givenchy
Recent Givenchy Vivid Silk Pink Chiffon Halter Dress w Completely Open Back & Multi Length Hem
I Have a Question
- This is a more recent Givenchy piece and is a great and easy dress to wear.
- It is made out of a vivid pink silk chiffon with a softer pink silk lining. This keeps it nice and light in weight and gives it a pretty drape.
- The dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and around the neck. At the back, they fall down the bar expensive skin there and each one ends with an elaborate finish of big iridescent round beads. The two ties each have a different amount of bees on the end, and that same little quirky detail is picked up on the tiny little beads that sit on the top of each strap as well with one side having more than the other.
- At the front you are covered by two long triangles of the silk which create a deep plunge all the way to the waist.
- The back is left completely open and bare and I love how sexy this is when you turn around.
- The waist is cinched and highlighted with a pink band of silk that has a different finish and has top stitching set horizontally all the way around.
- The skirt falls in different lengths with jagged edges. It is amazingly full, and having all of those links, gives it an incredible amount of movement when you move walk or twirl. The chiffon of the skirt has been lightly pleaded, but purposely allowed to soften and open.
- This would be an incredible dress to dance in.
- The dress is fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. It ties behind the neck. The pink is perhaps a little less vivid than how it followed with a touch of coral to it
- Tagged a more modern Givenchy 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers up to approximately 6.5" flat across from side to side
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 13" from neck to the top of the 1.5" band around the waist. You can adjust that up or down with the ties at the back of the neck.
Total length: approximately 60" from neck to the longest parts of the hem with the shorter ones hitting various lengths.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5567
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
Spring 2008 Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati Runway Look 35 Deep Pink Silk One Shoulder Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 35 on the Spring 2008 Yves Saint Laurent runway for Look 35.
- It was made under the creative direction of Stefano Pilati
- On the runway the dress was worn by Freja and it was also shot on Kate Moss that season.
- Stefani said that he had been thinking of "goddesses and stars" for the evening pieces.
- This was the strongest dress of the collection and I love having all of these reference photos for you because you can see just how beautiful this dress is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a beautifully weighted silk that is cut on the bias. The colour is a deep fuchsia pink. That is a rich and lovely jewel tone.
- The end entire dress falls from one shoulder. The sleeve on that side is kept simple, starting out wide from the body and then narrows at the cuff.
- The front of the dress angles down on a curve and it does the same at the back. It is more fitted through the bust and curves past the waist.
- The bias cut lets it skim and fall over the hips to highlight your curves.
- The skirt falls from there and is made from seamed panels that give a nod to the thirties in their execution.
- The skirt is very full and that, combined with the bias cut, give this incredible movement as you move. It is an extremely sensual and sexy feeling dress once on.
- I think this was one of the strongest dresses of his entire time at this label.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching pink silk and it closes with a hidden set zipper at the side. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Single sleeve: approx 24" and is 16" around the upper arms
Bust: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total Length: approx 61" from shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 7"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML
Item# DD5568
Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 2008 Yves Saint Laurent, Look 35. Model Freja Beha Erichsen. / (4) Kate Moss for Spring 2008 Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto, shot by Ines & Vinoodh.
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
2010s Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Coral Silk Chiffon Bow Dress w Shawl
I Have a Question
- This is almost certainly from the early 2010s and is very similar to dresses we have had in the shop before from the 2010 and 2011 collections.
- It was made under the creative direction of both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful coral silk chiffon that is cut on the bias and flows over the body beautifully. The fabric choice keeps the dress very light in weight and gives it beautiful movement.
- The entire top portion of the dress is finished in a series of soft gathers that highlight the shape of the bodice as it flows over you.
- There are also these two fantastic soft bows that are made of the same silk as the body of the dress that sit along one side and add a pretty detail.
- The straps extend out from the body to curve up and over the shoulders. All of the gathering that covers the bodice have been set on soft angles to follow the cut of the neckline.
- It comes in softly at the waist and the very lower part of the bodice is set on an angle above the skirt This is very flattering on and highlights how it is swept up and into those bows even more.
- The skirt falls from under there and widens out to a pretty fullness by the time it reaches the hem. I love how there is an extra gathering of the silk along the side that is sitting upwards on top of the hip.
- The skirt has three full layers of silk and the draped side curves upwards just a touch and conceals an overlapped slit. So when you move a certain way you see a bit of a flash of bare leg.
- The dress comes with a huge rectangle of matching silk that you can drape around your shoulders for the perfect finish.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching coral silk chiffon through the bodice. The skirt is made of three layers of silk and these act as the lining. There is a tiny bit of grubbiness/ tiny marks at the hem and a mark under one arm on the inside lining only. Please see the photo after the label shot. The dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. The colour is slightly softer in person.
- Tagged a Valentino 8
- Excellent condition with the minor note above.
Bust: 17.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5569
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.
azzedine alaia
Fantastic 1990s Azzedine Alaia Ribed Black Knit Mini Dress w Flared Skirt & Inner Boy Shorts
I Have a Question
- The dress dates to the early -mid 1990s (maybe the late 1980s).
- It was made under the creative direction of Azzedine Alaia.
- Azzedine Alaia pieces are always a delight to find. His knits were all self developed and are among the best out there. He started his career as a dressmakers assistant and copied couture gowns for wealthy Tunisian clients. In 1957 he moved to Paris and worked for Christian Dior for a grand total of five days. He then moved to Guy Laroche and quietly started to get private commissions on the side. By 1960 he was doing mainly private work and within a few years established a small salon on the Left Bank where he continued designing privately. He stayed at that salon until 1984.
- During this time period he also did private freelance work for other designers including Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler and even Yves Saint Laurent. It was not until 1981 that he launched his first official collection and by 1983 he had a boutique in Beverley Hills.
- The French Ministry of Culture honoured him with the Designer of the Year award in 1985. In 1993 he decided that the established fashion show schedule was not for him and he stopped producing a new collection every season. Instead he showed when his collections were ready and continued to do so until his death in 2017.
- This is a fantastic example of his earlier work and is still in fantastic condition.
- The dress is made out of a ribbed cable knit fleece wool that has a small percentage of other components to help give it some stretch and support. This makes it sit beautifully over the body and hug your curves as his dresses are known for.
- The neck is scooped and slightly squared off at the front and the shoulders are soft. From there the sleeves extend out over the arm and then the cuff flares out. I love the change in the design of the knit for the cuffs to add a little unexpected detail.
- It skims over the bust and waist and then curves back out over the hips. The skirt starts just under the top of the hips and is cut short as it flares out around you. Many of his pieces had that bit of a skater skirt feel to them and this is a fabulous example of that.
- The skirt has a slightly more scalloped ribbing than the knit of the body and the very bottom of the skirt changes once more to match the finish of the cuffs.
- Hidden underneath the mini skirt is a pair of knit stretch boy shorts that snap into place underneath you.
- These inner built-in shorts were a famous detail in his dresses and made wearing such short pieces without the fear of being exposed when you moved.
- The dress is unlined with built-in shorts and closes with a hidden set back zipper. The shorts snap to close with three snaps. The knit does have some stretch and I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below.
- Tagged a vintage Alaia medium
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 27.5" and they are 11.5-14" around the upper arms
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 22" from top of shoulder to the seam at the top of the skirt
Total length: 34" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5564
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.
emanuel ungaro
Documented Fall 1987 Emanuel Ungaro Runway Velvet & Lace Mini Dress w Peaked Bodice
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1987 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- An example of the dress is also held in the permanent archives of the China National Silk Museum Collection.
- Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after stints at both Balenciaga and Courreges. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his extravagant fabrics and flamboyance. He often participated in the design and execution of new fabrics and for him the design process started there. His work always has a sense of exuberance and joy to it and he mixed fabric and prints with a master's eye.
- The dress is made out of a black velvet through the body to the top of the skirt and then the lower skirt combines lace, netting and stiffened finishing around the lower inner hems that help support and hold the volume.
- Both the fabric combination and cut of this dress are fantastic and no matter how great it looks in the photos you will love it even more in person.
- The strapless bodice is cut across the neckline and the bodice is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust and body with a series of soft gathered folds that angle in towards the sides.
- The top of the bodice is cut with a curve on one side and a peak on the other. We have left the peak folded up for the photos but you could potentially fold it over more once it is on the body if you prefer that look.
- I love how the gathering is done to emphasize the cut of the bodice and then changes slightly through the waist and over the hips to a more horizontal line to give you added shape.
- These folds that emphasized the curves of the body were a signature of his and really made his pieces flattering once on.
- The seam where the skirting starts is set on a slight angle and then the skirt itself is a double layer of netting with bands of stiffened finishing along the hems. The layers are stacked on top of each other with a layer of black lace floating over that.
- There is an incredible amount of fabric in a skirt and it falls in swirls and folds all the way around you. I love the unusual shape with one side longer than the other. It is just phenomenal.
- Inside where the skirt attaches it has been gathered up and folded with padding put inside and this acts as a little bit of support to help hold the volume of the skirt.
- It is a gorgeous piece and it appears to have been worn very little if at all. An amazing piece of fashion history.
- The bodice is fully lined in a black silk and there is light boning through the inside dress for structure, including partway down the sides to give you support. The skirt is made of three layers as described above. I have taken a photo of the way the padding is constructed just inside the top of the inner skirt for you to see.
- Tagged a Ungaro 6
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 31" from top of the rounded side of the bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5565
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1987 Emanuel Ungaro RTW. / (2) Emanuel Ungaro dress in the China National Silk Museum Collection.
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.
azzedine alaia
Important & Rare Fall 1993 Azzadine Alaia Black Ribed Knit Laser Cut Out & Fringe Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 1993 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Azzedine Alaia.
- Azzedine Alaia pieces are always a delight to find. His knits were all self developed and are among the best out there. He started his career as a dressmakers assistant and copied couture gowns for wealthy Tunisian clients. In 1957 he moved to Paris and worked for Christian Dior for a grand total of five days. He then moved to Guy Laroche and quietly started to get private commissions on the side. By 1960 he was doing mainly private work and within a few years established a small salon on the Left Bank where he continued designing privately. He stayed at that salon until 1984.
- During this time period he also did private freelance work for other designers including Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler and even Yves Saint Laurent. It was not until 1981 that he launched his first official collection and by 1983 he had a boutique in Beverley Hills.
- The French Ministry of Culture honoured him with the Designer of the Year award in 1985. In 1993 he decided that the established fashion show schedule was not for him and he stopped producing a new collection every season. Instead he showed when his collections were ready and continued to do so until his death in 2017.
- This is a fantastic and well known a piece that is very desired by collectors. We have included reference photos of other pieces from the collection that have become important milestones of his earlier work.
- The dress is made out of a ribbed cable knit wool that has a small percentage of other components to help give it some stretch and support. This makes it sit beautifully over the body and hug your curves as his dresses are known for.
- The neck has a pretty ribbed finish and the shoulders are soft.
- From there the sleeves extend out over the arm and it is here that you see the first of the detailing that makes this dress such a standout.
- Starting at about the elbow the ribbing of the dress changes to a oval pattern that is open and bare in the middle of each oval so that the skin underneath is fully exposed. These gradually get larger in size as they fall to the wrist. The knit between the the oval pattern extends out to become the fringes that fall over your hands. This adds incredible movement and is just extraordinary.
- The body of the dress skims over the bust and waist and then curves back out over the hips. The skirt starts just under the top of the hips and is cut short as it flares out around you. Many of his pieces had that bit of a skater skirt feel to them and this is a fabulous example of that.
- The skirt has that same extraordinary open cut out detailing as the sleeves and even though it is not as short as some of his other pieces often were, having the cut outs expose your skin underneath makes it very sexy.
- I love that the cut outs through the skirt allow you to decide what to wear underneath and be as bare or covered as you choose to be.
- The skirt is then also finished with those same wide knit fringing so you get incredible movement around you when you move and walk.
- This is one of his best known collections and a very rare piece to find.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. The knit does have some stretch and I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 27" and they are 11-13" around the upper arms
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 22" from top of shoulder to the point where the cut outs begin on the skirt
Total length: 37" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5566
Reference Photos: (1-2) Nadja Auerman in Alaia, photographed by Gilles Bensimon, for Elle France, December 1993. / (3) Alaia dress in The MET Collection.
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.
bill blass
Incredible Fall 1979 Bill Blass Couture Red Silk Chiffon Dress w Gold Sequins & Mink Cuffs
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 1979 Bill Blass collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Bill Blass.
- I have had the twin of this dress in the shop a few years ago and I was very pleased to find another. Since we have had that original dress we happened to find the runway photo of the dress firmly dating it to Fall 1979.
- A similar version of this dress was worn by Slim Keith to attend the Met Museum Gala that year. We have also included a couple of shots of me in the one we had previously to give you an idea of how it is on.
- And a note to those who prefer not to wear fur; you could always un-tack and remove the sleeves and replace them with a faux version, feathers or anything you could imagine, or leave them without as Slim did and just store the cuffs for archival purposes.
- This dress is one of the best that he ever made. The dress has elements of his work that he would touch on continuously over the coming decades. It is also a wonderful example of just how sophisticated and glamorous he could be.
- The silk chiffon used for the base is feather light and it has a fine gold, metallic lurex thread that is woven through the silk to create vertical stripes.
- Hand applied gold sequins were then added to follow those gold threads. The sequins catch the light beautifully and add another dimension and texture to the dress.
- There is a subtle leaf print that runs through the silk and this adds a beautiful extra level of visual texture.
- The upper part of the skirt is the same deep red as the bodice of the dress and then that leaf print gradually becomes more dense until it forms a solid soft brown around the lower hem. There is a slit up the front to let you walk.
- The dress has a nod to the 1930s in its cut but he has exaggerated some of the elements to keep it modern.
- The bodice crosses over itself and there is a built in brown silk under piece so that you can wear the dress and not have it completely transparent. On the bodice there are no sequins and this is deliberate to keep it lighter in feel.
- The sleeves extend directly out from the bodice and they narrow down as they reach the cuff. The cuffs are both finished with a 7" band of fur that is either a mink or a sable. It is gorgeous.
- The dress is fully lined in brown silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set box zipper. Hand finishes and hand set sequins. The cuffs have perhaps the very slightest of wear to the edges and are soft and supple. This one does not have its Bill Blass tag present, but has the appropriate size tag and a Saks Fifth Avenue tag inside.
- Tagged a vintage Bill Blass 6
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 27"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Inner bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from the top of the shoulder to waist
Total length: 57.5" from the top of the shoulder to hem and the front slit is 19" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5563
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1979 Bill Blass. / (2-3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. / (4) Socialite Slim Keith in Bill Blass (left) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala in New York City, 1979.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
valentino
Pre-Fall 2019 Valentino by Pierpaulo Piccioli Runway Look 4 Oversized Shaggy Red Mohair Coat
I Have a Question
- The twin of this coat walked the runway for Pre-fall 2019 Valentino for Look 4.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaulo Piccioli.
- The show was in Tokyo and combined both women and the men's pre-fall, both firsts for the label. Piccioli maintained that "he wanted to 'keep the prettiness in the romanticism, the codes of the house' but then apply the notion of Wabi-Sabi to these clothes to bring them firmly into today's world."
- The coat is made out of a soft mohair and cotton mix to give the appearance of a shaggy sheepskin.
- The cut is meant to be oversized as you can see on its runway counterpart.
- It has no collar, but sits higher around the neck. The shoulders are soft and they curve down and into the more full cut sleeves.
- Three hidden hooks close it partway down from the neck and it's open from under that. Having them hidden keeps the coat feeling simple and sleek so it's just the drama of the red faux fur and the oversized silhouette that stays centre stage.
- When you look at the construction, it actually is quite clever and surprising. Panels fall from the front shoulders down and these sit over the panels that wrap around from the back. After about the waist each of the four panels fall independently from each other and this gives the coat lots of movement. The design is very clever.
- It also gives a very interesting feel when you put your hands in the pockets because you are actually slipping your hands through and under the front panels to a pocket tucked and hidden along the back panel that wraps around to the front.
- The red is a touch deeper than the classic Valentino red, which makes it a perfectly fabulous neutral in many ways.
- The coat has some weight but it is distributed over you very well once on the body.
- It is fully lined in a red silk and slips on to wear with three fur hooks hidden down the upper part of the front. The faux fur is purposely meant to look slightly aged and the coat appears to have been worn very little if at all. Pockets along each hip.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 44
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 22" and they are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approximately 17.5" but meant to be soft and slightly draped/ oversized
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-Hips: open
Total length: 46" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL
Item# DD5562
Reference Photo/Video: Pre Fall 2019 Valentino, Look 4. Model Fran Summers.
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
1972 Yves Saint Laurent Red Floral Silk Chiffon & Red Silk Dress w Balloon Sleeves & Pleat Detailing
I Have a Question
- When dating this extraordinary Yves Saint Laurent dress, we found a photo of a piece with almost an identical cut bodice from 1972 along with several runway photos that show other pieces with that same cut to the bodice.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- I have included the reference photos here for you and it is interesting to note that the pleating technique that is used around the upper hip of the skirt was also done in a more intricate fashion for the 1974 Couture show.
- Yves often use ideas from both collections. - Rive Gauche and Couture - to build and develop ideas and it is fascinating to see the progression of his work from garment to garment.
- The dress combines a floral silk chiffon with a muted red silk on the skirt.
- This combination of silks give the dress just enough weight and structure to be able to create the impressive lines and volume that you see but while still making it feel soft and romantic.
- The top is a printed silk chiffon and it has a floral pattern in red, purples and greens that float over the entire bodice and the sleeves.
- The bodice is cut to skim over you and the waist nips in. It plunges at the front and crosses over itself. The neckline has been detailed with ruffles that begin at the back of the neck and circle around to follow the V at the front and then run down to the waist piping done in the same fabric detail.
- The skirt falls to the floor from there and it has yards and yards of fabric in it that creates the fullness and volume that you see.
- It is quite full by the time it reaches the hem and I love the volume that this type of fabric creates and how it billows around you as you move but at the same time it is as light as a feather.
- Under the waist are a series of tiny pleats that gradually open out to create the volume underneath. This intricate detail is a beautiful addition to the dress.
- The sleeves are outstanding and the perfect finishing detail. Each is a single layer of the silk chiffon and are wide and very full. They are caught up at the wrist with a circle full circle ruffle underneath. This creates a beautiful and dramatic finish to the top.
- The dress is fully lined in a red silk except for the sleeves which are unlined. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Attached ties at the waist and elastic in each cuff. Between the top silk and inner lining is a tulle ruffle that helps keep the volume of the skirt. I see some light marks around the hem of the skirt that are minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 38
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5561
Reference Photos: Fall 1972 Yves Saint Laurent.
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.
richard tyler
Superb Fall 2005 Richard Tyler Version of Runway Strapless Pale Blue & Ivory Silk Organza Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in an ivory walked the runway for the Fall 2005 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Richard Tyler.
- This is the actual dress that was worn by Brie Larson to the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys so has that amazing added modern provenance.
- This colourway may have been a special order or more limited production piece. We love that the multiple photos show just how fantastic this is once on the body. We have a small clip of the dress Brie as she walked on stage on our Instagram, if you want to see it moving.
- The dress is strapless with a full boned inner corset that holds the dress in place around you.
- It is made from an inner brilliant turquoise coloured silk organza that was then covered with a pale greenish toned ivory silk organza over top. You can see how bright the inner blue is on the label shot. That layering of the two colours is integral to the final colour of the dress.
- I love how he allowed the turquoise to peek out just to touch along the very edge of wherever there is a pleated seam. The workmanship to do this so perfectly for every single edge is almost unimaginable.
- Intricate curving flat pleats start along the top of the bodice and then these curve over to one side where they become curving seams. As they run down and over the dress, each created panel expands and gets wider, creating the beautiful curving pattern over the dress. As these reach the hip area the pleats fully open and this is what creates the volume through the skirt.
- The skirt falls to the floor from there to the floor. One side is cut so that it falls with more volume and it is also cut longer as it curves around to the back where it stands out beyond the hem. This creates that gorgeous trained feel that it has and you can see how beautiful this is in the reference photos.
- The turquoise silk inner layer axe as the lining. The inner bodice is boned and an inner waist stay that hooks to close was added when it was lent to further help hold it in place. The dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see some light marks and grubbiness here and there on both layers of silk along the train hem.
- Tagged a vintage Richard Tyler 8
- Excellent condition with the minor note above
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 55" from top of bodice to the shortest part of the hem at the side and then it curves down with the train side extending another 18" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5560
Reference Photos: (1-6) Fall 2005 Richard Tyler. / (7-10) Brie Larson wearing this dress at the Creative Arts Emmys, September 2024.
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 Cruise 2009 Christian Dior by John Galliano Soft Pastel Blue-Green Ruffle Dress w Beading
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 52 from the Christian Dior Cruise 2009 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The Vogue report on the collection noted that: "Galliano has been mining the good old U.S. of A. for raw material from which to spin his dreams....grandes dames like Barbara Hutton, Millicent Rogers, and Nan Kempner—women who weren't afraid to make a bold sartorial statement, one that preferably involved a whopping piece of jewelry. From a shimmering backdrop that conjured a Tony Duquette garden, there emerged a full wardrobe for their modern-day counterparts in Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, and Dallas.... What this season is really about is not so much breaking the mold as delivering a vision of the good life—and Galliano can do that in spades."
- This is the actual address that worn by Caitlin Thompson to the 2024 Emmys.
- Emmy Rossum also appeared in its twin in 2009 and I love that the reference photos show just how wonderful this dress is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a pale pastel silk chiffon that is in the beautiful pastel shade of a turquoise / seafoam green. It is an absolutely beautiful colour and even better in person.
- The bodice is cut slightly wider across the neck and it is meant skim lightly over you to the waist.
- The waist is defined by a wide beaded band that highlights and adds shape.
- From there curves back out over the hips and then cascades to the floor gently widening out as it near the hem.
- The entire dress is finished with silk chiffon ruffles that are stacked and set to slightly overlap the ruffle sitting underneath all the way down to the hem, with the only break being the detailing around the waist for added shape.
- The ruffles add a lovely soft bit of movement as you move, and I love how he has played with the width of the ruffles as they work their way down to the floor. It makes it more visually interesting and also allows the dress more movement than if he had kept the ruffles all the same size.
- Extensive bead work wraps all the way around the band of the waist. The work has been completely done by hand and the beads are set out in a complex pattern with pale ivory beads mixed with beads of various sizes and finished in romantic pinks and soft greens.
- This is a phenomenal runway piece by John Galliano for Dior and is one of the prettiest dresses that he ever created.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching colour silk. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the side and there are hidden hooks on the top of one shoulder. I see one bead missing at the back of the waist. The bead work has all been added by hand.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5559
Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Cruise 2009 Christian Dior Runway. Look 52. / (7) Emmy Rossum at the New Yorkers for Children Spring Dinner Dance, April 2009. / (8-12) Caitlin Thompson in this dress at the 2024 Emmys.
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
Resort 2009 Valentino by Alessandra Facchinetti Presentation Look 16 Pastel Silk Organza Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this gorgeous dress was presented for the Resort 2009 collection for Look 16.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alessandra Facchinetti
-
Vogue noted that it was her third Valentino collection and for this one she "sketched a portrait of a lady in soft hues - pearl grey, icy white, and blush pink - punctuated, with pops of chartreuse and a rich fuchsia... Ruffles found their most elegant expression in organza gowns. Smartly paired with metallic flats these embrace the bodice before walking into the floor". There were three dresses presented in this similar cut - one in black, one in this dusty pastel gray green and one in a white. This was the more elaborate of the three.
- The dress is made out of a pale pastel green-blue silk organza that is cut to be more fitted around the bodice and then flows in a cascade of ruffles over the skirt. The fabric choice keeps the dress light in weight and gives it beautiful movement.
- The entire top portion of the dress is gathered in from the shoulders down and into the waist on curves that angle towards the centre. The straps are a touch wider as they curve over the shoulder and it comes in at the waist. The gathering and draping over the bodice is beautiful and detailed.
- Edging the front neckline is a series of little raw edged bows that are held in place by a heavy application of hand applied beads, stones, rhinestones, sequins and metal thread. This follows the neckline all the way down to where it crosses and insert into the waist. There is a modesty panel that keeps it from being too low. If you did wish to have this have a full plunging feel it would be easy to have that adjusted/removed.
- The skirt falls from under there and it is a little masterpiece of panelling and drape. The front panel is a lighter silk jersey and it is heavily gathered at the centre of the waist to fall and expand out as it near the floor. A matching panel to that runs down the centre of the back.
- The side panels of the skirt are made of the organza and there are added panels of organza layered onto those to create those giant ruffles that you see falling down each side and around to the back. These fall all the way down to the hem and create that beautiful structure that you see in the photos. Because the organza is so light in weight when you move, everything moves around you beautifully.
- This is an extraordinarily beautiful dress and I love its added provenance with its royal tie in.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching silk chiffon. The skirt has an additional two layers of silk chiffon under the top layer and these act as the lining. I see a tiny repair near where one ruffle is stitched to the side, but it's on the underneath so does not show. The dress closes with a hidden set side zipper.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the band at the waist. The band is just under 2" wide.
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5558
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2009 Valentino Look 16.
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.
emanuel ungaro
Dreamy Spring 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Runway Ivory Applique Lace & Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- This is from the Fall 1989 Haute Couture collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro
- The dress is made of out of a handmade embroidered lace in a deep ivory that sits on a silk chiffon base with a silk lining under that. Embroidered cut outs of a leaf and flower design have been added on top of the lace so the dress has a fabulous 3D feel and texture.
- It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris Atelier.
- At the front it is strapless with a more fitted and shaped bodice. Inside there is a built-in inner bodice that has hidden set internal boning and structure.
- The flower part of the dress goes all the way to past the hips so you get this fantastic hourglass feel.
- The waist comes in and then the dress curves back out over the hips. It narrows down a touch under that. Again adding to the hourglass feel of the dress.
- A knife pleated silk skirt is set in underneath the bottom of the flower part to make up the lower portion of the dress. There are yards of fabric in this lower skirting that allow it to move beautifully around you when you walk. The back extends quite a bit for a train feel behind you.
- The upper portion of the dress is fully lined in an ivory silk with the built-in corset as described above.
- The dress was worn and loved. I have had it specialty cleaned but there are still marks and staining along the hem and on the skirt where it trails out behind you especially. I still see some grubbiness along the front of the hem as well. Because of the way it is constructed you could easily have the bottom portion replaced if this bothered you and its priced with that in mind. The pleating has softened. There are some loose threads here and there where the floral parts of the pattern connect to each other. It is in good condition overall. A bit of minor grubbiness around the inside edge of the bodice that is very minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- The proper Haute Couture label present
- It closes with a hand set back zipper and the flowers overlap and snap into place over it so it is hidden. An inner waist stay hooks to close. It is completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards.
- There is no sized tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- The upper part of the dress is in great overall condition and the skirt in good condition with the flaws as mentioned above
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
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to shortest part of front hem, the back 15" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5555
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
Amazing 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Silk Ivory Full Tent Dress w Belt, Ruffled Edges & Full Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This is a gorgeous early-mid 1970s YSL piece.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- The dress is so romantic and dreamy feeling. I love that you have the option of wearing it full and open in more of a tent/ caftan dress style or you can use its matching belt to cinch in the waist as much as you wish.
- The dress is made out of a feather light ivory silk that has a touch of crispness to it.
- The sleeves are magnificent. Each is set high into the shoulder and gathered along the top. They puff out around the upper shoulder and then narrow down to a ruffle cuff with a single button and loop.
- The neck is set a touch wider across and the dress is gathered into the neck line down the centre of both the front and back.
- From there the dress falls wide and open to the floor. I love that the back skirt is cut a touch longer than the front. It gives it this beautiful sweeping feel behind you. The very bottom hem is finished with a ruffle to pick up the ruffle on the sleeves.
- The dress comes with its original matching wide tie belt in the same fabric. You can tie the belt right under the bust for a more empire feel or you can cinch it around your natural waist. I love the versatility of this.
- The dress is unlined and has no closures. It simply slips on to wear. Each cuff buttons with a single button and loop and the belt is original to the dress. I think the fabric has softened to touch as it has aged but it is still in beautiful condition
- Tagged a vintage YSL 36 but the loose and easy cut should fit a variety of sizes.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26.5" and are 18" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approximately 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem, and the back extends another 4" beyond that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5556
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.
balenciaga
Exceptional 1959 Balenciaga Haute Couture Strapless Ivory Silk Chiffon w Metallic Embroidery
I Have a Question
- The dress dates to the 1959 Balenciaga Couture collection. Based on the information provided by the Balenciaga archives there is a possibility that it was made in 1960.
- It was made under the creative direction of Cristobal Balenciaga.
- I was able to date this dress after speaking with the Balenciaga archives and they confirmed that this was 1959–1960. They hold its twin in yellow. They do not allow sharing of photos from their archives but I have seen the photos so know they exist with them.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand and the Paris atelier.
- The bodice is strapless and completely embroidered and covered in silver thread and prong set glass rhinestones.
- All of the embroidery and embellishment covering the bodice was done by hand.
- The skirt is made from a fine silk organza and falls outward from the waist on a pretty curvy line to the floor. Soft fold, gather it in around the waist and hope to hold the volume exactly Cristobal intended.
- Underneath the top silk layer is an attached silk underskirt that helps hold the shape and make the skirt opaque enough to wear. If you wanted to add even more fullness, you could add an additional underskirt for added support.
- Built inside the bodice is a cupped and boned inner corset that holds the dress in place. This is all perfectly done to couture standards.
- The dress is fully lined in silk and closes with two back zippers and snaps. There is an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The dress has its proper Haute Couture and numbered tag. I see some faint marks on the skirt and some minor fraying of the metal threads on the bodice here and there. On the interior bodice, the silk ribbon that goes around the edge of the neckline has started to fray. The edges of the metal stays in the cups are coming out on both sides. Please see the photos after the label shot and know that the dress is in good to great condition, but it is not perfect.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Good condition with the notes above.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 50" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5557
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.
versace
Phenomenal Spring 2021 Versace by Donatella Versace Runway Look 77 Embellished Starfish Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2021 Versace show for Look 77.
- It was made under the creative direction of Donatella Versace.
- This dress was immediately waitlisted and sold out worldwide. They were released on a very limited basis and very few were made.
- The show is live streamed and close to the public because of the worldwide lockdowns at the time. The stage was the "imagined ruins of Atlantis" with projected water streaming down the walls. It was a tribute to Gianni's 'tresor de la mer' collection for Spring 1992. She was quoted by Vogue as saying "I wanted to do something disruptive to break the rules because I think that what worked a few months ago does not make any sense today. Creatively that meant finding a way to bring the DNA of Versace to a new reality into people who have undergone a deep change". The dress was one of the closing looks of the show and was worn to perfection by Irina on the runway.
- It was a dress that was heavily photographed that season. Gigi was photoed in it for US Vogue, Sonam for Vogue India and Emily Ratajkowski was also photoed in its twin.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful pale turquoise blue silk that is of a very high quality. This was then heavily in embellished with large prong set glass crystals in various sizes, colours and shapes on an embroidered backdrop.
- The level of hand applied crystal embellishment alone on the dress is something rarely seen in modern ready-to-wear.
- Heavily embellished straps curve up and over the shoulders. These attach into the front bodice that is also heavily embellished with a scoop cut out in the centre. It almost feels like what you would see in a 1950s burlesque piece and it is quite fabulous. It is shaped and cupped in the inner structured corset to add support and hold everything in place.
- At the back it is scooped quite low with another band of heavy embellishment coming up and across the back to hold it in place. That band of embellishment actually becomes one of the 'arms' of an oversized starfish that wraps around one hip.
- The dress curves in for the waist and back out over the hips. This particular dress is a larger size so does not fit my dress form as form fitting as it will on an actual body in the correct size. Once on the correct size person it will fit more like the reference photos.
- A high slit runs up one side of the skirt for a flash of leg to show as you walk and move.
- More starfish are scattered over the skirt and the applique work to create the pattern that sits over the dress is incredible. All of the embellishments on the dress are done in such a heavy and dense manner that they sit up and off of the dress. It is just spectacular.
- It is rare to see such stunning work on a modern piece and it is an absolutely exceptional dress and rare collectible.
- And last I love the gold metal Versace discs that are set in as a part of the straps. At the fronts they have little hand made enamel starfish and I have taken a close-up of how they are embossed with the Versace name on their backs.
- Not only is this a rare runway piece but it is new with tags and was never worn.
- The dress is fully lined in a blue silk and has a full built in cupped, wired and boned inner corset. The inner corset closes with a series of hook and eye. The dress closes over that with a hidden set side zipper. I see perhaps slightest touch of grubbiness at the very edge of the hem and there is the very occasional tiny pull in the silk. These are very minor, but mentioned for accuracy and almost certainly occurred in storage or while in the shop from normal handling. The original tags are attached along with a packet of extra crystals and the dress was never worn.
- The dress is tagged a modern Versace 48
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from top of shoulder to under the cups at the front
Total length: 53" from top of shoulder to hem and the slit is 23" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL
Item# DD5554
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2021 Versace, Look 77. Model Irina Shayk. / (5) Gigi Hadid in Versace photographed by Ethan James Green, Vogue March 2021. / (6) Sonam Kapoor photographed by Mariano Vivanco, Vogue India, July 2021. / (7-8) Emily Ratajkowski in Versace, June 2021.
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.
thierry mugler
Ultra Rare Fall 1986 Thierry Mugler Ad / Runway Pale Ice Blue Suit w Faux Fur Cuffs & Collar
I Have a Question
- This is an incredibly rare 'Poodle' suit from the Fall 1986 Collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
- Its twin walked the runway that season and a version of it was used for the ad campaign that year.
-
This might be an incredible suit to work in as part of a wedding weekend of celebrations that are happening during the winter months.
- There are tiny metallic silver lame strips that are scattered through the faux fur cuffs and collar that are not as quite apparent in the photos but make a real statement when you see the suit in person.
- The jacket is a classic cut of his from this time period. It features strong shoulders and is meant to feel more oversized. At the same time the waist is able to be cinched in so you still get that hourglass feel that the best of his work has.
- The front wraps over itself and snaps into place across the top of one shoulder. A wide fabric belt is attached at one side, wraps around the back and then loops through a double metal buckle on the other side. This is what lets you cinch it in for added shape.
- There is a pocket on the top of one breast and the hips flared dramatically out from underneath the belt.
- The sleeves are full and they have an added curved panel on their outsides to give them even more fullness. They come down to a faux fur cuff that matches the one that wraps around the neck. Both the collar and cuff have little silver metallic tinsel worked through the fur.
- The skirt has a band at the waist and then it is cut in vertical panels. One side widens out slightly and then the other side flares out dramatically and the way it is cut causes those pretty soft ruffles you see in the photos. I love how the angle of the jacket matches the angle created on the skirt.
- This is a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally difficult to find piece of his work that is highly collectible.
- The jacket is lined in a pale blue silky rayon and snaps and buckles to close as described above. The skirt is unlined and closes at the side with a zipper and snaps at the waist. The shoulders have padding. There is perhaps a very slight lightening of the fabric across the top of the shoulder and outside of the arms. It is very minor and once on it does not affect it at all. The colour is slightly more of an icy blue in person.
- Both pieces are tagged a vintage Mugler 40
- Excellent condition with the small note above.
Jacket
Sleeves: 25"
Exaggerated shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam at its widest and then you can use the belt to cinch it in as much as needed
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 24" from neck to shortest part of the hem, 29" to the longest part.
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 25" from the waist to shortest part of the hem, 29" to the longest part.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5553
Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Fall 1986 Thierry Mugler Runway. / (7) Thierry Mugler Ad in Vogue, 1986.
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.
I Have a Question
- This piece is unlabelled and though it is in the manner of a 1920s piece, we think that it may have been made at a later date. Or is a 1920s piece that was resewn or refinished at some point as the inner seams do seem to be later while some elements of the dress appear to be earlier.
- This is one of those pieces that you only ever find in vintage.
- The dress is made out of a pale blue net that has incredible 3D embroidered pieces on top. This floats over an inner blue lining.
- One of the most notable elements on the dress are those incredible 3D rounded domes that are made out of fabric that has padding in underneath. Each one has been serged into place onto the net. They are placed over the dress to highlight the edges and cut of the dress
- In between those are embroidered motifs that are scattered over the surface of the dress. It is quite remarkable.
- The dress is sleeveless and the neckline is scooped at both the front and the back. The bodice skims down and over to the waist which has a matching blue ribbon looped through the waist that you can use to draw in and add shape. From there it float out over the hips and widens out to the hem.
- I love the added texture of having the net top layer float over the inner blue silk layer. The blue is a very unusual shade and is even prettier than how it photoed here.
- Little pops of pink embroidery worked into the pattern and floating from the edge of the hem are the perfect finish.
- The blue layer underneath the netting acts the lining. It slips on to wear with no closure. You can add shape to the waist with the ribbon that loops through.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be made smaller by cinching in with the ribbon.
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 51" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5552
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.
emanuel ungaro
Dreamy Fall 2008 Ungaro by Esteban Cortazar Runway Look 18 Printed Chiffon Backless Halter Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2008 Emanuel Ungaro collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Esteban Cortazar.
- Estaban headed the label from 2007 to 2009, succeeding Peter Dundas. He was only 23 when he began there.
- He brought a softer look to the label and you can clearly see that in this dress. On the runway this dress was shown with a wide belt. And you could certainly add one if you wanted to add some more shape but I love it just on its own as shown here.
- The dress is made out of a printed silk chiffon with a soft, pale, grey tone, floral pattern worked over at surface. The silk is interspersed with silvery toned pale grey panels of jersey that help shape the direction of the fabric and add some structure to create the way the dress falls over the body.
- A band of fabric wraps around the neck and then extends out into long ties that fall down the back in the most beautiful way.
- At the front the silk is gathered into the band at the neck and then sweeps down and around to the back.
- This leaves the sides partially exposed and the entire back from the waist up is left completely open and bare. Only the ties that extend from the back of the neck break the bareness of the skin there. It feels soft and feminine yet very sexy at the same time.
- The waist is seamed and the front halter blouses over the seam. Under that the skirt curves out and over the hips and then sweeps down to the floor.
- The jersey panels are set in curving angles down one side of the dress with the silk set so they blouse slightly over the jersey insets. This perfectly ties the way the top blouses over at the waist and creates a pretty detailing all the way down the skirt.
- The very lower portion of the skirt is quite full and moves beautifully as you move. You can see that in the reference runway video here.
- It is a very romantic and beautiful feeling dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a pale grey silk chiffon through the bodice and stretch pale grey jersey through the skirt. It closes with a hidden set zipper and snaps along the back waist. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: very flexible and open to most sizes
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 18" from neck to waist but will drape over
Total length: approx 63" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5551
Reference Photo/Video: Fall 2008 Emanuel Ungaro, Look 18.
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.
nina ricci
Incredible Fall 1996 Nina Ricci by Gerard Pipart Haute Couture Runway Strapless Silver & Gold Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1996 Nina Ricci Haute Couture show
- It was made under the creative direction of Gerard Pipart.
- The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris. 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 headed the Couture division until 1998.
- This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture and would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This dress is a masterpiece and really showcases how beautiful a piece of true couture can be. Everything about its construction is done at a master level.
- The bodice is strapless and curves down at the front beautifully to dip between the breasts. It does the same at the back but with a slightly less deep dip.
- The entire bodice is covered with an elaborate design that blends hand embroidery with metallic silver thread, tiny seed beads in black, and gold tube beads. This would have all been completely done by hand and I would not be surprised to learn that this was by Lesage. It is absolutely magnificent.
- That outer embellished layer tops an inner bodice that is boned and shaped around you. You can actually lift the exterior bottom of the bodice and see some of the work underneath and it is just incredible to see the detail that has gone into this. I have added a photo of that for you to see. It really showcases the attention to detail this dress was made with.
- Under that the skirt is made out of a soft pewter silk that is a very high-quality. It has a slight silver grey feel to it that is lovely. The way that the skirt falls is just extra extraordinary. It is so full and voluminous as it curves outward and down to the floor. To achieve that shape there is an elaborate built-in underskirt that is all hidden. It is made out of a stiffened net that you can feel through the inner silk lining. It is set in those beautiful rounded pleats that you see on the outer skirt and gives the support needed to hold those shapes. We have not added any crinolines under the skirt. All of that volume is created because of the brilliant infrastructure underneath.
- The back of the skirt is cut slightly longer then the front for a beautiful sweeping feel behind you.
- It is fully lined in a handset silk and closes with a side set zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. There is hidden boning through the bodice and structure through the hips as described above. I see evidence that some of the seams around the inner waist were let out at some point.
- The proper Haute Couture label is present.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 8" from top of bodice to inner waist
Total length: 52.5" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 5.5" beyond that. There is an extremely deep hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5550
Reference Photos: Fall 1996 Nina Ricci Haute Couture.
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
Important Fall 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Pale Silver Grey Version of Runway Look 41 Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in red was Look 41 on the Fall 2006 Dior runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- He 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 bias cut pieces 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.
- The red version was used for the ad campaign that year and was worn by Kate Moss. It has become one of his most iconic dresses.
- We have had this dress in red in the past and it flew. I love having another in this soft pale grey colour. It is just dreamy.
- The dress takes inspiration from the bias cut couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. The seam work and simplicity of this dress is stunning to see and it is even better on an actual body.
- It is made from a beautiful silk velvet in a pale silver grey. A design that includes the Christian Dior name has been pressed into the velvet over the entire dress. This gives it this incredible added texture that you see in the photos.
- The dress is completely cut on the bias so that it flows over the body and skims its way over the bust, waist and hips as it falls to the floor.
- The neckline drapes down and there is a panel of silk chiffon tucked just inside the neckline at both the back and the front. This creates a bit of a swooping plunge that is slightly set to the side. Thin bands of a silver grey grosgrain ribbon run up the sides of the dress and around the waist. The velvet is gathered into the ribbon in various spots to create the asymmetrical draping.
- The skirt flows down to the floor from there, skimming over the hips and then flaring out as it reaches the hem. This gives you a ton of movement around the lower skirt when you walk or move. It also adds to the hourglass shape that the dress has.
- This is an amazing example of his work from Dior and it is gorgeous.
- The bodice is lined in a pale grey silk chiffon and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set zipper down one side. The bias cut fabric does have some stretch. There is a small mark on the inner silk chiffon. Please see the ohoto after the label shot. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat. It is in its original unaltered length. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes
- Tagged a Galliano FR38, GB10, US6
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16.5" from neck to dropped seam
Total length: 62" from neck to front hem, 64" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5549
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 2006 Christian Dior, Look 41. Model Caroline Trentini. / (3) Kate Moss for the Fall 2006 Dior Ad Campaign by Nick Knight. / (4) Olivia Cooke at the 'House Of The Dragon' London Premiere, 2022.
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
Fall 1995 Valentino by the Original Mr Valentino Runway Black Velvet Dress w Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this incredible dress walked the runway for the Fall 1995 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- I love that we have runway reference photos so that you can see how phenomenal this is once on the body.
- This is a fantastically rare dress by the original Mr. Valentino and it is extraordinarily beautiful.
- The dress combines an inky black velvet with portions covered in glossy black sequins that are densely applied. Little bits of lace give it that touch of Valentino femininity.
- Black piping outlines the neckline and the neckline scoops in a soft V down the front. The piping continues up and over the shoulders and then crosses over the bare and exposed back. Lace has been added along the length of the entire piping for the prettiest finishing detail.
- The bodice is shaped and comes in at the waist to a low seam that sits just below the natural waist. The entire bodice has been finished with tiny little black sequins that are densely applied so that they slightly overlap.
- I love how the rows that they are set in are slightly angled. This is all a clever way to give illusion of more shape through the body. The sequins sit inside four vertical panels across the front and the direction of the sequins changes so you get this incredible hitting of the light on the sequins from every angle.
- The skirt is made out of rich black velvet and I love the combination of the velvet and sequins together. The richness of each textile perfectly compliments the other.
- As the skirt falls to the floor it flares out dramatically and is extremely wide. When I lay it out flat the bottom is a full circle around. This has been achieved by long triangles of sequins set in around the entire hem of the skirt.
- The triangles have a black net backing so if the light hits them in the right way they have a sense of transparency contrasting further to the velvet and adding to the beauty of the dress once it is on the body.
- The sequin triangles have been laid out with the same technique as the rows on the bodice. They are set on angles that meet at a middle point. This allows them to catch the maximum amount of light from every angle.
- Each triangle is finished with the same lace edging that you see on the bodice. Inside the inner edge of the hem there is a band of stiffened netting that helps to hold the shape and volume around you. When you move the skirt moves around you and it is absolutely incredible.
- It is really an outstanding example of his work during this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a silky black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut should allow it to work on a range of sizes and frames.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under natural waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from top of shoulder to seam under natural waist
Total length: 61.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5546
Reference Photos: Fall 1995 Valentino. Model: Stella Tennant.
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
Incredible Fall 1986 Valentino by the Original Mr. Valentino Black Velvet Dress w Rhinestone Insets
I Have a Question
- The twin of this gorgeous dress walked the Fall 1986 runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr Valentino.
- This is an exceptional example of Valentino's work that he was doing during the 1980s. Finding pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition is a rarity and I am very pleased to have this beautiful dress in the shop.
- In 2022 Sara Sampaio wore one backwards on the red carpet.
- I love having the red carpet and runway photo so that you can see how the dress can be worn either way around. We also photoed it both ways so that you can see how it lies.
- The dress is made out of an inky black velvet and then the back inset and end of each sleeve are made out of a stiffened silk chiffon fine net that has the rows of glittering rhinestones set onto it
- The dress has all of the red carpet feel that you look for in the best of his work. The shoulders are shaped with inner padding, and then they extend down into the sleeves, which are wider at the tops near the shoulder and narrow to those amazing cuffs.
- Each cuff is a band of the silk that has hand applied horizontal rows of rhinestones wrapped around them for a glamorous finish. I love this extra detail that lets you have that bit of glitz no matter which way around you decide to wear the dress.
- The bodice is meant to skim out from the shoulders. The same shape is repeated at the back.
- The waist is brought in with subtle darting and then it curves out and over the hips to fall to the floor, widening out slightly as it near the hem.
- The inset of net and rhinestones has been set on a sharp angle that extends to the lower back. When this is turned around to be worn at the front, it goes down to the low waist. There is transparency here so if you do decide to wear it to the front you can also decide how daring you want to be as far as what you wear underneath.
- This is an exceptional and early example of his work.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk organza with the areas covered in rhinestones having transparency between the rows. It closes with a hidden set zipper placed at what was traditionally the front. Padding in each shoulder. Each cuff closes with a hidden set zipper. The back skirt extends slightly longer and has a bit of fullness. If you wear the rhinestone side to the front, you will have that little bit of extra fabric there.
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 8
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true seams and the padding let them extend slightly off the edges of the shoulder
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 3" past that at the centre longest point with approximately 2" turned under the ham.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5547
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1986 Valentino. / (2-5) Sara Sampaio at the Red Sea Film Festival, December 2022.
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.
chanel
Phenomenal Fall 2002 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Silk Dress w Velvet Detail & Back Panel
I Have a Question
- A shorter version of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2002 Chanel collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- Karl chose to show primarily short pieces for the entire presentation of the collection but many of the pieces that went to the shops were done in longer lengths.
- In the book Catwalk: Chanel they noted that the runway had a "sexy rock 'n' roll vibe translated into a collection that reinvented Chanel signatures, placing them into a rock context." There were several dresses on the runway presented using this beautifully weighted silk. We included a reference to one of the dresses that has the same feel as this.
- As good as this dress looks in the photos when you see this one in real life it will take your breath away. It is supremely well-made and absolutely stunning.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful combination of a rich black silk and an inky black velvet. I love the way that he has used the two fabrics to highlight and complement the lines of the dress.
- The dress curves over the shoulders and it is set so that it sits a bit wider across the front. The neckline comes down into a V and the velvet has been used to line the inside of the collar which flips over on both sides for that lovely bit of contrast there.
- There is an inner built-in bodice under that to hold the dress in place and that inner bodice is made out of Chanel logo and camellia flower embossed silk. It is a little extra bit of hidden luxury.
- The straps curve from the top of the collar and down the back, leaving the upper back exposed. The straps are very interesting because they actually have a button where they attach on both sides. The buttons are functional, even though you could not wear the dress without the straps. It is just one of those extra details that you see in a Chanel piece of this high of quality.
- The bodice is made out of the black silk and wraps around to the back where it closes with three more Chanel buttons set above a hidden zipper.
- The waist is defined by a band of black velvet that has an almost slight peplum feel to it. This sits over a wider band of black velvet that curves over the hips to add shape and definition.
- The skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful column of black silk and flares out dramatically as it nears the hem. A high slit runs up the front for a flash of bare leg.
- The back is as good as the front. That black velvet wide panel that wraps around the hips continues around to the back and is gathered in heavily at the centre and then flares out into a panel of black velvet that sweeps down to the floor and slightly past the hem of the silk skirt.
- The silk skirt that sits under the panel at the back of the dress is cut longer then the front so that you have the two layers of velvet and silk creating a beautiful bit of a sweep behind you as you walk.
- This is an exceptional Chanel dress. I cannot rave enough about it.
- The dress is lined through the bodice in a black Chanel embossed silk and the skirt and attached black velvet panel are unlined. It closes at the back with a series of Chanel embossed buttons that sit above a hidden set zipper. Each strap is attached and buttons onto the dress at the front and back with workable functioning buttons. Hand finishes. It comes with its original Chanel packet that has an extra piece of velvet in it. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Chanel 36
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to the seam under the bust and 15" to the waist
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to the front hem. The slit is 22" from the front hem up. The back extends another 12" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5548
Reference Photo/Video: Fall 2002 Chanel.
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.
roberto cavalli
Spring 2004 Roberto Cavalli Long Version of Runway Look 23 Feather Light Silk Coral & Gold Print Dress
I Have a Question
- A shorter cut version of this dress walked the runway for Spring 2004 Cavalli collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli.
- Versions of the dress were photoed for editorials that season and worn by Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller.
- As good as the dress looks in these photos it is phenomenally better in person. The photos do not do the silk or the amount of movement and beauty of the cut full justice at all.
- The silk used on the dress is extraordinary and is all cut on the bias. It has a slight texture to it and the pattern that runs over the dress has the feel of being hand painted.
- To achieve this effect the design would have been created specifically for the dress how it lays over the dress pre-planned before the silk was cut.
- Following the pattern are fused lines made out of a gold metallic glitter for an extra touch of glitz. This is hard to get the impact of in the photos, but it is absolutely beautiful in person.
- The dress is suspended from tiny silk straps that curve up and over the shoulders to attached in at the back. Little triangle sit over the bust and they are set in with seams that angle down towards the sides. It skims over your waist and hips, and then the lower skirt falls in different lengths to hem.
- The skirt is made up of panels that are attached into the dress on different angles. This gives it incredible fullness and allows it to open up around you when you move. It is cut longer at the back so you get this pretty sweeping line around you and this adds to the movement that it has.
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. The bias cut of the silk allows it to drape around you once on. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Roberto Cavalli vintage small.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 41" from top of shoulder to shortest part of the front hem, 62" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5545
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2004 Roberto Cavalli, Look 23. Model Elise Crombez. / (5) Natalia Vodianova by Glen Luchford for Harper’s Bazaar, 2004. / (6) Scarlett Johansson for ELLE Magazine, 2004. / (7-8) Sienna Miller at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party, June 2004.
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.
tiziani
Documented 1960s Tiziani Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Peach Silk Plunge Dress w Matching Feather Cape
I Have a Question
- Note that due to new customs regulations this piece can only ship to a Canadian address. If you need assistance with this please touch base.
- This is a fantastically well documented piece Tiziani couture set that dates to the 1960s.
- It would have been made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld and is a very rare example of his work there especially with the amount of documentation on it.
- We have included the digital copy of the original sketch done by Karl along with photos of the dress on a model with Tiziani when it was originally produced. I do have modern photos of the dress on someone and will share those upon request.
- The inner tag on the dress is numbered and handwritten and then it has its Tiziana tag on the cape. I was told that this is the actual original sample dress and came from the archives.
- I posted a video of the dress on my Instagram back in 2023 when it was still in my personal archives. You can see that here and it speaks more about its history and you can see the dress on video.
- The dress is made out of a peach silk chiffon that is heavily embellished around the V neckline. The coat is made out of a slightly deeper coral peach silk that is completely covered in hand dyed soft peach feathers.
- The dress has a V at the front and the neckline has a band of embellishment that mixes silver tube beads, peach embroidery, sequins and seed beads, with prong set rhinestones. This follows the neckline at the front and then runs across the top of each shoulder. At the back it creates a wide band across the upper shoulders.
- It skims over the bust to a higher set waist seam. From there it skims over the hips and the skirt falls to the floor widening out slightly as it goes.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching peach silk and it is entirely made by hand with all of the inner stitches finished by hand. This would be considered Alta Moda couture with its level of finishes
- The cape sits over that and comes down to just past the waist at the front and then falls around you on the sides and back in this incredible sweep of hand dyed soft peach feathers.
- The feathers are all set onto a silk organza backdrop by hand and they overlap each other all the way down the length of the cape. The collar of the cape is finished with the same hand beading you see on the dress.
- Both the dress and cape are a touch paler in colour than how they shot. They are more like the colour shots added here.
- The dress is fully lined in a peach hand-finished silk and zips to close at the side. The outer layer of the bodice snaps to close over that. The cape is a single layer of silk organza with the feathers attached directly to it. The cape is also completely finished by hand. It hooks to close at the collar. There is perhaps the tiniest bit of grubbiness to the hem of the dress. Some small areas of missing embroidery / beads. Some of the organza has shattered near the top of the cape on the interior side. I have included photos here after the label shot. It can be worn as is but if you want me to have some reinforcement added you can touch base with me before I ship it and I will have my seamstress add that for you. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- There are no size tags so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the note on the cape lining above.
Dress
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" 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 waist
Total length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Cape
Neck: 15.5" around
Total length: it falls to approximately 17" at the shortest point of the front and the back falls to approximately 61"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5544
Reference Photos: (1) Sketch by Karl Lagerfeld for Tiziani, 1960s. / (2-4) Model in Tiziani, 1960s. Credit unknown. / (5-7) Photos from the client of this set.
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
Spectacular Spring 2017 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 52 Zandra Rhodes Print White Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2017 collection for Look 52.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli and the print was done in collaboration with Zandra Rhodes.
- Historically, this was an important collection as it was Pierpaolo's first solo show at Valentino. It was also his first collaboration with Zandra Rhodes.
- On the runway the dress was shown without a lining so had a higher level of transparency that you can see in the photos and the video.
- The dress and collection were very well received and was one of the most documented dresses of the season.
- Meryl Streep famously wore its twin to the 2017 SAG awards. Laetitia Casta and Lee Young Ae appeared in one for Elle France and Elle US, and it was shot for other editorials. This really lets you see how spectacular it is on and in a variety of circumstances.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight white silk chiffon that has a custom Zandra Rhodes print covering the entire dress. Written in between the print are the words "In nova fert animus mutatas dicere formas corpora" which is the opening line of Ovid's epic poem, Metamorphoses, and translates to "My mind is bent to tell of bodies changed into new forms" or "My soul inclines to speak of forms changed into new bodies". This powerful opening sets the poem's central theme of transformation, with Ovid's narrative beginning from the creation of the world and continuing to his own time, weaving together many myths about how beings and objects were transformed into new forms."
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long. They are a single layer of the silk chiffon so they have a beautiful delicacy to them.
- The dress skims over the bust from a scooped neck and drapes easily over the body to a more generously cut waist.
- Built-in and under the top layer of silk on the bodice is a second layer of the same silk that creates a covered curving deep plunge at the front. The same effect has been created at the back as well and there the V has been set wider across. I love the play on transparency that this gives the dress. You are completely covered but at the same time the plunge is there on both sides. It is an unexpected sexiness that still feels elegant and refined.
- The waist is cut more generously so that you have a beautiful flow from head to toe. You can see this in all of the various reference photos and how it sits on the body. This cut was to become one of Pierpaolo signatures.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is extremely full. It has a second ivory silk chiffon layer underneath so that it is opaque enough to wear. The excessive amount of fabric used through the skirt gives it a ton of movement when you walk and move. The back is cut slightly longer than the front for a beautiful sweeping feel behind you.
- The lightness of the silk and the way that it lays over the body allows it to move spectacularly over you and it will pick up the slightest bit of air.
- The dress is partially lined through the bodice to create the plunge as seen and described above. The skirt is fully lined in a solid silk chiffon layer. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. This is a dress that is easy to fit and wear because of the easy cut through the body. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 44
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 7" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5541
Reference Photos/Videos: (1-3) Spring 2017 Valentino, Look 52. Model Jessie Bloemendaal. / (4-6) Meryl Streep at the 2017 Sag Awards. / (7) Laetitia Casta for Elle France, June 2017. / (8) Photograph by Ken Browar & Deborah Ory. / (9-10) Lee Young Ae in Valentino for Elle. / (11) Harper's Bazaar, 2017.
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
Resort 2017 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 67 Beaded Cotton Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown for Look 67 of the resort 2017 Valentino collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- This ended up being the final collection that Maria worked on for the Valentino label.
- The inspiration behind the collection was Cuba and the looks were rife with embroidery and bead work. Piccioli remarked that "It gave us a real freedom to mix, like a souvenir, lots of pieces together."
- The dress has the added provenance of being the twin of the dress worn by Bee Schaffer that year on the red carpet. She wore it beautifully and it shows you just how spectacular the dress is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a light weight white gauze cotton that sits over a white gauze lining to make it opaque enough to wear. Onto that is a beautiful mix of bead work that highlights the lines of the dress.
- The neckline is set wide across so that it sits at the edges of the shoulders and a wide 6" ruffle follows the entire neckline. It gives it the prettiest flounce all the way around you and creates the feel of little cap sleeves that float over the top of the shoulders.
- The neckline is set into a V at both the back and the front for a little bit of added bare skin to show.
- Under that the bodice skims down to the seamed waist and then the skirt is set into the waist. The waist is slightly more on the generous side and accentuated with a band of the intricate bead work.
- From there the skirt expands outwards and by the time it reaches the hem it has an amazing amount of volume. The back is cut slightly longer than the front so you get a beautiful sweep.
- The lower portion of the skirt has a ruffle that picks up on the one around the shoulders and that ruffle is a full 15" wide. Underneath the top layer skirt is a second layer white. I love how this added touch of under-skirting along with the beautiful cut of the skirt creates the volume. It also gives you fantastic movement when you move.
- You can see where the edges and seams between the different panels have all been finished with bead work. The beads have all been done in a combination of ivory and soft taupe beads placed by hand and they have the feel of being hand painted.
- This is an absolutely stunning dress and this particular cut of dress is one of my favourites.
- The dress is fully lined in a white gauze feeling fabric as described above. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. There is the tiniest faint mark near the waist. Please see the photo after the label shot. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. It has its original hang tag and packet of extra beads.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 46
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to the top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 58.5" from top of shoulder to the shortest parts of the front hem well the longest parts of the skirt extend another 3" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5540
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2017 Valentino, Look 67. / (2) Bee Shaffer at The Franca Sozzani Award gala dinner, September 2017.
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
Fall 2023 Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Mens Runway Look 13 Long Super Soft Knit Coat
I Have a Question
- The twin of this coat was shown on the Fall 2023 menswear runway for Look 13.
- It was made under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello.
- The Vogue review opened with four words "Long, tall, lean, chic." And that aptly describes the coats for this collection. They were so wanted by everyone that when they were released to the shops they were sent out as a unisex piece available to women as well as men.
- This one is in pristine condition and is new with its original tags.
- The cut is simple and classic and yet the length and sleek cut makes it feel very avante garde and unique.
- It is made from an extra soft black knit that borders on a deep charcoal. The knit combines mohair and wool and this keeps it light in weight but with enough structure to hold the shape.
- The light weight makes it a lot easier to wear then you would initially think given all of the fabric.
- The collar is very full and borders on being able to be used as a hood. I think that most would be able to bring it up and on their head if they wished. Because the fabric is so light in weight it sits very well around the neckline without being bulky.
- The sleeves are long. They start out wider near the shoulder and narrow to a very lightly ribbed cuffs. Rounded padding, sits in each shoulder to help hold the shape.
- It is cut to skim and flow down past the bust, waist and hips. The lower part of the coat continues from there to fall to the floor, gently widening out as it nears the hem.
- There are no front closures. You simply use the matching knit belt to wrap around the waist to add shape. It has a touch of a men's bathrobe/robe feel that is fantastic.
- The coat is unlined and slips on to wear. It comes with its original matching belt and is in its original supermodel length. Its original hang tag is still attached. It's easy and open shape. Should allow it to fit a full range sizes. It will just drape more and feel more oversized on smaller frames.
- Tagged a YSL XL
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 27.5" and they are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approximately 19" including the shoulder pads and meant to slightly sit off the edge of the shoulder.
Bust-hips: to 28" flat across from side seam to side seam. The knit will stretch beyond that but this is the measurement flat across when laying flat and not stretching the knit.
Total length: 65.5" from neck to hem and the collar is 20" wide at its widest point at the back.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL
Item# DD5538
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2023 Saint Laurent Menswear, Look 13. / (3) Unknown
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.
jacques fath
Incredible 1953 Jacques Fath Haute Couture Leopard Printed Silk Strapless Dress w Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an incredible and rare true Haute Couture dress whose pattern remarkably resembles a sketch we found from his 1953 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of couturier Jaques Fath.
- Jacques Fath showed his first collection of just twenty garments in the spring of 1937. It was well received and he steadily built a strong clientele to become of of the busiest ateliers in Paris.
- Fath is considered to be part of the 'big three' post-war Parisian designers, along with Dior and Balmain. The Fath label was shuttered in 1957 after Fath's death three years earlier. One of his signature looks was a strapless hourglass silhouette. The dress is gorgeous and a beautiful and rare example of his work during this time period.
- It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric is a stunning silk that has a pattern suggested of an animal print running over its entire surface. This has been done in an ivory with shades of charcoal grey. Worked into the pattern is a subtle muted gold metallic thread.
- The dress is strapless and curves up on the bodice. There is a black silk inner panel that is set behind the front panels that you see here. This let those front panels sit slightly off of the body and create the illusion of more bust.
- The fabric is gathered in along an angled seam under that to a wide band that defines the waist. I love how there is a bit of the same black silk that peeks out along one edge to tie all of the elements of the bodice together.
- The waist is cinched in and to achieve that beautiful hour glass silhouette there is a full built-in boned couture corset attached to the inside of the bodice. I have taken photos so you can see how beautifully and intricately this is constructed.
- From there the skirt expands outward over the hips and curves beautifully down to the floor. The front has a slightly more sleek feel to it and then the back has added fabric built into it down the centre so that you get a beautiful soft fullness there. It is cut slightly longer at the back to help to add to that feel of more fullness there. If you really wanted the skirt to be very full you could add an underskirt. There is more than enough room.
- It is an absolute extraordinarily beautiful early Couture peace from the most magical era of Couture.
- The skirt is backed with a netting and there is a built-in boned corset. It closes with a back zipper and an inner waist stay hooks to close. There is light discolouration to the inner corset. At some point, someone added fabric tape over some small holes in the netting of the interior skirt and I see some tiny ones without tape. None of this shows on the exterior. There is light fraying on part of the front hem. Please see the photos after the label shot. All of the interior work is done completely by hand to Couture standards.
- No size tag is present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent overall condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to bottom seam of the 3.25" waist band
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to front hem and the back hand extends another 6" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5531
Reference Photo: Spring 1953 Jacques Fath Haute Couture. Illustration by Pierre Simon.
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.
nina ricci
Exceptional Spring 1997 Nina Ricci by Gerard Pipart Haute Couture Runway Black & White Strapless w Beaded Details
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 1997 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gerard Pipart.
- The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris. 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 headed the Couture division until 1998.
- This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture and would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The upper portion of the dress is a strapless and structured ivory that is made out of a beautiful silk that has a slight texture.
- At the waist it changes to a black silk to create that gorgeous skirt. The silk there also has a slight texture and enough weight to hold the intended draping but without being heavy.
- Deep silver beads are placed by hand to run up from the waist over the bodice and then more beading runs down from the waist with some parts ending just past the hips. It adds the perfect amount of glitz to the dress.
- The skirt curves outward over the hips and then widens out as it nears the hem. On one side of the skirt an added panel drapes down past the hem and appears to be caught up with the handset bow that sits there. This adds a beautiful little bit of extra movement and curving line to the dress. It is a design detail that is just brilliantly executed.
- It is fully lined in a white silk through the bodice with light boning for support. Through the skirt it is lined in a black silk. It closes with a side set zipper and has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. I see the very slightest bit of grubbiness around the upper edge of the bodice that is mentioned for accuracy.
- The proper Haute Couture label is present.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.25" from the top of the bodice to the waist
Total length: 52.5" from the top of the bodice to the shortest point of the hem, 57" to the longest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5532
Reference Photo: Spring 1997 Nina Ricci Haute Couture.
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
Fantastic Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Unlabeled Black & White Print Plunge Dress
I Have a Question
-
A magnificent dress that is the twin of the one that walked the runway for the It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The famous socialite Nan Kempner owned its twin and we have included photos here so you can see how fabulous this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a printed silk that has a black abstract pattern covering it from head to toe.
- In the book Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: Catwalk they tell us that for the show Yves celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Couture house. The collection emphasize small waists counterbalance by wide shoulders that accentuated narrow hips. Many of the pieces were inspired by India and the craftsmanship that was available there. You can see the inspiration in the front set crystals. He used glass crystal rhinestones that were cut specifically to mimic the type of diamonds called Polki Diamonds that often seen in Indian jewellery and have a more raw cut feel to them.
- The dress is gathered at the shoulder but the gathers are brought down more towards the front. The shoulders are soft.
- The sleeves are extremely generous through the upper arm and are set into the top of the shoulder with a series of soft pleats that give them height and volume. They narrow down to the cuff where they close with a zipper.
- The entire front of the bodice is brought down into the centre waist in a series of soft pleats with a plunge that is fairly low but not too low.
- Set in the middle of the waist is that fantastic diamond shaped applique that has the glass crystal stones mixed with black stones and black glass tube beads. This catches the light fantastically.
- The skirt is gathered up and into that diamond to mimic what is happening on the bodice. It falls to the floor from there. There is a lot of fabric in the skirt because of the front pleating but it feels like it narrows in a bit to keep the silhouette long and narrow.
- At the back it falls in a simple sheath from shoulder to hem.
- All of the inner seams are finished by hand and the entire dress is made by hand to Haute Couture standards
- The dress is unlined and closes with a side set zipper. Zipper sit at each cuff. There is some evidence that the seams at the side of the waist were let out slightly. They could easily be brought back in. The piece is unlabelled.
- No size tag is present so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 28" and are 14" around the upper arm. They are 7" around the wrist.
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5533
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. / (2-6) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Couture Advance Preview. / (7) Nan Kempner in Yves Saint Laurent.
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.
thierry mugler
Prettiest Spring 1999 Thierry Mugler Curving Pale Pink Dress w Front Iridescent Embellishments
I Have a Question
- This is the ready-to-wear version of the dres referenced here from the Spring 1999 Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler
- The dress is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- The openings for the arms are cut inwards towards the neck and the neck line is set on a beautiful curve. All the seaming on the dress is set either vertically or on a curving angle so that it enhances and highlights the curves of the body.
- The bust and waist are created by the shaping of those beautifully curving vertical seams. I took a shot of the seams that curve over the hips as it is is really a part of what shapes the dress. Once on this emphasizes the curves of the body.
- It skims over the hips and then falls to the floor where the skirt widens out as it near the hem. The back hem of the skirt is cut on a slight downward curve so that it falls a little bit longer and gives a fantastic sweep at the back of the dress.
- The upper portion of the neck line is detailed with a double layered panel of nude mesh. Onto this is a fantastic design that combines iridescent clear tube beads with iridescent mother-of-pearl finished plastic pieces that vary in size. These are all set to curve outward slightly and are in different sizes. It is a really pretty effect.
- It is an extraordinary dress that is rare and beautiful.
- The dress is fully lined in the same fabric and closes with a hidden set back zipper. I see one tiny very faint mark on the fabric near the seam of the neck line. Please see the photo after the label shot. There is very minor grubbiness and a tiny bit of fading around the hem. I see a stitch at the very base of the mesh at the front where there may have been one more additional plastic piece. All of these are very minor but mentioned for accuracy. The colour is a bit more of a baby pink than how it photoed. It is in its original uncut length.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to the front hem, 63" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5525
Reference Photo: Spring 1999 Thierry Mugler Couture.
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
Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Nude Pink Version Silk Plunge Runway Dress w Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1990 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- I love that it was photo with Yves himself. The model is carrying flowers and this may have been the piece used to close the show as the wedding dress.
- The fabric that the dress is made out of is a stunning pale nude ballet slipper pink that has a beautiful weight to it. This and the cut is what helps hold the draping perfectly in place.
- It has a very unusual design that is completely hidden at first glance. There is an inner bodice that one side of the outer dress hooks onto around the inner waist and then the other side drapes over that and hooks along the outer waist. This gives you coverage over the bust on the inside but still allows the bodice to feel loosely draped around you. It is what allows the plunge to be so low at the front while having it be completely secure while you are fully covered underneath.
- The sleeves are incredible. They are extremely full and each is lined with a pale pink silk chiffon to help hold the added volume of them. I love the way they drop over the cuff at the wrist to form that gorgeous puff at their ends.
- The inner waist closure holds the dress in place around you and then the silk drapes and skims past the waist and hips. The skirt flares out slightly as it nears the hem. The silk drapes over the waist for a bit of definition in shape even though there is no actual seam there. It is all masterful tailoring.
- The inner bodice zips at the front and then the dress hooks to close around it. The rest of the dress is unlined. I see one tiny faint mark along the edge of a fold of the top, some very minor faint marks at the hem and a tiny scuff in the fabric at the back hem. All very minor but mentioned for accuracy. Hand finishes. The colour is slightly more pastel soft pink than how it shot.
- The fit of the dress as it is currently is based almost completely on the measurements of the inner bodice piece but the outer dress is more generous. You could easily alter/add to the inner bodice to get more room if needed.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 38
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24.5"
Inner bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer bust measurement is very full and up to 22" across so if you needed more room you could easily add to the inner bodice to get more room.
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam with a similar note to above. The outer waist measures to 17"
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5526
Reference Photos: Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.
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.
1940s-1950s Possible Stage or Showgirl Strapless Dress Covered in Hand Placed Sequins & Beads
I Have a Question
- This is original dress from the 1950s, maybe the 1940s that is completely made by hand.
- It is an absolutely incredible example of the high level of hand work being done during that time period and you would be hard pressed to find anything modern done to this degree outside of true Couture pieces.
- I have no formal history on the dress but it does have a handwritten tag with the name Edith that sits inside the hem. The possibility of this being the name of the owner is fascinating and one wonders if it belonged to perhaps a showgirl, dancer or perhaps an actress who would have worn the dress. Having the name added like that certainly does imply that it was more of a stage piece as this was common in stage pieces from the era.
- The dress has hundreds of thousands of sequins and beads hand applied over every inch of its surface. The sequins are incredibly dense in the way that they have been applied. They are set so that they overlap each other to the point where they stand up and off the dress slightly. The black sequins were done in a swirling burst design and this lets it catch the light differently and creates the most amazing effect.
- Added to that is a floral design in pale pink, gold and greens that is also done in sequins. This wraps around the bodice and then runs down the entire skirt of the dress with the density of the design getting heavier as it near the hem.
- Then over all of that are over-sized faceted beads in a variety of colours that have been applied by hand to add an extra bit of detail and sparkle to the dress. They are all jewel tones mixed with gold and copper and it is just incredible to see.
- The dress does have weight to it but it is perfectly balanced once it is on the body.
- It has straps but can also be worn strapless. Inside there is a full built-in boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place and adds shape. The waist is brought in by this corset and then the dress skims over the hips. As it falls to the floor it narrows down. There is an overlapping curved slit at the back that allows you to be able to walk in it.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silky rayon. The dress has an inner corset that hooks into place with a double row of metal lingerie hooks. The inner corset is boned and cupped. It is lightly tacked into the dress. I see some wear on the inside of the corset here and there. The dress zips to close over that. It is completely made by hand.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition with the note above
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to hem
Back slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5524
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
Chic Cruise 2020 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 107 Metallic Print Dress w Full Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Cruise 2020 Dior show for Look 107.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- This collection was shown in Marrakech and Vogue review said the collection was "about luxury, globalism, and culture".
- I love the pieces from this collection that were made out of these metallic knit fabrics. They have the feel of some of fabrics from the seventies and are just magical.
- The fabric has more copper toned metallic thread running through a deep dusky blueish grey base with tones of deep, blues, and greens that form a print that is worked over the skirt.
- The metallic thread runs over the entire dress in a vertical pattern. Where it turns into a print, the metallic is used to highlight and edge the print. This gives the dress a subtle shimmer from every angle.
- The bodice of the dress is loose and easy with a keyhole slit that runs down the centre. The more generous cut allows for a more easy fit.
- The shoulders are soft and extend out into wonderfully full sleeves that pouf out over their cuffs.The sleeves are meant to sit between the elbow and wrist as you can see in the reference photos and each cup closes with little hidden set buttons.
- The waist it seamed but has a more generous feel. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt.
- The skirt is cut to be very full and wide. It is gathered in around the waist and this is what gives it the incredible fullness that it has. And it has pockets.
- It is a really an outstanding piece and beautifully constructed.
- The dress is unlined but comes with its original nude coloured silk chiffon slip that is worn underneath the dress. The inner slip closes with a hidden set side, zipper, and the outer dress closes with a hidden set box zipper, and a hidden set button at the front neck above the keyhole. Each cuff closes with two hidden set buttons. The label is on the slip. The metallic of the fabric has loose threads here and there over the dress. This is a natural occurrence with this type of fabric.
- The slip is tagged a modern Dior FR 42, GB 14, IT 46, US 10
- Excellent condition
Dress
Sleeves: approximately 23" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder hem
Slip
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MeD-LRG
Item# DD5523
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Cruise 2020 Christian Dior, Look 107. Model Evelyn Nagy. / (4) Bae Suzy at the SBS Drama Awards, 2019.
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.
alessandra rich
Fall 2019 Alessandra Rich Black Version of Runway Look 46 Bias Cut Silk & Sequin Lace Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress in white walked the runway for Look 46 for the Fall 2019 presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alessandra Rich.
- Leonie Hanne wore the twin of this dress to the fashion show in 2019.
- The silk that it is made out of is feather light and cut on the bias. It skims over the body to follow your curves all the way down in a beautiful and flattering way.
- The sleeves are cut with a high peak on the shoulder and there is a little bit of stiffening along their inner edges to help hold the shape that you see. They narrow down as they reach the cuffs and there is a lace and net inset at their ends that forms the cuffs.
- The front dips low and has a touch of transparency. It is a combination of lace and netting with a second cut out layer that sits over each breast to make it a bit more opaque. The lace plunged down to the waist so it has a very sexy feel.
- All of that front detailing is edged in sequins that pick up the light fantastically.
- The netting continues down the sides and the back is covered with a layer of the black netting and lace for a gorgeous exposure of skin through the lace netting.
- The skirt is cut longer at the back than the front for a bit of a sweeping feel behind you.
- Unlined and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each cuff has a hidden set zipper. The fabric has stretch and the comfortable range of measurements are listed below when laying flat. The dress is new with its original tags and in its original uncut length. I see one tiny missed stitch in the netting at the back. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a modern 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 29" and are 17" around the upper arm
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back hem extends another 9"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5518
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2019 Alessandra Rich, Look 46. / (2) Leonie Hanne outside the Alessandra Rich Spring 2020 Fashion Show in Paris, September 2019. / (3) Josephine De La Baume 'Waiting for Anya' film premiere, Feb 2020.
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
Prettiest 2017 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Black Dress w Lace Sleeves & Iridescent Crystal Bow Detailing
I Have a Question
- The dress is from 2017 and is a piece that was produced for the shops.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele.
- Lisa Vanderpump wore it's twin that season and I love that the reference photos we have included here allow you to see how great this is once on the body.
- The dress is made from a light in weight black crepe like fabric mixed with lace set down the bodice and for the sleeves. These fabric choices keeps it light in weight but still give it enough structure to hold that gorgeous shape that you see.
- The neck is cut high with a ruffle of lace running around the neck. A lace panel drops into a low V down the front. This leaves you completely covered but you still have a bit of the transparency that the lace provides.
- Each shoulder is set into the arms with a slight capped feel and then they narrow down to wide cuffs and a ribbed grosgrain. Each cuff closes with two button buttons covered in the same fabric. I love the way the lace of the sleeves picks up on that front panel and how they also have transparency through the lace pattern.
- The bodice is cut to skim over you to the waist that is banded for shape.
- The skirt curves out over the hips and then falls from there to the floor, flaring out as it reaches the hem. This gives it a wonderful movement when you move.
- It is at the very front that you get that signature excess that Alessandro is so well known for. Two large bows are formed out of iridescent silver crystals trimmed with tiny seed beads. These are attached directly to the dress and are stylistically a nod to the 1930s and 1940s. There is also a prong set row of the same crystals that run between the bows to suggest tiny buttons. All of the crystals catch the light beautifully and add a high amount of glamour to the dress.
- It is a beautiful dress representative of his time at the Gucci label.
- The dress is lined in a black chiffon through the bodice with the skirt and lace areas left unlined. It closes with a hidden back side zipper and hooks at the back of the neck. Each sleeve has a two buttons at the wrist. There is some stretch through the body so I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below.
- Tagged a Gucci S
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25.5" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Natural shoulders: approximately 15"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from neck to the top of the 4" band at the waistwaist
Total length: 58.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5516
Reference Photos: (1) From the Gucci website. / (2-3) Lisa Vanderpump in Gucci at the premiere of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, 2017.
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.
Heirloom Level Exquisite 1950s Handmade Couture White Lace Wedding Dress w a Matching Veil
I Have a Question
- This dress was sourced from France and it was noted as being from the from the 1950s or earlier and into the 1930s or 1940s.
- The entire dress and its huge matching veil have been entirely made by hand and the lace itself is also handmade.
- Both of the veil and dress have been meticulously pieced together from larger sections of lace to create the shape of both pieces. That means all of the lace would have had to have been made and planned out ahead of time.
- The dress has higher neck and I love the soft scalloping around the edge.
- The shoulders are sloped and soft and extended into long sleeves that narrow at the cuff. Five little lace covered buttons and loops sit at the end of each sleeve.
- It is meant to to be more fitted over the bust and then comes in at the waist.
- From there it expands outward over the hips and is very full and open over the hips.
- The skirt is lovely and very full. It falls in beautiful soft rounded folds around you. There is enough room underneath that if you wanted it to feel very full, you could add a crinoline and/or additional under-skirting.
- The dress is made from a single layer of the lace so it does have transparency through the lace. This allows you to wear as little or as much of an undergarment underneath to be either daring or more conservative.
- The matching lace veil is two long continuous pieces of lace pieced perfectly together. It is narrow at one end and then opens up to be very wide by the other. A bride would have draped this over her head and then she could pin it into place or add flowers or some other decorations around the head to frame the face and hold the veil.
- This is an absolutely beautiful piece of history and an extremely rare thing of beauty.
- The amount of hours and work to have made this is staggering to think about.
- Both pieces are an excellent condition with perhaps a touch of very minor age related patina here and there on the lace. The colour in person is slightly more ivory.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a back zipper. Buttons and loops are at the end of each sleeve. I see a slight darkening to the fabric here and there but it is very minor. It makes it feel authentically vintage and does not detract in any way.
- There is no size tag present because it is a one off.
- Excellent condition
Dress
Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 58" from neck to hem
Veil
14" at the narrowest point at one end and 55" at its widest width at the other
It is 9 feet from end to end
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5514
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.
emanuel ungaro
Fabulous Spring 1985 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Runway Black Stripe Jacket & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This is original Haute Couture who's twin walk the runway for Spring 1985.
- The suit was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- This would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This is a stunning two piece set done in a black on black stripe woven directly into on a fine wool / silk mix feeling fabric.
- The jacket is a classic cut of his from this time period. It features wider set strong shoulders and is meant to feel more oversized through the upper bodies.
- The entire lower portion of the jacket wraps around and over to one size creating this phenomenal dropped waist detailing that adds incredible detail all around the lower portion of the jacket.
- The front wraps over itself and hooks and snaps into place on one side at the top of the hip. There is no collar so you have a very clean feel to the upper bodice. The draping that happens around the hips is what adds all of the drama to the jacket.
- The shape at the lower front portion of the jacket is achieved by the gathering of the fabric along the side of the sea, and then into a ruffle at the front that hides where it snaps into place. This is what gives you that brilliant shape and that fantastic flare at the side. It is the kind of detail you look for in a couture piece.
- The sleeves are full through the upper arm and they come down to a more narrow cuff. The entire lower portion of the sleeve is detailed with six round gold toned, filigree buttons that have black rhinestone set into them for a little added glitz. Hidden under the buttons are a row of silk covered snapped that you can use to bring the wrist in further.
- The skirt has a band at the waist and then it is cut in a slim pencil shape to just past the knee depending on your height. A panel wraps over the front of the skirt to give the illusion of a wrapped finish that picks up on the wrap of the jacket.
- Both pieces are fully lined in a handset black silk. The jacket hooks and snaps. to close. There is an inner attached waist stay that hooks to close. The button on the sleeves are decorative with head and snaps underneath of them as photoed. The skirt closes at the side with a zipper and hooks at the waist. The shoulders have padding. All of the hand work is to Haute Couture standards throughout.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 24" and are full and open through the upper arm.
Exaggerated shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 29" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 25" from the waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5512
Reference Photos: Spring 1985 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture.
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
Extraordinary Rare Fall 2016 Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Couture Gold Tweed & Lace Covered Jacket & Skirt Suit Set
I Have a Question
- This is a private custom order suit from the Fall 2016 Alta Moda "Naples" collection and was acquired directly from the Couture client. Alta Moda runway footage and Look Books are only available for those invited to the spectacular 3-day events held in different locations each season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
- This suit was a special order custom piece by my client and the original price was just over 45,000 euros.
- This collection was inspired by Sophia Loren who was also the guest of honour at the show.
- Both pieces are made out of a hand woven tweed that has gold metallic thread woven through it in a thatched weave. The goal is more apparent when you see this in person. As you get closer, you realize that over top of the tweed there is a layer of a floral lace that floats over and creates a beautiful pattern on pattern effect.
- The lace pieces were all hand made individually to fit the part of the pattern that they were to be applied over top of. Inside the inner edges of the jacket there is a another panel of handmade lace that is done with a more dense weave so that it has a darker feel to it. It is all just extraordinary.
- The jacket has soft shoulders that have a slight peak at their tops. The sleeves are long and the lace covering them is their only detail. The body of the jacket is shaped around you with the waist nipped in for shape. A double row of handmade buttons runs down the front with hidden hand covered silk snaps set underneath to close the jacket. Each hip has a double flap to suggest pockets but these are decorative only and their purpose is to help shape the hip and add detail. The collar is soft with an extra band of the handmade lace applied around it to give it a touch of definition.
- The skirt has a wide grosgrain ribbon to cinch it in and it skims over the top of the hips. The lower skirt is added with and exposed top set seam attaching it to the upper part of the skirt. This lower piece is pleated so it opens up into a beautiful shape and a bit of a swing feel while still maintaining its structure.
- It is truly a work of art and showcases the very best of Dolce's craftsmanship.
- Both pieces are unlined and are entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. The jacket closes at the front as described above and the skirt has a back zipper. They have their appropriate Couture tags in place with a hand written tag behind. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present since it is a couture piece so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 25.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 24" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 24.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5510
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.
john galliano
Outstanding Fall 2001 John Galliano Runway Look 41 Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Dress w Romantic Floral Print
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 2001 runway for a Look 41 and was worn by supermodel Stella Tenant in the show.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This is the actual dress worn by Caitlin Thompson to the 2024 Emmys
- Madison Headrick privately acquired the first example of this dress that we had in our archives and wore it as part of her wedding celebrations.
- Besides the runway photos, we have included photos of both Madison and Caitlin so you can see how spectacular this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a floral printed ivory silk chiffon that is feather light in weight.
- Soft pastel flowers done in shades of pale, pink and soft greens run over the entire dress and add to the ultra romantic feel that it has.
- Ruffled cap sleeves curve over the shoulders and they are set wide so that they sit at the very edge of your shoulder. This allows the chiffon to cascade over the top of each arm.
- The bodice is extensively gathered around the bust to the sides and into a seam that curves down just above the waist. All of the seam work on the dress is a heavy nod to the Couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. John Galliano often use those dresses as inspiration and you can clearly see that in this piece.
- Gathered ties extend out from the sides of the bodice to wrap and tie around you. They are very long so you can get creative in how they are tied. They add a touch of whimsy to the dress and are also a clever way to add shape through the waist.
- The dress curves back out and over the hips and then narrow down slightly to about the knee.
- The lower skirt is set into a curved seam and the volume below that is amazing. There is a tremendous amount of silk in the lower skirting so that it moves and floats fabulously around you when you move.
- Little added tiered ruffles of silk have been added along parts of the patterned seams for yet another extra romantic touch.
- The dress is completely cut on the bias so moves beautifully over the body. It makes it easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
- This is a spectacular example of his work and one of the most romantic prints from him that I have ever seen. This is an important early piece that is highly collectible.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and slips on with no closures. The easy cut and movement in the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The dress is in its original uncut length. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 65" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5509
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2001 Galliano Runway, Look 41. Model: Stella Tennant. / (3-6) Caitlin Thompson wearing this dress at the Emmys, 2024. / (7-11) Madison Headrick in in its twin from us on two different occasions.
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
Dreamiest Resort 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 23 Silk Chiffon Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The near twin of the dress was Look 23 in the Resort 2020 Valentino presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- Vogue said that 'Pierpaolo Piccioli had his Resort collection photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, a green oasis in the center of the city with giant bamboo stands and towering palm trees.' This is one of my favourite Valentino dresses of the collection and it is even dreamier in real life.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight ivory silk chiffon that has the teeniest palest touch of green to its undertone.
- Onto the entire dress is a beautiful floral pattern that gets larger as it near the hem. The flowers are done in pale greens and soft pinks with more vibrant pinks around the hem mixed with bands of colour.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves flutter over the very top of the arm. They are a single layer of the silk chiffon so have a beautiful delicacy to them.
- The dress skims over the bust from a high scooped neck and drapes easily over the body to the waist. Ruffles made out of the same silk sit behind vertical panels of the chiffon with lace ribbon insets. These run vertically down the centre of the top and there is a row of little functional buttons that runs down the middle.
- The dress comes with a long matching tie in the same fabric that you used to cinch around the waist for added shape.
- I love that parts of the print in the chiffon are signed Valentino.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is extremely full. It has a second ivory silk layer underneath so that it is opaque enough to wear. The excessive amount of fabric used through the skirt give it a ton of movement when you walk and move.
- The lightness of the silk and the way that it lays over the body allows it to move spectacularly over you and it will pick up the slightest bit of air. It really is even more stunning in person.
- The dress is lined through the bodice with an ivory silk chiffon and the skirt is fully lined in an ivory silk. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The buttons at the front are functional. Comes with its original matching tie belt in the same chiffon. In its original uncut length and it appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Shoulders: 14.75"
Bust: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5507
Reference Photo: Resort 2020 Valentino, Look 23.
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.
jean paul gaultier
Outstanding Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Black Bias Cut Jersey w Black Velvet Cuffs & Collar
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier collection.
-
It was made under the creative direction of Jean Paul Gaultier.
- Miley Cyrus famously wore the twin of this dress in 2013. I love that the reference photos of both her and the runway photos that give you an amazing idea of how this looks on the body.
- The dress is made from a black stretch jersey that has some movement and is very comfortable to wear and easy to fit.
- Contrasting with that or padded pipe bands of black velvet that circled the collar and each cuff.
- The velvet collar that circles around the neck is cut wider across in a true circle that sits up and off the body slightly as you can see in the photos.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are cut extra long. Each one flares out dramatically and is finished with that same round piped velvet finish that the collar has. Each cuff is also a full circle around and it is quite extraordinary and dramatic to see. They have fantastic movement once they are on the body and I love how they are set on an angle so that they fall longer at the back behind your hands.
- It skims over the bodice and is cut more generously through the waist. If you wanted to add more definition you could add a belt but it does falls beautifully in a sleek column when worn as intended.
- The jersey curves back out over the hips and then the skirt falls to the floor below that. The black jersey stretch fabric has incredible drape and movement around you as it flares out.
- This is a phenomenal and very well known piece of Jean Paul's work and highly collectible
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. The jersey does have some stretch to it and I have put the comfortable range of stretch below. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 21" to the shortest point and 30" to the longest. They are 9-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5506
Reference Photos/Videos: (1-2) Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier. / (3-7) Miley Cyrus in Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier at the Bambi Awards, 2013.
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
Suberb Fall 1970 Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan Minimalist Black Velvet Column Dressress
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous dress is a true couture piece from the Fall 1970 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
- The book Dior:Catwalk noted that the Vogue proclaimed that "Any woman anywhere on earth would want to own these total feminine clothes"
- In the few photos that survive of pieces from this collection, it is interesting to note that he showed most of these shift dresses under capes, which would be a lovely combination even now.
- This dress would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made out of a jet black silk velvet that is extremely soft to the touch and has beautiful drape.
- I love the nod to classic minimalism that the dress displays.
- Straps in a matching black velvet curve up and over your shoulders and then the front and back have just the most gentle bit of a scoop across. Just enough to take away the harshness a straight line would have.
- It skims over the bust and is cut more generously over the waist so that it falls in a perfect shift or column feel around you. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt or corded rope tie.
- It flares slightly out over the hips and then the skirt falls from there widening out as it near the hem.
- The dress closes down one side with glossy black buttons and I love the deliberate contrast in texture that it has against the black velvet. That pop of shine of the high gloss of the buttons is the perfect subtle detail against the inky texture of the velvet.
- The buttons close the dress down one side to just past the hip and then the rest of that seam is completely open all the way to the hem. When you walk, move or sit, you get a flash of bare leg all the way up that one side. It is almost startling to have that flash of bare skin against the column of black and I love this play between elegance and sexiness.
- It is a dress that appears to be so simple in shape but every seam and line of the dress was purposefully and masterfully executed and planned.
- This is an extraordinary example of his work during this time period and it is an absolutely stunning dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching hand set black silk and closes at the side with the row of buttons. All of the work is done by hand to Couture standards and it has its appropriately dated couture tag present. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem and the slit is 29" from the hem up to the last button.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5505
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
Amazing Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Black Velvet Wrap Dress w Olive Silk Taffeta Ruffles
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- We were so pleased to find shots of it on because it really shows you just how much it comes to life when worn. It is extraordinary and it is a stunning example of his work during this time period.
- The wrap design of the dress is easy to fit and is also very flattering for so many body types.I love the soft and romantic lines that this dress has.
- It is made of a black velvet that has enough weight to hold the shape that you see but still feel light on the body.
- A wide ruffle in a deep olive coloured silk taffeta runs around the neck starting at the base of the front plunge. It curves up and around the neck and then comes back down across the front is caught up at the side and then falls all the way two the hem and around.
- This stunning framing of the entire front of your body is beautiful and gives the dress is dramatic feel.
- To wear the dress there is an inner strap that wraps around your waist and hooks into place and then a long attached silk tie in a matching green ties into place at the side.
- On the runway, this was shown tied into a bow, a signature Yves detail.
- The wrapping of the dress allows you to adjust the fit around you so that it sits perfectly on you.
- The skirt curves over the hip and falls to the hem and because of the wrap over design when you move or walk, you will see a flash of bare leg. The ruffles hide most of your leg but it does peak out as you walk . It is an insanely sexy detail that is in total contrast with the sweetness of the ruffles.
- As good as the dress looks on the dress form, it is even better in person and on a body. It looks remarkably simple yet is genius in its execution.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a inner strap that hooks around the waist. It ties to one side on the exterior as described above. A zipper at each cuff. I see a tiny bit of pressing of the velvet at the crease under the arms. The easy wrap cut makes it easy to fit a range of sizes. You could easily adjust the inner waist if needed.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 40
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 23.5" and they are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: both the inner and outer waist are 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from neck to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5504
Reference Photos: Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent.
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.
john anthony
Minimalist Fall 1981 John Anthony Couture Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Two Piece Top & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 1981 Jpohn Anthony collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Anthony.
- Each piece that John Anthony made was on a made-to-order basis, which means that each piece is the only one that exists, or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces made, only a very limited amount of pieces were done.
- All of the pieces I have (and have had in the last couple of years) in the shop come directly from John's archive.
- John is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976.
- This is the original sample of this piece from his archives. We found a series of photos of pieces with the same bead work so you can get an idea of how beautiful they are on the body.
- The dress is made out of a feather light deep brown silk chiffon. Glass tube beads are set in vertical rows over both pieces and all of the beads have been applied by hand in perfect little rows onto the silk. I love how they catch the light from every angle.
- Both pieces have a simple and easy cut so that they are easy to wear and are very flattering on the body. The neckline is scooped and closes with a hook and eye at the back of the neck above a keyhole. The sleeves have the same bead detailing and then they fall in a straight cut to the wrist for a touch of fullness.
- The bodice is cut to skim loosely over you to the waist. The waist is finished with elastic which lets the silk pouf under a touch.
- The skirt has a banded waist and falls to the floor under that. It flares out a touch as it nears the hem. It has a high slit on one side for a flash of leg to show.
- They are gorgeous when worn together but have the versatility of being able to be mixed and matched with things you already have.
- The work has all been done by hand and the workmanship is fantastic. They fall like a dream once on the body.
- Fully lined in a second layer of nude silk chiffon. The top closes with a hook and eye above a keyhole at the back of the neck and has elastic at the bottom seam. The skirt closes with hook and eye at the waist and a zipper under that. A tiny area of missing beads here and there but nothing major. Please see the photo after the label shot. The sample tag is stitched inside the cuff of one sleeve.
- There is no size tag present because it is a sample piece so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the minor note above.
Top
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from waist to hem
Slit: 27" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5503
Reference Photos: Fall 1981 John Anthony Ready to Wear Advance Preview.
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.
john galliano
Beautiful Fall 2005 John Galliano Bias Cut Soft Brown Cut Devore Velvet & Chiffon Floral Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2005 Galliano collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The dress is absolutely dreamy. It is meant to skim over the body and it has that beautiful movement that Galliano is so well known for.
- It is made out of a combination of a cut velvet floral fabric that has been applied to a printed bias cut brown backdrop. This gives it an amazing texture. Highlighting the seams are little inset panels of lace with more lace added around the hem and edges.
- The dress is suspended from the shoulders with two brown lace straps and the lace continues around the neckline. The front is set into a shallow V and the back repeats that same V finish.
- The silk is cut on the bias and the entire dress skims over the body in that perfect way that he always cut a piece.
- The bias cut allows it to be easy fitting over the bust, waist and hips. It is not tight at all but does drape and fall to accent your shape once it is on the body.
- The skirt is made up of panels set in and along angled seaming that is very reminiscent of Old Hollywood dresses from the twenties and thirties. The skirt is made of two panels that expand outwards and are open along the sides. So when you walk or move you get a bit of leg and extra kick along the lower skirting.
- Each panel has elaborate lace edging with ruffles made out of the lace for a pretty and feminine finish. I love how this ties all the elements of the dress together.
- The skirt has an amazing amount of fabric in it and the cut and open sides allow the smallest bit of air to catch the skirt and let it move around you as you move. When this is on and you are walking the movement it creates is absolutely gorgeous.
- This is John at his best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a brown silk and slips over the head with no closures. It is cut on the bias so we put the comfortable range of measurements when the dress is laying flat below. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Galliano FR44, GB16, US10
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5502
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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