Pretty Spring 2014 Emporio Armani Long Version of Runway Look 86 Crystal & Floral Print Pastel Dress
I Have a Question
- A shorter version of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2014 collection for Look 86.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- Vogies review said in part that "The gentleness of the clothes today was enhanced by a palette of pale blues, greys, and pinks and delicate effects like streams of crystal tracing a watery trail across a chiffon top, or patterns that suggested faded watermarks, or blurry florals. It was distinctly ladylike."
- I prefer this longer look. It feels more balanced and the pretty fabric that it is made out of is better showcased as it falls all the way to the floor.
- The dress is made from two layers. The inner layer is a soft pastel washed floral print made from a synthetic jersey. A fine mesh layer floats over that inner layer. The mesh acts as a diffusion that further softens the underlying floral print. Tiny glittering crystals run over the entire dress. On the bodice they are set horizontally and then they are set on an angled chevron pattern over the entire skirt from top to bottom
- Piped straps curve over each shoulder and each is completely covered with tiny little silver toned seed beads. The front neckline is cut straight across and highlighted with a black band for contrast against the pastels below. It skims over the bodice and comes in at a seam set just under the bust.
- The skirt falls to the floor from there gently curving outwards to the hem. It has a pretty amount of fullness that gives it lovely movement when you walk.
- The inner floral fabric acts as the lining through the skirt and the bodice has a white crepe lining. It closes with a back set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It was never worn and still has all its original tags attached.
- Tagged a modern Armani 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5217
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2014 Emporio Armani, Look 86.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Prettiest Spring 2011 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Pastel Coral Ruffled One Shoulder Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this gorgeous dress walked the runway for the Spring 2011 collection in a taupe colour and was Look 41 in the show.
- It was made under the creative direction of both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- Even in the different colour between the runway shot and the runway video you can see just how beautifully this one is on the body and how it moves.
- Vogue said of this collection that the pieces "displayed incredible Couture like workmanship" and gushed over the exuberant use of ruffles and lace throughout the collection.
- The dress is made out of a pinky-coral silk 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. I love it far more in this pretty colour than the pale taupe that it was shown on the runway in.
- The entire top portion of the dress is finished in stacked ruffles made from silk organza that overlap the one underneath. On the bodice, there are also ruffles made of the same silk as the body of the dress interspersed between the organza ruffles. These swoop over you to curve up and over the single shoulder. All of the ruffles that cover the bodice have been set on an angle to follow the same curve of the neckline and the ruffles continue all the way around you to the back. I especially love the little twirl created at the top of the shoulder that adds just a little bit of extra detail there.
- It comes in at the waist and then the top of the hips at the sides are subtly gathered for shape. It is all very pretty and feminine.
- The skirt falls from under there and widens out to a pretty fullness by the time it reaches the hem. The skirt has three full layers of silk and the draped to side curves upwards with an overlapped slit. So when you move a certain way you see a bit of a flash of bare leg. I love how the hem is curved to pick up on the angle of the bodice.
- The dress is fully lined in a marching coral silk chiffon through the bodice. The skirt is made of three layers of silk and these act as the lining. The dress closes with a hidden set side zipper.
- Tagged a Valentino 6
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 12.5" on the top of the shoulder to the inner seam under the bust
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 4" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5210
Reference Photos: Spring 2011 Valentino. Look 41.
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.
Iconic Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Pale Green Silk Dress w Front Plunge & Tie
I Have a Question
- This amazing dress is from the Spring 1985 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- On the runway the dress was shown in a brilliant pink. I am sure that this green colour was a special order by a Couture client.
- Jerry Hall was photographed in one that season and we have included other references for it as well so you can see how fabulous this sits on the body
- The dress has a very Old Hollywood / 1940s feel that I love. This is an era that Yves often touched upon in his work.
- It is made out of a pale grass green silk crepe that drapes beautifully once on.
- The shoulders are shaped with handmade padding inside and the sleeves are more generous through the upper part and then narrow as they reach the cuff. Each sleeve has a little handset zipper at the wrist.
- The front comes down in a V and I love how the silk has been draped and brought over from the sides to extend into ties that sit at the base of the V at the waist. This is an extremely clever way to hide all of the closures for the dress. Underneath the tie and extending down a few inches under the waist are hidden snaps and hooks that close the dress around you all while giving the illusion that you have simply tied the dress in place.
- The skirt is gathered in under that to fall to the floor. As it reaches the hem it widens out quite a bit so that when you move it has beautiful movement around you. The back also extends a little longer than the front hand for a sweep of extra movement behind you. Yves was a master at manipulating fabric to fall perfectly over the body.
- The dress is not perfect but is wearable if you do not mind that it does have some small flaws. Please make sure to read the full description below carefully. This is still an outstanding example of his work during this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a green silk and closes with a series of snaps and hooks at the front waist. Zipper sits at each wrist. The dress has fading across the top of each shoulder and some slight fading throughout. The hem has fallen down in places and there is a touch of grubbiness and fading around the edge of the hem. There is a series of little dots near the seam at the back. The actual silk is sound and stable. The dress could potentially be dyed if you preferred not to wear it as is. Sold as found and priced accordingly.
- There is no size tag present since it is a Couture piece. Please check the measurements below.
- Great overall condition.
Sleeves: 29" and are 15" around the upper arm
Slightly extended shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 6"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5209
Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture. / (3) Jerry Hall in YSL for Harper's Bazaar France, 1985. / (4) Jours de France Collections Haute Couture Soir S/S 1985. / (5) Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. Photo by David Seidner.
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
Prettiest Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Pale Nude Pink 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
- The fabric that the dresses 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 hidden from the outside. 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 so loosely draped around you and allows the plunge to be so low at the front while still feeling secure and 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 exterior 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.
- 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 scratch 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# DD5203
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.
gucci
Spectacular Fall 2020 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Runway Look 29 Dusty Pink Silk Dress & Skirt Overlay Set
I Have a Question
- The twin of this look walked the Fall 2020 runway for Look 29. On the runway it was shown with a addition partial dress worn over it but once it hit the shops it was sold on its own and that added piece was sold separately.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele.
- Both Kylie and Rita Ora wore one in 2021 so you can get a great idea of it on the body.
- Vogue noted that "he took cues from “the perfection” of little girls clothes - pinafore dresses, school uniforms - and it seemed from the outfits of those little girls’ minders, nuns to nurses included." You can see that reference in this piece with its pinafore collar and front pleating but in typical Michele fashion he took that as a starting point and then upped the glamour with the added rhinestones and that phenomenal trailing over-skirt.
- One of the things I love best about this is that because it is three pieces you have many styling options with it. You can wear all or part of it and mix and match with other things you already own.
- The dress part of the set is a pretty dusty pink piece made out of a silk organza mix. A silk slip sits under that and I love that that inner slip is opaque enough that you could actually wear it on its own as a slip dress. With the inner slip being completely separate it also allows you to choose how daring you want to wear the dress. Over that is the spectacular over-skirt that wraps around the waist and ties at the front.
- The dress has a little lace collar with the house double G worked into the pattern. It blouses over you at the front and comes in at the waist. The waist is cut more generously and then you use the ties on the over-skirt to cinch it in as much as you want. If you are wearing the dress on its own you can leave the waist more loose and easy or add a belt.
- Running all the way down the front of the dress is a series of little pin-tuck pleats and then between those are wider pleats that have been gathered up in a diamond / marquis pattern and held in place by little prong set rhinestones. I love this little bit of added glitz.
- The sleeves are full with horizontally pleated cuffs. An elaborate handkerchief ruffle sits underneath that.
- Attached inside of the front insides of the skirt of the dress is an added panel in the same silk that hangs past the hem an extra 8.5". It is an unusual and pretty detail that is a nod to the aprons of a nurse or nanny.
- The dress buttons to close down the back. The final button is set 22" above the back hem.
- The over-skirt is phenomenal and takes the dress from something that can be worn in the day or evening into a full on glamorous gown. It is made from a single layer of the same silk organza and is pleated vertically all the way down to its raw cut hem. A band runs around the waist and this extends into ties. You wrap it around you and slip it through the little belt loops around the waist of the dress and tie into place. It swoops out to create a beautiful trailing feel behind you.
- The inner acts as the lining and is fully separate from the dress. Little snaps at the shoulders hold it in place once it is on. The dress buttons down the back and then the skirt ties into place over that around the waist. The hem of the skirt is deliberately raw cut. The dress has a more pastel feel in person. All of the pieces appear to have never been worn.
- Tagged a modern Gucci 40
- Excellent condition
Dress
Sleeves: 25" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to longest point of the hem, 50" to the shorter hem
Inner Slip
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 49" from top of shoulder to hem
Over-skirt
Waist: adjustable with the ties
Hips: open
Total length: 62" from the waist to the longest points of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5202
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Fall 2020 Gucci, Look 29. Model Johana Gavendova. / (6) Photo by Bruce Gilden. / (7) Kylie Minogue in Gucci, May 2021. / (8) Rita Ora in Gucci, February 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.
halston
Incredible 1977 Halston Couture Heavy Weighted Ivory Silk Charmeuse Spiral Paneled Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from 1977 and was most likely a made to order custom or bridal piece.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston
- When researching we found the examples shared here that are almost identical to this dress but without the extra added panels that create the spiralling ruffles.
- This is a beautiful ivory dress that showcases the minimal seaming that Halston was so famous for.
- The dress is made of a heavier weighted silk charmeuse that is cut like the reference photos show through the body but with added panels and seams that go around and cascade down the lower skirting.
- It is completely cut on the bias so it drapes phenomenally over the body. You simply slip it over your head and it drapes over you to accommodate the body underneath. This makes it easy to fit and very easy to wear.
- The sleeves are long and extend out directly from the body of the dress with no seaming around the arm. Each narrows to its cuff where there is a handmade silk covered button and loop.
- The neckline is cut wide across the neckline and has a subtle draping at the centre of the neck at both the front and back of the dress. It is a very pretty detail.
- It glides over the body skimming over the bust, waist and hips to the floor. The vertical ruffles are set on an angle so that they cascade down to the hem. When you move these swirl around the lower part of the dress and create gorgeous movement around you.
- Working with this fabric is incredibly difficult and it is a testament to his skill to create such a seemingly simple but complex pattern.
- The dress is fully lined in a second layer of the same fabric which adds to the technically difficultly of the pattern and rich feel of the silk. It has no closures and slips on to wear. Each cuff has a silk covered button and loop to close.
- There is no size tag and the bias cut will allow it to have it some give. Please go by the range of measurements listed below. The colour is slightly more ivory in person. I see some minor marks and scuffing here and there on the silk of the bottom ruffles. I shot one so that you can see. It is very minor but mentioned for accuracy. The length may come up once on because of the bias cut.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: approx 23.5" and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 62" from top of shoulder to hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5201
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1977 Halston. / (2) Fall 1977 Halston. / (3) From the book "Halston: An American Original"
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.
2010s Giambattista Valli Black Dress Stretch Sleeveless Dress w Front Metallic Thread Wool Inset
I Have a Question
- This is a more modern piece by Giambattista Valli that I believe is from circa 2015.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giambattista Valli
- This is a fantastic day dress that is appropriate for the office but also can be worn to dinner or a cocktail events.
- The base of the dress is made from a stretch mix of silk and wool in a black that has a touch of charcoal feel to it. The stretch allows it to really form around the body but still feel extremely comfortable to wear.
- It is sleeveless and skims over the bodice. The waist nips in and is highlighted with a wide black grosgrain ribbon. From there it curves back over the hips.
- The skirt is cut in a chic pencil shape. A back vent lets you walk easily when wearing it.
- An attached panel runs down the front of the dress. This is made out of a wool that has a nubby thatched texture to it with little silver metallic lurex threads run through the fabric. It is subtle but really elevates the dress and is a beautiful added detail.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a black hidden set zipper.
- Tagged a modern Valli 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the shoulder to the top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 39" from top of shoulder to hem with approx 1.5" turned under the ham
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5200
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.
alexander mcqueen
Incredible 2022 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Ivory Silk Chiffon Dress w Heavily Detailed Bodoice
I Have a Question
- This is a beautiful dress that was made for the shops in 2022.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- It is made from layers of an off-white ivory silk chiffon that float beautifully over the body. It is very loose and easy as it falls over you making it is easy to wear and very flattering.
- Tiny silk straps curve up and over your shoulder to connect at the sides of the bodice and back. I think with this one you also have the option that you could tuck the straps in and wear this as a strapless dress.
- The bodice is cupped and inside there are molded and wired inner cups attached to hold the shape and give you structure and support.
- Onto that is a beautiful and elaborate design that is made out of a braided silver thread, silver tube, beads, and prong set rhinestones and beads in various sizes. These are set over the bodice to form a design of leafs and vines that swirl across you. It is quite stunning.
- The silk chiffon falls under there and flows all the way down to the floor. The dress is in its original length and the movement the silk chiffon has is incredible. The fabric is so light that when you move it swirls around you. There are extra panels of the silk chiffon that are attached along the upper edge of the back and around slightly to the sides. These fall over the inner dress to the floor to give a beautiful caped feel to the back.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. There is a built-in inner corset that is boned and cupped. I see a tiny repair near the hem of the skirt and there is a little bit of very minor pulling on the back silk chiffon panel where it has caught on the applique work at some point. Please see the photo after the label shot. The dress was never worn and is in its original length. It has its original hang tag attached.
- Tagged a McQueen 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with B-C cups built in
Seam under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of the shoulder to seam under the bust
Total length: 64" from the top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5196
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
Rare Spring 1998 Gianni Versace Runway Silver Sequin & Thread Detail Pink & Black Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1998 Versace show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace.
- This is a rare and early documented example of his work.
- The dresses made of two layers of silk. There is an inner silk layer that is a bright vivid pink and then this is topped with a black silk chiffon that has a touch of transparency.
- Onto the top black layer is an elaborate pattern made of silver metallic thread and little tiny silver sequins. This adds a subtle sparkle over the entire dress.
- Two triangles sit at the front bust and they are brought inwards at the neck leaving an open keyhole underneath. The straps circle around both sides of your neck and then meet at the back. They curve outwards to meet the sides of a full open scoop that leaves most of your back bare and exposed.
- It skims over the waist and hips from there and I love the lingerie effect created by having the black float over the inner pink layer.
- The inner pink silk layer acts as the lining. The neck of the dress slips over the head and then the dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. When the dress is off the body the pink under-layer appears to extend past the bottom by a couple of inches but it is bias cut so once on it lines up as shown in the photos here.
- Tagged a vintage Versace 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers up to 8" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to the seam under the bus
Total length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5194
Reference Photos: Spring 1998 Versace.
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.
rochas
Prettiest 2000s Rochas by Olivier Theyskens Blue Silk Floral Watercolour Dress w Ruffles & Velvet Trim
I Have a Question
- I purchased this many years ago and was told this was a dress made under the creative direction of Olivier Theyskens.
- Theyskens debuted at Rochas in 2003 at the age of 25 and stayed at the brand until Spring 2015.
- The dress has a beautiful Victorian feel to it and the fabric is gorgeous. It is very light in weight and feels like a fine silk organza mix. Onto it is a stunning washed watercolour feeling floral print that covers the entire dress. It is very pretty.
- A pretty ruffle circles the collar and ruffles continue down the front on either side of the buttons. The bodice is detailed with stripes of black flat pile cotton velvet and the buttons are covered in that same fabric. The seams are exposed and deliberately top stitched with a embroidered feeling thread. The sleeves are long and each ends in a wide cuff that has a little bit of velvet detail.
- It skims over the bust and waist and is cut to be more full and easy through the body. The bodice extends down past the waist to a seam that sits on the top of the hip. The skirt is attached above the seam with an exposed serging all the way around you.
- The skirt falls from there to the floor and it is wonderfully full. It is gathered in around the seam at the hip and then opens out as it near the hem. The lower portion of the skirt is covered in the same detailing that we see on the bodice, combining the velvet ribbon, exposed seams and ruffles, but on the skirt it is flipped horizontally to wrap around you. Underneath the skirt is lined in a black woven netting that helps to hold the shape.
- It is beautifully detailed and the design is properly and carefully thought out and executed. Its loose easy cut through the body make it an easy to fit dress. I think you could even belt this to create a completely different feel to the dress and add more shape.
- They bodice is unlined and has a touch of transparency to it. The skirt is lined in black netting as described above. It closes at the front with the black velvet buttons. Each cuff closes with a series of five hidden hook and eye. 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
Sleeves: 26.5" and are 11" around the upper arm
Inset shoulders: 12"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top and shoulder to waist
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5189
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 1979 Yves Saint Laurent Unlabled Haute Couture Black Silk Dress w Elaborate Sequin & Crystal Detailing
I Have a Question
- A version of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 1979 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress is completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards and it is incredible.
- I love having the runway photos so that you can see just how amazing it is in the body and I think the longer version is even better. It's more balanced and proportional with the upper body.
- The dress is made from a crisp black silk and this fabric choice allows it to hold those beautiful lines that you see.
- The neckline dips into a shallow V and the dress is vertically seamed to follow the curves of the body.
- The sleeves are amazing. Each is cut on a curve to follow the shape of the arm in the traditional manner of making a sleeve. They are set into the shoulders with a beautiful series of soft pleats so that you get a bit of volume at the shoulder. They puff out slightly around the upper arm and then narrow down at their ends.
- At the back the dress scoops low to give you a bare expanse of skin across the upper back. The back has a low set seam under the open scoop and this allows the top of the back skirt to lift slightly off and away from the body. A tiny detail that feels very sensual on the body.
- That same seam curves over the hips and angles up towards the waist at the front. The skirt falls under that. on a curve that widens out as it reaches the hem. The back is fuller and it also falls a touch longer to give it the feel of it sweeping out behind you.
- Underneath the skirt is a built-in ruffled black silk net underskirt and when you move or sit you see just a peek of the ruffle around the inner hem. Layers of silk net have been added under the sea, where the skirt starts to help to hold the fullness there as well.
- The dress is detailed with hand applied sequins to form little varying sized circles that run over the entire bodice, the waist and the top part of the skirt. Two types of sequins have been used - tiny silver sequins one and others that are an iridescent pale blue. The blue ones catch the light and range in colour from silver to an ice blue. Mixed into that are some circles that are made from little glass crystal beads.
- The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined with a built in underskirt in a black silk net and taffeta. Built in interior panniers around the hip area that I have photoed. It closes with a hand set back zipper and the skirt snaps into place with silk covered snaps over that. Hidden set zippers at each wrist. Hand finished throughout. There is the occasional sequin or crystal missing on the dots here and there and I have photoed one area for you to see as an example. Please see the last detail photo for that. Unlabeled. Completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23.5" and are 16" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem, 60" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5188
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.
fendi
Spring 2008 Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 19 & Ad Campaign Silk Organza & Chiffon Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2008 Fendi runway for Look 19.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- This was a highly documented collection and this dress and versions of the dress especially were the outstanding pieces. On the runway it was shown with a belt that was sold separately in the shops. A version was included in the Met Museum's 2023 exhibition "A line of beauty". Its twin was used for the ad campaign that season and it, and a version of it, were used in editorials that year.
- The dress is very interesting in how it is made. There is a silk organza outer layer with its circular print on the skirt and more print on the sides of the bodice. Underneath that layer of the skirt is a second silk chiffon layer that has its own different print scattered all the way around the skirt so you get this diffused feel of the print underneath the top organza layer. It is very interesting.
- The dress is suspended by two tiny straps that curve over the shoulders and hook into the low waist at the back. This leaves the entire back bare and exposed.
- At the front, two triangles of fabric curve up to meet those straps and are plunged to the waist. A panel of printed silk has been set in behind those to provide some coverage and also add yet another design detail.
- The waist is defined by a wide band of the organza and then the two layers of the silk fall from there to make the skirt. Depending on your height this will fall mid-calf or slightly lower. The skirt has many yards of silk organza and silk chiffon underneath that and it has the most incredible movement as a result. The lightness of both those fabrics allow it to pick up the slightest bit of air.
- The printed silk chiffon layer under the skirt acts as the lining and the bodice is backed in silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back with two button buttons on the waistband. I see a couple of small marks. There are to faint dots underneath the band at the front to the side, a mark in the print of the skirt and another near the hem. All are fairly faint and because of the print and amount of fabric do not create a huge impact. Please see the photos after the label shot
- Tagged a vintage Fendi 38
- Excellent overall condition
Bust: the front triangles covers to a total of 16" flat across from side to side
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to top seam of the 3" band at the waist
Total length: 50" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5184
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2008 Fendi, Look 19. Model Bruna Tenorio. / (5) Spring 2008 Fendi Ad Campaign. Model Raquel Zimmermann. / (6) Photo by Mark Seliger. / (7) credit unknown. / (8) The MET's Spring 2023 exhibition, A Line of Beauty.
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 2017 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 18 Exuberant Silk Print Dress w Ruffled Details
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 18 for the Fall 2017 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- I love that the runway reference photos and video show you how beautifully this moves once it is on the body.
- Vogue's review stated in part "this label, based in its idyllic Roman headquarters, has already been rebuilt on escapism. If you’re in need of a fantasy dress, Valentino, with its exquisite workmanship and aura of art-history-tinted romance, will be very near top of mind. Piccioli said he’d merged Victoriana and the Memphis Group as starting points. The Victoriana provided plenty in the line of the long, high-waisted, high-necked house signature dresses." This is clearly one of the dresses inspired by that theme.
- The dress is made out of a white silk that has an exuberant oversized and stylized floral print. The print runs over the entire dress.
- The neckline is high with a ruffled collar and the dress buttons completely down the front with a double row of buttons. I love that each button hole is properly finished in the proper tailoring manner. It skims over the bust, waist and hips and is cut generously through the body so it is an easy fit. There is a seam at the waist but it is cut generously.
- Little ruffles round over each shoulder and the sleeves fall from there, ending in a double row of ruffles to tie everything together.
- The skirt has built in flat pleats which gives it lots of volume,and you can see this in the video when it is on and moving. Even though you are completely covered the power of that beautiful fantasy print keeps the dress feeling light and easy.
- The dress is fully lined in a white silk chiffon and closes at the front with the buttons to the waist. Hidden set buttons continue under there down the front of the skirt. It is in beautiful condition and appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a Valentino 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" 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: SML-MED
Item# DD5183
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2017 Valentino, Look 18. Model Mariana Zaragoza.
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.
Prettiest Fall 2024 Atelier Prabal Gurung Look 7 Black Dotted Pale Nude Pinkish Net Strapless Dress w Full Skirts
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown as Look 7 for the Fall 2024 atelier collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Prabal Gurung
- He told Vogue that "We've always had a small private client business". He had soft-launched his Aterlier collection the previous year to bring more clients pieces that are focused around specific occasions and more traditional silhouettes. The Fall 2024 collection was the first publicly shown Atelier collection from Prabal.
- This is an absolutely beautiful dress that showcases his love of a more traditional silhouette. Even though it is a modern piece it has that perfect feel of the 1950s Hollywood Golden Era in its silhouette.
- The dress is made out of a pale nude net that has a touch of pink to it. Little black chenille dots are fused onto the fabric for the perfect little detailing.
- The bodice is strapless and I love the soft curve to the top edge. Inside there is a boned and cupped built in corset to hold you perfectly in place. It is fitted and the waist comes in and then curves back out slightly.
- The skirt is phenomenal. There is a little peplum of the tulle with netting underneath that sits just under at the waist and then it falls in two more tiers to the floor. The middle tier has a a double layer of tulle under it and then there are more built-in layers under the entire skirt.The innermost layer is a more stiffened net that has bands of stiffening placed horizontally around the hem and through the body of the skirt to hold its volume. I did not add any crinolines under the dress. All the volume you see is because of the built-in construction.
- The back of the skirt trails out slightly behind you and is cut longer than the front.
- The fabric used is still very light so even with the intricate construction of the dress is still feels light and comfortable to wear.
- I love the little bow that falls down one hip. And I love that this is added with a little brooch pin so that if you choose to not wear it you can take it off completely or you can move it to where it suits you best.
- The dress is fully lined in netting as described above with a full built-in corset that is boned and cupped. A waist stay inside hooks to close. The corset closes with its own zipper and then the dress zippers to close over that with a hidden set zipper. The dress appears to have never been worn.
- Tagged a modern Gurung 6
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 59" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 6" beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5177
Reference Photo: Fall 2024 Atelier Prabal Gurung, Look 7.
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
Beautiful Fall 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 36 Black Net Bead & Sequin Over Skirt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this skirt walked the runway for the Fall 2019 season for Look 36.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri
- Vogue's Sally Singer noted that; "Chiuri sought inspiration for this collection from Britain’s postwar Teddy Girls, those working-class, rock ’n’ roll–loving beehived vixens who hit the clubs in a mix of men’s Edwardian jackets, full skirts, blue jeans, leather, velvet, and eyeliner galore. She was struck by the similarity in silhouette and the optimistic excess that characterized Christian Dior’s designs of the same period. She was also moved by Yves Saint Laurent’s addition to the Dior pantheon of a men’s black leather jacket for women in the late 1950s. So, heritage, hipsters, and herstory."
- This skirt is one of the ones that felt most like a heritage piece from that show while still having a modern flare.
- The skirt is made out of a black silk net and the fabric choice is what allows it to hold its fullness.
- Onto the tulle is an extensive pattern created from hand applied beads and sequins. A thin band at the waist cinches it in and then the skirt is full under that. It will fall to about mid-calf to the ankle depending on your height.
- At the front the skirt is fully split and open from just under the band at the waist to the hem. It wraps over itself a touch at the split and there is a little flat bow at the waist for added detail.
- This open split lets you can layer it over just about anything. You can take a simplest little dress or plain skirt that you already have, pop this over it, and all of a sudden you have an amazing and elaborate look.
- The entire skirt has been appliqued with little floral sprigs that are made of hand set metal coils, tiny seed beads, sequins and MOP finished paillettes. All of the work appears to have been done by hand.
- It is made out of two layers of the black netting and meant to have a slight transparency. It closes with snap and hook an eye at the waist and is open down the front. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. It is a very little special piece that has a huge array of styling options.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 36" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5175
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2019 Look 36. Model Hyun Ji Shin.
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
Elaborate Spring 2019 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Black Net Skirt w Hand Beading & Silk Chiffon Insets
I Have a Question
- This skirt is a production piece for the shops from the Spring 2019 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- On the runway a dress shown for Look 60 had similar a beaded design over its surface. We have added that runway reference for you here.
- Vogue succinctly said that "In a season when there’s been so much talk about the appreciation of couture dressmaking and craft skills, Piccioli just took it to the ultimate. It was as accomplished, as complexly cut—and as simple as that."
- The high level of craft put into a hand embroidered and beaded piece like this is evident in the price tag. The original cost of the skirt was £12,285.
- The skirt is outstanding and is beautiful to see in person. There is an inner silk skirt that snaps into place around the inner band of the waist. I love that this gives you the choice to wear the skirt fully opaque, or you can snap the lining out and have the skirt be more transparent.
- Over the inner lining is a layer of black netting and then the top layer combines tulle with insets of a light grey and deep dusty blue grey silk chiffon. Silver metallic thread and tiny silver beads run in swirling designs over the entire skirt. And if you look carefully, you see that there is one unexpected little pink pop of silk chiffon. I love that unexpected detail.
- The waist is banded with a black grosgrain that folds inwards. The inner skirt snaps onto that band so that the snaps are hidden from view.
- The skirt falls from there and has quite a bit of room through the hips so it is an easy fit. It widens out as it nears the hem. There is quite a lot of fabric in the skirt and it moves beautifully around you when you move.
- The black silk lining snaps into place as described above and both the lining and outer skirt have a zipper at the side. Without the lining snapped in the skirt has a touch of transparency. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 38
- Excellent condition
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 40" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5176
Reference Photo: Spring 2019 Valentino, Look 60.
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
Phenomenal Cruise 2011 Christian Dior by John Galliano Red Silk Chiffon Dress w Pleated Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Cruise 2011 collection and a dress with a similar front design was shown on the runway for Look 26 in the show.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- The show was shown in Shanghai that season and Galliano said at the time that he was trying to "capture the feeling of Paris in its heyday".
- The dress is made from a muted red silk chiffon that has a little bit of texture to it.
- Wide straps curve up and around the neck and the back scoops down to leave your upper back bare and exposed. At the front the neckline plunges into a V.
- The silk is gathered vertically on both side sides at the front. All of the gatherings are held in place by little horizontal ruffles done in a matching silk. I love how the pleat work narrows down to a point at the waist, adding to the illusion of both length and a more cinched in waistline.
- The skirt is gathered up and into the sides of the point. It skims over the hips and then widens out as it nears the floor. By the time it reaches the hem there is a lot of fabric and this gives you fantastic movement as you move. This was a silhouette that Galliano loved.
- A high slit runs up from the hem on the top layer of the skirt only. This lets that top chiffon layer catch the air and add even more movement as you walk.
- The dress is fully lined in a red silk. It closes with row of matching silk covered buttons and loops that are tightly spaced down one side. These hide a hidden set zipper underneath.
- Tagged a Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16" from neck to waist
Total length: approx 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5173
Reference Photo: Resort 2011 Christian Dior, Look 26. Model Sigrid Agren.
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
Incredible 1970s Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Demi-Couture Elaborately Beaded Black Lace Net Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a superb Christian Dior dress made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan
- It is a wonderful example of the work being done during this time period and shows how well the label could be when it delved into a more minimal cut combined with that full out glamour.
- The dress has classic feel of the best of Old Hollywood and the closer you get to it the more you see the incredible and elaborate amount of detail that has been put into this fabric.
- The dress is made from a black silk net with a floral pattern worked through the lace. The flowers are edged in black silk cord and then it is beaded with an elaborate beading that follows the pattern
- The top beaded layer sits over a black silk chiffon layer. Under those is a nude silk chiffon inner layer that is backed in a black silk. Adding that nude layer gives the dress a bit of an illusion of wearing nothing underneath.
- The dress is suspended from two beaded straps that curve over each shoulder. The front neckline dips into a slight V and the back is a simple scoop.
- It is cut to skim over the body from bust to hips with no seaming to break the eye or the design created by the bead work. The shape of the dress is created by vertical seaming on the inner layers and then the top layer is shaped to follow. The skirt widens out a touch as it nears the hem.
- The lace netting is covered with an elaborate design made of glossy black beads in various sized along with black sequins. The design is heavier around the top the bodice, lightens in coverage as it goes over the hips and then becomes dense and heavy again at the hem.
- The sequins have been applied so that they are stacked and layered over each other to give a slight 3D feel.
- Small faceted beads follow other parts of the pattern and these are the same beads that are used to cover the straps. Tiny little seed beads are thrown into the mix and then there are square pailettes and oval faceted beads on a much larger scale to really create impact.
- The beads are all applied by hand and catch the light from every angle.
- The label on the dress is numbered and when you see that in a Dior Boutique label it most often meant that the piece was a special order or was a custom made order for a client in the atelier but fitted at the boutique store rather then in Paris.
- Fully lined as per the description above. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Numbered tag. Perhaps the occasional bead missing but you would never tell because of the extent of the pattern. The slight bias cut will allow for a bit of movement in the measurements.
- There is no size tag so I have put the comfortable range of measurements below
- Excellent condition.
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5168
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Exquisite 1950s Unlabeled Hand Made Couture Heavily Sequinned & Beaded Strapless Burlesque or Showgirl Dress
I Have a Question
- This is original dress from the 1950s 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.
- 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.
- Added over that are coloured over-sized faceted beads 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 slight minor wear on the inside of the corset here and there. The dress zips to close over that. It is completely made by hand. My favourite detail is a handwritten tag with the name Edith that sits inside the hem. This is almost certainly the name of the burlesque dancer or showgirl dancer that would have worn the dress.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition
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# DD5170
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
Rare Fall 2001 Thierry Mugler Runway Purple Silk Crepe Dress w the Most Incredible Open Cuts Outs
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 2001 collection and both this purple and a black version were shown on the runway.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
- Mugler was a masterpiece of draping and cut and this is a fantastic example of that. It is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- The dress is extremely difficult to show on a dress form because of the cut through the upper body and arms so please refer to the runway photos for reference. It is spectacular on the body.
- The dress is made out of a purple silk crepe mix that has a slight texture to it.
- A high collar wraps around the neck and the collar is detailed with a silver metal mesh. Onto the mesh are various sized rhinestones set in silver bases. All of them are stitched on one top spot only so they have this incredible little bit of movement.
- A long keyhole at the front open in a V all the way to an empire set seam at the waist. At the back there is an open slit down to the waist seam so you get a flash of skin there as well.
- The waist is defined with a wide band of the same purple fabric and I love how it curves upward at the front to meet the bottom of the keyhole there.
- The skirt flows over the hips and gently widens out as it nears the hem. There is a high slit up the centre front seam which lets a bit of a leg to show when you walk.
- The sleeves are spectacular. They are split on an angle coming out from the collar. The open split runs all the way down to just above the elbow and then they narrow down to the cuff from there. This gives them an incredible amount of movement around your arms.
- Each cuff ends in the same highly detailed mesh and rhinestone combination that you see on the collar of the dress and I love how this ties everything together. The cuffs are set on an angle where they fall past the hymn of the sleeve with the mesh ending in a point so that it goes down and over the top of your hand.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper under the slit. It hooks to close at the back of the neck and each cuff has a zipper closure.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 26" and the metal mesh falls another 4.5" past that. The upper arm is open because of the open slits. The neck is 14" from end to end
Bust: 16-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from neck to seam under the keyhole
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Slit: 25" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5165
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2001 Thierry Mugler.
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
Rare Fall 2007 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 43 Purple Hammered Silk Top Skirt Dress Set
I Have a Question
- The twin of this set walked the runway for the Fall 2007 show for Look 43. He repeated the same design through the upper bodice for Look 18 and we have included a photo of that look here for reference.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- In the book 'Dior Catwalk' they note that the Collection "managed to translate the intricate Japanese inspired references and techniques of Galliano's previous Haute Couture show for ready-to-wear, from origami folding and gravity defying pleats to elegant draping, tiered skirts, striking headpieces and bright colors." Women's Wear Daily hailed the collection as "a brilliant blockbuster, a glorious celebration of the grand and glamorous."
- Once worn together, you get the feel of a full length dress, but it is a two piece set with its original belt included. Both pieces are made out of a dusky purple hammered silk that has incredible drape.
- The top slips on and zips to close at the back. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are cut long and on a curve to follow the shape of the arm. Each sleeve is cut a little longer than a normal sleeve so that when they are on the body they bunch up along your arm just slightly. This was a Galliano signature. There are no traditional armhole seams. Instead, they just curve outward from the body of the top and there are gusseted seams underneath. These are all extra steps that you rarely see anymore in the construction of arm holes and sleeves.
- The neckline comes in a shallow V and then all of the silk is gathered up and into the intricate fold at the front and this is where you see the references outlined in the book quote above.
- The set comes with its original hand dyed snakeskin belt that you use to cinch in the waist. It is meant to sit over the top of that incredible front fold to create the look that he showed on the runway. The buckle of the belt is finished in deep purple rhinestones.
- The skirt that goes under the top is equally as incredible. It skims over the hips and there is an extra panel of fabric that puddles and drapes down one side from just below the hip and runs all the way to the floor. Under that panel is an incredibly high slit that goes all the way up to the top of the thigh. The skirt flares out as it nears the floor and the hem has a touch of an asymmetrical feel to it with the side with the panel falling longer past the hem than where it starts on the inside portion of the slit.
- On the runway you can see the high slit as the model moves and this skirt has that same detail.
- This is an exceptionally rare set especially since it comes with its original belt.
- The top slips on with a hidden set short zipper at the back of the neck. The belt has a rhinestone encrusted buckle and the skirt closes with a side hidden set zipper. There is a teeny bit of lift on the edges and wear marks on the belt that are minor and if I hold the skirt up to the light I see a tiny bit of stress marks under the waist seam of the skirt but it does not show at all otherwise. I am being very picky. Both pieces otherwise appear to have been worn very little if at all.
- Both pieces are tagged a vintage Dior FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
- Excellent condition
Top
Sleeves: approx 26-27" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 20.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 49" from waist to the shortest part of the hem, 54" to the longest
Slit: 36.5" from the shortest part of the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5167
Reference Photos: Fall 2007 Christian Dior, Look 43 & 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.
I Have a Question
- This is an unlabelled piece that is made to a Demi-haute couture level
- The dress is made of a brilliant feather light pink silk.
- The bodice is cut with a simple feel and then the dress has a wide ruffle on each side that wraps around the shoulders and goes to the back for added drama.
- There is netting inside the ruffle that sits around the shoulders and this helps it to hold its shape and volume. You can also wear this more on the shoulder.
- It is more fitted through the body and has a ruffle that begins at the centre of the bodice extending to wrap down and around the skirt. The ruffle becomes wider as it nears the hem. The back falls longer than the front and it has a beautiful curving line around to the back. Because of the wrap over at the front. when you walk or move you get a flash of leg.
- It comes with its matching little waist band that hooks into place to add more shape to the waist
- It is fully lined in a handset silk and closes with a back zipper . There is an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The matching fabric belt hooks to close.
- There is one faint mark across the one side of the skirt at the back and some very minor fading near the top of the zipper.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the note above.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 29" from top of shoulder to where it splits, 60" to longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5161
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
Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from neck to hem with the length adjustable by how tight or loose you tie it behind the neck
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5157
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 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Strapless Black Handmade Lace Dress
I Have a Question
- This amazing dress is from the Spring 1987 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made from a black French corded lace and this choice in fabric gives the dress its structure and shape. This is mixed with silk satin details across the top of the bottom, around the hip and finishing the hem.
- The bodice is strapless and is cut to curve across the front. Inside there is a full separate couture corset that is boned and shaped to hold the dress perfectly in place around you.
- It curves in to skim over the waist and curves back out for the hips. Sitting just under the hips there is an attached black silk ribbon that wraps around you and ties in a bow at the front.
- The skirt falls underneath that ribbon detailing to the floor. It widens out quite a bit around you for a lovely movement when you move. The skirt is cut longer at the back so you have extra fabric there and a bit of a sweeping feel behind you. I love how there is a matching dip at the back of the bodice so that there is an illusion of added length created.
- As with all couture pieces they only truly come to life once on the body. This dress looks so simple and easy but it is really a bit of an understated masterpiece in person.
- It is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The inner corset closes with its own zipper inside that. The corset is lightly boned through the bodice and shaped. An inner waist stay hooks to close.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements list listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to front hem, 54" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5158
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
Beautiful Spring 1998 Valentino Black Dot Net Over Ivory Silk Taffeta Strapless Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 1998 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- This is a really stunning dress that shows how beautifully Valentino emphasize the female body will always staying within a certain type of elegant.
- It is strapless and cut to curve over the top.
- Under that the dress is covered in a black netting that has little dots worked throughout the tulle.
- An inner ivory silk layer gives the dress its structure and allows the pattern that you see on the netting to really take centre stage by acting as it's backdrop.
- The dress is gathered down the full length of each side. This is what creates the shape and gathers in the netting that you see.
- Each side has a detail of a double row of tiny black seed beads running vertically all the way down for a little added glitz as you move.
- The very bottom of the inner skirt peeks out from underneath the netting. It is that so that it flares out with an elaborate pleated ruffle all the way around.
- The ivory acts as the lining through the body and then the bodice is lined with an additional layer of black silk satin. Lightly boned through the inner built-in bodice. It closes with a hidden set side zipper and the inner bodice piece has its own separate zipper. It has its original tag and appears to have never been worn.
- Tagged a vintage Valencia 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5159
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
- Note that due to new customs regulations this dress can only ship to a Canadian address
- The twin of the dress walk the runway for the Resort 2018 Prada runway as Look 19.
- It was made under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada.
- The dress is made from an inner silk chiffon, lace edged dress that you wear a silk organza and feather dress over top of that. The two dresses laying over each other is what creates the depth and airiness that you see.
- The inner dress is a pale ivory and the outer dress is a pale grey. The two together are absolutely beautiful.
- A nude pink silk edges the top of the outer dress and there is a layer of gold connected metal discs set under that.
- The fit is full and open through the body much like a 1920s flapper dress.
- There is a pleated organza that detail the hip area above the feathers. I love how she always adds these tiny details.
- Hand dyed feathers circle around the entire lower skirt and give it incredible volume. They move beautifully as you move.
- The inner dress slips onto to wear with a single button at the side of the bodice and the outer dress closes down the side with hidden set snaps
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition and it appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Inner Slip
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 32" from top of the shoulder to hem
Outer dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 34" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5156
Reference Photo/Video: Resort 2018 Prada, Look 19. Model Aira Ferreira.
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
Fall 1989 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Runway Silver Strapless Mini Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1989 Haute Couture Runway
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro
- The dress is made out of a handmade French lace in a pale silver grey with ivory cord overlay and subtle silver thread woven throughout. It is extremely beautiful.
- It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris Atelier
- It is fitted and shaped through the bodice with internal boning and structure. I love the soft curve at the top edge.
- The lace has been hand draped over the bust and it is swept up to one hip with a tiny handmade flower in a matching lace.
- It curves down and over the hips to the top of the thigh and the bottom of the full bodice is set on an angle.
- The skirt is gathered in and up underneath that. It is tightly gathered all the way around the lower portion of the dress which gives it incredible movement when you move.
- The dress is fully lined in a silver grey silk and closes with a hidden set, zipper, offset at the back and part of the fabric from the back extends and wraps to hook under the flower at the front. An inner waist stay hooks to close.
- Its proper Haute Couture label present
- There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition and appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from top of bodice to shortest part of hem, 31" to the longest part of hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5154
Reference Photo: Fall 1989 Emanuel Ungaro 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.
karl lagerfeld
Fantastic Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Runway Black Dress w Extensive Beading
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1993 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- He did an entire series of dresses in several variations for this collection. We have also added some other shots from the collection for you to see since this particular group of dresses were integral to the collection that year.
- Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. This is an important piece of his fashion history.
- The cut of the dress is simple but it is very sexy with its long silhouette and see through lower skirts.
- The dress is made out of a black crepe that has a slight bias cut to it that allows it to drape well over the body once on.
- The strap detailing that crosses over the body, edges the bust area, and is used for the straps that go up and around the neck, are all made from a wide cotton weave looking ribbon that is applied directly onto the dress.
- Black seed beads were applied onto that ribbon and they catch the light beautifully when you move. The bodice is extensively beaded, sequinned and embroidered. The colours are bright and brilliant and I love how they give the dress a fantastic pop of colour.
- The work completely covers each triangle of the front bust and then wraps all the way around the back. The straps are intricate and hook behind the neck and become a design detail in themselves.
- The dress skims over the body and then flares out with that inset of silk chiffon for the very lower part of the skirt.
- Fully lined in a black silk. The lower chiffon part of the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and hooks to close at the back of the neck. Hand finishes and beautifully constructed.
- Tagged a vintage Lagerfeld 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4901
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Runway. / (6-7) Kristen McMenamy for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ready to Wear Advance. / (8) Helena Christensen for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ad Campaign.
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
Cruise 2016 Yves Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Couture Black Dress w Mesh & Crystal Front
I Have a Question
- This is a very rare and unusual piece of YSL because it has the added information on the tags of that it is a piece of Couture.
- At this time Hedi Slimane was the creative director and he had re-opened the Couture division at the YSL label. The couture line was not for the general public but was reserved for a select group of friends and clients, making it even more exclusive than traditional couture.
- A couture collection was presented for Fall 2016 in Paris but it was not officially a part of the Couture schedule.
- All of that sums up to make this dress one of the pieces that he most likely made as a custom-made piece for a client. Because YSL had not officially joined the Chambre Syndicale de la Mode Parisienne it would officially be considered to be demi-couture.
- This is an extremely rare piece from his time at the label made even more special because it has all its original tags in place.
- The dress is made from a fine black wool that has a touch of a texture to it.
- It is sharply tailored and touches on the famous YSL tuxedo variations that Yves' did season to season. The shoulders are shaped with structure and the sleeves are long. Each ends with five hand covered buttons to close the end of the sleeves.
- It skims over the bust, waist and hips and then falls to the floor widening out as it nears the hem.
- The skirt has a very high slit at one side so that you get a flash of leg when you walk.
- At the front there is a panel that has a mesh net inset that has little handset black beads in a mix of a jet black beads and a deep grey glass prong set rhinestones. When this is on you see that bit of skin showing through and the detailing lets it glint in the light.
- Between that mesh covered front cut out and that extremely high slit at the side, it has a very sexy feel once on despite its covered and sculpted feel, making it perfectly representative of Hedi's best work.
- It very well could be the only one in existence.
- The dress is fully lined in a handset black silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Each sleeve buttons to close. Ribbon edged seams and hand finishing throughout. Some of the long seam Work appears to have been done by hand, which is allowed in modern Couture.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition and appears to have never been worn.
Sleeves: 24" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the shoulder to the waist
Total length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem with just under 1.5" turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5142
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 2002 / Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Final Collection Black Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was a part of the Spring 2002 final Haute Couture collection by Yves Saint Laurent.
- "I have chosen today to say goodbye to the craft that I have loved so much. The next show to which I invite you, on Tuesday, 22nd January at 6 PM, at the centre of George's Pompano, will predominantly be a retrospective of my work… Some designs from the currencies will also be shown." This was how Yves the announced his intention to retire and leave the world of Haute Couture. That final show was over an hour long and was presented to a room of 1500 hand picked guests.
- A total of 371 garments were shown that day with pieces from the beginning of his career to the final collection.
- Recreations of some of his most famous dresses were made available and each has the special label that you see in this dress with both the original date of the labels inception and the 2002 date.
- This is one is a recreation of the famous Fall 1984 dress. We have included references of both the original and the twin of this one in the show.
- It is an extremely rare and wonderful piece of YSL history.
- It would have been entirely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The neckline sits wide across and the shoulders are soft. The sleeves narrow to their ends and all of the upper bodice is done in a fine black light in weight wool that has a slight texture.
- The waist is defined by two wide panels. They attached and are gathered in along each side and this gives the shape you see. The top panel is a purple and the bottom a deep pink.
- The dress skims over the hips and then falls to the floor flaring outward as it reaches the hem. The back is cut slightly longer than the front and you can see the extra fabric built in there to create a sweeping feel behind you.
- Every line is meticulously thought out and the technique to create the lines of this dress showcase his decades as one of the premier modern Couturiers in the world.
- The dress is fully lined in a hand set black silk and closes with a side set zipper. An inner waist hooks to close and the dress buttons above a small keyhole at the back. Each end of the sleeve closes with zipper. All of the inner seams are done by hand and the entire dress is made to modern Couture standards. Its proper numbered Couture tag is present.
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition and appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 21" and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to top of the 10" band at the waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 5.5" past that with just under 2" turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5140
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2002 YSL Couture, Look 229. / (4) Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture. / (5) Vogue, November 1984.
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
Very Rare Fall 1986 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Blue & Gold Strapless w Removable Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This is a spectacular and very recognizable Chanel whose twin walked the Fall 1986 runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- Karl's first collection for Chanel was in 1983 which makes this a piece from one of his early collections. I was happy to be able to find reference photos of the twin of this dress on the runway that season.
- Bella Hadid famously wore a version of this dress in 2022.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful deep blue netting mixed with a blue silk that has a gold metallic stripe running through it. These fabric choices give the dress the structure to hold the shape but still keeps it fairly light in weight once on the body.
- The bodice is strapless and there is inner boning for support. The boning continues down the sides and to the top of the hip for a beautiful fit. The waist curves in and then the skirt is set in just at the top of the hip.
- The entire bodice is finished with soft horizontal gathers and I love how this contrasts with the gold stripes in the fabric.
- The skirt is very long and full. The top layer sits over an inner second layer of netting and then there is a inner silk layer under that.
- The bottom hem is finished in a 12" band of the same striped silk used for the bodice to tie things altogether and add a bit of structure.
- The sleeves are incredible. They are separate pieces from the dress. To wear them you slip them over your arm. They have stiffened tulle inside the part that puffs out which helps to hold that shape and then there is a more fitted sleeve attached that runs down the bottom of your arm. Each sleeve ends in a point to cover the top of your hand.
- It is incredibly hard to photo this on a dress form, so please take a moment to look at the photos on the runway as it really is the twin of that.
- The bodice is lined in a deep blue silk and the skirt is lined as described above. It closes with a back set zipper underneath a row of gold medal buttons and embossed with the Chanel perfume bottle. There is an extra spare button sewn into the lining inside. The sleeves have tulle inside to help hold the shape and elastic on the upper arm and the lower cuff zips to close.
- Tagged a vintage Chanel 38.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: approx 30" long. The elastic at the top will stretch to fit.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 21.5"flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of the bodice to the low seam
Total length: 52" from top of the bodice to hem with an entire second width of the lower 12" hem turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5133
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1986 Chanel Runway. / (3-4) Bella Hadid in Fall 1986 Chanel, Cannes, 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.
christian dior
Rare Spring 1972 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Haute Couture Blue Silk Gazaar Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 1972 season as noted on its Haute Couture tag we were lucky enough to find photos from the collection and you can see how beautiful it is once on.
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan for Christian Dior.
- There is very little documentation on this particular collection, but in the book 'Dior Catwalk' it notes that the New York Times exclaimed, that "romance, contemporary style, is the provision look for spring." It goes on to declare that Bohans collection for Dior was the best of the season in Paris. "Mark Bohan succeeded in bringing back the fable elegance without becoming historical. There's no pinpointing of the 1930s or 1940s. The clothes look really contemporary".
- With such little documentation of the collection it makes a piece like this that is documented even more special and rare.
- This would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful stiffened or starched blue silk gazaar that is woven on the bias so that the dress has a more sculptural structure and shape while still staying very light in weight. The colour is a deep blue.
- It is cut to sit fully off the shoulders though I think you could also wear it on the top edge of the shoulders if you wished.
- Each sleeve is cut to just above the elbow and has a beautiful ruffle all the way around.
- It skims over the bust and curve in a touch at the waist. Inside there is a full boned inner corset that goes to the top of the hips. This holds the dress perfectly in place around you once it is on.
- From there it skims over the hips and then flares out beautifully to the hem. The entire hem is finished with a wide ruffle that picks up on the detailing of the sleeves.
- What makes this dress especially interesting is the way that it is almost sculpted because of the fabric treatment. As good as it looks in the photos it is even more beautiful in person.
- The dress is lined in a grey-blue silk organza. The inner corset closes with its own zipper and there is an inner partial waist stay that hooks to close inside the corset. The exterior dress zips to close over that at the side. All of the work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 9.5" and they are 11" around the upper arm
Inner bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 55" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5132
Reference Photos: Spring 1972 Christian Dior Haute Couture. (Second photo by Frédéric Scheibe)
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.
lanvin
1970s Lanvin by Jules-Francois Crahay Demi-Couture Metallic Gold Detailing Blue Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a gorgeous Demi-Couture dress from 1970s Lanvin.
- Made under the creative direction of Jules-Francois Crahay
- Jules-Francois headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house.
- The Lanvin label is numbered and the dress has been made to demi-couture standards.
- This dress is made from a fine blue silk tulle that has a floral pattern embroidered over its surface in the same blue. The lining is done with a deep purple silk and this gives it this very unusual colour that lies somewhere between a deep blue and a deep purple.
- Onto the top silk net there is an exquisite floral design done with a metallic gold thread. That same gold thread also circles around the lower skirt in two horizontal panels done in a open chain link design. More of the floral netting separates those panels.
- The result is even better on person as the gold feel more prominent. I love how the gold catches the light from every angle.
- The bodice skims over you and the sleeves are long. Each sleeve has a bit of puff above the elastic cuff.
- The waist is cut more generously and you could add a ribbon or a belt to cinch it in.
- The skirt skims over the hips to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem. The added panels of gold on the skirt help to give the skirt support and help hold its shape.
- Fully lined in a purple silk chiffon through the top and a purple silk through the skirt. It closes with a back hand set zipper and there is elastic in each cuff. Hand finishes and hand finished inner seams.
- The label is numbered.
-
There is no size tag present and the bias cut of the lining and the net give it a little give so I have put the comfortable range of measurements where it will give a bit.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3925
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
Exquisite & Rare Fall 1999 John Galliano Mohair Angora Printed Jacket Skirt Suit
I Have a Question
- This is a rare two piece jacket and skirt set from the Fall 1999 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- We have included several runway shots that we found that show various pieces made of the same fabrication and with similar silhouettes.
- Both pieces are ultra soft to touch. The angora/mohair and wool mix that both pieces are made of would have been specially created for the collection in order to get the pattern to lay so precisely. The fabric would have had to have been pre-planned out prior to making the final design.
- The jacket is phenomenal. It has soft shoulders and is meant to feel at touch more oversized through the upper bodice. The waist is cinched in with a single oversized hand carved button that sits at the front. From there then it curves over the hips under that. This cut is what gives you that fantastic exaggerated hourglass feel that the suit has.
- The shawl collar is very wide and covers almost the upper bodice. It is finished with a bolder print and feels like a statement piece in itself. The body of the jacket has an angled black-and-white chevron print and I love how he has placed this to emphasize the shape even more.
- The sleeves are extra long and they are meant to bunch up slightly on the arm. They are finished with a wide band of the same design that details the collar.
- The skirt has a simple black piping at the waist and then it is cut in a long slim pencil shape. The upper portion of the skirt is done in that chevron pattern and then the lower part of the skirt picks up that amazing design that was used on the collar and ends of each sleeve.
- The jacket is lined in a black silk and buttons at the front to close as described above. The skirt is unlined and closes at the back with a zipper and hooks at the waist.
- Both pieces are tagged an early Galliano large.
- It appears to have never been worn.
- Excellent condition and so so very rare.
Jacket
Sleeves: 26.5" and are 14" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 17.5"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 22" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 35" from the waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5130
Reference Photos: Fall 1999 John Galliano, Looks 1, 4 & 9.
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.
emilio pucci
Runway Spring 2013 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Look 41 White Silk Halter Dress w Pockets
I Have a Question
- This is the second time that I have had this dress in the shop and I still love it as much now as I did then.
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 41 for the Spring 2013 collection.
- Vogue said of the Collection; "When Peter Dundas inherited this historic Florentine house—famous since the 1960s for its kaleidoscopic prints—he made reworked archival patterns a major part of his story line. Last season and this one, though, he's started inching away from them. These days, the label is just as well known for Dundas' confident, louche brand of glamour as it once was for its founder's graphic swirls and geometries."
- It was one of three white dresses that close the show before the final red look.
- The dress is made out of a light silk that is light in weight but just heavy enough to keep the structure. It is very close to a true white.
- The front neckline is done in a halter style with the upper part above the bust line finished an a white netting that has a secondary abstract print work through it. This allows you to see the skin underneath. The front is gathered over the breasts almost like a bandeau and seamed in the centre.
- Under that is an open cut out for a bit more skin to show.
- The dress curves in to follow the waist under that and and skims over the hips.
- The skirt falls to the floor and widens out quite a bit as it nears the hem. This gives the dress incredible movement when you walk and you get a sense of that in the runway video.
- I love the loose slightly draped pockets that sit on each hip.
- The back is mostly open with a criss cross of straps and an open cut out between the waist and the back strap.
- Decorative frog knots sit at the low waist for added detail.
- The dress is fully lined through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Light boning and padding through the bodice.
- Because the upper body is lined and padded when it is off the body it feels like the fabric is a touch darker as it is completely opaque. Once on its fine and the lining is needed
- Tagged a modern Pucci IT42, FR38, US8, UK10.
- Excellent condition with some faint marks here and there around the hem.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from top of neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5127
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2013 Emilio Pucci Runway Look 41. Model Kasia Struss.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
john galliano
Phenomenal Fall 2006 John Galliano Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Sequins & Beading
I Have a Question
- This is an amazing example of his work from Fall 2006 and it is gorgeous. It is very similar to a dress that I had in the ship recently but this one is more elaborate and much longer.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This version was made for the shops and like all of the more elaborate bead work pieces he did would have only been released in limited quantities.
- This is a really striking dress that is also very easy to wear because of its simple and bias cut.
- The dress is made from three layers that are attached at the top of the shoulder and then float over each other from there. The inside layer is a black silk chiffon and then there is a layer of black silk chiffon that has a texture to it over that. The very top layer is that same textured silk chiffon.
- The dress has a very loose and easy cut through the body.
- The bodice has a beautiful draping neckline at the front and it does the same at the back. One shoulder is wider and a panel draped down from it to form the neck line. The other shoulder is a combination of silk chiffon with a raw lace edging. On that side, there is a tide bow at the top of the shoulder.
- The bodice on the side with the wider strap has pinned detailing that runs vertically down the dress, and the side with the more narrow strap is swept up to one side where there's a large flat bow and a bit of a ruffle created. That ruffle continues all the way to the ham so it appears that the dress has been wrapped around you and the bow is holding it all in place.
- Scattered vertically over the dress are a beautiful design that combines tiny seed beads and silver sequins topped by a tiny bead. These are all set by hand and you can see that on the back. They detail the neckline and then run in little cluster set vertically down the length of the dress.
- Many of the edges have a raw finish, which adds a delicate added texture to the dress that is very pretty.
- This side that has the ruffle feel going all the way to the ham has a split on all three layers so you get a flash of skin and it adds to the beautiful movement. The dress has. The back skirting is cut longer than the front so you get this fantastic sweeping field behind you as well.
- Because this dress is all cut on the bias and is so long and easy through the body it really needs a body inside of it to bring it to life. As good as it looks in the photos here it is phenomenal in person and on the body.
- The inner silk chiffon and middle tulle layer act as the lining underneath the top layer. The innermost layer has no closures. The middle layer closes with its own hidden set zipper, and the very top layer closes with one of his signature tightly spaced rows of silk covered buttons.
- The bias cut allows for some range and movement, so I put the comfortable range in lane flat below
- Tagged a FR40, GB12, US6.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total Length: approx 61" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 12" past that. Because of the bias cut, it may come up slightly once on.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5124
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.
vicky tiel
1989 Vicky Tiel Couture Metallic Gold Lame Gathered & Draped Strapless Dress
I Have a Question
- We dated the dress to 1989 based on a very similar dress that is part of the MET Online Collection.
- Made under the creative direction of Vicky Tiel
- The dress has the added modern provenance of being worn by both Julianne Hough and by Liz Gillies.
- The dress is made of a metallic gold lame fabric that is light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress. It is just heavy enough to hold the intended shape fabulously.
- The bodice is strapless and the entire dress is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds.
- There is a built in internal structure with light boning. The boning extends at the sides down and around the hips to help to hold the hourglass shape around the body.
- The waist is nipped in and then it curves out and over the hips.
- Under that the skirt falls in a straight long pencil silhouette with a vent up the back to allow you to walk and move.
- The gold glimmers in the light and it is one of the best Vicky Tiel dresses that I have ever had in the shop.
- Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper at the back. Boning through the bodice and sides.
- Tagged a vintage Tiel 38.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam w up to a B-small C at the front
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to hem with about 1.5" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4868
Reference Photo: (1) 1989 Vicky Tiel dress in the MET Collection. / (2) Julianne Hough in this dress at the NYC Ballet Spring Gala, 2023. / (3) Liz Gillies in this dress, November 2023.
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
- A fabulous dress from the late 1990s
- Made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace
- The dress is very sexy with its cut out and made of a stretch fabric that hugs and shapes the body.
- The colour is a bright chartreuse that is just exceptional.
- There is light padding in each shoulder, and this holds the dress and gives it a tapered field to the waist.
- It skims over the body and then is gathered in a long, one side all the way around. The other side has been left open and is meant to drape down on the top of one hip. This leaves a bear exposed cut out on that side that wraps around to the back.
- The fabric has been gathered under the hip on that side, and then the skirt falls from narrowing down as it reaches the ham.
- There is a high slit on one side that goes right to the bottom of the gathering on the hip and there is a little quirky gathering on the opposite side to that sitting several inches above the hem.
- All of these gatherings and cut out give it a really sculptural feel around the body.
- It's fully lined in a more Matt version of the same stretch material. The fabric does have stretch so the measurement below or the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat. It has no closures and slips on to wear.
- Tagged a vintage Versace 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56.5" from waist to hem
Slit: 33" but wraps over itself near the top
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5117
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
Spring 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 53 Black Silk Strapless Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in red walked the runway for Look 53 and its an iconic piece.
- Made under the Creative Direction of John Galliano.
- This collection marked Dior's 60th anniversary and it was also Johns 10th year with the label. He celebrated those milestones with a show that was a nod to both the archives and Old Hollywood glamour. Pieces were wait-listed worldwide and both colour versions were produced in very limited quantities.
- The red has also been seen on the red carpet and we have included both runway and carpet photos here. It is a spectacular piece for the collector.
- The dress is made out of a luxurious black silk. John often chose this weight of silk because of the control it gave him to be able to drape and apply the level of seam work that he loved to do.
- It is all cut on the bias.
- The bodice is strapless with an inner boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place.
- Silk panels have been draped, gathered and hand stitched into place to create the dramatic sweeping detailing you see at the front.
- At the back he gathered all of the fabric down and into the centre line to meet in a little peak at the centre of the waist.
- From there his signature bias cut allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. As in many of his pieces the seaming has the feel of the work you see from the twenties and thirties.
- The fabric has been pieced together with low dropped angled panels to create the widening of the lower skirt. It flares out at the bottom and at the back it is cut longer so that you get a sweeping feel behind you as you walk.
- A row of signature tightly spaced buttons & loops in the same silk run up one side.
- It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The inner boned and cupped corset hooks to close with two rows of lingerie hooks to choose from. The bias cut gives it some give in the measurements and I have given the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat below.
- Excellent condition
Inner bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of the bodice to front hem, 78" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5114
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2008 Christian Dior, Look 53. Model Morgane Dubled. / (5) Aishwarya at the IIFA 2008. / (6) Lucy Hale at the People's Choice Awards, 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
Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Spring 1988 Haute Couture Black Strapless w Bow
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1988 show.
- Made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan for Christian Dior.
- The evening portion of the collection focused on short dresses that had a corseted waist and bust with wrapping techniques that gave the feel of a sarong. The dress is a wonderful example of that feel he was after and it is fantastic.
- We found a teeny slice of it or a very similar piece on the runway and even though the photo shows the model on an angle, it does give you an idea of how wonderful this will be on the body.
- This would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric of this dress is fantastic. It is made out of a black silk organza that has been gathered so it has a slight 3D puffed effect. This creates an incredible texture over the dress.
- The fabric is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on.
- Inside the dress has a full proper corset with boning through the bodice to give you some support and built in cups. A wide grosgrain ribbon hooks in place around the inner waist to hold everything perfectly in place.
- All of the seams are finished by hand and it is really is a nod back to the early couture days in terms of it's construction.
- The bodice is cut with a curving sweetheart neckline and it is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with all of the gathered folds coming in to the seams that run over the bodice. This is all done to emphasize your curves and it make the dress very flattering once on.
- It nips in at the waist and there is a large and elaborate bow that sets at the base of an angle seem coming from the bust. I love how this is set to curve around the hip to the back. It instantly adds to the hourglass field the dress has.
- From under the bow, the skirt curves down and over with to wrap around you and then come back in and under that panel to give it that wrapped sarong feel.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The interior of the bodice is boned and cupped for support. The inner corset closes with its own zipper and a wide band on the interior waist hooks to close. There is a tiny bit of lightening to some of the edges on the fabric. This is a natural aging of this type of fabric and I don't consider it to be a flaw, but it is mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: qpprox 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 29.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5110
Reference Photos: Spring 1988 Christian Dior 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.
givenchy
Spring 2018 Givenchy by Clare Wright Keller Long Tie Black Front Plunge Jersey Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress was one that was produced for the shops
- Made under the creative direction of Clare Wright Keller
- Easy to wear while still being incredibly sexy. It is made out of a thicker jersey that is cut on the bias and this lets it drape beautifully over you and still be completely opaque.
- The plunge at the front gives it a very edgy and sexy feel while the jersey keeps it feeling comfortable to wear.
- The dress is made to be one long tube with a seam at the waist on the front of the dress only.
- The dress has no collar and plunges down at the front to the waist. Two long ties extend out from the base of the front plunge. You can loop or knot them and then they fall almost to the floor at the front.
- The sleeves are long and simple and the shoulders are soft.
- The skirt flares out at it reaches the floor with a high slit runs up the front so you get a flash of leg when you move
- The dress is in its original uncut supermodel length and it closes with a back hidden set zipper.
- Tagged a modern Givenchy 36
- Excellent condition with some minor grubbiness around the hem
Sleeves: 25" and are 10-12.5" around the upper arms
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Slit: 32"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5102
Reference Photos: (1) Melanie Hamrick at the American Ballet Theater Spring Gala, 2018.
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.
arnold scaasi
Fall 1987 Arnold Scaasi Black Strapess Velvet & Green Full Skirt Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- Arnold Scassi launched his boutique line in 1984 and it was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive.
- Arnold Scaasi was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal and the name Scassi is simply his own surname in reverse. He studied in Montreal and in Paris, apprenticed at the house of Paquin and then worked with the legendary Charles James. In 1964 he opened own couture salon.
- The sleeved version of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 1987 collection. It's very rare to find documentation from this time period and I love having that say that you can see how amazing it is on. I think this strapless one is even better.
- You can easily see the influence of Arnold having worked for Charles James in this piece. The lines are dramatic and yet elegant.
- The dress is strapless and the top portion of the dress is made from an inky black velvet. It is dramatically shaped at the front with wired peaks and a V plunge at the front.
- It nips in at the waist and then angles down from one side low on the hip on the other. On the side that sits higher up, there is a large bow detail that gives the effect of holding all the gathers of the skirt in place.
- The skirt is set under that and the long angling seam on the opposite hip adds visual length to the dress as it extends down and into a deep point. The skirt is quite full and the shape and volume that you see is held by the inner construction which is quite amazing.
- Layers of tulle netting set underneath the outermost layer of silk. The green of the skirt is a true brilliant emerald. This unexpected shock of colour is fantastic.
- Fully lined in a green silky rayon. The bodice is lightly boned and it closes with a hidden set side zipper. Built in stiff tulle under skirts and the skirt is interlined in a green organza.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.4" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 51" from top of peaks on bodice to hem with 3" turned under the top layer
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5101
Reference Photos: Fall 1987 Arnold Scaasi.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Fall 1985 Hubery de Givenchy Haute Couture Runway Plunge Black Silk Velvet Leopard Dress
I Have a Question
- From the Fall 1985 Givenchy Haute Couture collection and we have included some photos showing the extensive use of this particular fabric for pieces shown on the runway.
- Under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- Completely made by hand in the Paris atelier to Haute Couture standards.
- This gorgeous dress is made out of a black silk velvet with a leopard print done in a different finish of velvet within the fabric. This pattern gives the velvet an extra depth and richness, and also catches the light as you move. It is stunning.
- It drapes absolutely beautifully over the body. It is really an outstanding fabric. The bodice is set into a V that crosses over itself where it is set into the waist. The bodice drapes more loosely over you at the front.
- The waist is seamed and cut slightly on the more generous side. I have added a ribbon and if you wanted more shape, you could have it cinched and even more with a belt or it also works perfectly well without.
- The sleeves narrow down to a hand set zippered cuff.
- The skirt falls to the floor in a pretty sweep of fabric that is at the front. This lets the front hem curve up slightly.
- It is a gorgeous dress and a wonderful piece of his fashion history.
- Fully lined in a black silk. There's a inner built-in half skirt. It closes with an inner side set zipper and the outside snapped into place with a series of hidden set, snapped around the waist. And inner waist state hooks to close. Each cuff has a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please check the listed measurements below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to slightly dropped waist
Total length: 55" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5100
Reference Photos: Fall 1985 Givenchy 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.
valentino
Fall 2015 Valentino by Pierpaolo & Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Open Side Pleated Skirt Dress
I Have a Question
- From the Fall 2015 collection with references to its design on both the RTW Couture show.
- In 2015 Valentino was headed by both Maria Grazia Chiuri and PierPaolo Piccioli.
- The fabric is a silk that is heavy and has an almost fine wool suiting feel to it. The weight of the fabric is what holds the dress in place over you.
- The front is cut straight across the neckline and then it is brought starkly down the sides and set to sit just over the seam at the waist. This is repeated at the back with an addition of a long open keyhole that displays a slice of bare skin from neck to waist.
- This creates a rectangular cut out on either side from your shoulder to the waist.
- You can wear it bare or you can lay this over top of something.
- The waist nips in and and the skirt falls to the floor or ankle depending on your height.
- There is an amazing amount of fabric used for the skirt. It is flat pleated all the way around your waist and then each of those pleats open up at about 3 1/2 inches under the waist line to the hem.
- Inside each the open pleat are four more top stitched knife pleats that gradually open as they reach the hem. The detail that this creates all the way around the skirt when you move is amazing. When you stand still everything falls like a normal pleated skirt but when you move and they start to open and you see all those top stitched inner pleats the entire thing just comes to life.
- It beautifully executed and even better in person.
- Fully lined in a black silk through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a button and loop at the back of the neck and a hidden set zipper that starts at the waist.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 40.
- It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Excellent condition
Bust: the sides are open and the bust covers 11.25" flat across
Slightly dropped waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4769
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2014 Valentino Couture, Look 8. Model Malaika Firth. / (2) Fall 2015 Valentino, Look 40. Model Irina Djuranovic.
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.
prada
Spring 2004 Prada by Miuccia Variation on Look 52 Printed Ivory Strapless Cotton Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a variation on Look 52 that walked the runway for the Spring Prada 2004 show
- Made under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada
- Vogue said of this collection: "Over almost a decade of ground-breaking experimentalism, Miuccia Prada has explored everything from irony to deliberate ugliness to intellectual subversion. She’s been there, done that, and has the souvenirs to prove it. For Spring 2004, the designer turned her attention to the stiffest fashion challenge of the day: how to make feminine, happily nostalgic clothes without rehashing the clichés of vintage?“ It was about tourism and craftsmanship, many things,” she said of a show that revisited the optimistic fifties to bring back a full set of densely packed suitcases."
- The dress is made of of an ultra fine, ultra light cotton in a deep ivory.
- It is strapless and the fabric has been done in extremely fine pleats with embroidered edges on some of the pleats. These sweep across and around the bodice. One one side the pleats are hand tacked down in a line that curves down one side. On the other side of that tacking the pleats begin to open up to sweep downwards and start to form the skirt.
- The skirt is made of five tiers of the cotton with attached under layers of silk and netting. This creates an extraordinarily beautiful draping all the way down the skirt.
- The cotton is printed with an ultra fine pattern made of fine little dots to form tiny clusters of flowers. These cover the entire dress. It is extremely beautiful and has a very delicate and feminine feel.
- Inside there is a net and cupped bodice that is lightly boned for support.
- It closes with a back zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The construction of the dress is a nod to the dresses of the 1950s and it is very beautifully done.
- Tagged a Prada 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 36" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5090
Reference Photo: Spring 2004 Prada, Look 52. Model Elise Crombez.
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
- Fall 2007 dress by John Galliano
- Made of a combination of an ivory silk chiffon that is covered in an ivory net lace
- The dress has a strong nod to the 1920s. It is generously cut through the waist and has a scooped neckline.
- Silk chiffon has been formed into little rosettes on either side of the buttons that run down the side of the dress. Panels of chiffon wrap around the waist from the flowers to add a bit of detail and shape.
- There is a long panel of silk that hangs from one of the rosettes at the front. You can allow it to just trail down the front or hook it over one of the rosettes at the back to create a pretty draping down the full side of the skirt.
- The dress is very light in weight. The silk chiffon underlay acts as the lining.
- It closes with the series of silk covered buttons down the side
- Tagged a Galliano FR38, GB10, US6
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 46" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5092
Reference Photo: Fall 2007 John Galliano, Look 6.
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
- The twin of this dress was presented as Look 5 for the Resort Givenchy collection.
- Made under the creative direction of Ricardo Tisci
- This was his fifth year at the label and in the Vogue review of the show they noted that Tisci told them that the colour palette of black, red and white mixed with the occasional leopard was inspired by Frida Kahlo and her animal-filled paintings.
- The dress was shown over a hot pant two-piece inner set but was shipped to the stores with the black half slip you see here. If you prefer the runway version you could of course easily re-create a more bare feel.
- The dress is made out of a black net with little silk insects, emphasizing the darts. It is set in with a seam under the bust that is angled upwards to the centre. It is suspended from two tiny straps that curve up and over the shoulder. The very upper edge of the bodice is finished with leather piping.
- It skims over the waist and then the skirt cascades outward from there to the floor.
- Red lace and red netting have been applied over the dress to create the striking pattern that you see. This pop of red against the transparent black net is even more striking once on the body and you see the transparency through it that contrast against the red lace and netting.
- It widen out quite a bit by the hem and the width of the lower skirt allows the dress to move beautifully around you as you move.
- The inner black silk chiffon slip acts as the lining and it slips on to wear for an easy fit.
- The net dress slips on over that with no closures.
- Tagged a Givenchy 40
- I see a couple of tiny repairs in the net near the raw edge finish of the skirt. Very minor but mention for accuracy.
- Excellent condition
Dress
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to lowest part of the seam under the bust at the sides
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to hem
Inner slip
Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5087
Reference Photo: (1) Resort 2011 Givenchy, Look 5. Model Daphne Groeneveld. / (2) Ciara in Givenchy by Cameron Smith for Wonderland Magazine, Nov 2010.
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
- George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns 'seemed to float on air'.
- He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. The majority of his gowns are almost entirely made by hand and to couture standards.
- The dress is made out of a feather light black silk that has tiny little red lines that highlight the cut and line of the dress.
- The neckline is cut straight across and the dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and over the shoulders.
- The bodice is more fitted and the waist nips in.
- From there the skirt falls in this extravagant swoosh of bias cut silk to the floor. It skims over the hips and then widens out substantially by the hem.
- The striping is set on angles over the dress and helps to add shape. I love the unexpected red lining through the skirt that picks up on that red stripe. When you sit or move you get these little flashes of it that is fantastic.
- There is a slight elastic around the top of the dress and I think you could wear this as a strapless piece and just tuck the little straps in if you wished.
- Fully lined in a red silk and it closes with a side set zipper.
- Excellent condition and appears unworn.
Bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from the top of the shoulder to the waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem, with the inner lining extending slightly past the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5089
Reference Photo: Fall 1978 Stavropoulos 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.
All Clothing

- Archive Access
- What's New
-
Clothing
-
All Clothing
-
Dresses
- All Dresses
- Cocktail Mini to Knee
- Day Mini to Knee
- Day Full Length
- Maxis & Gowns
- Caftans
- Wraps
- Flappers & Gatsbys
- Beaded & Applique
- Jersey & Bias Cuts
- Knits & Cashmere
- Lace & Net
- Lame & Metallics
- No Defined Waist
- One Shoulder
- Plunge Back or Front
- Sequins & Rhinestones
- Shirt & Button Front
- Silks & Chiffons
- Sleeveless & Halters
- Strapless
- Velvets & Chenilles
-
Caftans
-
Bottoms
-
Jumpsuits
-
Tops
-
Suits & Sets
-
Capes & Ponchos
-
Coats
-
Jackets
-
All Clothing
- Vintage Designers
- Shop by Era
- Shop by Size
- Shop by Color
















































