on display at the "Great Names of Fashion Display" Exhibit at Fashion Museum Bath.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I 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.

Vogue praised the intricate and meticulous details put into the pieces of this collection. The collection was inspired by a mix of Marie Antoinette, Tim Burton films, Sleepy Hollow in particular, and he even had Burton design the lighting for the show. There was a bit of schoolgirl fetish in the mix and the Supercalifragilistic-Expialidocious title of the show was of course taken from Mary Poppins. I have included a snapshot from one of the Mcqueen books that talks more of the various inspirations that were behind this spectacular collection. On the clothes themselves Vogue noted the 'Milkmaid necklines—far from innocent-were pushed up by leather bodices that curved down into the tightest pencil skirts, and finished off with thigh-high leather boots. McQueen moved from that Helmut Newton-esque fantasy to another—bad schoolgirls, who mixed lingerie and silver lamé ties and skirts in with their proper blazers and duffels. For a splendid finale, he brought out romantic flouncy skirts....' Lee did multiple variations of this look throughout the collection and this neckline in particular was a prominent detail. This dress was a piece made for production for the shops and seems to be a combination of the final look of the show and an earlier ivory version of the dress. I have included both those reference looks here. It is extremely beautiful in person.

'I wanted it to be romantic, beautiful,' McQueen said of this collection and the pieces, the dresses especially, were just that. The dress has a beautifully romantic and slightly subversive scooped neckline. There is an inset of black silk chiffon that is gathered into a raw edged ruffle all the way around the neck line. It dips low in the front and also at the back. A silk satin band acts like a halter corset and is set under the breasts for support. Little capped silk chiffon sleeves are set on each side and their edges have also been left raw and unfinished. Under the bust there are panels of the same silk as the halter detail that wrap around from the back zipper. These curve down and past the waist at the front to add shape through the waist. The dress is made from long vertical seams that run from under the breast to the hem. The dress skims over the hips and then flares out dramatically at the hem. Long triangle shaped panels have been set all around the skirt between the vertical panels to create that wonderful flared fullness. Under that is a second inner layer that's also completely vertically seamed. The inner layer is made from a soft black silk but when it reaches the hem it also has insets of the black lace. These act as support to the top layer and help keep the shape and fullness of the skirt. Under all of that is another layer of silk chiffon with a raw edge hem. The lace has been treated so that it is slightly stiffened and this helps to retain the volume of the dress. Inside the bodice there is a banded corset shaped almost like a bandeau for support and some extra shape. At the back zipper on either side are more of the laced panels to give the illusion that you are completely laced and corseted into the dress. The dress is spectacular and it is immaculate. This is a wonderful example of his work during this time. period. And it's even better on the body. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in layers of silk as described above. The inner corset closes with lingerie hook and eye and then dress zips to close over that. Tagged a McQueen 42. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. I have included the measurements for the outer dress as well as the inner corset. You could extend/add to the inner corset to get more room if needed

Inner corset: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam, outer bust to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam, outer bust to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam 
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to inner waist
Total length: 40" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4234

Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Fall 2002 Alexander McQueen Runway.  /  (7) From the book "Alexander McQueen" Edited by Claire Wilcox.  /  (8) Alexander McQueen dress on display at the "Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-vouz" exhibit at the Crocker Museum in Sacramento, 2023. (photo courtesy @pmb1976)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

Anthony Vaccarello is currently the Artistic Director of Yves Saint Laurent and his rise to fame was meteoric. He started at Fendi under Karl Lagerfeld where he stayed for two years and then in 2009 he moved to Paris and launched his own self-named line with five looks. In 2011 his label won the ANDAM prize. One year later his muse, model Anja Rubik, wore a look to the 2012 Met gala and he rose to international fame as she went viral worldwide in it. By 2014 his collections sold out the second they dropped and were wait listed worldwide.'Girls are their most beautiful during their holidays,' Anthony Vaccarello explained backstage. 'I wanted to try to bring swim to the city.' His clever cuts for this show felt fresh and new and they were very sexy. Dresses like this one were cut micro mini short and were as bare as you could get. The twin of this one walked the runway for Look 14 on Cindy Bruna and its spectacular. This one is new with tags and has never been worn.

The dress is strapless with a built-in inner added corset for support. The dress is shaped through a series of vertical panels piece together with long seams running from the top of the strapless bust to the bottom of the mini skirt. The half seam at the front waist drops down on an angle to create length through the body and add tot eh sarong illusion that the skirt has. One side of the skirt is cut exceptionally short and then the other side drops down at the front to create the illusion of a wrapped around you piece. This is what gives the dress a sarong feel and brings in that swimsuit/vacation feel that he mentioned as being part of his influence. Fused onto the front of the skirt are huge cabochon feeling gold domed metal buttons. These buttons were applied to many of the pieces throughout the collection and gave everything a slight play on military dressing. The dress is short, fitted and meant to show off all your curves. It is sexy AF. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black rayon and has an inner additional lightly phone bodice to help shape. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The colour is a black that in some light has a blue feel to it. All the original tags are attached and has never been worn. Tagged a modern 38

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" to hem and 30" to the longest point at the front

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4233

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2014 Anthony Vaccarello, Look 14. Model: Cindy Bruna.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is the dress that was just worn by AnnaSophia Robb and this amazing dress is from the Spring 2001 Dior Boutique Collection and is a fantastic example of the work John Galliano was doing during this time period. There were two versions of this dress made. One that had a simple straight hem and the other that had the buckled garter strap that this one has. I personally prefer the one with the strap. It just elevates the entire dress to a different level and it has a bit of a subversive sexiness that you see in Galliano's work. I have included some shots from the 2001 show that show the use of the buckle in several pieces. This dress was a production piece and not shown in the show but I think it should have been. It is a fantastic dress and I'm very pleased to have it in the shop.

The dress is strapless and cut to follow and skim over the body. Shaped cups sit low on each breast and have underwire built in underneath them for a lift. It skims from there over the waist and hips. The shape is created by long panels that are sewn vertically together. Where the panels attach they are top stitched with a zigzag stitch for added detailing. Down the front two seams there are silver metal loops and pins. These are meant to be detailing but you could actually use them to lace the dress in at the waist if you wished by adding some cording or laces. The top of the dress is trimmed with a strip of blue stamped leather to appear like a snake skin. On one side just above the cup it buckles into place. A layer of deep blue tulle peaks out from above the edge. There is a second buckled leather piece that sits at the base of a high slit down one side of the leg. This is meant to strap around your upper thigh like an exposed garter beneath the slit above. This is what gives this particular dress is extreme sexiness. It is a fantastic dress and is fantastic on. Excellent condition with one small note below.

There is an inner cupped and shaped bodice made of lingerie netting that is lightly boned. There is rubber around the inner edges at the top and bottom of the corset to help hold it into place. The rest of the dress is lined in a blue silk. The corset closes with its own zipper inside and then the dress closes over that with hidden side side zipper. The garter buckles around the leg. Each side of the garter extends out from each side of the hem so you don't have to worry about the size of it around your leg as it is not a closed circle. I see a little bit of scuffing to the fabric. Please see the two photos after the label shot.

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A-B cup
Inner waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to inner waist
Length: 35.5" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4235

Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 2001 Christian Dior Runway, Looks 28 & 29.  /  (3-5) AnnaSophia Robb, in this dress, for the Women in Film Event, 2023.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The fabric used for the lower portion of this dress matches the Fall 2000 couture ruffled Chanel coat that I have in the shop and both pieces are from the same client. That said, I do not believe that they were purchased as a formal set because the numbered tags on each do not fall in sequential order like they normally would if that was the case. However, if you look at the runway photo for that look, you can see the similarities to the piece that was shown underneath the ruffle coat on the runway. There is a similarity in the top portion of the dress to Look 34 and we believe that this was a custom made piece whose fabric was chosen to give the option of wearing with the coat. True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. It is a beautiful example of the work that Karl was doing for Chanel during this time period and how a couture client could work with Karl to get the look that best suited her and her lifestyle.

This is a beautiful and chic shifts that can easily be styled to work for day or as an evening peace. The skirt is made from a rich black silk and it is immaculately tailored. The cut is very simple. It falls from an easy cut waist and then skims over the hips and narrows in slightly to the hem. Panels of silk are set vertically to create the shape of the skirt and the tailoring is immaculate. I love the slash pockets that are set low on the hip. Attach to the skirt is a sleeveless top that is made from precisely spaced knife pleats all the way around. The fabric has a slightly open woven look and feels like it is a mix of linen and silk. This gives it a slight touch of transparency over the inner lining. The effect is lightness and a touch of volume but without it being too transparent to wear. A softer panel of the silk runs from the top of the waist band and appears to circle back and behind the neck and then comes down and loops in under the bottom of the band at the waist. I just is a little unexpected detail. That soft collar also hides a rather low plunge for a bit of sexiness. The back of the neck is gathered and closes with three hand made fabric covered buttons. The top buttons to close below that but the buttons are all hidden under a pleat so that the line does not appear broken in any way. Is a stunning piece. Excellent condition

The top is hand lined in the same fabric as the exterior and the skirt is hand lined in a black silk. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Appropriate Haute Couture label and numbered tape present. It is completely made by hand.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.2" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to top band at the waist
Skirt: 25" from top band at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4202

Reference Photos: Fall Chanel 2000 Couture Runway, Looks 20 & 34.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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.

I am so excited to bring you the second part of our 1930s capsule. This is one of a dozen dresses from a single owner collection of beautiful 1930s dresses. 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. Outstanding designs from this era are increasingly hard to find. Her collection represents some of the best of the era that I have seen in a very long time. Most are in excellent condition and the few included in the capsule that do have some flaws are such outstanding designs that I feel there is still room for someone to love them and wear them as they are, or perhaps to put in the additional work to repair them. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This is a stunning inky black silk velvet dress with beautiful detailing. These are always a challenge to photo since it is entirely cut on the bias and is really only best seen once on an actual body. My dress form is not doing it anywhere near the justice it deserves. The bodice is cut to drape loose and easy over the bust with the waist brought in just a touch through angled seaming. It skims over the hips and the skirt falls to the floor under that. When you stand still the skirt falls in a smooth column but when you move you get a pretty amount of volume and movement. The dress slips over the head to wear and has an opening at the neck that does up with a series of velvet covered buttons. The collar is gathered around to the front of the neck where there are strips made out of glass rhinestones that hold the collar in place and add pretty detail. This one came with a stunning rhinestone belt that is made of four rows of rhinestones stacked to form a pyramid or triangle on each side of the buckle. The oversized emerald cut glass rhinestones catch the light incredibly. The band is a black crepe and it hooks into place at the front for instant extra glamour. The sleeves are gorgeous. They are cut extremely wide and full to a seam just under the elbow and then they narrow down sharply to the wrist. Almost like a poet's sleeve. Running down the top fuller part of the sleeve are two open slits. The band between slits lets the fabric sit on top of your arm and then you see your arm through the slits. The full part of the sleeve drapes under that. They are insanely beautiful and I love them. If you are a fan of these pieces from the late twenties / early thirties you know just how exceptional and rare it is. Excellent condition with a small note below.

Unlined and slips on to wear with buttons at the neck as described above. All the inner seams are finished by hand and or pinked. The end of the belt is a different fabric from the dress and may not be original to the dress but it's the one that came with it from my client. You could easily switched it out for a velvet if that bothered you. The buckle is just too incredible not to keep them together. For a garment almost 100 years old it is in amazing condition. The bias should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Neck: 15 3/4"
Sleeves: approx 25.5"
Shoulders: no true seams
Bust: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54.5" from top of shoulder to hen

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# PC019

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I am so excited to bring you the second part of our 1930s capsule. This is one of a dozen dresses from a single owner collection of beautiful 1930s dresses. 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. Outstanding designs from this era are increasingly hard to find. Her collection represents some of the best of the era that I have seen in a very long time. Most are in excellent condition and the few included in the capsule that do have some flaws are such outstanding designs that I feel there is still room for someone to love them and wear them as they are, or perhaps to put in the additional work to repair them. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This pretty little dress is made from a bias cut silk that has a slight starched feel to the fabric. This lets it hold its shape. The bias cut makes it drape and move unbelievably beautifully once on the body. The pattern is a pretty pale yellow floral print on a deep green backdrop with lighter green thatching worked through the pattern that gives it the look of being painted onto the silk. It's cut loose and easy through the bodice with this pretty angled seam that sits just under the bust.  The waist is cut to be more loose and open and it has its original belt with a fabulous early acrylic buckle. This lets you add shape through the waist for a more defined silhouette. The skirt falls from there and it flares out all the way around the hem. The lightness of the fabric combined with the bias cut give the skirt incredible movement once on. It will move and flow around you with your slightest movement. Highlighting the neckline is this incredible pleated ruffled finish made from a soft yellow, starched silk organza. It's an incredible and pretty dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Unlined and slips on to wear. Hand finishes throughout. There is a tiny bit of a mark on the edges of the collar and the top decorative part of the buckle is missing on one side. Please see the last two photos. For a dress almost 100 years old it's in remarkable condition. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: approx 16"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length 50" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# PC013

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high end and extremely well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients. This label continued until 1992. This set is very reminiscent of the pieces that Audrey Hepburn was wearing in the 1972 to 1976 time period. It's labels are extra interesting. Besides the Givenchy Nouvelle label in the top, it also has the black boutique label on the skirt and that label has a numbered tape behind it, which was usually reserved for special orders made in the atelier. I wonder if the original client perhaps bought the ready-to-wear top and then had a skirt custom-made… or perhaps both pieces were a special order and they just used a label on the top that was on hand in order to put the fabric content tag on. It just makes the set a little extra interesting. It could not be more gorgeous.

The set is made up of two separate pieces, a skirt and matching top. They are both made out of a cotton fabric that has a slight ribbed texture running through it. Over that is a charming little design that depicts hundreds of little round pine cones that completely cover both pieces. The backdrop is black and the print is a deep coral orange. The top is stunning. It has an elastic neckline that is squared off at the front. The sleeves are shaped into a high cap and have a little bit of stiffened black tulle underneath their edges to help hold the shape that you see. The elastic that runs through the entire neckline would allow you to wear this off-shoulder if you wished. The top skims over the bust and then widens out over the waist to its hem. It is very easy to wear and it's only when tucked into the skirt that you get shape. Each sleeve is full and poufed above its elastic cuff. You can then wear that tucked into the skirt. The skirt has a band at the waist and then is very full under that. When you stand still it falls in a pretty column but when you move you see that there are actually yards and yards of fabric in the skirt. The skirt is made of two tiers of fabric. One that is gathered into the band at the waist and then the other one is set on top of that with a ruffled finish to create a deep 20" lower hem all the around the bottom. It's spectacular. The cotton keeps it light and easy to wear while the cut and design are phenomenal. This is beautiful and classic Givenchy for this time period. I've included some reference photos of Audrey so you can see how beautifully pieces similar to this sit on the body. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Both pieces are unlined. The top slips over the head with elastic at the neckline and cuffs. Stiffened tulle at the top of each shoulder for shape. The skirt closes with hook and eye at the waist and snaps below that. Both pieces look to have been worn very little if at all.

Top
Sleeves: approx 19" and will come up when on
Bust: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from top of shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam and you could easily move the hooks at the waist to get 1.5" more
Hips: open
Length: 42" from waist to hem with 2" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4220

Reference Photos: (1) Audrey Hepburn, in Givenchy, photographed by Henry Clarke for Italian Vogue, Feb 1972.  /   (2) Audrey Hepburn, in Givenchy, photographed by Elisabetta Catalano at her apartment in Rome, March 1976.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 38 for the 2018 resort season. The show was held in the remote Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in Calabasas, California. The show was star packed with Rihanna, Charlize Theron and Solange Knowles there alongside the fashion pack. The inspiration for the show came from the archives and Chiuri said 'she went to the archives, where she came across the house founder’s Lascaux collection of 1951, inspired by the ancient cave paintings discovered in southwestern France a decade earlier.' This dress to me also harkened back to  the earlier Galliano era and the times that he did knits in a similar colurway. It was a favorite of the street style crowd and it is a gorgeous little creation. I believe that I read at the time these were all hand knit.

The dress is easy to wear and makes a huge visual impact that I love. It is made of a knit virgin wool that is light and feels fantastic once on the body. I love the horizontal stripes of colour that were meant to depict desert sunsets. The weave is loose and open so that you will see either your bare skin underneath or whatever you decide to wear underneath it. It is cut to skim over the body. The neckline is a wide boat neck and then it travels down over the bust, waist and hips, opening up to be quite flared as it reaches the hem. You can see in the reference video that this flare allows the dress to kick out around you when you move. The sleeves are cut to just above the elbow and they are finished with hand knotted yarn tassels in black. These circle the cuffs for pretty detail. These same hand-tied tassels are also set all the way around the hem for added movement there as well. It is just gorgeous. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a US4, GB8, FR36, IT40. The knit has considerable stretch. I have put the comfortable range of measurements lying flat and there may be a little bit of room beyond that once on the actual body

Sleeves: approx 15" and are 7-13" around the upper arm and is 12-14" around the cuff above the 2" fringes
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 13-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4218

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Resort 2018 Christian Dior Look 38, Model Zuzu Tadeushuk.  /  (4-7) Sofie Valkiers in Dior at Paris Fashion Week 2017.  /  (8) 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.

This Oscar de la Renta dress is gorgeous. The Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection was amazing and this was one of the star looks of the show. His wedding pieces range from about $10000-$20,000 USD with the more elaborate ones like this tending to be in the upper range of that. Oscar launched his first bridal collection in October of 2002 and his wedding pieces have been worn by some of the most famous women in the world. He once said 'In the same manner that she fell in love with that man, I hope she's going to fall in love with that dress.' Countless brides have done just that. This gown is absolutely beautiful and if you are a bride looking for that very full princess feel then this is the ultimate dress for that. It literally takes your breathe away when you see and hold it in person.

The skirt of the dress is magnificent. It is made from many yards of multiple layers of a white tulle silk netting. The strapless bodice above that is a slightly more ivory colour and it is stunning. It is completely covered with tiers of lace and little scalloped silk chiffon rows. I took close ups of the work done there for you to see. The edges of the lace are embroidered and there are tiny curvy rows of ivory iridescent sequins mixed in. If that wasn't enough there are also little rhinestones set in rows over the bodice. The top curves in a pretty sweetheart neckline and it has a full built in hidden corset inside the bodice so you don't have to worry about additional underpinnings. The bust is strapless and fitted across the bodice. It is cut to follow your curves and there are built in hidden cups inside to lift the breasts. It tightly hugs the bodice and then nips in at the waist. The waist is detailed with elaborate appliquéd 'belt' that is made from various faux pearls, silver tube beads and glass cut rhinestones in different shapes. For the runway presentation it was shown with a simple sash and I believe that this was a custom add on. The skirt is extremely full and that beautiful volume would float all around you. There are 12 layers of tulle in the skirt and many of the inner ones have a double hem finish at the bottom. Under all of that there is a silk taffeta inner skirt in a deeper ivory. If you look closely you can see that under the top two layers of tulle the skirt has been gathered up all around in little drapes. This gives it this depth in fullness that is incredible. It's a subtle detail that you can see through those top layers of skirts that is just absolutely genius. I did not add any additional crinolines to the dress for these photos. It has enough built in layers in the  skirt already that it falls on its own perfectly. Every angle that you look at this dress from gives you drama and gorgeousness. It is cut longer at the back so that it flows out behind you when you walk. If you wanted even more of a real princes gown feel I think you could have the inner layers starched and you would get even more volume. I love the bareness of the shoulders the strapless silhouette gives you. It is the perfect balance to that full on princess skirt. It is a very stunning gown and is a beautiful example of Oscar's work. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The bodice is boned with padded inner cups for structure and support. The dress closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Multiple layers of built in tulle and skirting as described above. The hem of the inner skirt is grubby and some of the very inner layers of tulle have some marks at their hems and i see the very occasional small tear near the hem. You see none of these once on. It otherwise looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged an ODLR 8 but seems to be cut small

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam if inner hook is closed 13" if left unhooked or the hooks moved
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to front hem, 50" to inner back hem and 5*" to the ends of the tulle at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML maybe a smaller MED

Item# DD4222

Reference Photos: (1-4) Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection, Look 5.  /  (5) Emma Watson in Oscar de la Renta at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, July 2011.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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.

This is a superb and elaborate Christian Dior dress from the Marc Bohan years. It is a wonderful example of the work being done during this time period and shows the restraint that the label could have when it delved into a more minimal cut combined with that full out glamour. The dress has classic feel of the best of Old Hollywood. Don't let the simplicity of the cut fool you. The closer you get to it the more you see the incredible and elaborate amount of detail that has been put into this fabric. This is a dream to wear and no matter good you think it looks in these photos to see this one in person will make your jaw drop.

The dress is made from a black silk net that has an incredible lace floral pattern that is edged in black silk cording worked through the lace. It is made from three layers. The top beaded layer, a black silk chiffon layer under that and then a nude silk chiffon inner layer that is itself backed in a black silk. Adding that nude layer gives the dress a bit of an illusion of wearing next to nothing underneath. The dress is suspended from two beaded straps that curve over each shoulder. The front neckline dips into a slight V and the back is a simple scoop. It's cut to skim over the body from bust to hips with no seaming to break the eye or design of the bead work. The shape is created by vertical seaming on the inner layers and the top layer is shaped to follow those resulting curves. The skirt falls to the ground from there and widens out gradually as it nears the hem. The lace netting is covered with an elaborate design made of bead work and sequins. The design is done heavier around the top the bodice and down over the waist lightens as it goes over the hips and then becomes dense and heavy at the ham. Part of the work is done to follow the lace pattern on the netting. Glossy black sequins curve over the underlying pattern and where they are applied they are stacked and layered over each other to give a slight 3-D feel. Small faceted beads follow other parts of the pattern and these are the same beads that are used to highlight the straps. Tiny little seed beads are thrown into the mix and then there are square pailettes and oval faceted beads how much larger scale to really create impact. The beads are all applied by hand and catch the light from every angle. It's an incredible thing to see and even better once on the body. The label on the dress is numbered and when you see that in a Dior Boutique label it most often meant that the piece was a special order or was a custom made order for a client in the atelier but fitted at the boutique store rather then in Paris. This is a dress that you just slip on and it is perfection. Excellent condition.

Fully lined as per the description above. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Numbered tag. The slight bias cut will allow for a bit of movement in the measurements. The comfortable range is listed below

Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4241

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He designed the Couture end of the label until 1998 making this a gown from one of his final seasons. This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture. Hey finding a gown at this level seems almost miraculous. It is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Haute Couture show that season and it was also photoed for L'Officiel that season and we also found a stunning editorial photo that caught it in the most spectacular shot. I love having all of this documentation because it shows you how phenomenal this dress is once on the body. This is truly a dress that you know has to be a true Haute Couture piece the moment you set your eyes on it. I think it is a work of art. The dress is strapless with an optional very tiny strap that comes out from the center of the bodice and wraps and ties around the neck. It will stay on with or without that small strap so it's your choice to wear it or not. The bodice is fitted to the body to hold the dress in place and the inner structure is outstanding. It is boned and cupped but all of that work is completely hidden underneath the silk lining. On the exterior the entire bodice is covered in glossy black beads that are spaced tightly together. The size of the beads vary as they run from the waist up to the top of the bodice. They are smaller around the waist and spaced further apart and then by the top of the bodice are so tightly spaced that they are almost stacked on top of each other. This creates a dense application of bead work that completely covers the black silk velvet base. In spots around the bodice are these large square-ish black pailettes for blocks of gloss to catch the light even more. Then interspersed among all of that are black iridescent feathers and long metallic strands. These are set to stand straight out from the bodice to create a cloud around you. The feathers add this fantastical sense of couture and fantasy. They also create incredible movement as each one moves independently from the other with the slightest bit of a breeze. The bodice is molded and shaped around you and then nips in the waist. The skirt under that is is a statement in its own right. It is an explosion of silk that poofs out all the way around you. The volume is so much that it almost creates a shelf as it come off of the hips. The silk curves up and under the hem to create a bubbled effect. It is shorter at the front so when you walk and sit you can see some leg. This helps to balance out the volume that surrounds you and add a flash of bare skin. It is longer at the back and depending on your height will trail out behind you just a touch. All of the volume is created by an inner structure that is hidden inside the skirt. You can feel stiffened netting and tulle that is all set inside the skirt so that the shape is held perfectly. I used no extra crinolines or anything else under the skirt to add volume when I shot these photos. The volume is all built in and the result of the masterful construction of this gown. The bead work is glass and between that and the sheer volume if the skirt the dress does have weight to it. When you hold this dress it is very heavy and you can feel that it is a Haute Couture piece. Once on the weight of it distributes and balances out wonderfully and the inner construction holds it all perfectly in place. This is truly an extraordinary piece of modern couture and is exceptionally beautiful. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. No matter how good you think it looks in the photos, it is better in person. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in silk with light burning through the bodice an additional added structure inside. The skirt loops under itself so the lining is the same fabric as the exterior. The skirt is filled with what feels like stiffened netting and tulle. This is placed throughout the entire skirt to give it the volume you see. There is an inner zipper to close the bodice and the waist stay to help the dress stay in place. Two tiny straps extend out from the center of the bodice and tie in place behind the neck. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The dress is finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely made by hand. The proper Haute Couture label is present.

Waist: the inner waist stay has three hooks to accommodate a 23" 24" and 25" around waist size. If you left that unhooked or extended it the waist will accommodate up to a 26" sized waist.
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from highest point of the bodice to the waist
Skirt: approx 17" from waist to shortest part of the front hem, 52" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4240

Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 1996 Nina Ricci Haute Couture Runway.  /  (4) Fall 1996 Nina Ricci Haute Couture. Photo by Bruno Bisang.  /  (5) Inna Zobova in Nina Ricci Haute Couture for L'officiel de la Mode n808, September 1996. Photo by Michel Nafziger.  /  (6-9) Jurnee Smollett, in this dress, at the Vanity Fair After Oscars Party, 2023.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

A white version of this dress walked the runway in 2003 for Look 75 and I it and was one of the best dresses of that collection. Once in production it was also made in black and it is as good or better in this colour. The dress has the added provenance of being the dress that was recently worn by nominee Paulina Alexis for this years Critic's Choice Awards. I love that I have tons of photos of her, the white runway version of the dress, and the runway video so that you can see just how fantastic this dress is on the body. It is stunningly beautiful. The show was a huge success and the Vogue loved the evening pieces especially; "For the evening review, it gets even better. Valentino's communiqués from his couture collection show up as delicate metallic-embroidered chiffons made into fragile capes, cardigans or dresses. And for the grand occasion, there's a full battalion of the designer's fabulous signature chiffon gowns." The dress moves beautifully and is elegant and chic. That stunning halter top makes it feel insanely sexy too. A beautiful example of the magic of original Valentino pieces.

I love this dress with its incredible volume and amazing use of fabric. The dress is made from yards and yards of a black bias cut silk chiffon that was pleated into sharp little knife pleats. The fabric is very light in weight and this gives you that fantastic floating sensation all around you with your slightest move. The dress is suspended from straps that come out from the center of the bust. The straps continue down and are attached over the fabric of the bodice to give the illusion of it crossing and wrapping around the body. These go all the way around to the back and then come back around again. The straps are heavily embellished with a variety of sequins and beads that catch the light beautifully. He used larger beads so it has this fantastic 3D effect. At the back the straps curve down front he shoulder on an angle to meet in the center. The top of the bust is rounded into a pretty sweetheart shape and the back is cut straight across. The silk on the bodice is gathered in tiny little pleats and set horizontally. Under that the dress cascades to the floor in many yards of feather light silk chiffon. This is where the dress gets truly magical. There are three layers of silk that make up the skirt with the very top layer completely and meticulously pleated into sharp knife plates that gradually soften slightly as they near the hem. The silk is all cut on the bias and the layers flow out in an ever widening silhouette to the ground. There are yards and yard of chiffon that make up the skirt. It is very flattering on the body and it creates a fantastically romantic and dramatic effect as the silk floats around you the slightest bit of movement. It is amazing. This is truly stunning dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. A tiny bit of softening of the pleats here and there but there are so many yards of silk in the skirt that its immaterial. Tagged a vintage Valentino 12.

Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4239

Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 2003 Valentino Runway, Look 75.  /  (4-5) Paulina Alexis in this dress at the 2023 Critic's Choice 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.

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.

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

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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 hugel​y ​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 its 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

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. It appears to have been worn very little if at all

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.

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

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is an incredible dress from the Fall 1984 season from when Marc Bohan was the head of the Dior atelier. It is a beautiful example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period. In the book Dior; Catwalk, the notes on the fall collection state that the collection was placed 'under the sign of opposites' and that he had looked to the work of Abstract Expressionist painter Jackson Pollock for inspiration. Pieces were adorned in drip embroidery and motifs and then he did a series of long sheath dresses that were 'accessorized with 'Pollock jewels" in jet and multi colour stones'. We found several photos of the twin of this dress on the runway which shows you how fabulous it is on the body. The dress is a true Haute Couture piece and has the appropriate numbered label intact. It is gorgeous.

The dress is made out of a soft textured silk velvet in a jet black. Using a velvet that has this added texture to it is an incredible choice as the dress catches the light in different ways as you move and it really makes it come to life. The cut is simple and sleek with a low front neckline that dips from an angle created over each shoulder. It slightly curves down to the center and then the fabric is softly gathered down the center to the waist. This leaves it with a slightly bloused over feel over the the nipped in waist. The sleeves are cut long and they slim down as they reach the wrists. There is a slight volume built in at the outer part of each shoulder. On the inside I see hand made silk cases that at one time had light padding in them but the padding has been removed at some point to give it a softer shape. You could easily have some padding put back in if you wanted a stronger shoulder. Inside the bodice is a more fitted and boned inner silk corseted piece that holds you in place while the silk velvet simply drapes softly over that outside. The skirt is cut to feel sleek and simple and falls to the floor with just a touch of gentle widening as it reaches the hem. A vent runs up the back so that you can walk. It is a beautiful and dramatic piece despite its simple lines. It is meant to be slightly more voluminous through the top and then slimmer through the skirt as was the fashion at the time. Excellent condition with a very minor note below.

Fully interlined in a fine black silk satin and then has a built in bodice made of black silk. The inner bodice is boned and closes with its own zipper as photoed. The exterior dress closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each sleeve has a zipper at the cuff. The ribbon belt is not original to the dress and is just a length of grosgrain ribbon for shape. Appropriate numbered tag present with couture number 19469. Silk hand made pads that have no padding inside each shoulder as described above. Slight damage to the silk on either side of the zipper on the inner corset and there is a repair at the top of the vent. Please see the photos after the label shot. 

Sleeves: 23"
Soft shoulders: to 16.5"
Inner bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam with room for up to a B cup
Inner waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13.5" from shoulder to waist
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3611

Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 1984 Christian Dior Couture Runway.  /  (4) Fall 1984 Christian Dior Couture, 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.

This is a fabulous fall 1970 dress from the Valentino boutique label. Valentino launched his ready to wear label in 1962, just two years after opening his first salon in Rome. He eventually expanded and added other boutiques. His first New York boutique launched in the fall of 1970 and it caused a sensation. Traffic was backed up 3 blocks with everyone who was anyone trying to get in on opening night. More boutiques followed including one at Bergdorfs. He encouraged his couture clients to also shop in his boutiques. He wanted everyone to have the Valentino experience and it should be noted that he often carried the lines he created for his Couture label into the boutique work. The primary difference was in the fabric and construction details but they were still remarkably close in quality. This especially held true in the early days. The line between the two labels was often blurred and on this dress you can see that in the hand finishing that is has. This one is extra fabulous because it is so well documented.

When searching for the date for the dress we found documentation that has both Marisa Berenson wearing it for Vogue that season and also Naomi Simms who wore it to that opening of the New York Valentino boutique. Which gives it a significant place in Valentino's history. The dress is gorgeous and it is made of a black silk chiffon that has a ribbon weave fused directly into the silk. This gives it an oversized thatched woven effect. In between the ribbon weave the silk is semi-transparent and the play between the two opacities is stunning in person. The entire dress is backed with a black silk chiffon lining and that gives the more transparent parts a backdrop so that the silk feels like it has depth. To highlight the design even more is that gorgeous print made up of a pink and purple and gold coloured threads that run over the entire dress. I love how the pattern is heavier at the bottom and then slowly makes its way up to be just scattered paisley's on the black backdrop by the top of the dress. The collar is small and neat and the sleeves are cut to pouf out above the buttoned cuffs. The sleeves are not lined so you get a sense of transparency there. The dress is cut into a chic sheath that skims over your bust, waist and hips until it flares out just slightly at the hem. There's no seam to break the line at the waist, instead he has placed two square pockets on each hip to detail this area. The pocket are amazing. Each zips to close from corner to corner and the zipper is then detailed with a long knotted and fringed tassel. Another matching tassel details the zipper that closes the front of the dress. In both the reference photos a sash was wrapped around the waist for added shape and you could easily re-create that look. I think it looks equally as well worn straight and sleek. It's nice to have both options because the dress looks dramatically different each way. It is gorgeous and very well made. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and zippers to close up the front as described above. Each cuff buttons to close with two silk covered buttons and each pocket zips to close. There's an extra button in the lining of the dress. Hand finishes. The dress appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Tag a size 8 with a hand written size label.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 23.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4205

Reference Photos: (1) Marisa wearing Valentino, photo by Elisabetta Catalano in Rome, Vogue September 1970.  /  (2-3) Naomi Sims attends the grand opening of Valentino Boutique on October 12, 1970 in New York City.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is one of a dozen dresses from a single owner collection of beautiful 1930s dresses and I am very pleased to have this small capsule for you. 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. Outstanding designs from this era are increasingly hard to find. Her collection represents some of the best of the era that I have seen in a very long time. Most are in excellent condition and the few included in the capsule that do have some flaws are such outstanding designs that I feel there is still room for someone to love them and wear them as they are, or perhaps to put in the additional work to repair them. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have another series of these capsules in the future. Enjoy this first drop.

This dress is absolutely drop dead stunning. It is made out of a black crepe and is completely cut on the bias. Once on it drapes and molds to the body in a way that is absolutely fantastic. My photos do not come close to doing it justice. The upper bodice has incredible volume. There is an angled seam that sits under the bust and the fabric gathers slightly along that seam. The sleeves come directly out from the base of that seam and they are extremely wide at the upper shoulder and then narrow down to fit the arm to the wrist. There is this rounded drop of fabric that is then gathers into the seam that separates the two parts of the sleeve. The lower sleeve is shaped to the arm and there is a small gathering at the elbow so it can bend. The sleeves end in little pointed angles and they snap to close. Under the bodice it skims over the waist and hips and then flares out as it nears the hem. The bias cut molds the dress to the body and makes it incredibly comfortable to wear. The neckline is high and slightly draped out from the neck. It is detailed with gold sequins hand sewn into place. A decorative row of gold toned metal buttons runs down the back. It is incredible. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Unlined and closes with a series of snaps at the side and at the back of the neck. Hidden set snaps on each cuff. Hand finished throughout and the sequins are hand applied. Some of the gold sequins are missing but could be replaced or worn as is. The bias cit should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: approx 27" and will come up a bit when on
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: no true defined side seams
Waist: 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# PC012

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a slightly more dramatic version of Yves classic tuxedo suit. For the runway it was presented with a longer skirt and that one was shown for Look 38 of the Fall 2001 Haute Couture collection. My client ordered it with the pencil skirt you see so that she could have more options to wear it. The Fall 2001 collection was one of his final collections and to have a piece from this season is very special. Vogue noted that "Cocktail hour incorporated every possible variation on the tuxedo: There was a button-front dress, a smoking jacket that morphed into a full tulle skirt, and, naturally, an updated version of the masculine tux immortalized by Helmut Newton in the '70s." Yves play on the tuxedo and 'Le Smoking' suit is one of is most famous hallmarks that he first presented in 1966. His play on traditional menswear is lauded by many as 'having empowered women by giving them the option to wear clothes that were normally worn by men with influence and power'. I have included runway photos, video and a photo of the original sketch. The sketch shot includes the fabric swatches above as per his atelier records and you can see it is the same fabric as this one. It is extraordinary set and I love it.

The extra wide collar is what sets this one apart from the many versions he did over the years. It is so bold and yet still elegant and refined in feel. There is nothing quite like the experience of slipping on a tailored to perfection piece of true Haute Couture. It somehow feels different and the feeling is something you can only really experience for yourself. The construction on both pieces is meticulous and it has been sourced from the original couture client. These tuxedo suits were all done a play on a men's tuxedo in mind and then were shaped and tweaked by Yves to be immensely flattering on the female body. It's looks simple but has master level tailoring behind it. The jacket has this sleek cut to it that follows the curves of the body. It is slightly cropped to sit just at the top of the hip. The lower part of the collar is finished in a black matte satin. It's size has been exaggerated to make it the focal point. under that is a single faceted button. Pockets are top set on each side and the shoulders are shaped. The fabric has a fine ribbing to it and it holds the lines perfectly. The skirt is cut into a simple pencil shape. I love that you separate pieces which gives you the versatility of being able to mix and match each piece with other things you already own. It is also a suit that depending on how do you style it, it can easily work for either day or as an evening suit. Yves tuxedo suits changed the way the world approached woman's wear and any example of the Le Smoking version is particularly collectible. This is a wonderful example of his couture tailoring. Itis an important piece of fashion history from one of his final collections. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Both pieces are hand lined in a black silk. The jacket closes with a button at the front and the skirt closes with a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. There are two pockets on the jacket. Both pieces are completely made by hand to couture standards. All proper Haute Couture tags present

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem at the front, 22 at the back

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3559

Reference Photos/Video: (1-7) Diana Gärtner for Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2001 Haute Couture Runway Collection. Look 38.  /  (8-9) Sketches for the Fall 2001 Yves Saint Laurent Couture Collection as shown in the "Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: The Complete Works" Book Set.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This might be one of the cutest dresses that Yves ever did and the print is of course an homage to his own French Bulldogs that he loved so much. Its twin walked the runway and was styled with a wide leather belt to really play on the proportions and cinch in the waist. It is one of my all time favourites and I am very pleased to have this wonderful dress in the shop for you.

This is gorgeous little dress. On the hanger it looks like nothing tell me a pill is that fantastic print. But it's just hits the body his genius with cut comes to life. The top is meant to be full and easy over you. The upper bodice is yoked on the front and the back and it has light padding in the shoulders for structure. A row of glossy white buttons closes the partial opening at the back of the neck. The waist is seamed and it is meant to blouse over top of it. If you decide to add a belt like they did on the runway it will really emphasize the waist and the volume above even more. This skirt is cut to be slightly fuller around the hips and then narrows down slightly as it reaches the hem. I love the slash pocket sit on each hip. The sleeve incredible. They come out from the top of the shoulder where they're slightly gathered and they are cut to come out from just above the waist and narrow down to an elastic cuff. This makes them incredibly full and when you push the up to just past the elbow they are even fuller as you can see in the reference photos. It's just a beautiful little dress and perfectly represents this time period. Excellent condition with a small note below.

Unlined and closes with a side set zipper. Three buttons at the back of the neck to close the small opening there. Elastic in each cuff. There is the tiniest bit of yellowing to one of the bulldog prints at the neckline and I see a repair at the top of the side zipper. It is completely hidden once in by the volume of the sleeves. Please see the photos after the label shot. Tagged a vintage YSL 40. It's oversized cut should work on smaller frames too

Sleeves: 17" and will pouf up more when on
Extended shoulders: 18"
Bust: open with no true side seams
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist and will pouf up when on
Skirt: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4197

Reference Photos: Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent 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.

The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1982 show and I love that we found photos of it for you so you can see just how spectacular it is one and how the sleeves sit once on a body. This silhouette with its dramatic sleeves and full skirts was an important element for that season. It is just a stunning example of one of his most recognized looks.

The dress is made from a combination of two of his favorite fabrics, silk taffeta and silk velvet. These became signatures of his and ran through his collections from the start of his career to the finish. It is a stunning piece. The top is cut to skim over the bust with a scooped neckline at the front. It is seamed at the waist and then extends down over the top of the hips. There is an attached silk taffeta sash that wraps around the waist and cinches you in for added shape and detail at the waist. The sleeves are full with a beautiful sweeping cut that starts at the shoulders and remains full to just past the elbow. At that point the fabric changes to to a velvet. Four glossy dome buttons  detail the lower part of the sleeve. These are meant to be pushed up slightly to exaggerate that pouf of the upper sleeve even more. The skirt falls from under the velvet and it is beautifully full. The photos do not really do the amount of fabric in the skirt full justice. I love that under the top purple layer of silk there is a lining finished in a coral red silk taffeta. You don't see that inner layer when you are standing, but when you sit or move just right, you get that extra flash of color. It's a small detail that I am obsessed with. The fabric choices helps keep the intended shape and volume. Pieces by Yves from this time period have become an important piece of fashion history and having documentation like this one has makes it that much better. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the bodice in a black silk satin. The skirt is lined in a deep red silk taffeta and the sleeves are unlined. It closes at the side with a metal and nylon zipper and each cuff buttons to close. The sash is attached at the back. Slight flattening to the velvet here and there along the waist seam that is covered by the belt once on. Tagged a vintage YSL 40.

Sleeves: 29"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2856

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (3) Alice Englert wearing this dress for Harper's Bazaar, 2023.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.