This amazing and so very easy to wear a dress is a production piece from the Valentino 2019 Resort collection. His inspiration for this collection was Rome in the 1970s. In Vogue's review, they noted that Pierpaolo's goal for pre-collections was always to create clothes that women could wear and really live in. I love that. One of the things that made this particular collection a stand out was his reworking of the Valentino logo. He told the press that he called these 'bootlegged logos' and I love the swirling way that he worked the logo in to create the print that covers this dress.

The dress is so cute and chic. It is made from a light jersey that is super easy to just slip on. It also holds colour fantastically. The sleeves are cut to be very full above their simple cuffs and this adds to the easy feel the dress has. The entire upper bodice of the dress is finished with an elastic so you can wear it fully off the shoulder. This allows your entire upper shoulders to show. The jersey fall over the bodice in an easy manner to the waist. The waist is finished with an elastic and there is a little ruffle just underneath that elastic. This makes fitting the dress extremely easy as it will move with you. If you wanted more of a cinched in look, you could easily add a belt, but it works perfectly well without one. The skirt falls to the just below the knee or a little longer depending on your height. The jersey has been pleated into soft pleats that open out as they near the hem. This gives it beautiful movement as you move. It is killer. The dress looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition  

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. Elastic around the top of the shoulder and waist. Each cuff buttons to close with a single button. The elastic at the waist and shoulders give it some room in the measurements. I have listed the comfortable range when laying flat below. Tagged a modern Valentino small.

Sleeves: 24.5" and are 16" around the upper arm
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 52" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4961

Reference Photos: (1-3) Resort 2019 Valentino Look 22 & 23

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of  the American designers. He had the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials. He excelled at making pieces that were very flattering once on. This is a very chic and sexy example of his work from this time period and it is even better in person. 

The dress is a so pretty and so chic. The silk that it is made from is beautifully light in weight and I love the multi-colour diamond print that sits on a red backdrop. The colours pop and it has the feel of a hand done blocked print screened onto the silk. Straps extend out from the top of the bodice to wrap around to the back of your neck and button into place. It skims over you at the front and then wraps around your lower back. Above that the entire upper back is left bare and exposed. The waist is seamed and the dress comes with its original matching belt that you can use to really cinch in the waist in as much as you like. The skirt falls from under there and will sit to just under the knee or perhaps a bit longer depending on your height. The entire skirt has been pleated all the way around in sharp little knife pleats that are the exact same distance from each other. This lets the skirt really open up and have beautiful movement as you move. Down one side there is a series of five square cut gold medal buttons that button the skirt in place. The buttons are functional and you could open them if you wanted more leg to be exposed down that one side. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a red silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. The belt has a slip buckle and can be adjusted to fit. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Bill Blass 8

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: approx 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 51" from neck to hem with just under 2" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4960

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.

The Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967. His boutique label is important as it is know for being the first ready-to-wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces have lots of hand finishes and are just stunning examples of his work during these early days of his career. I am certain that this dress is from Spring 1971. I have had dresses in other colours with the same bodice treatment and that is the only collection that I am aware of that he did under this label with this type of treatment through the top. 

I love this dress. It is not only so easy to wear and so cute, but I don't think it was ever worn. The cotton is as crisp and bright as if it had just come off a rack. It is light in weight and feels exactly what it looks like - an early rendition of the bandana. The lightness of the fabric mixed with its crisp finish is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk, the fabric of the skirt and that fabulous handkerchief hem catch the air and move around you. The colour is a beautiful true red and the print layers white and black on top of the red cotton in a classic bandana design. The top is fully finished with horizontal elastics that give it the stretch and feel of a tube top. He has left a bit of a ruffle around the neckline. The sleeves have the same elastic treatment with another ruffle at their ends. I have photoed the dress with it sitting fully off of the shoulder, but you could also wear it higher up on the shoulder if you wished. The gathering goes to the top of the hip so you get an amazing shape through the body. The skirt falls from there skimming over the hips. Depending on your height the skirt falls from just below the knee to mid-calf. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric through the bodice where it is finished with elastic has a lot of stretch. I have put the comfortable range of measurements below when laying flat.

Sleeves: approx 8.5" and the upper arm will stretch from 12-20" around
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 15-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to where the elastic ends
Total length: 51" from top of shoulder to longest points of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4959

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.

There is very little information on the Roger Freres label out there but from what I can gather, he was an independent dressmaker that made clothes from the early 1960s to the 1970s. His work was well made and hard to find. This little dress by him is phenomenal. It is made from a lightweight silk organza that has a touch of the most subtle shimmer to it. The top layer sits over an inner nude chiffon lining through the bodice and an inner, more straight cut skirt that is backed in the same nude silk and then topped with the same black silk organza as the outer skirt. This softens the black and gives the entire dress this touch of transparency and airiness as you see the inner layers of the dress through the outer layer. From a distance it adds the illusion that you are perhaps more bare underneath than you really are. The inner bodice has a beautiful curving wide band of prong set rhinestones in various shapes and sizes. They have all been hand applied. I love the effect this creates as you see them through the outer layer of silk. The top layer is kept simple with a scooped neckline and easy and full cut over the inner bust. Each sleeve is tremendously full and billows out above a wide cuff. On each cuff, you have another highly detailed and intricate pattern made from those same prong set rhinestones in various shapes and sizes. The skirt is equally as gorgeous and is wide and full above the inner skirt, widening out quite a bit as it nears the hem. It is incredible and when you move it catches the air and moves beautifully. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice. The inner skirt is lined in a nude silk and then covered on its exterior in the same silk organza as the top layer of the dress. Ribbon finished inner hem. It closes with a back zipper and then the black organza snaps to close over that. Light boning through the bodice. The attached belt hooks to close at the back. Each cuff snaps to close with hidden set snaps. Perhaps the occasional rhinestone missing on the cuffs but I am being pretty picky.

Sleeves: 24.5" and our 13" around the upper arms
Shoulders: 15"
Inner bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4957

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.

During John Galliano's years from 1996-2011 at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut and chiffon dresses in the house's history. His work often has a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties with their beautiful cuts. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Boutique line and it is gorgeous. It is so classically Galliano for Dior in its shape and cut. It is a real beauty.

The dress is made out of the palest possible peach / pastel salmon nude silk chiffon that has a slight bit of texture to it. It is completely cut on the bias which makes it so easy to wear. The dress is cut wide across the shoulders with a scoop at both the front and the back. From there it drapes down and over the body to the floor. That signature bias cut that he did so perfectly allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The sleeves are cut a bit wide through the upper arm, narrow down just slightly to the cuff and then have a full ruffle to finish them. The bead work that you see over the dress is continued over the sleeves so you get an amazing little glitz in the light from every angle. The bodice is heavily finished with an intricate pattern of silver tube and seed beads and these catch the light beautifully. The bead work continues around the back of the dress and then you have scattered medallions of beads down the front and back all the way down to where the skirt begins. The cut of the dress is meant to simply glide and skim over the body and then it flares out dramatically through the lower skirt. The seaming is a nod to the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The fabric of the lower skirting has been pieced together with a series of angled chevron panels. The widening of the hem is created by the way those angled silk chiffon panels are stacked on top of each other with each panel getting wider than the one above. This gives you so much movement when you walk. A row of tightly spaced matching silk covered buttons run up one side for the perfect finish. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn. It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all. In its original uncut length. Excellent condition

Fully lined in the same silk chiffon and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. You can see the hand work that was done to apply the beads on the inside of the fabric. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and I have taken the comfortable range when laying flat for you below

Sleeves: approx 23" to their longest points and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: Approx15-16"
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 68" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4954

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

John Galliano began his own label in 1984 and he was instantly a bit of a 'boy wonder' in fashion. He was British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995. In 1991 he made his Paris catwalk debut. In 1995 he was asked to head Givenchy and then went to Dior in October of 1996. His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Spring 2006 season and it is gorgeous. This dress was a piece made for production and is a more minimalist version of the dress that walked the runway for Look 40 that season. It has all the things we love about his work presented in a beautifully chic and minimalist package that still has that strong impact of colour that the runway version had.

The dress is made out of a feather light silk chiffon that moves beautifully over the body. It is all cut on the bias so is easy to wear. I love the cut of the bodice. Twisted silk chiffon straps extend out from a peak at the centre front. They curve up and around the neck and then they fall down each side of your back. The entire back is scooped low so you have this bare expanse of skin showing. It drapes over the bodice and skims over the waist with an easy more generous feel. A gathered band of the silk chiffon is wrapped around the top of the hips and a long tie extends down all the way to the hem from where that attached sash meets at the side. From there the dress drapes to the the floor and widens out a touch as it nears the hem. A slit runs up one side of the skirt and this allows the silk to catch the air and move easily around you as you walk. The seaming is a nod to the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The colour and the way that it changes as it moves down the dress is of course one of the most important elements of the piece. It starts out to be a soft taupe at the top and then gradually changes to a pale pink to a vivid pink around the lower skirt and ends in a deep dusty fuchsia. It is stunning to have this brilliant pop of colour. A signature row of tightly spaced silk covered buttons run up one side for the perfect finish. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how the dress moves once on the body. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching taupe silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The bias cut allows some movement in the fabric and I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below. Tagged a vintage Dior F40, GB12, IT44, US8

Bust: 16.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 63" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4953

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2006 Christian Dior, Look 40. Model Michelle Buswell.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Dolce and Gabban launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana  who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s they they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. This dress came to me from the same owner as the black 2008 one I just put in the shop and she told me it was purchased around the same time period. It is a dress that is incredibly beautiful. It would obviously make an amazing wedding piece for the bride looking to go the non-traditional route or as a part of a wedding weekend of events, but I think it is also a dress that could cross over and be worn to other events. 

The dress is made from a pale nude silk tulle net that has a touch of a pink tine to it. This is then layered over inner layers of more tulle, lace netting and silk. The bodice is strapless and has a heavy application of cut out flowers added over the tulle all the way around you. They are placed to fall past the seam that sits under the bust and over onto the top of the tulle as it begins to flare out into that incredible top layer. As the dress moves down to the ham, you see more cut out flowers scattered over the entire dress. At the front, there is a cluster of soft silk chiffon flowers that add a beautiful detail. Small versions of these are also scattered over the top layer of the dress, all the way to the hem..This incredible treatment on the top layer of the dress really adds to the depth and texture of the dress. That entire top layer of tulle tents over the dress to create volume all the way around you and to sweep out behind you. Under those layers is an inner dress that has a dotted lace. I love the effect of this peeking out tulle. More layer sit under that. Besides the visual effect this creates, this technique of multiple layering also gives the dress some of its structure so that it holds the shape around you once on. The bodice is strapless and cut on a soft curve across the neckline. There is a built in boned corset on the inside for shape and to hold the dress in place on you. It curves in just slightly to skim over the waist and then curves back out for the hips. The top skirt is set to fall to the floor with all of the beautiful volume that you see in the photos. The top layer of the skirt gets progressively wider so that it is very full by the time it reaches the hem. The inner hem falls to the floor, but that top outer layer falls slightly longer all the way around you and then it sweeps out behind you. It is incredibly beautiful and romantic. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a soft nude pink silk. The innermost layer of stretch silk goes to just above the knee. It closes with a back zipper and then the tulle layer snaps over that to hide the zipper. Inside the bodice is a cupped and boned corset. I see one vertical repair in the tulle of the skirt at the back otherwise it appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a Dolce & Gabbana 36

Bust: 13-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A cup built into the front
Waist: 11-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5.5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to front hem, 69" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD4955

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

In 1952 Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high-end and extremely well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients. This label continued until 1992. When researching this piece we found its twin from the Spring 1977 runway and it is definitely a piece that was very well documented and photoed that season. It is easy to see why as it could not be more gorgeous.

The dress is exquisite and I love that you can see just how wonderful it is on the body from the runway and editorial reference photos that we have found for you. It is made from a light silk chiffon that weighs next to nothing. The sleeves are cut to be very full above their elastic ends and this adds to the flowing feel the dress has. I love that the sleeves are cut to sit fully off the shoulders. This allows your entire upper shoulders to show and the bare skin of your shoulders balances the length of the skirt. Over the bodice the fabric has been draped and gathered into place with a large soft tie at the centre front for detail. More gathered silk wraps around the waist from under the bust. This gives the entire upper body of the dress a soft and romantic feel. I love the shape it creates around the waist. The skirt falls to the floor from there. It widens out as it near the hem and the soft gathers that set it around the waist give it beautiful movement as you move. The sleeves have a touch of transparency to them and this gives the dress a very subtle sexiness to have the fabric feel so light and have that hint of transparency. It is killer. The dress looks to have been unworn or worn very little. Excellent condition  

The dress is lined in a red silky rayon and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a side set zipper. Elastic around the top of the shoulder and cuffs. It appears to have been unworn or worn very little. It is all cut on the bias so has some room in the measurements. The comfortable range is listed below. 

Sleeves: approximately 24" from the drop
Bust: 16-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bust: approx 18" from the top of the natural shoulder to the slightly dropped waist
Total length: 59" from top of the natural shoulder to hem with 4" turned under the hem and another 2.5" turned under that. 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4951

Reference Photos: Spring 1977 Givenchy. (Photos 3-5 from the Spring 1977 RTW Advance & Photo 6 from the Spring 1977 RTW 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.

This dress is from the 2016 season and at this time both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors. It was a dress that was produced for the shops that year. It is an incredibly easy to wear and flattering piece once on the body.

This is a thoroughly Valentino feeling dress. The dress is made from a feather light silk chiffon in the prettiest true red for the base. Think scarf weight as far as the weight goes. This is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk the fabric of the dress catches the air and billows out around you. The neckline is cut high to frame the neck with cut out flowers from the print of the dress added around the collar for extra detailing. At the back of the neck it ties with a long tie that trails down the back over an open slit that runs from the neck to the waist. I love how this gives an unexpected flash of skin when you move a certain way. The bodice is cut loose and easy and the waist is more on the generous side. It falls from there to the floor and as it reaches the hem the skirt widens out. I love the five ruffled tiers that wraps around the lower skirts for detail and added movement. The silk has a beautiful flower design that covers the entire dress and pops against the red. The sleeves are long and each is finished with three more ruffled tiers which lets them widen out beautifully. It is a gorgeous dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

The top and sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a red silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set low back zipper at the waist and then ties into place behind the neck with a hidden hook behind the tie. In it's original uncut length. The easy and generous cut should fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 21.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dropped bodice: 19" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4950

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.

During John Galliano's years from 1996-2011 at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut and glamorous dresses in the house's history. His work often has a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties with their beautiful cuts. They mix Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s. This is an amazing example of his work from Fall 2006 and it is gorgeous. Look 7 from the runway was a very different dress but did have similar bead work on the skirt so I have included that here as a reference. This version was made for the shops and like all more elaborate bead work pieces he did would have only been released in limited quantities. It is a really beautiful dress.

This is a really striking dress that is very easy to wear. 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 tulle over that. The very top layer combines a silk net with black silk lace. The outer layer is beautiful. The lace is placed at the top of the bodice and then again around the hem. The dress has a very loose and easy cut through the body. The bodice dips into a V at the front and it does the same at the back. The lace is set into the netting underneath in a pretty little curving scalloped design. I love how the edge of the neckline and the openings for the arms have the lace detailing and then the hem is also finished with lace. Just under the hip on one side there is a beautiful design that combines metal strands, tiny seed beads, larger tube beads and prong set crystal rhinestones. These are all set by hand and you can see that on the back. The design trails down the side and across the front of the hem as well as partway around the back hem. A tiny little slit sits on one side of the hem near the bead work and he has gathered it up with a stitch, which gives the hem a bit of an asymmetrical feel. It is truly a special and beautiful example of his work. Excellent condition 

The inner silk chiffon and middle tulle layer act as the lining underneath the top layer. The middle tulle layer has hidden set snaps down one side but the inner silk layer and top layer have no closures. You just slip it over the head to wear. Tagged a F38 GB10 IT42 US6. 

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4754

Reference Photo: Fall 2006 Christian Dior, Look 7. Model Doutzen Kroes.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Dolce and Gabban launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana  who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s they they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. This is the twin of the dress that was worn by Jennifer Lopez for Elle US Magazine that year and the twin of the dress in white was worn to the 2009 Oscars. It is a dress with incredible modern provenance given these two important moments in both fashion and Hollywood history.

Corsets with exposed boning along with lace ups are a hallmark of the Dolce and Gabbana label and this dress has those distinct design elements on full display. The entire body of the dress is one long exposed corset. It is made out of a fine black netting mixed with tulle. All of the boning that gives it structure is covered in a black ribbon that is exposed and becomes its own detail. The bodice is strapless and the cups are exposed. It is meant to hug you like a second skin. The waist is brought in and then the dress glides over the hips. Past the waist the ribbon no longer has boning behind it but it still serves to add structure to the dress. The way that the ribbon and boning have been laid out over the dress visually adds to the hourglass shape that the dress creates on you. At the back the dress closes with one of their big silver zippers that have become a signature and this sits just under one side of a full lace panel that runs long down the back. I love how the ties have been left long so they run down you at the back. The laces can also be used to adjust the size if you need a touch more room. The dress is cut to follow the body all the way to just about the knee and then the lower skirt explodes out from there in a massive fabulous bell shape. The top layer is that same silk net as the body of the dress and then under that there are multiple layers of soft tulle and stiffened tulle. I count seven in total. Running all the way around inside the top of the skirt is a wide padded panel that helps to add structure and support to the skirt. When laid out flat the entire skirt is just beyond a full circle which gives you an idea of how full that lower skirt really is. This is an utterly amazing dress. It has all its original tags in place and was never worn. Excellent condition.

The dress is lined in a combination of black silk and stretch silk with boning all through the bodice as described above. Multiple layers through the skirt as described above. All of the original tags are attached. It is tagged a Dolce and Gabbana size 38. The fabric has stretch. I have added the measurements with the lace is fully tightened  so the measurements below are the comfortable range when it is worn like that. The laces could be loosened to get another couple of inches if needed.

Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 9-10" from top of bodice to natural waist
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4949

Reference Photos: (1) Jennifer Lopez and Stefano Gabban photographed by Carter Smith for ELLE US, October 2008.  /  (2-3) Melissa George wearing Dolce & Gabbana at the Oscars, 2009.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993 and in 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and wore it on various red carpets. He was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes. He employed some of the best tailor and seamstresses in the business at the time. This is a stunning example of how much impact one of his minimalist pieces could have.

This sleek little number is in perfect condition and is cut beautifully. It is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps that curve over and down the back. The dress is completely bias cut to follow the curves of your body but without being super tight. The neckline dips in a V at the front and I love the detailing that you see there. The front bust has an inset that angles into a point to about the waist area. The inset is made from little strips of a black velvet that have been applied over a black silk chiffon and then backed in a nude silk chiffon. So you have coverage but there is still a touch of transparency. It is very sexy. Another V dips down for a bare expanse of skin to show at the back. The shape through the waist is created by vertical seams that curve over the body. The silk skims over the waist and hips and then falls to the floor. The lower part of the skirt widens out as it reaches the hem and extra fabric has been worked into the back so you get a bit of a sweeping feel as you walk away. It looks so simple on my dress form but this is a dress that is a bombshell piece once it is on an actual body. It is so good. Excellent condition.

The panel at the front is lined in nude silk chiffon as described above and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Richard Tyler US8.

Bust: 17-19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4948

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This is an interesting YSL. It appears to be the Rive Gauche version of the Haute Couture piece from that season and on the RTW runway we found a jumpsuit version of it that is identical in all but the legs vs the skirt. Is possible that it was also shown on the runway as well since collections from this time period were not fully documented. But even with these two reference photos you can see how much it comes to life when worn. It is such an easy dress to wear and it is drop dead gorgeous.

The fabric is a beautiful light weight deep brown silk jersey. The cut of the dress is incredible. The neckline is scooped and then the dress skims over you to the waist. The very edge of the neckline has been piped in the same fabric and the scoop is set a bit wide across so you see a touch of collarbone. The sleeves are fabulous. Each is cut to be very full so that they balloon out over their elastic cuffs. Very tiny padded insets sit just inside that slim band of fabric between the scoop and the seam of the sleeve and this adds the perfect amount of structure to hold the dress in place. The waist is seamed with a small band for shape and you could add a belt if you wanted even more definition. Once on the body the bodice will blouse over the skirt slightly. The skirt falls from the waist and is gathered in tiny gathers all the way around the waist. This allows the skirt to flare and open out slightly as it nears the floor. The quality of the jersey is beautiful and the workmanship in this dress is fabulous. It really showcases just what a genius he was that he could create such a simple piece with such a masterful hand. And it has pockets. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Unlined and closes with a side zipper. Each cuff has elastic and the elastic has softened a touch. Hand finishes throughout and beautifully made. Tagged a vintage YSL 38.

Sleeves: 26"
Inset shoulders: approx 13-14"
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to top of the 1" band at the waist
Total length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4947

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1975 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  /  (2) Fall 1975 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche.

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.

The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2012 show for Look 46. On the runway it was styled with a very heavy and extremely dramatic wide belt and choker but once you see the dress on its own you realize just how light and pretty the dress actually is. Oscar showed the collection in his new showroom on 42nd street. The space had yet to be fully renovated and this gave the atmosphere a raw edginess and the styling reflected that. Vogue called the evening dresses 'entrance making'. This dress is wonderful and a harder to find larger size.

The dress is made from a lightweight silk organza in the most stunning brown. There is another layer of silk underneath and the dress is very light in weight. The entire top organza layer has been lightly gathered into soft, almost pleats, that add an incredible texture over the entire dress. The bodice skims over you to the seamed waist. The neckline is cut into a V with the two sides of the bodice crossing over each other at the front. It is very flattering. The straps curves up and over the shoulders and the back drops into a V for a pretty and feminine feel. The waist is seamed but has a more generous feel. You could add a belt if you wanted it to be more cinched in. The skirt cascades to the floor and is is very wide and full by the time it reaches the hem. The skirt is made up of four attached tiers of the almost weightless silk with each tier getting wider than the one above it all the way to the floor. This lets the skirt float beautifully around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. The lightness of the silk gives it a gorgeous movement when you move and walk. It is fabulous. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The dress is fully lined in a matching brown silk. The dress closes with a back set hidden zipper. I see perhaps the tiniest bit of fading here and there on the edges of the fabric on the shoulder. Organza tends to do this and it is very minor. Tagged a modern ODLR 16

Bust: 20-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL

Item# DD4946

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2012 Oscar de la Renta, Look 46. Model Taylor Nicole.

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.

In 1951 a 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites. This dress is absolutely gorgeous.

The dress is made out of a high end silk crepe that flows and drapes beautifully over the body. The bodice is cut to skim and blouse over the body to the waist. The waist is cut with a more generous feel and has a softened elastic running through it. You could add a belt if you wanted to cinch it in more and give it more shape. The skirt falls from there in a beautiful column of that same silk and widens out as it nears the hem. It has a bit of an old Hollywood feel to it that I love. The dress closes at the front with a tie at the top of the neck and a hook and zipper that starts at the waist. This leaves an open slit from under where it ties at the neck right to the waist. It is subtle but as you move, you do get that flash of bare skin. There is no collar other than that little tie that extends out from the neck. I love the inset of the darker coloured silk that runs down the entire front of the dress. In certain lights, it looks like the deepest possible blue and in others a soft black. One that band hits the waist seam it is pleated all the way down to the hem. This inset cleverly adds the perfect amount of detail to the dress and also gives it the illusion of extra length. The simplicity of the design hides the high skill level that having this all lay so perfectly with this type of fabric and with such a simple closure. It is so well made that I think that you could actually wear the dress either way around. The sleeves are spectacular and each one is cut to be a full wide balloon sleeve above the banded wrist. One of his signature knotted silk buttons closes each cuff. It is the perfect little extra embellishment for the dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined through the skirt with a matching coloured silk chiffon and the bodice is unlined. It closes as described above. The elastic at the waist has softened. There is one button at each cuff. Hand finishes and ribbon finished seams throughout. There is very slight fading across the top of the shoulders and one one arm. Please see the photo after the label shot. If worn belted this would accommodate a smaller size as well as the cut is so forgiving.

Sleeves: Approx 26"
Shoulders: no shoulder seam present
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4945

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.

The Spring 2008 show coincided with John Galiano's tenth year with the label and it was Dior's 60th year as a label. John celebrated that by creating pieces based on some of his signature looks through the past decade. The result was a collection filled with beautiful things like this dress. It is so rare to find a Dior dress in this colour and in the perfect condition that this dress is in. I am very pleased to have such an exquisite example of his work and it is always extra special when you have a dress that could perhaps be worn by a bride who is looking for a non-traditional dress or as part of her wedding weekend. It is also an exceptional dress for any event and for the Dior collector. 

I love that even in these still dress form photos you can get the sense of how beautifully the silk chiffon on the skirt will move once this is on the body. It is a gorgeous dress and his time there was one of the best. The dress is interesting because when you stand still you get a beautiful long silhouette but the second you move the chiffon in the skirt and the back panels are picked up by the air and the dress becomes even more extraordinary. The skirt of the dress is made from bias cut ivory silk chiffon that sits over an inner silk lining. It is set around the waist and heavily gathered at one side. This is what gives you that extra panel and volume on the one side that you see. The skirt is slightly split at the hem on that side so you get a little bit of leg when you walk. The other side curves down slightly longer and it creates that beautiful curved shape at the hem. The bodice is strapless and the neckline slightly curved at the front. Inside there is a built in boned and cupped corset that extends down to the waist. This is what holds the dress firmly in place around you. The chiffon over the bodice has been draped and gathered over to the side to tie in with the skirt. At the back, on that same side, there are two very long panels of silk chiffon. You can allow them to just drape down and behind you to catch the air and move as you walk or you can take one and drop it over the shoulder to get a caped feel. I have photoed it both ways for you to see. His signature row of silk covered buttons runs down the other side and then the last perfect detail is the extraordinary flowers that are embroidered over the dress. This is what takes the dress to its magical level of beauty. Soft pastel flowers are heavily embroidered onto the dress so that they have a slight 3D effect. Little gold threads are mixed in between then along with tiny sequins and beads to catch the light. They are reminiscent of the flowers that Mr. Dior often used in his early work. It is a beautiful nod to the archives that perfectly combines past and present. It is magical. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk. It has a full built in boned and cupped corset. The corset closes with a series of lingerie hooks and the dress buttons to close over that at the side. Tagged a Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4

Inner bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to the longest point of the hem and the panels extend to 59" from the top of the back bodice.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4944

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.

The Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection was amazing and this was one of the star looks of the show. His wedding pieces range from about $10000-$20,000USD with the more elaborate ones like this tending to be in the upper range of that. Oscar launched his first bridal collection in October of 2002 and his wedding pieces have been worn by some of the most famous women in the world. He once said 'In the same manner that she fell in love with that man, I hope she's going to fall in love with that dress.' 

The skirt on this dress is just magical. It is made from multiple yards of multiple layers of white tulle silk netting. The strapless bodice above the skirt is slightly more ivory in colour so that you get just a tiny bit of contrast between the two. The bodice is completely covered with delicate little scallops of a silk chiffon with embroidered edges. These sit on top of a lace fabric underneath. Following the top edge of each layer are tiny rows of ivory iridescent sequins. Little prong set rhinestones are also scattered over the bodice in little vertical rows so you get a subtle little glitter in the light. The front curves in a pretty sweetheart neckline and it has a full built in hidden corset inside the bodice. It nips in at the waist and is detailed with an elaborate applique design that wraps all the way around you. The runway dress only had a ribbon at the waist and I much prefer this more elaborate design that is made from faux pearls, silver tube beads and glass cut rhinestones in different shapes. The skirt is extremely full. There are 12 layers of tulle in the skirt and then an inner silk skirt. Under the top two layers of tulle some of the tulle layers have been gathered up in little drapes  I did not add any additional crinolines to the dress for these photos. It has enough built in layers in the  skirt already that it falls on its own perfectly. Every angle that you look at this dress from gives you drama and gorgeousness. It is cut longer at the back so that it flows out behind you when you walk. It is a very stunning dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The bodice is boned with padded inner cups for structure and support. The dress closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Multiple layers of built in tulle and skirting as described above. Minor grubbiness/marks to the inner hem and the tiniest bit of darkening to the colour of a couple of the scallops near the top edge at one side. The dress was already in the shop and it had some issues and I decided to pull it out for a bit and had it completely restored so it is now in beautiful condition for its future bride. Tagged an ODLR 8

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4943

Reference Photos: (1-4) Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection, Look 5. 

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.

This beautiful dress was Look 42 on the Spring 2014 runway for Ralph Lauren. It was part of a grouping of all white pieces and I think it is the stand out from that grouping and from the show. The purple label from Ralph Lauren signifies the runway pieces that are the high-end pieces the label produces. Ralph Lauren launched it in 1994 and the label was meant to be the pinnacle line for the brand. The dress is beautifully made. It is a dress that could be worn to any event, but would make a fantastic piece for a bride looking to go the non-traditional route.

This dress is absolutely gorgeous. It is meant to skim over the body and it has a beautiful movement that you can see in the runway video. It is made out of a stark white cotton with an inner lining of another crisp layer of cotton. Little white flowers have been individually cut out and hand sewn onto the dress with a spray of tiny sequins and beads to create their centres. The flowers change slightly in size and are set so they closely cluster up against each other. From the top of the bodice down, the entire dress is covered with a heavy layer of these flowers. This creates this fantastic and whimsical layer of texture over the entire dress. It is like you are wearing an entire floral bouquet and it is magical. Wide straps curve over the shoulder. The front has a slightly squared off feel and I love how the back dips down into a V so you get a bit of bare skin showing. There is no waist seam on this one. It is shaped to come in slightly at the waist and skims over your bust, waist, and hips. The skirt flares out starting at about the knee and is very wide by the time it reaches the hem. At the back, there is extra fabric built-in so that you get a bit of a sweeping feel behind you as you walk. The dress is made out of cotton which gives a bit of weight to it but the applique of all those flowers gives it this sense of lightness and airiness that is wonderful. All of the little hand sewn beads and sequins that attach each individual cluster of flowers to the dress catch the light in a very pretty way no matter what angle you see the dress from. When this is on and you are walking, it is absolutely gorgeous. This is Ralph at his best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white cotton and closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The flowers have been hand applied and you can see the hand stitching at the back of the fabric. Tagged a modern Ralph Lauren 0.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from top of the shoulder to front hem, 66" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4942

Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 2014 Ralph Lauren, Look 42. Model Katya Riabinkina.  /  (6) Jun Hasegawa in Ralph Lauren. credit unknown.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This dress was designed by Belgian-born Jules-Francois Crahay, who headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugel​y ​desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house. I especially love the his work during the period through the late sixties and into the early 1970s. He was a genius at print and colour and he pushed the envelope in terms of using cutting edge fabrics available during this time period. He mainly used this type of fabric for his 1971-1972 collections. This is the second time I have had a version of this dress and I love it even more this time.

This Lanvin dress is gorgeous and is from the main label. I am in absolute love with it. The dress has a gorgeous colour and print combination. It is made from mixing two fabrics and both hold colour exceptionally well so the colours are still crisp bright and true. The top portion of the dress is an easy silk jersey and then the skirt is one of his signature waffle weave cottons. The sleeves are long and simple. The neckline is scooped with a slightly wide cut. The top skims over you and the back goes down in a scoop to leave a bare expanse of skin showing. The waist is seamed and I love how the skirt is set into the waist in soft gathers so that it puffs out slightly around the waist. It also has a bit of a wrap effect where one side is open down the full length, but it is fully wrapped underneath so that you are completely covered. From there the skirt falls to the floor and it widens as it nears the hem. The fabric change on the skirt gives it a touch of weight so that it holds the shape well. The pattern is the same on both fabrics and yet they look slightly different because of the change in texture. It is brilliant. This full on pattern from head to toe makes the dress instantly recognizable as a piece of his work. Excellent condition with a note below.

The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined in a white silky rayon. It closes with a back zipper. I see what looks like remnants of a lining here and there along the seams of the top. I see a mark at the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand finishes. The fabric of the top has some stretch. 

Sleeves: 25" and are up to 11" around the upper arm
Inset shoulders: to 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hip: 13"
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 19" from top of shoulder to seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4941

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.

The Resort 2018 collection was Carolina's last collection that she designed before handing things over to Wes Gordon. In the Vogue review they talked abut the inspiration for the pieces saying, "Herrera said she looked to the gardens at her home in her native Venezuela for her flower motifs, and the exuberant colours she pulled from them for other pieces." This dress was Look One of the presentation. Brie Larson wore one on the Today Show that year, Grace Gummer wore hers to the Emmys awards HBO party and we found a photo of Helena Bourdon in one. It feels as fresh today as it did then. 

The dress is made out of a feather light silk crepe chiffon in a beautiful soft blue. A pretty floral print runs over the entire piece. The front plunges to the waist for a startling contrast to the romantic feel of the dress. A tiny ruffle runs over each shoulder and the sleeves slim down a touch as they reach their cuffs. The waist is seamed and buttons to close. A slit at the front runs up to meet the buttons and lets a flash of bare leg show when you move. The skirt is cut to feel soft and full as it nears the hem. This gives it a romantic feel and pretty movement when you move. This is the actual sample dress from the brand and has its original sample tag. Which means it very well may be the dress that was worn by some of the people that we have included here for reference. I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pale blue silk chiffon and buttons down the front. Buttons on each cuff. Original hang tag and sample label attached.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 53" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 21.5 from the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4749

Reference Photos: (1-2) Resort 2018 Carolina Herrera Lookbook.  /  (3) Brie Larson on 'The Today Show' 2017.  /  (4) Grace Gummer at the 70th  Emmy Awards’ HBO Party, September 17, 2018.  /  (5) Helena Bordon in Carolina Herrera.  

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.

The near twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2020 show for Look 2. It was one of 12 pristine white looks that Pierpaolo opened the show with. When asked about this, he said “I wanted to work on something universal, to get back to the essence of shape and volume,” he said. “So I worked on the idea of the white shirt, but treating it with a couture sensibility.” Vogue called it "a long gulp of fresh air and optimism centered on something known." and noted the nod to the Renaissance in the "starched bibs, shirt collars, billowing sleeves, and ruffs" all of which this dress has in spades. It was also a nod to the 1968 all-white collection by Mr. Valentino. The show ended with a standing ovation for Piccioli. 

I love the traditional feeling tuxedo bib front of this dress. It buttons to close down the front with little mother-of-pearl buttons but these are all hidden behind a flat panel of crisp cotton. That contrasts perfectly with the starched waffle weave of the front bib. The collar is small and neat and the entire body is cut to billow out over you in an almost tube shape to the low seam at the hip. On the runway they showed it belted with a braided leather rope belt. That belt was sold separately and to show you how the dress looks belted I have added a little silk chiffon tie belt that I had here. The sleeves are beautifully full. For the cuffs he used that same crisp starched waffle weave cotton. The skirt is in total contrast to the top of the dress and is made from three tiers of feather light silk chiffon that are set exceptionally wide and full. This causes the dress to move around you with the slightest movement. There is another layer of chiffon underneath that to keep it from being completely transparent. It is a beautiful dress from a very special collection. I love how the label specifically denotes it as being from the Le Blanc collection. This dress was sold in two lengths and this one is slightly shorter than the one shown on the runway. Excellent condition.

The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. It buttons down the front to the seam where the skirt starts. Each cuff has a single button to close. It is meant to feel oversized through the body and you can cinch it in with a belt or the little silk sash that I will include. Tagged a Valentino 38S. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 22" from the dropped shoulder seam and are 16.5" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: to 19" 
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at seam: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 25" from neck to seam at top of hips
Total length: 52" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4938

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2020 Valentino, Look 2.

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.

James Galanos launched Galanos Originals in 1951. He was only 27 years old.  By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. When you covert to modern dollars the top end figure would be about $31,000 today. His ready-to-wear was made to couture standards and on par with the French couturiers of the time. Grace Kelly was a huge fan and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites and this set is an exquisite and very special example of his work.

This set is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser. Betsy appeared on several Vogue covers in the 1950s and it was during that time period time period that she met Galanos. They were friends for over 60 years. She collected and wore Galanos pieces her entire life and was his friend and muse. He once told her husband ‘I would rather have Betsy wear my clothes than any other woman’. She was a constant presence on the International Best Dressed List and and was added to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in the early 1970s.

The set is made from a beautiful printed light weight silk chiffon that is combined with a red lace that has a metallic finish. The entire set combined weighs ounces. Huge flowers cover the surface of the silk chiffon. The pants are made from two layers of the chiffon and they are cut long and wide. An elastic waist makes them very easy and comfortable to wear. Layered over the pants is a long dress that is also made from two layers of silk combined with a lace for the top part. Each side of the skirt is slit right up where the top ends. This lets the top skirt billow and move around you when you walk. The bodice part is made of two panels of a metallic red lace and it is connected along each side. There is a bit of an angled V where they connect at each sire. The lace has that fantastic metallic finish to it for contrast against the pattern in the silk chiffon. The bodice has an inner nude silk lining so that from a distance you look like you are wearing nothing underneath it. The top is suspended by four tiny silk straps that curve over the shoulders. Cut supermodel long in length. Excellent condition

The pants are made of two layers of silk chiffon and close with a back zipper and elastic through the waist. The outer layer is lined with a nude silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is made from two layers of the silk. The outer layer closes at the side with hidden fabric covered snaps. There are a couple of very minor repairs and light snags near the hem of the overlay. It is unlabelled but is a custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate. 

Over dress
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19" from the top of the shoulder to the seam under the lace edge
Total length: 62" from shoulder to hem

Pants
Elastic waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Pant: 45" from waist to hem
Inseam: 32" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2278

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.

This incredible dress is from the Fall 2004 Yves Saint Laurent collection and its twin walked the runway that season. With it's brilliant rose print the dress has such a joyful feel to it. And it feels very French. I am always excited to find examples of Yves' work from this time period and this one is extra special with the addition of its runway provenance. We also found video of the show so you can see how the dress moves. I love it.

The dress is exquisite and I love that you can see just how wonderful it is on the body from the runway reference photos and video that we have found for you. It is made from a light silk chiffon that weighs next to nothing. The sleeves are cut to be very full above their elastic ends and this adds to the flowing feel the dress has. I love that the sleeves are cut to sit fully off the shoulders. This allows your entire upper shoulders to show and the bare skin of your shoulders balances the length of the skirt. The bodice has a built in inner corset that holds the dress in place and gives it hidden structure. Over the inner bodice the fabric is draped into place in a series of gathers and soft pleats. This gives the illusion that the dress skims over the body rather then being so fitted underneath with the built in corseting. The very front is cut into a deep V for a little flash of skin and then he has partially hidden this with a velvet bow that joins the two sides together. The waist is nipped in and I have added a wide grosgrain ribbon for shape. If you wanted to wear it like it was shown on the runway you could easily add a more structured belt. The skirt under the waist seam is quite full and falls to the floor. It widens out as it near the ham and the soft gathers that set it around the waist give it movement as you move. Underneath the skirt is a silk chiffon underskirt in the same print and the under skirt goes to just about the knee or above depending on your height. Both that underskirt, the top printed layer and the sleeves, have a touch of transparency. It is a very subtle addition of sexiness to have these fabrics be so light and with that hint of transparency. The result is that you get a stunning bit of volume through the skirt as it flares out around you and moves when you move and then both the lower skirt and the sleeves have a touch of transparency to them so you get a suggestion of leg and arm showing. It is killer. The dress looks to have been unworn or worn very little. Excellent condition  

The built in corset acts as the lining through the bodice and it is boned and shaped. The skirt has a light silk chiffon lining in a matching fabric. The dress closes with a side set zipper on the inner corset and then the outer chiffon layer snaps into place over that. Elastic around the top of the shoulder and cuffs. The grosgrain ribbon belt is not original to the dress but will be included. It appears to have been unworn or worn very little. Tagged a YSL 42

Sleeves: approximately 25" from the drop
Inner bust: 16.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21.5 flat across from side seam to side seam
Bust: 14" from the top of the neckline to the waist
Total length: 59" from top of the neckline to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4936

Reference Photo/Video: Fall 1994 Yves Saint Laurent.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high end and extremely well made. He launched this line to expand his customer base and it made to appeal specifically to his non-couture clients. This label continued until 1992. This dress is a gorgeous example from the time period. I love it. 

The dress is a fantastical confection of dotted silk organza tiers that run from the top of the dress to the hem. The bodice is suspended from the shoulder with straps made of the same silk. Each strap curves over the shoulder and then the first ruffle of silk starts from around the top edge of the top. The neckline is cut fairly straight across on both the front and back. The ruffles continue down the entire length of the dress and each one gets wider than the one above it. There are eight ruffles in total and it is just spectacular. The movement that the ruffles create as you move is fantastic. The dress underneath is made from the same dotted fabric and it also follows that widening line of the dress all the way to the hem. The skirt falls to the floor in a dramatic sweep that widens out as it near the floor. This cut is incredibly easy to wear and flattering. I love how the silk ruffles move around you beautifully with the slightest movement. There is a little silk flower attached at the base of one strap that gives the dress a little extra pop of colour for the perfect finishing touch. Tons of hand finishing throughout. It is truly magical. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with a back set zipper and then each tier has tiny snaps to close each of the ruffles over the zipper to hide it. Tagged a vintage Givenchy 8. I see one tiny hole near the hem of one ruffle near the bottom. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finishes throughout. 

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner seam under the bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4935

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.

After the death of Bill Blass in 2003 the house originally hired successor Lars Nilsson and then abruptly let him go to replace him with Michael Vollbracht. Michael was still going strong by Spring 2006, which is the collection that this dress is from. Its twin walked the runway for Look 30 that season and I love that you can see how pretty this dress is on and walking.

The dress is so pretty. It is made out of a pale chiffon that is dusky lavender tone. Onto that is a gold fabric that has been applied in a floral pattern to highlight the cut and flow of the dress. The front bodice is made into a curving triangle that almost has the feel of a breast plate to it. Pleated panels wrapped all the way around you on either side of that. The skirt is set in just under the bodice in a series of soft folds so that there is quite a bit of fabric in the skirt. It sits over a nude silk lining to give a pretty depth to the pattern. The bottom of a skirt is more heavily adorned in that gold fabric and it ties the gold of the top together perfectly. The top of the bodice at the back is more of a square feeling and very flattering. What is very unusual about the dress is that underneath the top chiffon layer on the upper portion of the bodice is an inner layer that is heavily detailed with bead work. It is very subtle and something you don't see until you get very close to the dress, but it is there. It just give a little secret extra touch to the dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The dress is fully lined in a new silk crepe and closes with a hidden set back zipper. I see some signs of a repair done along the top edge of the back bodice. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4934

Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2006 Bill Blass, Look 30. Model Tiu Kuik.

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.

This is the second time I have had this absolutely gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress in the shop and I think I love it even more this time. The dress was the final look on the runway for the Pre-Fall 2015 show and it is absolutely stunning. The pieces from this collection feel to me like they have an extra bit of sentiment to them. As Vogue noted in their review. "Pre-Fall 2015 was the last collection he (Oscar de la Renta) had a hand in designing. The house's new creative director, Peter Copping, advised the studio a bit on how to finish it after de la Renta's death in October but this wasn't his debut. Copping sat in the front row taking it all in as a bystander." They continue the review saying, "How does one review a collection like this—one that operates not as a swan song, not as an homage, but as a coda to a great career, now definitively over? On its merits, of course. And though these clothes didn't serve to turn the fashion dial in any way, they manifested the soigné de la Renta signature in spades....It spoke loudest in the collection's clutch of cocktail frocks and gowns, particularly the champagne-toned finale gowns with allover gold or silver embellishment." This is one of those dresses and it is very beautiful.

This is truly a beautiful piece and it would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. The dress is made from a fine ivory net that is covered in beautiful curving gold metallic appliques that form flowers and pretty patterns over the entire surface of the dress. Each individual applique is made from a pale, muted silver-gold lame fabric sewn that is embroidered all the way around its edges. The lame has a slight vertical ribbing that combines the gold and silver thread and this adds a beautiful texture. I love how they catch the light in a subtle way from every angle. In person the dress has a more metallic and gold feel then how it photographed here. It is tremendously beautiful. It sits wide across the front and the straps are sent to the edge of the shoulder. The bodice curves up and over your shoulders and then at the back it falls in a V for a bit of bare skin to show. All of the edges follow the curving pattern of the applique and I love this little romantic touch. There is an inner lining inside the bodice that has a sweetheart neckline shape to it and then the netting has a touch of transparency above that. It skims over you from there, past the waist to the seam that sits at the top of the hip. From there the skirt explodes outwards in two tiers. Underneath each tier is a layer of tulle and then another layer of netting under that. The second layer has a stiffened edge to help hold the shape of the skirting. Then inside the skirt itself there is a built-in underskirt that has multiple rows of that same stiffened fabric so it holds the volume that you see in the photos. I have added no extra crinolines underneath the dress to take these photos. All of the volume that you see is all built into the dress already. The dress is cut shorter at the front and then the back is cut so that it trails out behind you past the floor. The lightness of the tulle and netting allows the dress to billow out around you when you walk. This is dress that feels like a fairy tale come true once it is on the body. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

The skirt is fully lined in layers of tulle and netting as described above. The bodice has an inner layer of silk and netting. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a modern OLDR US2

Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with room at the front for at least a B cup
Waist: 13" 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 of the shoulder to the seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 49" from top of the shoulder to the front hem, 80" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4933

Reference Photos: Pre-Fall 2015 Oscar de la Renta, Look 36.

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.

This is a very pretty and easy to wear dress from Alexander McQueen whose pale taupe colour is flattering on almost all skin tones. It is a dress that is insanely sexy and bare feeling yet that pale and pretty colour combined with that brilliantly bright hued flower print keeps it feeling fresh. The dress is made of a jersey that gives it amazing drape and it feels easy-to-wear once on the body. The bodice has a halter style front that crosses over itself and creates a V at the front. A double strap curbs over the shoulders, and then at the back one set of the straps fall straight down to the sea there and the other one twist around itself to create a little X in the centre of your bare back. The skirt falls from the seam under the bust and is set to wrap around you at the front. Each edge at the front is set on a curve so that it opens as it falls down your leg. It skims over the hips, opens up around the legs, and then the lower skirt curves back in to fall long at the back. Wrapping it like this gives it tremendous movement when you move and with the back cut longer than the front it adds a gorgeous little kick as you walk. Over one side of the skirt is a huge flower in shades of pink that offer a bright and gorgeous contrast. The dress has the added bonus of travelling very well. It is the kind of piece that you can throw into your suitcase and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach your destination and be instantly ready to go. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Lined through the bodice in the same fabric and the ski skirt is unlined. It closes with a set side zipper. The inner fabric content, McQueen tag is present, but the main McQueen label was lost or removed at some point. The fabric has some stretch.  There is a bit of a mark on the inside of the bodice and it very very slightly shows all along the edge, but it  just looks like light hitting it so is wearable as is with no issue. Please see the photos after the label shot. The comfortable range of measurements when laying flat are given below.

Bust: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14-15" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: to 63" from neck to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4932

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 recently had another of these Valentino dresses from the Spring 1993 show in the shop and I am very happy to find another twin from the group that walked the runway that season. Valentino did a series of these dresses that were all done with this touch on a Western theme of stars on them with slightly different upper bodices. We have included photos of the runway and of video many of the pieces, including this one, so you can see how fantastic this is on the body.

The front of this dress is a solid black crepe that extends all the way down the length of the dress. Where the first one had the interest at the front, this one is all about the back. The dress is suspended from skinny straps that curve up and over the shoulders to meet at the middle of your back. The neckline plunges into a low V at the front and then it curves in at the waist. From there it falls to the floor, expanding out as it near the hem. The shape on this one is all created by long vertical seams and the bottom skirt is quite full and generous. This creates a beautiful movement as you walk. Where the straps meet at the back you have two triangles of mesh. These extend out from each side to the centre of your back. This leaves the entire back open above and below the mesh and of course you can see skin through the mesh as well. I love how this makes the body feel bare but you are still somewhat covered at the same time. At the centre of your back you see the first of the five rhinestone encrusted stars that the dress has. Another star sits at the top of each of the mesh panels and then you have the fourth and fifth star sitting at the base of each of those panels. I love that because of how the stars are placed you can clearly see them from the side as well as the back. The stars make this dress instantly recognizable as being from this collection. It is truly a fantastic piece of Valentino history. Excellent condition with a small note below.

The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. We see a couple rhinestones missing off of the very tips of the stars. Please see the photo after the label shot for an example. Tagged a vintage Valentino 6

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4929

Reference Photos: (1-6) Spring 1993 Valentino.  /  (7) Spring 1993 Valentino Ad Campaign by Walter Chin.

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.

The book 'Givenchy: Catwalk' says of this collection, that "after the relative exuberance of the last few seasons, this show had a more subdued feel. The simplicity of the designs encapsulated Hubert de Givenchy's constant search for refinement."  We were able to find runway photos of the dress and I love that this shows you how it was presented at the time. We have also added to the modern provenance of this dress. It is the actual dress that was worn by Nicole Ritchie in 2019. Truly superb.

This is an amazing true Haute Couture Givenchy dress that is a very rare and special find. Two things of immediate note for this dress. First is the unusual fabric. It is a silk organza that is extremely light in weight. It has all been gathered by hand into little 3D 'bubbles' that run horizontally down the entire dress in bands of three rows stacked on top of each other. The time and technique to do this would have been astounding. This unusual technique gives the dress a bit of an elastic bandeau kind of feel and a lovely movement and shape. I cannot even imagine how many hours this would have taken. The second thing of note is its weight. Because it is all made from a silk organza the dress is exceptionally light in weight which makes it quite magical. The cut is tremendously flattering to the body and it feels a little bit sexy with the way the top sits off the shoulder to leave that expanse of bare skin. The sleeves are attached to the dress but are also set off the shoulder. I have shown the dress with the little straps up and over the shoulders, but they hook into place and you can easily wear this dress as a strapless piece as Nicole did. Since we have the photos of Nicole wearing it without the straps, I only photoed it on the dress form with the straps. I love that you have the versatility of the two different ways to wear it. Inside there is a wide inner corset band that is about 6" in height and this hooks into place around you. This is what keeps the dress in place and gives it structure underneath. It is lightly boned and meant to wrap around you. There is a silk organza ruffle that goes all the way around the neckline and the top of each sleeve. Another ruffle sits at the bottom of each cuff. It is shaped to come in at the waist and then curves out over the hips. The dress was shown with a flower adorned belt on the runway, which did not come with this dress. I have added a wide grosgrain ribbon that will be sent with it instead. The bottom of the skirt is quite wide at about 20" in height. It is shaped outwards in a bell shape and this flares out around you for pretty movement as you walk. The fabric is backed in a black silk organza and the entire dress has a touch of transparency in brighter lights. It is spectacular. This is a very beautiful example of Givenchy from this time period and an amazing example of the technical skills that can be achieved in Haute Couture. It is easy to see why his work is the subject of so many books and retrospective shows at museums worldwide. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The dress is fully lined in a matching hand set black silk organza. It zips to close at the side and then there are a series of snaps and hooks under the arm on that side as well. The inner waist corset hooks to close and has light boning all the way around. A hand set strip of velvet sits under the hooks so that they do not touch your skin. Hand finished throughout to couture standards. I see two vertical repairs on the ruffle of the neckline near the sides. There is some wear and slight fraying on both straps. There is light wear to some of the interior seams. Proper couture tag and numbered tape present. The fabric has a lot of stretch, but the inner waist corset does not. I have given the measurements of both the inside corset and the exterior of the dress because if you needed more room you could extend the inner corset.

Sleeves: 22" from the top of the ruffle to the bottom ruffle at the wrist. The upper arm is 9-12" around.
Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner seam under the bust: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer fabric would go to 16"
Inner waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer fabric would go to 15"
Hips: 17-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 54" from top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4930

Reference Photos: (1-3) Spring 1978 Givenchy Haute Couture.  /  (4-6) Nicole Richie in this dress, 2019.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.