This fabulous Azzedine Alaia knit dress is one of his classics. The silhouette and fabric and the pleats he used to create the shape are all instantly recognizable as his work. This is the type of dress that is a mainstay in any Alaia collector's closet. The dress is made from one in his signature ribbed stretch knits. The fabric is has a decent thickness to it and once on acts like a slimming corset and shapes and molds the body into curves you did not even know you had. The dress has three distinct textures. The shoulders and upper bust are a solid knit and then through the waist you see raised rows. These are used to create that hug and shape you inwards. These then flare out and turn into sharp knife pleats that allow the skirt to flare out with amazing fullness. It is fabulous and a classic for a reason. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a modern Alaia 38 but these do fit a touch small. The fabric does have stretch so will accommodate a range of sizes

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 15.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2817

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

I have seen this dress listed at being from the 2007 season but after going through all the runway photos from that season and others, I was unable to verify that. Prada did and does make many styles each season that are not shown on the runway so it may very well be from the 2007 collection still but I only like to give a firm date when I am absolutely sure. The dress is a gorgeous little piece that has those fabulous Prada lines. It is made from a satin backed black crepe and drapes and falls wonderfully. The front and back dip into low V's and a glossed, grosgrain ribbon circles just under the bust for detailing. The same ribbon curves over each shoulder. A glossy bit of fox sits atop each shoulder to give it height and impact. Each cap sleeve is finished with a ribbed cotton and the skirt falls in a sleek column. The fabric has folds and soft pleats worked through it for a final touch of texture. Excellent condition.

Unlined with self backed satin finish fabric. It closes with a low back set zipper. Tagged a Prada 42

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under Bust at Ribbon: 15"
Natural Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from natural neck to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2816

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

This amazing little Azzedne Alaia black knit dress is from his Fall 1990 collection. It is made from one of his signature stretch knits that was made to mold to the body like a second skin and exaggerate every curve. It instantly sucks some parts in and emphasizes other and is quite genius in its cut and design. The neckline is scooped low and is set very wide on a curved line that shows off a girls cleavage to full advantage. You can see how it would sit on a body on the reference photo I found from a 1990 Vogue editorial. The dress in that photo was worn by Christy Turlington and is a version of the dress in white with the same neckline but a fuller skirt. On our version, the dress is fitted from shoulder to hem. The seaming on the dress further exaggerates the curves and give it an hourglass feel. At the back the seaming is curved to follow up and around the butt. Each sleeve is cut lean and long. It is sexy as hell. Excellent condition.

The dress is unlined and slips on to wear. Tagged a vintage Alaia medium. The fabric does have stretch

Sleeves: 23"
Dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1694

Reference photo credit: Vogue 1990, Hans Feurer

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

This gorgeous dress is by Bob Mackie and from his main line which can be considered as demi-couture. He Mackie is best known for dressing Cher. His work showcases his love of over-the-top opulence and often showcase extensive bead work and applique work. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis before starting his own label. This early entry into costume design and the glamor of Hollywood continued to influence his work through his career. His designs are always extravagant and glamorous in the best possible way. Here we have a piece from the 1980s and it has that opulent feel in spades. The gown in made in delicious shades of metallic golds through the bodice mixed with a pastel coral based metallic silk for the skirt. The bust is strapless and has a gold cord embroidered "lace" applique that covers it all the way around. This is layered over the same silk the skirt is made up of. Scattered over this are gold and clear crystals that catch the light when you move. The skirt is fabulous and the silk is a nod to Fortuny in the pleating treatment. The silk here has a lame feel to it and seems to glow. The underskirt is a gold silk taffeta and there is a lot of fabric there so it really has fullness and movement when you move. The bodice is very structured and molded. It feels like couture once on. Extremely well made. Excellent condition with two small condition notes to review below.

Fully lined in a muted gold silk though the bodice and the silk taffeta underskirt is interlined in a silk organza. The bodice has a built in, molded bra and boned corset built in under the lining. There is also an inner waist stay. It closes with a back painted zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a small repair to the silk near the hem at the front and another near the base of the zipper. The pleating treatment to the silk effectively hides these when on but mentioned for accuracy and I have photoed both.

Bust: 17.5-8" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks to fit a either a 26-27" waist, if you need the full 28" you can leave the stay undone or remove it
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to true inner waist
Skirt: 43.5" from true inner waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2814

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

The label on this dress gives us a date range of 1953 to 1966 and I suspect this piece was designed somewhere during the turn of 1960. In the late 50s and into the very early 1960s she was known for her slim cut pants that were topped by exotic tunics - like this one. From my understanding these were sold separately so her clients could mix and match. She was greatly inspired by her travels and the exotic feel of the far east shows through in this design that we have here. The tunic dress is shockingly light - I know it looks like it should not be with that intricate pattern making it appear like it is a brocade or something along that line, but the fabric is actually a beautiful and very light chiffon. The pattern is fantastic - the intricate design is made from a fine gold metallic thread woven through the fabric. The upper bodice is cut with a high neckline and the sleeves are full and wide. The sleeves have been left unlined giving it a touch of contrast despite it being the same fabric. It is ling and sleek from there as it falls to the floor and each side is slit to the upper hip so whatever you choose to wear underneath will show with every movement. I especially love the inset of metallic brocade that runs down the inside of each slit. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined through the body in a neutral colored silk except for the sleeve which are unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. the color has a touch more of a blush undertone in person

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2813

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

This matches the coat listed today and is a beautiful 1950s silk dress. It is made from a very fine, high end silk. The silk has a beautiful red thread woven through and used in the black silk base to create the beautiful little floral designs sprinkled over its surface. The red is not a true metallic thread but it seems to almost glow in real life. It is really something special and much better in person then how the camera has captured it here - the color is even richer and more true. (One thing to note - the color is a true red - in the label photo it has more of a orange hue and that is the camera lighting not the true color - the other photos are far closer) The little floral medallions are woven directly into the silk. The sweetheart neckline and front pleating detail on the bust are finished with a little romantic bow. The way this is set into the front bodice is a little unusual and very pretty once on. The dress itself is wonderfully cut with that shaped bodice and simple capped sleeves. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out into a gentle A-line. It is a nice light weight and very well made.  The shop label it still has was a high end one and I would not be surprised if this was a designer piece that has lost its label. Really it is a steal at this price. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a black silk organza. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. Hand finished and beautifully made.

Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E639

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

I really wish I could convey the feeling of that beautiful fabric and how it presents in person as it is even better when you see it in real life. The red bits have an almost inner glow to then that doesn't quite convey in the photos.  The cut is a classic 1950s fitted silhouette that just skimmed over the body but still emphasized curves. The fabric is very beautiful - the base is a black silk matte satin and the velvet fused onto the fabric and over the red rose print that is worked through the silk in a way that gives it a slight 3 dimensional feel. The velvet used to do this is a rich deep red. I love the simplicity of the bodice and the seamed waistline. The skirt skims over  the hips and softens out to a a simple a-line cut. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a black silk organza and closes with a back zipper. There is one tiny repair where the fabric has been tacked down where the seams meet at the arm on the right side. The dress has been priced accordingly and is strong and stable

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 21.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E638

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

The label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco & Nature inspired designs that she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This dress is a beauty and really a museum worthy piece. Her caftans and dresses by her during this time period and of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. The base of the dress is a black chiffon. The bodice is what gives the dress its caftan feel even though technically it is more fitted then a typical caftan dress would be. The sleeves are cut wide for a kimono feel and her signature embroidery runs extensively down each of them and across the back of the dress. The front is cut very low with a loop and button holding it in place. The waist nips in and is highlighted with red embroidered piping. This same red line runs down the skirt, highlighting the sweeping lines as the skirt gently flares out as it reached the floor. It is beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The front button on the plunging neckline is also functional.

Sleeves: 21" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2813

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

This particular version of the Thea Porter label was only produced between October 1971-March 1972 and this gown was part of the 1971 collection. It is a beautiful example of her work and I am pleased to share that its twin was part of the 2015 Thea Porter exhibit at the London Museum of Textile and Fashion. Curator of that exhibit and Fashion Historian Laura McClaws Helms who is a contributor to my blog, also was kind enough to confirm that the print on this piece was by Janet Taylor. It would have been screen printed and then had some paint sprayed onto it by hand. Selfridges ran an ad campaign that same season and used another version of the dress as part of that giving it additional documentation. Note that the use of the "The Cream" was not the name of the dress, that appeared on all of the ads in the series that season regardless of the designer highlighted. I have also seen this dress refereed to as "The Cosmic" but according to Laura, who is perhaps the worlds foremost expert on Thea porter, the print did not have a particular name.

It is a beautiful example of her work with a printed cotton voile whose semi-sheerness is kept non-scandalous by white muslin lining underneath. The front dips down into a scoop and the bodice is fitted with a wide black panel that wraps around the chest area. The waistline sits high up under the bodice and the skirt flows down and out from there. Each sleeve is beautiful with a full, wide cut that flares out over the the wrists to make a wonderfully dramatic statement. The skirt also flares out to mid length in a wonderful swirl of fabric and pattern. The print is fabulous and this is instantly recognizable Thea. Museum quality condition with some small notes to review below

Fully lined in a white muslin and closes with a back painted metal zipper. There is some color run and marks on the interior lining of the skirt and I do see some color run from the purple here and there. These were notorious for this because of how the dying process was done so I do not consider this a true flaw. The pattern is so extensive that you only notice upon close inspection anyway. I photoed the worst area on one sleeve. There is a touch of "wrinkling" to the fabric under the arms that stayed out even after its initial cleaning. 

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2812

Reference Photos: My own photo of the twin of the dress at the exhibit at the London Museum of Textile and Fashion; 1971 Selfridges ad campaign.

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

The label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco inspiration she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This set is amazing and really a museum worthy set. Pieces by her of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. It is two separate pieces and the base of both is a black chiffon. Both pieces simply slip on and are very easy to wear. The top "tabard" cut top is fabulous. It is cut into a wide T shaped on both the front and back. This allows the sleeves to be wide and have a kimono feel to them and the front drop over the skirt like an apron. It has elastic that runs through the waist and it ties at each side.  Her signature embroidery is done in sharp geometric angles that follow the cut of the tabard on both sides. The pink and green pop wonderfully against the black. Under this sits a skirt that is completely finished with Fortuny felling pleat finish. It is full length and the solid black of it serves as the perfect base for that spectacular top. Excellent condition

The top is fully lined with the same chiffon fabric as the exterior and slips over the head with elastic all through the wide waist band and ties at each side. The skirt is also lined and closes with a zipper and hook at the waistband.

Top
Length: 54.5" top to bottom
Width: 32.5" side to side

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2811

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

This little beautiful Suzy Perette dress is made of a beautiful light weight fabric with a floral pattern in an array of citrus hues. I have not found a really great Perette dress in ages and am so pleased to have such a fine example of her work in the shop today. There never was an actual "Suzy" behind the label but the company that created the line relied heavily on the designs coming out of Paris and the interpretations of the Couture looks, in particular Dior's "New Look", were spot on. This gorgeous little dress dates from the 1950s and has such pretty colors and pretty lines that you can't help but swoon at the sight of it. The top is a simple sleeveless affair with a wide boat neck cut. It is seamed to hug the body and then this flares out and tops a full skirt that has lots of fabric in it and could be worn over a crinoline if you wanted it even fuller. The entire skirt is made from a series of perfectly spaced, crisp knife pleats so it has a lot of movement. The original, matching fabric belt cinches in the waist even more and I love the large flat belt that adorns the belt. The colors are lovely, the cotton voile fabric of very good quality and the lines and cut are wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a white muslin and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The belt is in excellent shape as well.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2810

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

The Hawaiian label Kamehameha was launched in 1936 and was named after King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian islands. They were famous for their brilliant tropical floral prints which they made for the tourist markets. They combined the feel and beauty of Hawaii with the looks popular on the mainline. The items were manufactured on the island and the prints done in-house.  They primarily used cotton for their designs and this dress is no exception. The fabric is that perfect crisp fifties cotton and it has been screened with a brilliant pattern of leaves on an abstract yellow backdrop. The bodice is fitted and cut so that it has shape and molds to the bust. I love the double front panels of fabric around the bust that allow for support but give the dress that interesting detailing. The waist is cinched and the skirt is very full below that. I have photoed it with a light crinoline for that full fifties cupcake effect but it can easily be worn in its own as well. The back is finished with a panel of elastic so the fit adjusts to the wearer. Excellent condition with one small note regarding the elastic to review below.

The dress is unlined and closes with a side metal zipper. Some small areas of the elastic back have loosened out a touch. I am being pretty picky. It is perfect otherwise.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2809

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

This stunning dress that dates to the late forties, early 1950s combines a beautiful print and color combination with sequins and a pretty feminine feel. The entire dress is stunning and made of a beautiful black cotton voile with a pretty floral print scattered over its surface. The fabric choice helps it to keep its shape and volume and really show off those ruffled tiers perfectly while still keeping it light and summer feeling. Three full tiers make up the skirt and are layered over each other with each getting wider as they near the hem. This creates incredible volume and movement. The top is fitted around the bodice and has a pretty pleated and draped detailing that highlights the bust.Two tiny straps curve over the shoulders. The best part is the finish of green sequins that are hand set everywhere you see the flower print. These early dresses are harder and harder to come by and this one is exceptional. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the side with a metal zipper. Hand finishes and hand applied sequins. Note that there is no tag present but the owner passed onto me that it did have a Fred Perlberg label originally.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D578

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

This dress is one of the best 1940s dresses I have seen and is well made and definitely higher end workmanship. It has its Fashion Originators Guild Label but no other. The Guild was formed by a group of designers, manufacturers and actual shop owners who agreed that they would only work with original designs and not sell, design or produce "knock-offs". The group existed form 1932-1941 giving us a 9 year period in which to date this dress.

The blue base of the dress is so dark that in some lights it seems black which only serves to allow that brilliant green and red print to feel even more of a pop of color then it is. The dress is made from a beautiful weight silk that is cut on the bias so has a touch of stretch to it. It is also easy to see that it was stored properly for all these years as the colors are as crisp and vibrant as the day it was made. The base is that deep blue-black hue and then onto this is a beautiful floral print in a vivid green ad a bright, true red. The cut is fitted with a V neck and pleating along to top of each shoulder and it has fabulous pouf sleeves below that. The waist nips in and is accented even more with attached panels of fabric that turns into two extremely long ties that wrap around you and tie to accentuate the waist with. The skirt is cut to below the knee and flares out slightly as it reaches the hem. What a beauty Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a side metal zipper. Attached ties at the waist. There is one tiny repair to the skirt at the back near the side.

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 29.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D577

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

This beautiful dress by Arnold Scassi has the most wonderful and romantic fabric choice. The color is equally as great and those two elements combined with the strapless silhouette make for a beautiful gown. I love the brilliant green and how the silk is covered from bodice to hem with a scattering of little hearts that are finished in a slightly different shade of green. The technique used to create the hearts is very interesting and becomes a design element in itself. A layer of bias cut silk that has the hearts cut out of it, is fused over a second inner layer of silk chiffon. This gives the hearts that slightly 3D, layered window effect you see. The dress itself is cut to create a seamless column at the front. It falls to the floor in one unbroken swoop of fabric from the bodice to the hem. This creates an almost sculptural feel. The back is gathered in pleat work under the small of the back and giving it more fullness and volume. Above this, four flat bows have been added to give a little extra detailing. The interior of the dress has an inner corset so once on it feels fitted and secure. It is just beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching green tissue silk and closes with a back zipper. It has in inner waist stay and the bodice is lightly boned. The skirt has an inner skirt made of two layers of silk and the outer skirt is lined in an organza. Both the inner and outer layer of the skirt have a wide banding of stiffened netting at the hem to help hold the shape.

Bust: to 18" flat across inside from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 52" from top of bodice hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1453

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

This amazing Pauline Trigere set is the absolutely stunning. It really is one of my favorites pieces by her that I have had come through my hands so far. It feels shockingly modern and I have seen similar pieces walking the runways recently. The skirt is supermodel length and has the perfect amount of fullness to it. The fabric has a fine ribbed texture to it and has been hand dyed a brilliant green. The silk has enough weight to it that it almost has the feel of like a light canvas type fabric. This allows it to hold the intended shape and fullness that you see but at the same time not be stiff or unwieldy. The skirt wraps over itself and closes with attached ties that wind through the waist band. The front of the skirt has a beautiful pleating detail and pockets sit along each seam at the hip. The halter top wraps up and around the neck and is cut to leave the back bare. I love the intricate seam and stitch detailing that runs over the front and follows the plunging neckline. It is gorgeous and a real statement piece. The set has its original hang tags and also has an envelope with an extra button for the halter neckline. Worn together it looks like a dress but the two pieces give you the extra versatility to wear it as separates. Excellent condition

The skirt is unlined and the top lined in a matching color polished cotton. The top closes with a fabric covered button at the neck and hidden flat hook and eye at the back waist. The skirt wraps and ties to close with a hidden hook & eye along the wrapped edge. Pockets on each side of the skirt. Note the the hook of the closure at the waist is set in just under 2" so you could adjust this easily to get more room. The  potential adjustments will allow it to fit a broader range of sizes.

Top
Bust: no true side seams so variable
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam (if you move the hook you could get to 14")
Length: 17.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: ties so adjustable - approx 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2292

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

This is an exquisite late 1920s, perhaps early 1930s sequin and net gown. The exterior of the dress is entirely covered with tightly spaced, hand applied sequins in cream and a gold. It is one of the most spectacular gowns from this period I have ever seen.The estate that it came out of was packed full of very high end and couture clothing. The original owner and her husband had strong ties to The Met Museum. I am almost reluctant to post this as I feel that it very well may be an early Haute Couture piece; Chanel or someone else of that era. It was entirely done by hand and despite its heavy covering of sequins, it is almost weightless. It is a true piece of art and a remarkable example of this time period. Rarely do you see dresses of this caliber from this time period anymore, especially when you consider that it is still string and wearable with care.

Sequin adorn every inch of its surface and each has been meticulously applied by hand. the hours put into this dress to do this is mind boggling. You would rarely see this level of handwork on a piece today and if you did it would be at Haute Couture level pricing. The dress goes from a solid cream sequin at the top to gold swirls that go to full density on the lower skirting. The sequins cover the entire dress on both the front and back. The cut is very simple with wide straps that curve up and over each shoulder. These suspended the dress as it falls in a sleek, slightly fitted  sheath, flaring out as it passes the waist and falls to the floor. The back is cut longer then the front for a slight trained effect and the back itself plunges to a low and sexy deep V. It is so well made that I suspect that you could easily wear the V at the front if you wished. The gold sequins are a rich muted tone with just the hint of an underlying green to the gold. I love how the sequins are set in curving patterns even in the solid colored portions. Normally you only see patterns made form rows. These curving sequin patterns would have added hours of planning and execution to the gown. It is a remarkable example of the fined hand work being done during this time period and is really a treasure. All the work is done by hand which you can clearly see on the back side of the fabric. Excellent, museum quality condition.

It is fully lined in a silk organza and slips on to wear with no closures. Hand finished and all the sequin work is hand done. There are a couple areas of sequins missing that I photoed. There are thousands up thousands of sequins and the small areas affected in no way detract. The lining is torn in places. with some repair work that loos older. I considered removing the lining altogether - it would be as stable without the lining as with - but have decided to leave it as found for the purists, and in case this in indeed an important designer couture piece as I suspect. At some point the hem was let down and there is a slight crease that circles the hem. I have left it at its full length. The edge is finished nicely so it works. So it is sent entirely original and as found. Carefully stored. For a piece that is almost 100 years old is it to be considered in outstanding, museum quality condition.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E637

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

This is one of the best Geoffrey Beene gowns that I have seen in some time and is really an outstanding example of his work. My client had this looked at by someone that actually worked closely with Beene and even they said it was one of the best Beene pieces they had seen. I love Geoffrey Beene's work during this time period and this particular dress is just divine. It is really a special piece and Museum worthy. The workmanship is very fine and it is surprisingly light weight despite all that is going on in it. It also has a very refined look to it which is a feat in itself considering how many details and separate elements have gone into its design. It is made form a combination of a gold backe, silk lurexy mixed with netting and chenille velvet yearn embellishments. The prints are a mix of pattern, lines, stripes, dots and  animal prints with a lurex trim detailing.

The body and skirt of the dress is made of a fine metallic silk lurex, with striped netting used  for the sleeves. This same striped netting curves around the back waist and up into the inset bodice. . The bodice has a silk muslin with velvet chenille dot embellishments covering it. It is cut full through the bodice so just skims over the bust and out into the sleeves. The extensive detailing work and lurex piping that details all the design is amazing. From there the skirt floats over the hips to the hem where it is finished with a fine band of black netting set just under the hem line. It is really an amazing dress and a testament to Beene's genius. Note that the dress also comes with a short lurex sash that you can tie around the waist or neck. I chose not to photo it ties around the dress so you could fully see the amazing detail at the waist and neckline. Excellent condition.

The fabric is self backed in gold and the dress unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has a hidden set zipper at the cuff. I see one small stitch where there was a break on the net at the top of one shoulder.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2807

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

This fabulous dress was definitely inspired by the work that Loris Azzaro was doing during this time period. At first glance you would almost think that it was one of his pieces. It has that same signature looped keyhole neckline that has a highly detailed embellished neckline just like his pieces did. This version is made from a fluid silver-grey jersey that drapes fantastically. The color perfectly off-sets the detail at the neck and it has a cool, chic feel to it. It is gathered up and around the bodice with all the pleat work used for the gathers converging into the center keyhole. The skirt cascade from just below the bus line to flow to the floor in yards of fabric. I love the neckline and it is absolutely the center piece of the dress. It curves up and around the neck and the straps are completely encrusted with faux pearls, densely set, glittering rhinestones and beads scattered in between. It is a fantastically sexy dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching color silky rayon and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. There is some light scuffing/grubbiness along the hem but nothing that detracts.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 11" from neck to empire waist
Skirt: approx 49" from empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2386

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

Made of a beautiful pink silk chiffon mixed with a pink silk satin for the bodice this pretty pink dress has beautiful lines and very feminine feel. It is very well made and the quality of the silks are very good making me feel certain that it must be a designer piece. It does still have its Bonwit Teller department store tag but no other clues as to who originally designed it. I can only tell you that it is definitely a higher end piece. The bodice of the dress is fitted with a high, corset feel to it, and I love how the fabric twists at the front for extra detail. From under that bust detail, yards and yards of pink silk chiffon flow to the floor in a cascade of fabric. This exterior skirting lies over a more fitted sheath underskirt so when you move you really get a fantastic movement of the silk. It has a matching shawl that is very large and when it is worn over the shoulder it cascades almost the floor. It is made of a wide panel of the same silk chiffon with silk satin bands anchoring each end. The color is person is a far better pink then how it photoed - it is softer pink and has a more pastel pink feel to it then how the camera captured the color. It is very pretty and romantic in person. Excellent condition

The skirt is fully lined with an interior silk crepe skirt in a matching pink. The bodice is lined in the same silk satin as the bodice. It closes with a back painted metal zipper

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior skirting hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Shawl: 144" x 36"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2272

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

Pauline Trigere was known for her sophisticated pieces and her ability as a fine tailor. Her garments are often on par with demi-couture in how they are constructed and finished. Like Gres she was a master cutter and worked on a love pattern when pieces her patterns. She kept her business small and oversaw all the elements of it. This hands on philosophy shows in the quality of her pieces. This pink gown is absolutely wonderful and one of my favorite pieces to date by her that I have had in the shop.

The lines of this dress are beautiful and I fear that photos on a mannequin do not do it full justice. It marries color, simplicity and line perfectly. The silk is a good weight and dyed a vivid pink that instantly catches the eye. There are no embellishments on the dress so the color and line carry all the drama of it. The bodice is if fitted and with a V neckline and this then nips in at the waist before the skirt flows to the floor in a voluminous cascade of silk. The sleeves and their volume balance out the skirt.  Each is cut to sit just above the elbow and is fitted into the shoulders in a way that allows for that pouf effect. They are fabulous and serve as the focal point of the dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching colored silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished. Very high end construction

Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from top of bodice to side waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2100

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

Helen Rose was the chief costume designer at MGM and won two academy awards for her work. She also hold the distinctive honor of making both Grace Kelly and (one of) Elizabeth Taylor's wedding dresses. Her pieces are rare and they tend to be made on par with demi-couture pieces and her gowns especially are exceptionally beautiful

This dress is exceptional. This dress is made of a vivid pink silk that has a good weight to it - enough to hold the beautiful sculptural lines that the dress has. The bodice has been kept simple with a curved plunge at the front neckline. Under the bust are a series of simple gathers that highlight the bust line. A piping detail circles the waist with a pretty little bow finish at the front. The skirt is a study in line and cut. It glides over the hips and falls in an ever expanding column of silk until it reaches the floor. Soft pleats set into each side allow it to curve in and around like flower petals. At the back a panel of fabric runs down in a watteau cut from the neck to the floor. A magnificent finish that gives the dress its couture feel. Its final, perfect detail is the lining which is a pale, soft pink silk satin. You do not see this once the dress is on but knowing it is there is like a little secret only the person wearing it will know. A really outstanding piece. Excellent condition with one small note to review below/

Fully lined in a soft pink slipper silk satin and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. Inner waist stay that hooks into place. Fabulously constructed and finished by hand. There is one small area where the fabric shows the smallest bit of color change near the bottom hem at the side. I have priced it accordingly and it does not detract at all. 

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 44" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2274

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

It is hard not to love such a strong statement piece. Dresses with these over-the-top, elaborate sleeves are always a favorite and this one is just super. Despite all that drama created by the sleeves, the almost weightless silk used for it keeps it light and easy. There is still a soft and sexy element to it. The silk used for the dress is beautiful. It is a brilliant green with a ribbon finish that gives the fabric visual interest. This combined with the pretty pops of color in the pattern is fabulous. The sleeves  are the star of the show on this dress. Each is a dramatic panel of fabric that flows down from the shoulders. They are each a full 28" in length and trail down the sides. The way they move and flow when you move while wearing the dress is just incredible. The full length skirt is the perfect balance to the sleeves. On the bodice, I love the high neck. Again, the full coverage through the body really just serve to highlight those incredible sleeves. The contrast between the colors and the beautiful cut mixed with the volume of the sleeves is wonderful. Excellent condition.

The bodice and skirt are fully lined in a matching green silk and the sleeves are unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal zipper.

Shoulders: 15"
Sleeves: 17.5" from shoulder to edge with a 28" drop from top to bottom
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2090

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