roberto cavalli
Extraordinary 2015 Roberto Cavalli Runway Feather & Net Dress w Bead & Sequin Detailing
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This gorgeous Roberto Cavalli dress is from 2015 and its twin was worn by Naomi Campbell for Fashion for Relief where she walked the runway. I am happy to have some reference photos from the show so you can see how spectacular this dress is once on the body. It is exceptional and extremely beautiful.
The dress is made from a combination of a black net mixed with silk chiffon. The bodice portion of the dress is made from the netting and then it has a layer of bead work applied onto the net with silk chiffon backing the bead work areas so that it is opaque enough to wear. The parts that are not beaded have a touch of transparency to them. The detailing on the dress is amazing. Gold tube beads, seed beads and sequins are set in swirling patterns across the bodice. As a pattern runs down and over the waist & the hips the colours of the sequins gradually changed to a more muted gold and then to a silver. There are prong set, gold and clear glass crystals scattered throughout. The edges of the neck and arms have been finished with silver beads and tiny silver sequins. The skirt remarkable and it is in its original uncut length. It is covered in black feathers and each one has been attached to the silk of the skirt with either a sequin or a little prong set crystal. It falls from the top of the hip and widens out to the hem. When you move the skirt has incredible movement around you. The fabric is so light and airy that when you walk it creates this incredible floating sensation. The back of the dress is cut a bit longer than the front so you have a sweeping feel behind you. It is an incredibly beautiful dress and no matter how good it looks in the photos the sensation and tactile feeling of the fabric and lightness of it when you have it in hand is just phenomenal. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
The embellished parts of the halter are backed with a black silk so it is opaque and the skirt has an inner silk chiffon lining. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Perhaps the occasional bead missing here and there. Tagged a Cavalli 38.
Bust: has no fixed side seams. The front covers to approx 15-17" flat across
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from neck to front hem, 70" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4662
Reference Photos/Video: Naomi Campbell in Roberto Cavalli for the Fashion For Relief charity fashion show at London Fashion Week, February 2015. (Video by Tashie Tinks)
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pierre cardin
Incredible Spring 1985 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Floral Silk Caped Runway Dress
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This is a fantastic and surprisingly avant garde Haute Couture dress by Pierre Cardin. It is from the Spring 1985 collection and we have included some reference photos of the twin of the dress on the runway so that you can see how it sits on the body. They really give you an idea of how fantastic and unusual this is once it is on the body. It is a beautiful and elegant piece that may not be as mod in feel as some of Cardin's earlier pieces but it is one that shows the breadth of his talent. From a historical perspective it's also an interesting insight on the volume and play on proportion done in the 1980s.
Throughout his career Cardin often played with volume and for the 1985 collection he put huge voluminous caped bodices over narrow skirts, a silhouette we first saw him begin to do in the late 1970s. This dress is made from a fine silk that is covered in a dynamic and bold floral print. You can see that fantastic play on volume in the cut. The dress was completely made by hand and the fine workmanship is wonderful to see. That avant garde cut is all created by clever seaming and traditional couture methods and this mix is fascinating. There is an inner more sheath-like dress and then a caped piece attaches over that. The neckline is set higher across the front with a pleated over piece that falls from the shoulders. At the front it is set into a black silk ribbon that wraps around the hip area. Your arms slip underneath it at the sides and then the cape extends downwards into a long point at the back. The top layer has been softly pleated and this gives it more volume and movement as you move. It is also what gives it that incredible and unusual silhouette that you see. The skirt falls from under the wide black silk ribbon that is attached around the hip area and it is done in a sleek and simple cut to the floor. It is very chic and unusual. Excellent condition with minor notes below
Fully lined in a hand set white silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper on the inner dress. At some point the hem was let down and I have left it for the extra length. You can see a faint line where it was folded. There are light shoulder pads whose inner stuffing has degraded. I see some minor yellowing to the inner lining around the top of the zipper area and very light grubbiness to the very edge of the inner arm that you don't see because it is covered by the cape.
Inner bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 59" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4981
Reference Photos: Spring 1985 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture.
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john galliano
Fabulous c2006 John Galliano Black Silk Organza & Lace Dress w Sequin Detailing
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During John Galliano's career he has arguably produced some of the most glamorous dresses in the fashion's history. His work often has a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties with their beautiful cuts. They mix Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s. This is an amazing example of his work that I am dating to 2006 based on similar work he was doing that season for both Dior and his own self named label. It is gorgeous. This is a production dress made for the shops in limited quantities. It is a really beautiful dress.
This sleek little number is cut so very beautifully. It is suspended from the shoulders by straps that curve over and down the back. The dress is cut to follow the curves of your body but without being super tight. The neckline dips in a scoop at the front and I love the elaborate sequin detailing that you see set across the bust area. The upper front bust is a single layer of silk organza and then below that heavy sequin work wraps around you to the back. I love the lace panel that peeks out at the back and the bare expanse of skin above. The sequins and beads on the bodice have been heavily applied and sit up and off the dress slightly. The waist is a double layered band of the silk organza and then the area around the upper hips is a single layer so you get a touch of transparency. He has create the shape around the hips with a series of vertical darts that go all the way around you. The long triangle shaped strips of fabric that make the darts then become a design detail in themselves. There is an inner nude lining underneath and it is finished with another wide band of lace. This is what you see under the skirt in these photos. So you have coverage but there is still a touch of transparency with the lace peeking through. It is very sexy. It skims over the hips and then falls to the floor flaring out as it falls. The lower part of the skirt widens out as it reaches the hem and extra fabric has been worked all the way around so you get a sweeping feel. It is so good. Excellent condition with minor notes below.
Fully lined to just past the hip with a inner nude silk lining that ends in a wide band of lace. It closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. There is some light snagging that goes across the waist panel in different areas. I see some very faint whitish coloured marks here and there around the hem and near some seams where the silk organza has faded slightly and some marks on the inner lining of the bodice that do not go through. Please see the photos after the label shot
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 65" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4980
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Gorgeous Spring 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Bright Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress
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During John Galliano's years from 1996-2011 at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut and chiffon dresses in the house's history. His work often has a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties with their beautiful cuts. This dress is from the Spring 2006 collection and is so very pretty with its beautiful floral print.
This is a stunning Dior dress and it is even better in person and on an actual body. As with many Galliano pieces it is meant to be on an actual body and not a mere dress form. The dress is made from an ivory silk chiffon that has an exuberant floral print that covers it entire surface from shoulder to hem. The fabric and the way it is cut and draped allow it to hug the body and skim over you once past the hip. The dress has a wide V plunging front and it has that same plunge shape at the back. There is an off set ribbon of fabric that runs down from the base of the plunge and then over to one hip. The fabric has been gathered all along that ribbon on both side in soft folds. This helps to give the dress its hourglass shape. AS flat bow sits at the base of that ribbon on the one hip and then underneath that are added panels of silk that give the dress this pretty extra volume. At the back the fabric is gathered up and under two more flat bows. A panel of silk expands out underneath the bows to give you a bit of a trained feel and create a gorgeous bit of movement. It is so pretty and special. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. There is a minor bit of yellowing underneath the arm on the interior silk that does not go through to the front and a bit of grubbiness to the interior lining at the back hem. Please see the photos after the label shot. It is very tiny so please check the measurements.
Sleeves: The opening at the end is 9" around
Shoulders: no true seams
Bust: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS- XS
Item# DD4979
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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The beautiful 1960s strapless dress is a gorgeous example of a fabulous unlabeled dress from this time period. The main portion of the dress is black and then it has a wide panel in a dusty pink running down the full front. Both colours were then covered in a floral embroidery and this embroidery is scattered over the entire dress. I love the contrast and visual interest that this creates. The floral design has been kept in the same colour palette so that it doesn't feel overwhelming. The bodice is strapless and has a built in boned corset. It is meant to be fitted to the body and holds both you and the dress in place. The waist is cinched and then the skirt poufs out below that to create all that gorgeous volume around you. The skirt has a ton of fabric. We did not use any added underskirts for the photos. There is room that you could add a separate underskirt underneath if you really wanted to make it extra full and turn it into a fairy-tale cupcake dress. It is a beautiful and romantic little dress. Excellent condition with a note below.
Fully lined through the bodice with a built-in lightly boned corset. The rest of the dress is lined in a black organza. The inner corset closes with its own zipper and then the dress closes with a back zipper over that. I see some grubbiness along the inside upper edge of the bodice. The hem was let down at some point and you can see a slight line where it was originally folded. I see a bit of shiny marks and some minor grubbiness here and there on the part of the hem that was originally flipped up.
Bust: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 50" from top of bodice to front hem, 53.5" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4978
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer. This dress is so pretty and I absolutely love it. This is the type of piece that you are only going to find in vintage.
As good as it looks on my dress form this is a dress that is even better in real life and moving. It is really when you are moving that this dress lives up to its full potential. There is an incredible amount of feather light silk chiffon that has gone into the making of this dress. Once on the skirt will float and billow out around you with your slightest movement. The bodice falls in a wide panel at the front and back with vertically gathered pleating. The waist is shaped by a light stitch that runs across horizontally. It is cut to be more on the loose and easy side. I added a pretty coral-orange coloured ribbon to give it more shape and I will include it with the dress. The skirt is remarkable. It is in its original length and is made from a single layer of that beautiful printed silk chiffon. It has many yards of silk in it and it is constructed to have this incredible fullness and movement. The fabric is so light and fine that when you stand still it falls in a pretty column around you without adding bulk. You still get a hint of the fullness that it has but then when you move the many yards of fabric that are actually there allow the skirt to move around you. As good as it looks here it only really comes to life once on. The flower and fern print that runs over the entire dress is gorgeous. It is an incredibly pretty dress and no matter how good it looks in the photos the sensation and tactile feeling of the fabric and lightness when you have it in hand is just phenomenal. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a white silk through the top and unlined through the skirt. It closes with a back zipper. The ribbon belt is not original to the dress butt will be sent with it. The lining through the top looks like someone added it at a later date. There are some very light pulls in the silk here and there, but it is evenly throughout the dress and I believe that it is the nature of the silk. It is very minor and mentioned for accuracy.
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4977
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Late 1970s Early 1980s Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Gold Embroidered Off Shoulder Dress
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Hubert de Givenchy moved to Paris in 1942 where he worked for Jacques Fath, then Elsa Schiaparelli, and eventually Cristobal Balenciaga. Givenchy often attributed much of his later success to the years with to Mr Balenciaga and what he learned while there. In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the great couturiers of our time. I am always pleased to find any of his Haute Couture work as it is so rare. This particular dress is exceptional with every detail on it finished to Haute Couture standards.
This is an amazing true Haute Couture Givenchy dress that is a very rare and special find. Two things of immediate note for this dress. First is the absolutely beautiful fabric combination. The bodice and sleeves are an inky black silk velvet and then the ruffles on the neckline, end of each sleeve, and the entire top layer of the skirt is a starched cotton and silk mix netting that has beautiful little gold metal thread flowers hand embroidered over the netting. I took closeups of both the front of these flowers and also their backs so that you can see the beautiful workmanship put into each individual flower. I also included close ups of the hand finished seams on the interior of the dress. The time and technique to complete this dress would have been astounding and I cannot even imagine how many hours this would have taken. The second thing of note is that stunning cut through the neckline. It is tremendously flattering to have that bare expanse of skin across the top of the shoulder like that. It feels a little bit sexy with the way the top sits off the shoulder to leave that expanse of bare skin. You could also wear it on the shoulder but I chose to show it off. I love that you have the versatility of the two different ways to wear it. A ruffle goes all the way around the neckline and around the end of each sleeve. It is shaped to come in at the waist and then curves out over the hips. The skirt is set into a seam that sits at the top of the hips and the netting is softly gathered into that seam so you get a touch of fullness. As the skirt flows down to the hem it expands outwards to give you pretty movement as you walk. There is a full black silk organza inner skirt under the top layer of the skirt so that it is opaque enough to wear. It is spectacular. This is a very beautiful example of Givenchy from this time period and an amazing example of the technical skills that can be achieved in Haute Couture. It is easy to see why his work is the subject of so many books and retrospective shows at museums worldwide. Excellent condition
The dress is fully lined in a matching hand set black silk. It zips to close and an inner waist stay hooks to close. Completely made by hand throughout to Haute Couture standards. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Proper couture tag and numbered tape present.
Sleeves: 26" and are 11.5" around the upper arm
The opening across the neckline is 18" flat across from side to side
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hip: 16.5" flat across from side to side
Hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top of natural shoulder to seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 61.5" from top of natural shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4975
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian lacroix
Spectacular Fall 1999 Christian Lacroix Runway Strapless Floral Silk Brocade Dress
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Christian Lacroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and instantly caused a sensation around the world. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always exotic, lavish affairs and his designs seemed to span the decades with their eccentric glamour pulled from multiple sources of inspiration. This dress is from the Fall 1999 collection and Its twin walked the runway. The runway version had bows added at points where the skirt is gathered up and the model wore a spectacular head piece with the dress. It was one of my favourite looks in the show and its a truly wonderful dress.
This Lacroix is magical. The dress is made of a stunning silk brocade that hold the colours and shape of the dress beautifully. The silk is woven through with an oversized floral print and the flowers are scattered over the dress from the bodice to the hem. It is like wearing a full bouquet of flowers and the slightly metallic feel of the thread that makes up the flowers makes it even prettier. The bodice is strapless and is cut to be fitted to the body and hug you right down to the waist. The skirt is gathered into pleats along the sides of the waist and then under that are offset tiers that fall all the way to the floor in a cascade of silk brocade. There are yards and yards of silk that have gone into the construction of that skirt. It is gathered in and around the poufed tiers by wide bands of a black velvet. These give it the proper weight and structure to hold the gorgeous shape of the skirt. An inner net and sheer silk layer is set inside the skirt. This inner layer is finished with pleats and velvet ribbon along its edge. This inner skirt peaks out from under the edge of the top silk layer and adds a beautiful feminine detail. The skirt is cut longer at the back so that you get a beautiful sweeping feel behind you. The combination of that stunning silk and the way that it has been cut combined with the gathered tiers creates this stunning effect when you move and walk. It is that perfect mix of elegance, femininity, romance and fantasy that Christian excelled at. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and is lightly boned through the inner bodice. It zips to close at the back and has a hooked waist stay inside. In its original uncut length and appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Lacroix 42.
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to front hem and is 61.5" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4976
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 1999 Christian Lacroix.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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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 have had a deep brown version of this dress in the shop I love finding a version in black. Its twin in ivory was also a part of the 'Great Names in Fashion' exhibit at the Fashion Museum Bath.
The dress is made of a fluid black jersey fabric that is light in weight and has an amazing drape. It flows to the floor from the densely beaded panel that sits across the upper bust. A second panel of beading is 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 of pearl buttons that run from the top of the shoulder to just past the waist. The buttons are functional and wrap an overlay of fabric over the inner dress. This panel loops under the opposite arm and then wraps around you to the back where it is attached. This gives the dress a gorgeous Grecian feel 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 those same buttons. The entire dress is detailed with strips of tiny little raised beads on a silver base. These follow all of the edges of the dress and they are even on the long interior seams 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. They help the dress to fall perfectly and they also catch the light for added glamour. It is stunning and a beautiful example of Gibb's work. 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.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Spectacular Spring 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Look 86 Gold Thread & Silk Dress
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The twin of this spectacular dress walked the runway for the Spring 2019 show and was Look 86 in the show. It was the second to last look on the runway and one of the bext dresses shown. Ironically I think it may have been inspired by a dress that I have had in the shop - this Spring 1977 Jean Patou. When they show originally debuted I had shared this in my stories and now I have this modern Dior version for you. A true full circle moment. I think it was one of the most beautiful pieces in the entire show and it is absolute magical in person.
The dress is beautiful to see in real life. It is made out of a light in weight printed silk that is covered in a gold metallic thread. The gold has been applied onto the silk in its own pattern that suggest leaves trailing over the entire dress. The pattern allows the fabric to catch the light from any angle and gives it this wonderful added extra texture. I also love how the gold part softens and disappears as it near the hem so you get this anchoring feel of the silk without the gold all the way around the lower portion of the skirt. It is a very pretty effect. The dress had been softly pleated and the pleating adds yet another layer of texture to the dress. It is suspended from the shoulders by straps that are made out of the same fabric and have been twisted. These curve over the shoulder and cross over each other at the back. The front plunges into a V and the back is left bare underneath the crossed straps. I love the curving angle of the sides and how the twisted straps let them sit up and off of your back a touch as you can see in the side shot of the dress. The waist nips in and then the skirt falls to the floor under that in a sweep of silk and gold thread. There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt. The fabric is feather light and so fine that when you stand still it falls in a column but moves around you with your slightest movement. No matter how great the photos look it is that much better in person. The fabric is stunning and every line of the dress is perfection. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a nude silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Original uncut length. Tagged an FR36, GB8, IT40, US4.
Bust: the front will cover approx 14-18" flat across from side to side
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 14" from top of natural shoulders to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4974
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2019 Christian Dior, Look 86. Model Fran Summers. / (4-5) Spring 2019 Dior Ad Campaign photographed by Harley Weir.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. This has a similar feel to a dress I had in the shop a few years back that dated to 1971 and I suspect that this is from that same time period. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer. Even when the dress was as extravagant as this one is, he knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is the type of piece that you are only ever going to find in vintage.
This very early piece of his work and with its glamorous fabric and that dramatic feather collar I think it is some of his very best work ever. The dress is stunning and besides the actual beauty of it as a dress, the fabric is one of the best textiles I have ever seen. It is a soft light weight wool or wool mix and it is printed with a tremendously beautiful lion print that runs across its entire surface. Where the print sits on the front bodice it has been beaded to follow the print underneath. It is a subtle addition that you noticed the closer you get, but it is there and gives the dress the most amazing added tactile sensation. To offset the texture and extravagance of the print on that fabric, the actual lines of the dress are fairy simple. The bodice skims over the bust to the seamed waist that is slightly high. the sleeves are long and straight with a little notch at the end of each cuff. The neckline is high and scooped. The skirt falls from the waist to the floor in a gentle widening line. The neck is, of course where all of the true drama of the peace resides. Here we see that gorgeous feathered collar in all its glory. The collar is attached and the feathers on the collar have been hand dyed to match the colours of the dress. The effect is amazing and it is even better on person and on an actual body as all the elements really come to life. It is really one of the most dramatic pieces ever done by him. A true collectors piece. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a creamy silky rayon and closes with the back zipper. The feathers are stable and show no shedding. The bead work on the front is all done by hand. Ribbon edge inner hem and hand finishing throughout.
Sleeves: 22" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Total length: 57" from neck to hem with 2" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4973
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
gucci
Stunning 2017 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Metallic Copper Gold Lame Dress w Attached Pink Bow
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This gorgeous little dress is from the Alessandro Michele era at Gucci and it was from the 2017 collection. It was a piece produced for the shops and its twin was worn on the red carpet by Danube R Hermosillo. This is a gorgeous example of his work for the label and I am very pleased to have it in the shop. It is so pretty and a very easy dress to wear with lots of impact.
This is a stunning dress. It is entirely cut on the bias and is tremendously flattering to the body. It is also insanely sexy while still being extremely comfortable to wear. The fabric is a beautiful metallic lame that moves and drapes beautifully. This one is especially interesting because he has mixed in that vibrant pink lame with the bright copper gold base. The front is made in a halter that curves down into that front plunge. There is pleating on the front triangles that follow the sweep of the fabric. The panels cross over each other where they meet at the waist so that it stays perfectly in place once on. The sides curve down and around to the back with the the entire back above that left completely bare and exposed. The waist is nipped in and then the skirt flares out at it reaches the floor. There are softened pleats worked through the entire skirt to give it a bit of an antiqued feel. There is also a hidden high slit for a flash of bare skin. Between the slit and the lightness of the fabric you get a ton of movement when you move. He added a giant bow in a metallic pink that is attached to the dress and drapes around the waist and down the hips. The trailing ends of the bow are all attached as well so the effect remains perfect no matter how you move. It is spectacular. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a nude silk mix and closes with a hidden set back zipper. In its original length and appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a modern Gucci 42
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 63.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4972
Reference Photos: Danube R Hermosillo in Gucci at the Everything, Everything Premiere, May 2017.
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I just had this set in the shop and I was very happy to find another one so soon. This one is a touch larger than the last. The twin of the set walked the runway for the 2008 Resort collection for Look 12. Vogue said that the collection was done "in an electric-bright palette.. and channelled Barbara Hutton's sixties—a glittery, lame, paisley, and leopard-print world of muumuus, bikinis, capri pants, trapeze dresses, cat-eye sunglasses, and scarf-wrapped hats. It bordered on camp... and Kitschy or not, there was no denying the workmanship that went into crafting the large collection." I love having the photos that show you how fantastic this is on the body and if its runway provenance was not enough, Lady Gaga also wore the twin of the top as part of an outfit in 2007.
The print that covers the entire surface of both pieces is fabulous. It is a leopard print but done in green, taupe and ivory instead of browns. I love the boldness that this creates. The pants have a flat banded waist that is meant to sit slightly low on the hips and then the legs are cropped. Two little decorative flap pockets sit on the front just below the waistband and there are slip pockets at the back that are mainly decorative as they are very shallow in depth. I love the nod to the sixties that this gives the pants. The top is also a nod to the sixties with its little baby doll cut. It is sleeveless and then it wraps and snaps in place at the front. This creates a low plunge at the front. It is defined under its empire waist with a wide grosgrain ribbon that is stiffened and done in a bright green. A peplum falls under that and it expands out and over the hips to add volume and shape. It has the perfect kitschy, camp, sixties baby doll feel and I love it. You can wear the pieces together for a strong statement or break up the set and wear them as separates with other pieces in your closet for lots of styling options. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Both pieces are unlined. The pants have a flat waist and close with a hook and a zipper. Decorative flap pockets at the front under the waist and slit pockets at the back of the pants. The top snaps and hooks to close at the front. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all. The middle seam that runs down the back of the top looks like it may have been redone at some point. The top is tagged a FR44, GB16, IT48, US12 and the pants are tagged a FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
Top
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Empire waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from neck to the top of the green ribbon
Total length: 25" from neck to hem
Pants
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam with no give
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from waist to hem
Inseam: 25.5"
Rise: 15" from the top of the back waist to the inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4967
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Resort 2008 Dior, Look 12. Model Tanya Chubko. / (4) Lady Gaga by Katherine Wolkoff, 2007.
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louis feraud
Unusual 1990s Louis Feraud Partial Wrap Black Jersey Dress w Cut Out Stacked Circle Hem
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Louis Feraud opened his first boutique in 1950 in Cannes selling sundresses to the jet set. When Brigitte Bardot was photographed in a white pique and lace number, he became the darling of the fashion world. By 1956 he had moved to Paris and opened a couture atelier and in 1960s made his first official couture presentation. Ready-to-wear followed in 1970. He won the Golden Thimble in in 1978 and again in 1984.
I love this pretty and unusual dress. It is made out of a black jersey that has an inner dress that you step into and zip to close at one side. At the front there is an attached panel that runs down the full side of the dress and you wrap this over that inner dress and two long attached ties hold it in place at the waist. I love that you can just tie them at one side as I have or you can also wrap them around your waist if you want a really cinched in feel. The dress is suspended from two tiny straps that curve over your shoulders and drop into a V at the front. The back is scooped and you can control how loose or cinched it is at the waist. It skims over the hips and down to that very unusual hemline. The entire bottom of the skirt is made up of cut out circles that have been strung on long strings at different lengths all the way around you. This gives it tremendous movement as you move and is a very unusual treatment. I love how unique the dress is and how it is so easy to wear. Excellent condition.
The inner dress that the panel wraps over is lined with its black own silk chiffon lining. It zips to close with a hidden set zipper at the side and then the panel wraps over and ties into place that with attached ties at the waist. Tagged a FR38, D36.
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam and then you can cinch it with the ties
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to the longest point that the detailing piece is dangle.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4971
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The twin of the dress walk the Fall 2009 runway for Look 55. Karl titled the Fall 2009 collection Belle Brummell inspired by Beau Brummell, a British Regency dandy who started a trend with how men wore caveats. Vogue noted that Karl similarly managed to translate the trends of the season in his own way. And did it in a way that perfectly balanced being grown-up and youthful. They went on to say that "That formula transmitted some of the loveliness of Karl Lagerfeld's sublime origami-paper Spring Couture collection into super-feminine white collar and cuff treatments—frothy plissé ruffs, chiffon camellias, and French maid frills encircled the neck or sleeves on soft, fitted black silhouettes." Many of the pieces focused on the shoulder and this dress is no exception. My photos don't come close to doing it justice. You can see in the reference photos how beautifully it is on the body and I love that Princess Charlotte Casiragh chose one to wear to Karl Lagerfeld “Karl For Ever” Tribute in 2019.
I'm so happy that we have reference photos because I do not think that this dress really shows off in the best light on my dress form. It is one of those pieces that is cut to move and sit best on a body. The dress is made out of a light black silk with a squared off neckline. A soft black silk chiffon bow sits at the centre for detail. All of the seaming on the dress is done vertically. It skims over the bust and is brought in at the waist by that seaming and then curves back out over the hips. It flares out from there and the entire bottom of the skirt has angled black silk chiffon insets all the way around it. These are triangular in shape and widen out as they near the hem so that the lower skirt is quite full. I also love that they are not backed with any lining so as you move, you get a touch of transparency through each panel. You can see by how much in the reference photos. The sleeves are amazing. They are more of a capelet really that wraps all the way around the back. It creates the prettiest movement as it catches the air. Seaming holds the caplet in place just below the shoulders and the fabric that runs over each shoulder has light padding inside. Is tremendously beautiful. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk with silk chiffon insets around the skirt that have some transparency to them. It closes with a hidden set back zipper with hook and eye above that. It appears to have been worn very little at all. Each shoulder is lightly shaped and padded. Tagged a Chanel 36.
Sleeves: approx 13"
Shoulders: approx 15" with the padding sitting slightly off the edge of the shoulder to create the shape you see
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 53" from top of shoulders to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4970
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2009 Chanel, Look 55. Model Sasha Pivovarova. / (3-4) Princess Charlotte Casiraghi, in Chanel, for the Karl Lagerfeld “Karl For Ever” Tribute in 2019.
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chanel
Exceptional Pre-Fall 2015 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 83 Metiers d'Art Black Lace Dress
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This gorgeous Chanel has an amazing provenance. Its twin walked the runway for Look 83 that season, Julianne Moore wore one to Cannes that year, and Elle Fanning also wore one from us to Cannes just this year. We are so pleased to have another and this one even has its original hang tag in place. The Metiers d'Art presentations are always a celebration of the amazing craftsmanship and talent of the Chanel Artisans. Vogue stated that "The lace and ribbons and elaborate sleeve details of Winterhalter's portraits of Sissi (Empress Elisabeth of Austria), became part of the Chanel vocabulary in this collection." You can see that tribute to lace on this dress. On the runway an additional ribbon with a diamante crusted buckle was wrapped around the waist and I love that this shows you that you could add something around the waist to make it even more glamorous, or keep it perfectly minimalist and wear it as it was sold in the shops like Julianne and Elle did.
Everything about this dress has that chic Chanel feel that makes many of Karl's designs feel like forever classics. Even without the fact that it is so well documented the dress feels very Chanel. It is beautiful in person and the simple lines and cut make it the kind of dress that you can wear multiple times while the styling and accessories you choose to add can make it feel different each time. It is made of black silk that has a slight bit of texture to it. It has enough weight to hold the intended shape beautifully. Wide straps curve up and over each shoulder and then extend to sit on each side of the low squared off opening that exposes your entire upper back. This is so unexpected and insanely sexy. The neckline is cut straight across. The waist is seamed and brought in with a wide silk satin black ribbon that ties in a bow at the front. The ends of the bow trail down the front of the skirt to add extra detailing. The ribbon also holds in place the panel of lace that runs down the entire front. The panel is made up of tiers of black lace that sit in horizontal bands. These start at the top of the neckline, run in and behind the band around the waist and then fall like an apron over the front of the skirt. The dress curves over the hips with little pockets hidden along the seams. Depending on your height, the skirt will fall to just above the ankle or the floor. It is an exceptional piece of Chanel and has its original shop tag. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper tag a Chanel 40. The original tag is attached which it's original price of $11,900 which is just over $16,000 in today's dollars, not even counting Chanel's rise in pricing that is well over the actual inflation value. Pockets on each hip.
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to shoulder top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 55" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4969
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Pre-Fall 2015 Chanel, Look 83. Model Caroline Brasch Nielsen. / (3-4) Julianne Moore in Chanel at the Chopard Trophy Party in Cannes, May 2015. / (5-7) Elle Fanning wearing this dress in Cannes, May 2024.
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christian dior
Spring 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 53 Red Silk Strapless Dress
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This is without a doubt, one of my favourite dresses from the Spring 2008 collection. Its twin walk the runway for Look 53. This collection marked Dior's 60th anniversary and it was also Johns 10th year with the label. He celebrated those milestones with a show that was a nod to both the archives and Old Hollywood glamour. Pieces were wait-listed worldwide. This dress was also produced in a black for the shops and both versions were produced in very limited quantities. It has also being a favourite on the red carpet and we have included both runway and carpet photos here. It is a spectacular piece for the collector.
The dress is made out of a luxurious red silk. John often chose this weight of silk because of the control it gave him to be able to drape and apply the level of seam work that he loved to do. It is all cut on the bias. The bodice is strapless with an inner boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place. Silk panels have been draped, gathered and hand stitched into place to create the dramatic sweeping detailing you see at the front. At the back he gathered all of the fabric down and into the centre line to meet in a little peak at the centre of the waist. From there his signature bias cut allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. As in many of his pieces the seaming has the feel of the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The fabric has been pieced together with low dropped angled panels to create the widening of the lower skirt. It flares out at the bottom and at the back it is cut longer so that you get a touch of a sweeping feel behind you as you walk. It is an incredible feat of patterning. A row of signature tightly spaced buttons & loops in the same silk run up one side. John's pieces only truly come to life when worn and as good as this looks on the dress form, it is better once on the body. It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a red silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The inner boned and cupped corset hooks to close with two rows of lingerie hooks to choose from. The bias cut gives it some give in the measurements and I've given the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat below. I see a teeny tiny darkened spot near the hem. Hand finishes.
Inner bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 55" from top of the bodice to front hem, 60" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4772
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2008 Christian Dior, Look 53. Model Morgane Dubled. / (5) Aishwarya at the IIFA 2008. / (6) Lucy at the People's Choice Awards, 2024.
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This stunning little McQueen dress is a beauty. This is a dress that was made for the shops that season and I think it is the perfect holiday piece with its wrapped bow front. As we all know, Sarah Burton departed from the McQueen label with her Spring 2024 collection and we love her time at the label. It is a joy to have such a great piece of her work today.
The dress is stunning and it is made out of the perfect clear red silk that is a colour that is flattering on most skin tones. It is cut with an almost sculptural line. The bodice is strapless and it is shaped to curve over the body to create an hourglass shape. Wide panels of silk have been added over the the bodice to wrap around, down and across you. They are crossed and shaped over the bust to create a bow effect and I love how they give the dress a bit of an Old Hollywood 1950s feel. The waist is nipped in underneath the bow detailing and then the hips curve out with a bias cut to create a very classic and signature McQueen feel. The silk skims over the hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem for one final beautiful curve. There is extra fabric set into the back of the skirt and it flares out to create a stunning shape. No matter what angle you see this dress from there is an interesting angle, curve or flare to show your shape off beautifully. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a matching red silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Built in inner corset that is lightly boned and cupped. Tagged a McQueen 38
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of the bodice to waist and the ribbon panels extend past the top
Total length: 59" from the top of the bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4965
Reference Photos: Credits unknown.
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer. These pants are so unusual and I absolutely love them. This is the type of piece that you are only going to find in vintage.
These are based on the classic harem pant that you see in many cultures around the world. You have to wonder if he travelled somewhere and was inspired to make a version for the western market. They are made out of a beautiful black silk chiffon with another layer of chiffon inside acting as the lining. Onto the chiffon is an amazing pattern of flowers and vines done in metallic gold, red, green and purple. This gorgeous design completely covers the pants from top to bottom. As they near the hem of the pants the pattern changes to horizontal stripes that anchor the entire design. They have no closure. Instead there is elastic around the waist so you just pull them on and go. The bottom of the pants also have elastic and this lets them blouse and balloon up around the ankles. It is an extremely simple design that is easy to wear. The gold and metallic colours are so striking. These would be fantastic to travel with and you can easily dress them up or down. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black chiffon with elastic at the waist and cuffs. They appear to have been worn very little if at all. The elastic at the waist does give them flexibility in measurements. I have given the approximate range of measurements and I think if you were smaller you could have the elastic at the waist tightened. They are very easy to fit.
Elastic waist: 12.5-21" flat across from side to side
Hips: open
Length: 43" from waist to hem
Inseam: 29"
Gusset: 16" from back waist to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4964
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christian dior
Fall 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Black Net Bead & Sequin Over Skirt
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The twin of this overlay skirt walked the runway for the Fall 2019 season for Look 36. This was the show where Maria took a look to the past for her inspiration for the collection. Vogue's Sally Singer noted that; "Chiuri sought inspiration for this collection from Britain’s postwar Teddy Girls, those working-class, rock ’n’ roll–loving beehived vixens who hit the clubs in a mix of men’s Edwardian jackets, full skirts, blue jeans, leather, velvet, and eyeliner galore. She was struck by the similarity in silhouette and the optimistic excess that characterized Christian Dior’s designs of the same period. She was also moved by Yves Saint Laurent’s addition to the Dior pantheon of a men’s black leather jacket for women in the late 1950s. So, heritage, hipsters, and herstory" This skirt is one of the ones that felt most like a heritage piece from that show while still having a modern flare. It is just absolutely lovely.
The skirt is made out of a beautiful black silk net and the fabric choice is what allows it to hold the shape that you see. It is also the perfect fabric to have been able to add the extensive bead and sequin work that have been applied to it. At the waist there is a thin band that cinches it in. The skirt is full under that and will fall to about mid-calf to the ankle depending on your height. There are two layers of the net that make up the skirt and it is fully split and open at the front. It wraps over itself just a touch at the front and there is a little flat bow for added detail. I love that this gives you a piece that you can layer over existing pieces in your wardrobe. You can take a simplest little dress that you have, pop this over it and all of a sudden you have an amazing and elaborate look. The entire skirt has been appliqued with little floral sprigs that are made of hand set metal coils, tiny seed beads, sequins and what look to be mother of pearl finished paillettes. All of the work is done by hand and it is extraordinary. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. It is a very little special piece that has a huge array of styling options. Excellent condition.
It is made out of two layers of the black netting and meant to have a slight transparency since you layer it over other pieces. It closes with snap and hook an eye at the waist and is fully open down the front.
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 36" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4963
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2019 Look 36. Model Hyun Ji Shin.
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This is a beautiful skirt by Adolfo. Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and like Halston, he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor, to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969. I love his work and am very pleased to have this exceptional skirt in the shop today.
The skirt is made out of a beautiful back chiffon that is has a second layer of black silk floating underneath it. The waist is banded for shape and then two layers of silk fall from there to float over you. It will fall all the way to the floor or just above depending on your height. Onto the top layer of chiffon he added a geometric pattern that combines black eyelash velvet and gold metallic eyelash fabric. This pattern covers the entire skirt. The bottom hem of both the outer and inner layer are both finished with a band of metallic gold lame. I love the effect that the touch of metallic gives to the skirt. It is fabulous and it looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a second layer of black silk as described above. It closes with a zipper and a hidden set snap and a hook and eye at the waist.
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 41" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4962
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This amazing and so very easy to wear a dress is a production piece from the Valentino 2019 Resort collection. His inspiration for this collection was Rome in the 1970s. In Vogue's review, they noted that Pierpaolo's goal for pre-collections was always to create clothes that women could wear and really live in. I love that. One of the things that made this particular collection a stand out was his reworking of the Valentino logo. He told the press that he called these 'bootlegged logos' and I love the swirling way that he worked the logo in to create the print that covers this dress.
The dress is so cute and chic. It is made from a light jersey that is super easy to just slip on. It also holds colour fantastically. The sleeves are cut to be very full above their simple cuffs and this adds to the easy feel the dress has. The entire upper bodice of the dress is finished with an elastic so you can wear it fully off the shoulder. This allows your entire upper shoulders to show. The jersey fall over the bodice in an easy manner to the waist. The waist is finished with an elastic and there is a little ruffle just underneath that elastic. This makes fitting the dress extremely easy as it will move with you. If you wanted more of a cinched in look, you could easily add a belt, but it works perfectly well without one. The skirt falls to the just below the knee or a little longer depending on your height. The jersey has been pleated into soft pleats that open out as they near the hem. This gives it beautiful movement as you move. It is killer. The dress looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips over the head to wear. Elastic around the top of the shoulder and waist. Each cuff buttons to close with a single button. The elastic at the waist and shoulders give it some room in the measurements. I have listed the comfortable range when laying flat below. Tagged a modern Valentino small.
Sleeves: 24.5" and are 16" around the upper arm
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 52" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4961
Reference Photos: (1-3) Resort 2019 Valentino Look 22 & 23
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oscar de la renta
Amazing 1971 Oscar de la Renta Bandana Handkerchief Dress w Elastic Off Shoulder Bodice
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The Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967. His boutique label is important as it is know for being the first ready-to-wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces have lots of hand finishes and are just stunning examples of his work during these early days of his career. I am certain that this dress is from Spring 1971. I have had dresses in other colours with the same bodice treatment and that is the only collection that I am aware of that he did under this label with this type of treatment through the top.
I love this dress. It is not only so easy to wear and so cute, but I don't think it was ever worn. The cotton is as crisp and bright as if it had just come off a rack. It is light in weight and feels exactly what it looks like - an early rendition of the bandana. The lightness of the fabric mixed with its crisp finish is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk, the fabric of the skirt and that fabulous handkerchief hem catch the air and move around you. The colour is a beautiful true red and the print layers white and black on top of the red cotton in a classic bandana design. The top is fully finished with horizontal elastics that give it the stretch and feel of a tube top. He has left a bit of a ruffle around the neckline. The sleeves have the same elastic treatment with another ruffle at their ends. I have photoed the dress with it sitting fully off of the shoulder, but you could also wear it higher up on the shoulder if you wished. The gathering goes to the top of the hip so you get an amazing shape through the body. The skirt falls from there skimming over the hips. Depending on your height the skirt falls from just below the knee to mid-calf. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition
Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric through the bodice where it is finished with elastic has a lot of stretch. I have put the comfortable range of measurements below when laying flat.
Sleeves: approx 8.5" and the upper arm will stretch from 12-20" around
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 15-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to where the elastic ends
Total length: 51" from top of shoulder to longest points of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4959
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There is very little information on the Roger Freres label out there but from what I can gather, he was an independent dressmaker that made clothes from the early 1960s to the 1970s. His work was well made and hard to find. This little dress by him is phenomenal. It is made from a lightweight silk organza that has a touch of the most subtle shimmer to it. The top layer sits over an inner nude chiffon lining through the bodice and an inner, more straight cut skirt that is backed in the same nude silk and then topped with the same black silk organza as the outer skirt. This softens the black and gives the entire dress this touch of transparency and airiness as you see the inner layers of the dress through the outer layer. From a distance it adds the illusion that you are perhaps more bare underneath than you really are. The inner bodice has a beautiful curving wide band of prong set rhinestones in various shapes and sizes. They have all been hand applied. I love the effect this creates as you see them through the outer layer of silk. The top layer is kept simple with a scooped neckline and easy and full cut over the inner bust. Each sleeve is tremendously full and billows out above a wide cuff. On each cuff, you have another highly detailed and intricate pattern made from those same prong set rhinestones in various shapes and sizes. The skirt is equally as gorgeous and is wide and full above the inner skirt, widening out quite a bit as it nears the hem. It is incredible and when you move it catches the air and moves beautifully. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice. The inner skirt is lined in a nude silk and then covered on its exterior in the same silk organza as the top layer of the dress. Ribbon finished inner hem. It closes with a back zipper and then the black organza snaps to close over that. Light boning through the bodice. The attached belt hooks to close at the back. Each cuff snaps to close with hidden set snaps. Perhaps the occasional rhinestone missing on the cuffs but I am being pretty picky.
Sleeves: 24.5" and our 13" around the upper arms
Shoulders: 15"
Inner bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 56" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4957
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christian dior
2000s Christian Dior by John Galliano Peach Silk Chiffon & Silver Beaded Bias Cut Dress
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During John Galliano's years from 1996-2011 at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut and chiffon dresses in the house's history. His work often has a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties with their beautiful cuts. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Boutique line and it is gorgeous. It is so classically Galliano for Dior in its shape and cut. It is a real beauty.
The dress is made out of the palest possible peach / pastel salmon nude silk chiffon that has a slight bit of texture to it. It is completely cut on the bias which makes it so easy to wear. The dress is cut wide across the shoulders with a scoop at both the front and the back. From there it drapes down and over the body to the floor. That signature bias cut that he did so perfectly allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The sleeves are cut a bit wide through the upper arm, narrow down just slightly to the cuff and then have a full ruffle to finish them. The bead work that you see over the dress is continued over the sleeves so you get an amazing little glitz in the light from every angle. The bodice is heavily finished with an intricate pattern of silver tube and seed beads and these catch the light beautifully. The bead work continues around the back of the dress and then you have scattered medallions of beads down the front and back all the way down to where the skirt begins. The cut of the dress is meant to simply glide and skim over the body and then it flares out dramatically through the lower skirt. The seaming is a nod to the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The fabric of the lower skirting has been pieced together with a series of angled chevron panels. The widening of the hem is created by the way those angled silk chiffon panels are stacked on top of each other with each panel getting wider than the one above. This gives you so much movement when you walk. A row of tightly spaced matching silk covered buttons run up one side for the perfect finish. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn. It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all. In its original uncut length. Excellent condition
Fully lined in the same silk chiffon and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. You can see the hand work that was done to apply the beads on the inside of the fabric. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and I have taken the comfortable range when laying flat for you below
Sleeves: approx 23" to their longest points and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: Approx15-16"
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 68" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4954
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Prettiest Spring 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Pink Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress
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John Galliano began his own label in 1984 and he was instantly a bit of a 'boy wonder' in fashion. He was British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995. In 1991 he made his Paris catwalk debut. In 1995 he was asked to head Givenchy and then went to Dior in October of 1996. His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Spring 2006 season and it is gorgeous. This dress was a piece made for production and is a more minimalist version of the dress that walked the runway for Look 40 that season. It has all the things we love about his work presented in a beautifully chic and minimalist package that still has that strong impact of colour that the runway version had.
The dress is made out of a feather light silk chiffon that moves beautifully over the body. It is all cut on the bias so is easy to wear. I love the cut of the bodice. Twisted silk chiffon straps extend out from a peak at the centre front. They curve up and around the neck and then they fall down each side of your back. The entire back is scooped low so you have this bare expanse of skin showing. It drapes over the bodice and skims over the waist with an easy more generous feel. A gathered band of the silk chiffon is wrapped around the top of the hips and a long tie extends down all the way to the hem from where that attached sash meets at the side. From there the dress drapes to the the floor and widens out a touch as it nears the hem. A slit runs up one side of the skirt and this allows the silk to catch the air and move easily around you as you walk. The seaming is a nod to the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The colour and the way that it changes as it moves down the dress is of course one of the most important elements of the piece. It starts out to be a soft taupe at the top and then gradually changes to a pale pink to a vivid pink around the lower skirt and ends in a deep dusty fuchsia. It is stunning to have this brilliant pop of colour. A signature row of tightly spaced silk covered buttons run up one side for the perfect finish. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how the dress moves once on the body. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a matching taupe silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The bias cut allows some movement in the fabric and I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below. Tagged a vintage Dior F40, GB12, IT44, US8
Bust: 16.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 63" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4953
Reference Photos/Video: (1-7) Spring 2006 Christian Dior, Look 40. Model Michelle Buswell. / (8) Monica Bellucci wearing Dior at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
dolce & gabbana
Magical 2000s Dolce & Gabbana Pinky Nude Tulle & Lace Flower Applique Strapless Dress
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Dolce and Gabban launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s they they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. This dress came to me from the same owner as the black 2008 one I just put in the shop and she told me it was purchased around the same time period. It is a dress that is incredibly beautiful. It would obviously make an amazing wedding piece for the bride looking to go the non-traditional route or as a part of a wedding weekend of events, but I think it is also a dress that could cross over and be worn to other events.
The dress is made from a pale nude silk tulle net that has a touch of a pink tine to it. This is then layered over inner layers of more tulle, lace netting and silk. The bodice is strapless and has a heavy application of cut out flowers added over the tulle all the way around you. They are placed to fall past the seam that sits under the bust and over onto the top of the tulle as it begins to flare out into that incredible top layer. As the dress moves down to the ham, you see more cut out flowers scattered over the entire dress. At the front, there is a cluster of soft silk chiffon flowers that add a beautiful detail. Small versions of these are also scattered over the top layer of the dress, all the way to the hem..This incredible treatment on the top layer of the dress really adds to the depth and texture of the dress. That entire top layer of tulle tents over the dress to create volume all the way around you and to sweep out behind you. Under those layers is an inner dress that has a dotted lace. I love the effect of this peeking out tulle. More layer sit under that. Besides the visual effect this creates, this technique of multiple layering also gives the dress some of its structure so that it holds the shape around you once on. The bodice is strapless and cut on a soft curve across the neckline. There is a built in boned corset on the inside for shape and to hold the dress in place on you. It curves in just slightly to skim over the waist and then curves back out for the hips. The top skirt is set to fall to the floor with all of the beautiful volume that you see in the photos. The top layer of the skirt gets progressively wider so that it is very full by the time it reaches the hem. The inner hem falls to the floor, but that top outer layer falls slightly longer all the way around you and then it sweeps out behind you. It is incredibly beautiful and romantic. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a soft nude pink silk. The innermost layer of stretch silk goes to just above the knee. It closes with a back zipper and then the tulle layer snaps over that to hide the zipper. Inside the bodice is a cupped and boned corset. I see one vertical repair in the tulle of the skirt at the back otherwise it appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a Dolce & Gabbana 36
Bust: 13-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A cup built into the front
Waist: 11-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5.5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to front hem, 69" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD4955
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Prettiest 2016 Valentino by Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli Printed Red Silk Dress
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This dress is from the 2016 season and at this time both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors. It was a dress that was produced for the shops that year. It is an incredibly easy to wear and flattering piece once on the body.
This is a thoroughly Valentino feeling dress. The dress is made from a feather light silk chiffon in the prettiest true red for the base. Think scarf weight as far as the weight goes. This is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk the fabric of the dress catches the air and billows out around you. The neckline is cut high to frame the neck with cut out flowers from the print of the dress added around the collar for extra detailing. At the back of the neck it ties with a long tie that trails down the back over an open slit that runs from the neck to the waist. I love how this gives an unexpected flash of skin when you move a certain way. The bodice is cut loose and easy and the waist is more on the generous side. It falls from there to the floor and as it reaches the hem the skirt widens out. I love the five ruffled tiers that wraps around the lower skirts for detail and added movement. The silk has a beautiful flower design that covers the entire dress and pops against the red. The sleeves are long and each is finished with three more ruffled tiers which lets them widen out beautifully. It is a gorgeous dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.
The top and sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a red silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set low back zipper at the waist and then ties into place behind the neck with a hidden hook behind the tie. In it's original uncut length. The easy and generous cut should fit a range of sizes
Sleeves: 21.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" 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
Dropped bodice: 19" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4950
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dolce & gabbana
Rare 2008 Dolce & Gabbana Black Silk Net Corset Lace Up Dress w Massive Lower Skirts
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Dolce and Gabban launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s they they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. This is the twin of the dress that was worn by Jennifer Lopez for Elle US Magazine that year and the twin of the dress in white was worn to the 2009 Oscars. It is a dress with incredible modern provenance given these two important moments in both fashion and Hollywood history.
Corsets with exposed boning along with lace ups are a hallmark of the Dolce and Gabbana label and this dress has those distinct design elements on full display. The entire body of the dress is one long exposed corset. It is made out of a fine black netting mixed with tulle. All of the boning that gives it structure is covered in a black ribbon that is exposed and becomes its own detail. The bodice is strapless and the cups are exposed. It is meant to hug you like a second skin. The waist is brought in and then the dress glides over the hips. Past the waist the ribbon no longer has boning behind it but it still serves to add structure to the dress. The way that the ribbon and boning have been laid out over the dress visually adds to the hourglass shape that the dress creates on you. At the back the dress closes with one of their big silver zippers that have become a signature and this sits just under one side of a full lace panel that runs long down the back. I love how the ties have been left long so they run down you at the back. The laces can also be used to adjust the size if you need a touch more room. The dress is cut to follow the body all the way to just about the knee and then the lower skirt explodes out from there in a massive fabulous bell shape. The top layer is that same silk net as the body of the dress and then under that there are multiple layers of soft tulle and stiffened tulle. I count seven in total. Running all the way around inside the top of the skirt is a wide padded panel that helps to add structure and support to the skirt. When laid out flat the entire skirt is just beyond a full circle which gives you an idea of how full that lower skirt really is. This is an utterly amazing dress. It has all its original tags in place and was never worn. Excellent condition.
The dress is lined in a combination of black silk and stretch silk with boning all through the bodice as described above. Multiple layers through the skirt as described above. All of the original tags are attached. It is tagged a Dolce and Gabbana size 38. The fabric has stretch. I have added the measurements with the lace is fully tightened so the measurements below are the comfortable range when it is worn like that. The laces could be loosened to get another couple of inches if needed.
Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 9-10" from top of bodice to natural waist
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4949
Reference Photos: (1) Jennifer Lopez and Stefano Gabban photographed by Carter Smith for ELLE US, October 2008. / (2-3) Melissa George wearing Dolce & Gabbana at the Oscars, 2009.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993 and in 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and wore it on various red carpets. He was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes. He employed some of the best tailor and seamstresses in the business at the time. This is a stunning example of how much impact one of his minimalist pieces could have.
This sleek little number is in perfect condition and is cut beautifully. It is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps that curve over and down the back. The dress is completely bias cut to follow the curves of your body but without being super tight. The neckline dips in a V at the front and I love the detailing that you see there. The front bust has an inset that angles into a point to about the waist area. The inset is made from little strips of a black velvet that have been applied over a black silk chiffon and then backed in a nude silk chiffon. So you have coverage but there is still a touch of transparency. It is very sexy. Another V dips down for a bare expanse of skin to show at the back. The shape through the waist is created by vertical seams that curve over the body. The silk skims over the waist and hips and then falls to the floor. The lower part of the skirt widens out as it reaches the hem and extra fabric has been worked into the back so you get a bit of a sweeping feel as you walk away. It looks so simple on my dress form but this is a dress that is a bombshell piece once it is on an actual body. It is so good. Excellent condition.
The panel at the front is lined in nude silk chiffon as described above and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Richard Tyler US8.
Bust: 17-19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4948
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Gorgeous Fall 1975 Yves Saint Laurent Brown Silk Jersey Dress w Full Sleeves
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This is an interesting YSL. It appears to be the Rive Gauche version of the Haute Couture piece from that season and on the RTW runway we found a jumpsuit version of it that is identical in all but the legs vs the skirt. Is possible that it was also shown on the runway as well since collections from this time period were not fully documented. But even with these two reference photos you can see how much it comes to life when worn. It is such an easy dress to wear and it is drop dead gorgeous.
The fabric is a beautiful light weight deep brown silk jersey. The cut of the dress is incredible. The neckline is scooped and then the dress skims over you to the waist. The very edge of the neckline has been piped in the same fabric and the scoop is set a bit wide across so you see a touch of collarbone. The sleeves are fabulous. Each is cut to be very full so that they balloon out over their elastic cuffs. Very tiny padded insets sit just inside that slim band of fabric between the scoop and the seam of the sleeve and this adds the perfect amount of structure to hold the dress in place. The waist is seamed with a small band for shape and you could add a belt if you wanted even more definition. Once on the body the bodice will blouse over the skirt slightly. The skirt falls from the waist and is gathered in tiny gathers all the way around the waist. This allows the skirt to flare and open out slightly as it nears the floor. The quality of the jersey is beautiful and the workmanship in this dress is fabulous. It really showcases just what a genius he was that he could create such a simpl