This amazing little dress is from the days when founder Consuelo Castiglioni was the head of the company and acting Creative Director. The brand launched in 1994 and quickly became known for their innovative prints and the way she mixed and matched colors. This is classic Marni from this time period. The twin of this dress walked the runway that season on Kasia Struss. 

This dress is one of her very easy to wear loose and open smock pieces. They are just genius. It has sleeves that run just past the elbow and the cut through the body is loose and full. On the runway it was worn with the V to the back and you can see how this creates an oversized feel to the dress from the front. The neckline is a simple scoop on that side and then at the back it plunges to a deep V. On the skirt under the V the fabric has been gathered and seamed to create an off-set gathered feel. The dress falls in a loose baby doll smock feeling shape around and below that. This one has the added advantage that you can easily flip it around and wear the deep V to the front. It has such a quirky shape that you can totally get away with it. You can also add a belt to give it more shape and an entirely different look. It is like getting four dresses in one as you can wear it both to the back or front and then belted either way as well. It is also very easy to wear and travel with. The fabric is a synthetic crepe and it stays virtually wrinkle free and is just heavy enough to hold the shape. It is a great example of her work during this time period. Plus it has pockets. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures. Pockets hidden along the hip seams. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a 46. The loose and easy cut should fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3795

Reference Photos: Fall 2007 Marni Runway Collection, Look 55. Model: Kasia Struss.

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

The Fall 2010 Chanel collection is still one of the strongest and most memorable of the Karl Lagerfeld days. Vogue's Sarah Mower said in part of the show: "Freja Beha Erichsen and three bears on an ice floe. This was the arctic scene at Chanel, where giant chunks of bona fide iceberg, specially transported from Scandinavia, formed the frozen landscape around which models solemnly splashed through a sea of 'berg-melt in shaggy snow boots with ice-block heels. The Karl conceit of the season, no surprises, was an in-every-way extravagant play on Coco in cold weather. Using more fur than he'd even flung at Fendi—the twist being that here the fur was fake—Lagerfeld steered this collection nearer to couture than ready-to-wear than ever. Fur was woven into brown tweeds; formed deep pelmets on the lower half of leather jackets; became almost igloo-shaped capes, bonnets, even—for goodness' sake—furry trousers. Meanwhile, the suit and coat combinations also had a level of lavish elaboration usually reserved for haute eveningwear. Fur-fringed embroideries and ice jewelry conspired to create intensely worked ruffled and beaded silhouettes that glinted with rock-crystal neckpieces and fistfuls of rings. Somewhere in there, a flash of translucent silver seemed to be a clutch in which the quilting of the CC classic bag had been frozen into the likeness of a refrigerator ice cube tray." This dress was one of the knit and fringed pieces and was one of the most wearable dresses shown. It's twin was presented on the runway for Look 21 worn by Anna de Rijk.

This is a stunning and easy to wear dress. It is made out of one of the classic Chanel boucle knits and then has thick rows of yarn woven though that. The yarn detailing it was done in a range of colours going from a white to a deep navy to a deep red with variations of each colour running down each. The wool that the dress is made out of is very high end and surprisingly light in weight. These wool pieces are part of the Chanel legacy and Karl's genius in perfecting them and no one does it better. The cut is simple but perfect. It has a slight scooped at the neck and then skims over the bodice. Pockets sit on each side of the front and the sleeves are capped. Each sleeve ends with an edging of black yarn. This same black yarn edging is used at the neckline, the waist, hem and on the pockets. The waist is cinched in with a wide band and then the skirt falls in a pencil shape that has just a touch of as flare as it nears the hem. The neckline has a heavy fringe bib detailing that tied it into the collection perfectly. The fringe is made of yarn and sequins and it appears to be all done by hand. It is just gorgeous and is an amazing example of his work from this time period. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a Chanel 36. If you are narrow through the shoulders it could fit to a Medium 

Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3796

Reference Photos: Fall 2010 Chanel Runway Collection, Look 21. Model: Anna de Rijk.

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 Emilio Pucci dress is made from one of his signature velvet fabrics. These velvet pieces hold color especially well and they have a rich decadent feel to them that is hard to beat with their modern counterparts. His velvet pieces are among my personal favourites and this little dress is exceptional. The prints that he used for these during this time period were all created by Emilio himself. They then underwent a process that transferred them perfectly to the velvets that he used. For this dress you can see how the print is purposefully laid out to highlight the cut of the dress. He chose a rich colour palette of blues for the dress and it is instantly identifiable as a Pucci. The colors all pop against each other beautifully. The dress is kept simple in its cut so that the colours can shine. It is cut in that classic sixties mod shape that is easy to wear. The bodice skims over the bust with a high neck. From there the dress falls on an angle outwards to the hem.  Down each wide cut sleeve is a panel of one of his signature borders that creates a contrast to the main print. This same border treatment circles the hem, the cuffs, runs across the shoulder and around the neck. Another double line of it runs up the back of the dress. I love the burst of colour and print on the front of the dress and that great circular medallion feeling pattern that runs over the entire front. The fabric and pattern would have had to have been laid out in advance to create this look. This is something you don't see as often in modern pieces because it adds to the costs of production. It's really good. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk and closes with a hidden set, back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes throughout. 

Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 35" from neck to hem
Neck: 17" around 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3794

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 a lovely dress by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. Alber joined Lanvin in 2001 and served as the labels Creative Director until 2015. His first break as a designer came when he landed the senior assistant role at Geoffrey Beene. He stayed there for seven years until he was recruited to design for the Guy Laroche label in 1996. in 1998 he took over the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear for Yves Saint Laurent for three short seasons. A stint at Krizia and then a break happened before his time with Lanvin. The Alber years for Lanvin are ones that are much loved by all and with his recent passing owning these pieces seems even more poignant. 

This is a lovely and easy to wear dress. The simplicity of it makes it so very versatile and I love the deep blue colour of it. It is not quite a navy and it has a touch of a smoky blue feel to it. The colour is softer then a true black and you can pair so many other colours with it. A dress like this is truly one of the most versatile pieces you could add to your closet as the possibilities of how to wear it are endless. The cut is very simple. It is made from a very good silk that has a lovely drape. You simply slip it over the head and there is a row of buttons down the front that you can wear open or fully closed. The dress skims over and away from the body and it is quite generously cut. The genius is in the extra long tie belt that you can wrap around you and add as much shape as you wish. The silk is so light and easy that it is a dress that should fit a range of sizes because of the amount it can be cinched into, or not cinched in, is quite a range. The sleeves are long and button at each cuff. It is really a gorgeous dress and very well made. Excellent condition 

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. It buttons partway down the front and each cuff buttons to close with two buttons. 

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" neck to hem
Belt: 120" end to end 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3793

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 Leonard Paris label began as a textile firm in 1954 and for the first four years of its existence it only produced fabric. In 1958 they started making garments but it was not until about 1970 when they started using a printed silk jersey for the majority of their collections that the label really took off. They are often compared to Pucci and during the seventies the two labels battled it out to be the label of choice for the jet set.

I love whenever I get a fabulous Leonard dress into the shop. They are so chic and easy to wear and travel with. This one is a beauty that is made out of one of their signature silk jersey fabrics. This fabric choice is what gives these dresses their perfect drape and fit. Each of their dresses were made of custom designed fabrics and prints. I have had a very similar print to this one in the shop in the past and I think this one is even better as it has a broader range of colours in its mix. This one has a gorgeous floral print that runs over the sleeves and across the shoulders, trails down the bodice and then runs heavily around the hem and up and into the skirt. The colour palette is a beautiful mix of bright pastels and the flower print is large and very pretty. I love the soft cut over bodice and how each sleeve is cut to pouf out slightly over the cuff. The dress skims over the body and flares out slightly as it nears the hem. You can wear it loose and easy or use the belt to give it shape. I love the contrasting borders that define the neckline, cuffs and hem. The matching belt is done in that same print as the borders are so it too becomes a design element. It is a real little beauty. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back, hand set metal and nylon zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch with the fabric signed throughout. The buckle belt is in excellent condition. Each sleeve buttons to close on the cuff. 

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from shoulder to hem
Belt: has three holes set at 27", 28" and 29" respectively 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3792

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 comes from a collection of Bill Blass pieces from a woman who was a close personal friend of Mr. Blass for many years. Many of these pieces were custom made for her and all of them are in excellent condition. These are rare and hard to find examples of his work from the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Some may be the only version of its kind that were made. The family would also like it to be known that their portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to charity. This dress is especially interesting as it definitely inspired some of the dress from Valentino in 2020. He used the same long ruffled technique that details the skirt on this one. It is also a dress that we found two references of similar pieces held in museum collections. 

This dress is stunning. It is from the Spring 1981 collection and I have included two reference photos of variations on it that are held in Museum collections. One is a dress in this same colour and the second with the same ruffle treatment. This particular shade of pastel green was used throughout his collection that year and was the colour of the season for Blass' clients. The dress is beautifully made and the closer you start to look at it the more you start to see the fine detailing that was put into its construction. The work that would have gone into piecing this together using that fine silk chiffon is astonishing. The silk is completely cut on the bias but also has defined seams so that you get the ease and movement of the bias cut through the skirt but with a defined shape over the body. The neckline is a high and scooped. The bodice is made from two distinct layers. There is an inner silk tank with tiny silk straps and then the sleeved chiffon bodice sits over that. Each sleeve is cut long and ends with two silk covered buttons at the wrist. The back hooks at the top of the neck and leaving an open slit that runs from the neck to the first button. The waist is seamed for a touch of shape and you could easily add a belt if you wanted a more cinched in feel. The skirt falls to the floor below that in a beautiful cascade of ruffles. The ruffles are set vertically in rows that run all the way around the skirt. This combined with the bias cut of the skirt creates incredible movement when you move snd there is more fabric in there then you first think. It is beautiful. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in an interior layer of a slightly deeper color green silk. It closes with a back zipper and then the silk chiffon layer close over that with snaps below the waist and hook & eye above. Each cuff has two silk covered buttons. Hand finishes. The color is absolutely fantastic and even better in person. It is a a touch paler green in person then how it photoed. The fabric does have some give due to the bias cut but the waist seam is set. There is one tiny mark on the front bodice. Please review the photo after the label shot. 

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Inner lining bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3280

Reference Photos: (1) Evening dress, 1981 by Bill Blass. Gift of Mrs. Ronald Reagan from the Classic Chicago Magazine.  /  (2) 1981 Bill Blass Dress from the Indianapolis Museum of Art Collection.

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 a lovely unlabeled piece from the 1960s that is made out of a metallic organza. There is an underlying pattern on the organza done in green and pink and then a metallic gold thread has been woven through the organza to create a secondary pattern. The metallic thread runs over both the pieces of the set and the matching belt. The gold catches the light beautifully and really adds detailing to the piece. Like the Malcolm Starr I just had in the shop this one is also meant to be worn over the hot pants that are original to the set. The top piece looks like a dress at first glance but you soon realize that one side of the skirt is completely open from the waist to the hem. The bodice is cut with a high scooped neckline and no sleeves. It skims over the bust and nips in at the waist. The skirt flows down from under there and the entire one side of the skirt is slit from the waist to the floor so that the side is completely split open. If you wanted to add to the versatility of the piece you could easy add a snap or two to be able to wear it on its own and as a true dress. Otherwise you can wear it as it was originally intended by adding the matching shorts underneath. I love that the edges down the side that is open are detailed with a gold braiding and the various crystals and beads that are set within that braiding. It gives it an added extra bit of bling that just puts it over the top. The shorts that go underneath are flat fronted and cut like boy shorts. Beside still having its original shorts it also has the original sash that you can cinch the waist in with like I have for these shots or you can use it around the neck or as a head wrap. The fabric choice gives the dress a touch of structure so it holds the shape and the metallic thread makes it glitzy and fun. This is an easy to wear but glamorous dress set that perfectly represents it time period. Excellent condition.

The top and shorts are fully lined in a black silky rayon and the skirt is unlined and is partially transparent. Both the shorts and the dress close with metal & nylon zippers, the shorts at the front and the dress at the back. The organza feels synthetic. The tie belt is original to the dress. 

Dress
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: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Shorts
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 2"
Rise: 15" 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E696

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

Jean-Louis Scherrer was a Parisian fashion designer and couturier. He trained under both Christian Dior and then Yves Saint Laurent when he started his career at Dior. He worked briefly for Louis Feraud and then launched his own fashion house in 1962. From 1962 to 1992, Jean-Louis Scherrer dressed some of the most prestigious women in the world including Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Paola of Belgium, Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch and many more. His work was known for known for being opulent with lavish trimming like the buttons in this dress. He sourced and used the very best of fabrics for his pieces. It is wonderful to have such a beautiful piece of his work in the shop. The dress has no labeled but comes to me from its original owner who removed the tag at some point 

This dress is exceptional and a remarkable example of his work during this time period. The colour is amazing. If you love it in the photos you will be even happier with it in real life because there is a richness to the silk that the camera could never capture. It is a bright spring green that is mixed with white and a slightly deeper green. This creates that spectacular floral print that covers the entire dress. The fabric that the print is screened onto is a fine silk gazar that has a secondary floral print that is woven directly into the silk. This adds to the rich feel of the fabric. The dress is light in weight because of this fabric choice but at the same time this particular silk allows the dress to hold its incredible shape. I did not add any additional crinolines under the skirt. That fullness is all created by seaming, how it is pieced together and the inner skirts that are there already. The print is huge and exuberant, covering the entire dress from head to toe. The skirt is wonderfully full and has been made from several yards of bias cut silk. This floats over inner silk and tulle skirts that create the shape and volume that you see. The bodice is constructed so that it has the feel of a sculpted evening jacket but it is actually fully attached and a part of the dress. The collar is set so that is sits slightly raised up so that it frames the neck and face. It is also cut wider across the front so that you get this lovely glimpse of the collarbones before it plunges into a V at the front. Large jewelled poured glass gripoix buttons run down the front giving it a slight Chanel feel. The sleeves are long and taper in as they near each wrist. The waist curves in and then the fabric flares out over the hips and curves down and around the back. An attached half belt is finished with that perfect oversized bow at the back. It is absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in a deep green silk and closes with zipper set down the middle of the back. Each sleeve has a zipper at its cuff. Under the buttons at the front are hidden hand set silk covered snaps. The skirt has an two inner attached skirts. There is a silk layer as described above and then there is an inner tulle layer that is attached starting just under the hips. The belt closes with velcro and that was almost certainly a later addition so that tar belt sits more flat. Hand finishes. There is one small repair and small marks near the hem of the back skirt near the side seam. Please see the last two photos. Very minor. 

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Innermost lining hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3279

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 love finding Donald Brooks pieces. They are very well made and his boutique pieces especially have a sense of fun about them that I love. Brooks launched his main line label in 1964. He only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He had a secondary, boutique line that he started in 1971 that also closed in 1973. This dress is from the boutique line which gives us that small time period from 1971-1973 for its date. While researching we also found a two piece set that resides in the Goldstein Museum's collection made of the same fabric. I have had that one in the shop before and it is amazing to have another version now for you. 

For his boutique line, Donald Brooks really played into that whole 1960s flower power hippie movement. His designs were targeted towards a younger audience then the main line pieces where and they all have this sense of fun and ease to them. Pieces made regular appearance on all of the big name supermodels in the pages of Vogue and Harper's and women loved them. This dress is just darling. It is made out of a cotton mix fabric that has a  seersucker texture striping running through it to give added dimension. The colour combination is a gorgeous mix of primarily corals and yellows with other colours worked in. The top is cut onto a halter at the front with angled sides that carry up to the high neckline. It is nipped in at the waist and then the skirt is set under that to fall outwards on an angle, widening out as it nears the hem. At the back the straps that extend out from the collar curve down the sides to meet the waist. This leaves your back almost entirely bare and open. The long skirt also has two high slits running up either side at the front. This slit skirt technique is a signature of his work and lets your legs show when you walk or sit. Then, as the final finish, all of the edges on the halter, running down the front and circling the waist, have been finished with bands of embroidered multi-coloured flowers. And it has pockets in the skirt. I love it. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a low set zipper at the back of the skirt and halter hooks to close at the back of the neck. My dress form's neck was too small but it will close completely in the proper size neck or you could add an extension there if needed. Pockets hidden along the sides of the skirt

Neck: 13.25" end to end
Bust: approx to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and there is a at least room or up to a B cup at the front 
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to top waist seam waist
Skirt: 38" from top waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3785

Reference Photo: 1970-75 Donald Brooks Ensemble from the Goldstein Museum of Design Collection.

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

Jean-Louis Scherrer was one of the great French couturiers in the grand Parisian style. He counted Sophia Loren and Jackie Kennedy as fans in his heyday and his work in the 1970s especially was wonderful. Opulence, hand beading and rich passementerie were his trademarks. He launched his own Haute Couture house after working at Christian Dior and by 1977, the year that this dress was made, he was just reaching the top of his game as a couturier. It is an incredible find and even more beautiful in person

I love the soft yellow silk organza that has been used for the skirt and the shawl in this dress. This choice of fabric allows it to have the volume that you see but without adding any weight at all. It also is a soft and romantic contrast to the sequin work on the bodice. The bodice is strapless and cut to be fitted to the bust balancing the volume of the skirt perfectly. Thousand of tiny sequins have been hand applied to create that stunning floral design that you see. As you look closer the work just gets more amazing. The edges of the green sequin leafs fro example are all finished with the tiniest glass tube beads possible. Little glass crystals edge other parts of the design and create a border across the top of the bodice. The workmanship is exquisite and the care and time to have created the design using these very small sequins and beads is astonishing. Under the bodice the skirt is cut to skim over the tops of the hips and than flows outwards with its first ruffle. There are three ruffles in total making up the skirt and each is cut to be very wide and each is made out of several yards of fabric. The skirt under the ruffles gradually widens as it reaches the hem. I photos most of the full length shots here with a light crinoline underneath so you could get an idea of just how full the skirt could be. The final full length shot is without anything underneath and even then it has stunning volume. The movement and airiness the skirt creates in person is amazing. At your smallest movement the ruffles float around you. The dress comes with a matching shawl that is so large it really could be considered to be more of a cape. It is made of the same silk as the skirt and is finished with the same ruffled treatment we see on the skirt. It can be wrapped or just lightly held. The entire dress is finished to Haute Couture standards and it is even more beautiful in person. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in the same silk organza that is used on the exterior. All of the work throughout is done by hand done to the edgings of the inner seams. It zips to close with a painted metal zipper and the exterior skirt snaps to close over the zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The bodice is lightly boned. I see one tiny dot of a mark just under the bodice seam and a tiny repair near the base of the back closure. Numbered tag 002576

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Shawl: 9 feet long x just over 5 feet wide

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3393

Reference Photos: (1) 1976-1977 Fall-Winter Women's haute couture runway show.  /  (2) Jean Louis Scherrer with model, 1977.

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 twin of this dress was showcased in a special presentation for the InStyle & "A Diamond is Forever" Sneak Peek at Red Carpet Fashion for the 2004 Awards Season. I have included photos from that so that you can see just how gorgeous this dress is on. This is definitely one of the prettiest Oscar dresses I have ever had in the shop and I love it. The movement it has when it is on and you walk is just incredible. 

This dress is a dream. It is made out of a yellow printed silk chiffon that has a soft green fern print scattered across its surface. The upper bodice has a soft rounded shape to it and the silk is draped over the bust and then down the the body to fall down and around you. This creates a fabulous draping effect that goes right from the top of the bust to just below the hips crating an hourglass feel. The skirt is set in and under the draped bodice and the entire front part of the skirt has been scooped upwards which emphasizes all those ruffles even more. The skirt has a ton of volume to it that shows best when you move. It is made out of four full sets of ruffled tiers that fall softly to the floor. The lightness of the silk causes the ruffles on the skirt to move with the slightest bit of air. When this is on and you are walking the effect that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. The dress is suspended from the neck by the straps that extend out of the middle of the bodice and wrap around and hook behind the beck. These straps have been made out of the same silk as the dress but it has been gathered in a ruffle and the edges were left raw. He then set little hand made flowers all along the straps for the prettiest finishing detail that adds an extra element of romance and femininity. This is Oscar at his very best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition. 

The bodice and torso are lined in a matching deep yellow silk. The ruffles of the skirt are set on top of the same silk chiffon so you get a touch of transparency as they move. It closes with an inner zipper to close the built in boned inner support and then a second hidden set zipper over that to close the exterior dress. The straps hook to close behind the neck. Lightly boned through the inner bodice. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Hand finishes through out 

Bust: to 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: 59" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5556

Reference Photos: Model wearing Oscar de la Renta for the InStyle & "A Diamond is Forever" Sneak Peek at Red Carpet Fashion for the 2004 Awards Season, January 2004.

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 a beautiful example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. I have dated this to the Spring 1980 collection based particularly on the sleeves which were a highlight of the collections in and around this time period. The dress is exceptionally well made and of course being Haute Couture was entirely made by hand. It is beautiful. Finding pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition is a rarity and I am very pleased to have this beautiful dress in the shop. 

This exceptional and rare Haute Couture dress from Valentino Haute Couture is wonderful. The dress has a deceptively simple cut but the closer you look at it the more of the numerous couture details become apparent. It is a very easy dress to wear with its simple shift feeling shape but at the same time it is cut to drape over you perfectly. The neckline is a simple and wide scoop at both the front and the back. It runs down and over the body and is meant to skim over your curves. The waist is cut with a generous feel and if you wanted to add shape you could easily add a belt to cinch it in and give the dress an entirely different feel. Under the generous waist seam the skirt falls in a series of small knife pleats, each set precisely beside its neighbour at exactly the same distance apart. These pleats give the skirt lots of movement. Inside and underneath is a second layer to the skirt and it is also finished with the same pleating. That inner layer has a double panel of the pleats so that you actually see the edges of three full layers when wearing the dress. These layers swing over each other and when you move they move to create a stunning effect. The sleeves are the perfect finish and balance out the pleat work on the skirt.  Each is three tiers of ruffled pleats and they also give movement when you move. The perfect finishing detail is the subtle black on black floral print that is woven through the silk. The dress is soft and fluid and it falls beautifully once on an actual body. This is Haute Couture under the masterful hand of Mr Valentino himself and is an exceptional example of his work. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in handset, very high quality black silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is lined in a black silk. All couture construction and it closes with a hand set, fine metal zipper at the back. Made by hand to haute Couture standards

Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 14" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 27: from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3788

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

Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how sexy and dramatic her work could get. 

This dramatic little dress by Vicky Tiel is fabulous. It is made from a black jersey that lets it drape over you perfectly. The design is fabulous as well. The bodice is draped and gathered into two long triangles over the bust. At the back there are two more of the same and these are set wider apart so that most of your back is left bare and exposed. Then starting right under the base of the halter there is a gathered and fitted waist that cinches you in and creates shape. This middle part is highly structured and molded to the body. It is made like a corset inside to give you shape with both boning and inner structure for support. Under that the skirt is made out of the same jersey as the rest of the dress and is set as a panel that wraps around you and curves up and over at the front. When you walk or move you get a flash of leg showing and it is quite sexy. All of this is topped by that spectacular collar and sleeves. The halter at the back and front are all attached into the collar that wraps around the neck and so are the long slim sleeves. This creates this very interesting cut out effect all around the neckline and back. The collar itself is really like wearing an attached piece of jewellery. It is made of a wide and soft band that is covered with rows of faux pearls and rhinestones. This is a dress that really needs an actual body for it to come to life. It will be jaw dropping once on the right person. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

The skirt and halters are a double layer of the jersey. The middle is fully lined in a black silky rayon and is boned. The dress closes with a back zipper. Very well constructed. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. 

Sleeves: approx 24
Bust: approx to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam but with the open design it should accommodate a range of bust sizes. 
Seam under the bust: 14.5"
Natural waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of bodice: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from neck to top seam at waist
Middle banding: 9"
Skirt: 18.5" from bottom seam of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3787

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 my all time favourite Yves Saint Laurent pieces. I am always excited to find examples of Yves' work from this time period and this one is extra special because it is a version of the dress that was photoed for the ad campaign for YSL that season that ran in the September issue of Vogue. I love this dress so much and it is extremely flattering once on. 

This is a fabulous Yves Saint Laurent dress that is made of a classic black silk crepe. The cut has a definitive nod to the forties with its strong shoulder and cut. Every detail on it is perfection and it is a dress that you will reach for again and again. The sleeves and shoulders are a moment on their own. There is padding inside to help support and shape them. The sleeves are shorter and each wraps around the arm and overlaps over itself. This creates a very pretty curving shape and I love this tiny detail. Across the tops of the shoulders the fabric is gathered and this creates soft folds that run over the bust. Again this a very forties detail. The front neckline plunges into a V and then under that a series of glossy black sequin bands start. The bands of sequins are set over top of elastic that is built into the dress. These start just under the bust and run over to the top of the hips, wrapping all the way around you. This makes the entire middle part of the dress elasticized and very easy to wear. It is very comfortable on while at the same time the rows of elastic molds and shapes you into an hourglass. This bandage effect also gives the bodice above and the skirt below the illusion of more volume and that just adds to the hourglass feel as well. Below the last row of sequins the skirt flares outs and it is quite jaunty. It is a dress that really needs a body in it to truly come to life and it is gorgeous on. Excellent condition

The fabric is self backed in a satin. Well finished inside. It slips on and the gathered area between the sequins is elastic for an easy fit. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 38 but the easy cut and elastic should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 10-16" flat across from side seam to side seam with stretch
Hips: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from neck to first sequin band
Banding: 15" from first sequin band to last
Skirt: 19" from last sequin band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3786

Reference Photo: Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Vogue, September 1983.

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 would have been designed while Youssef Rizkallah headed the company. Youseef joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favorites and in particular his pieces that utilize quilting and patchwork are truly iconic. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture lines that he gained in Paris with the color and vividness of his homeland. I particularly love his patchwork appliqué pieces and this one is a stellar example of just that. 

This is a wonderful piece that would have originally been worn over pant or shorts based on that one side of the skirt that is completely open from the waist to the hem. The dress is made from a creamy ivory fabric that feels like a light mixed of cotton and synthetics. It has a slight ribbed texture that runs over it. The lines in the fabric all run vertically over the dress and this adds to the feeling of length that it has. The bodice is cut with a high collar and no sleeves. It skims over the bust and nips in at the waist. The skirt flows down from under there and the entire one side of the skirt has a ruffled finish in the same ivory fabric. The ruffles also hide that slit that runs right from the waist to the floor so that the side is completely split open. You could easy add a snap or two if you wanted to wear it as a true dress or wear it as it was originally intended by adding a pair fo shorts, tights or trousers underneath. Big gingham patchwork flowers run over the bodice and also trail down the skirt. I love the pop of colour and optimism the flowers give the dress. You cannot look at this piece with its big happy flowers and not feel wonderful. And if that was not enough, the entire inside lining of the skirt is finished in a matching blue gingham. With the skirt being open down the side you completely see this lining when you move. It's fantastic. The final finishing touch is the padded and piped gingham tie belt that wraps around the waist and ties everything together. It is an amazing combination of colour and textures. It is so dramatic and like wearing art. I love it. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in a blue cotton gingham and zips to close at the  back. There is a slight hint of yellowing to the fabric at the collar and the upper back. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hemm

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3789

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 love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram (go peek one day). They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made and detailed. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. I have had the twin of this one before and I am always happy to find another.

This is one of my absolute favourites out of all the pieces I have ever seen by this label and it is a wonderful example of her work. The cotton is crisp and fresh feeling. Usually you see these in bright colours but this one is in a natural cream ivory that has a linen like finish to it. The design is based on a classic caftan. It falls from the shoulders and widens out as it nears the hem. It is cut to sit very loose and easy over the body so it is incredibly easy to wear. The sleeves are extra wide and cut to drop on an angle so they have incredible volume and movement. Running over the the front of the dress are strands of multi-coloured ribbon. The ribbons are a full rainbow of bright and happy colours. Each one has been hand sewn into place in rows running across their bodice and then their ends are left loose. When you move they move and create the most fabulous effect. More ribbon circles the sleeves and details them. It slips on to wear and has a front zipper that you can close all the way up to the neck or leave  open and low for a plunge effect. Excellent condition with a minor note below 

Unlined and zips to close at the front with a painted metal zipper. I see a small spot on the back of one sleeve and some of the ribbons show small repair and stress near the edge where they hang off the caftan. Please see the photos after the label shot. 

The bust goes to 19" across from seam to seam - if this fits the rest should fit. It is 59.5" long from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA (One Size Fits All)

Item# DD3790

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

Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and was an instant success on the worldwide stage. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always exotic, lavish affairs and his designs seemed to span the decades with their eccentric glamour pulled from multiple sources of inspiration. This dress is from the Spring 2008 collection and is from one of his last collections since the atelier closed the following year. On the runway it was shown as a more cocktail length but I love the ease and simplicity of this full length version.

I actually own the twin of this dress and have had it in my personal archives for many years. I was so happy to have my client send its twin to me so that I have another one for someone else to love it as much as I love mine. I love this dress and how it showcases LaCroix's love of print. The bodice has an almost halter feel to it created by the straps that extend down from the shoulders and into a deep curve at the front that scoops down and under the bust. At the back it is scooped even lower to leave your back bare. The fabric of the bodice wraps around you and is more fitted. Nestled within the scoop at the front there is a dense application of beadwork, crystals and embroidery. This adds a subtle yet beautiful touch of glamour to the dress. The waist is cut generously but there is a matching tie belt in the same fabric that you can use to cinch it in as much as you wish. The tie is long so you can create a gorgeous bow like I have, wrap it around yourself for a more clean and simple look, or simply let it trail down the skirt. Under the waist the skirt falls in a sweeping cut that widens out as it nears the hem. The skirt is made up of yards and yards of silk organza and he has set the hem so that it has a bit of a pouf to it that gives it even more volume and movement. The back is cut slightly longer then the front and it has a wonderful lightness to it. And it has pockets. The entire dress weighs very little because of the fabric choice and this adds to the high fantasy feel that it has. I love the exuberant and joyful print that runs over the organza. It is bright and happy and feels oh so very Lacroix. It is magnificent. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a size 40. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to top seam at the waist
Skirt: 41" from top seam at the waist to front hem, 47" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3791

Reference Photos: Spring 2008 Christian Lacroix Runway Collection, Look 45.

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 a gorgeous dress. It is from the 2009 Resort collection and was Look 12 of the presentation. In 2009 Valentino was headed by Alessandra Facchinetti. Vogue's Laird Borrelli-Perrson said of the show; 'In her third collection for Valentino, Alessandra Facchinetti sketched a portrait of a lady in soft hues—pearl gray, icy white, and blush pink—punctuated with pops of chartreuse and rich fuchsia. The chic yet restrained suits she showed for day had soldier jackets with peplumed backs and rows of tiny covered buttons. Release came in the form of ruffles, which fluttered throughout the collection but found their most elegant expression in organza gowns. Smartly paired with metallic flats, these embraced the bodice before wafting to the floor.' This is one of the three stand out organza dresses shown in this collection and I think it was the best one of the three.

This is the kind of dress that you see in real life and it makes you swoon. As good as it looks in the photos it really comes to life on the body. When you move in it the air around you picks uo the silk and organza and it really has beautiful movement. It is made out of a combination of a black silk organza and black silk chiffon. This is layered over inner layers of more silk chiffon. On the skirt there is a doubled inner silk lining topped by two layers of chiffon and then the ruffles are all made from the silk organza. The bodice is made out of the silk chiffon and I love the intricate pleat work that covers it and draws your eye inwards to the detailing. Down the centre front the dress is cut to be fairly sleek in feel with a v cut neckline and nipped in waist. It flows to the floor in a long column and there are ruffles that run down either side of the skirt. These ruffled panels run from the waist all the way down to curve out and around each side to the hem. The effect this creates is wonderful. The back is cut to be longer then the front so you get just the hint of a trained effect. Both the front and back plunge to the inner straight cut bodice and the straps are wide. They curve up and around the shoulder and then angle gracefully in towards the centre of the low back. The entire front is finished with a heavy application of little round glossy black circle paillettes that give the dress a subtle bit of embellishments and glitz. These are denser under the waist line of the dress and take on an almost chain mail feel yet they are very light in weight. The entire dress weighs ounces. It is so pretty and even better in person. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in silk and constructed as described above. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. No size tag present. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It retailed for over $6000 in 2009. Maybe a paillette missing here and there but nothing obvious. 

Bust: 17.5 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulders to seam under bust
Skirt: 45" from was it to front hem, 50" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3783

Reference Photo: Resort 2009 Valentino Collection. Look 12.

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

Mary McFadden patented her Fortuny inspired pleating technique just a couple of years after launching her label in 1973. By the eighties she had many licensing agreements and her dresses were being made on a larger scale. Earlier pieces like this one had much of the work in them finished by hand and were done in house. She called her pleated fabric 'marii' after her own name. She went around the world to source the fabric she wanted and her pieces need up being made out of a synthetic charmeuse that she sourced from Australia. The fabric was then sent to Japan to be hand-dyed and the pleating technique was done by a machine press in the United States. Mary was known to say frequently that there was no greater beauty than pleated cloth on the human body and she said then when she developed her 'marii' fabric her aim was to have it 'fall like liquid gold on the body, like Chinese silk.' The label on this dress pre-dates the mass production of her garments and has hand fineshed detailing in it unlike later pieces. 

This dress is made from McFadden's fabric in her signature pleating technique. Like many of her best pieces the construction of this dress hearkens back to ancient Greece. The pleating gives it the comfort of a bias cut and it is very sexy while still feeling refined. It is cut to plunge at both the front and back. Both sides of the dress are cut to cross over themselves and I love the play on the colour with one side done in black and the other in a creamy ivory. The fabric drapes around you and the lightness of it skims over your body underneath and it is very flattering. The bodice is cut to skim over you from the shoulder to the hip. It is made to give the illusion that the two colours are wrapped and set over each other. One side in an ivory and the other black. The skirt underneath that is done in  a solid black to give you a long lean feel. It is cut on the longer side which is a rare thing to find in her dresses. As she progressed in her career she preferred to design pieces that ended well above the ankle so you could see the shoe underneath so the longer pieces are a bit rarer and harder to find. The sleeves are spectacular. Each sleeve is also made from the pleated fabric and falls long and straight to the wrist. The pleats allow the sleeves to fan open when you move though so they seem wider. One is black and the other is ivory and then those colours carry into the bodice for that graphic feel. Each has a very tiny bit of light padding in the shoulder but once on the body have a soft feel to them. The front and back plunge into a V which just balances everything out perfectly. No matter how good it is in the photos it is better in person and it is wonderful once on the body. It is beautiful and a rare example of her earlier work. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Hand finishes. The easy cut and give of the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. There are some tiny little snags on the fabric here and there but nothing that really effect its presentation. The dress is a slightly more creamy ivory then how it photoed.  

Sleeves: approx 22"
Slightly inset shoulders: approx 15.5"
Bust: will stretch to at least 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: will stretch 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
The seam across the top of the hips that is 18" down from the shoulder will stretch to 17" across max
Hips under that seam: open
Length: 59" from shoulder to hem at the front and 59" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3784

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

Emanuel Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after stints at both Balenciaga and Courreges. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his extravagant fabrics and flamboyance. He often participated in the design and execution of new fabrics and for him the design process started there. His work always has a sense of exuberance and joy to it and he mixed fabric and prints with a master's eye. When hunting for the date of this dress I found a strikingly similar dress from the runway that had additional shoulder detailing but is otherwise remarkably like this one. That reference photo is included and it gives you a great idea of how amazing this one will be once on an actual body. 

The fabric and colour of this dress are fantastic and no matter how great it looks in the photos you will love it even more in person. It is made out of a coral silk that is heavily shot through with a gold lame thread. This lets the fabric catch the light from every angle and intensifies the coral colour. The fabric is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on. Inside the dress is a built in structure to give you support so that despite the lightness of the fabric the intended shape is held perfectly in place. The strapless bodice is cut with a modified sweetheart neckline and it is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. These folds that emphasized the curves of the body were a signature of his and really made his pieces flattering once on. On this dress the gathers and shape run from the bust right down and over the hips so you get curves on curves. Under the bottom seam the skirt is set and has a series of silk panels set all the way around you. Each panel has been individually set on an angle to create the ruffled effect that you see. The way they are set onto the skirt allows each piece to move freely so that whenever you move they move. A little bow at the back is the perfect finishing touch. It is gorgeous and appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a coral silk and closes with a back zipper. The bow snaps into place over the top of the zipper. The interior of the bodice is boned for support. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 6. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3417

Reference Photo: F/W 1988-89 Emanuel Ungaro Runway Collection.

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 had a long version of this dress in a darker print in the past and I love this shorter version just as much. It is not 100% perfect but it is too fabulous to not let it go back out into the world. This is a spectacular wrap seventies cotton batik print dress that is a knock out. This is a dress that you will want to grab time after time. It is so easy to wear and yet at the same time has a touch of high glamor. The skirt falls from the waist in a dramatic swoop that gets wider as it nears the hem. It skims over the hips and the beautifully printed fabric is shown off to the max as it widens out. The bodice is just as spectacular  - each side of the bodice extends into a very long tie and then you can wrap these as you wish to create a more halter feel, a sexy strapless option, or really cinch in the waist. You can even fold it over and wear the dress as a skirt. I have shown a couple of options and I bet you could get creative and find more. You could even layer this over a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt for a completely different feel.  It is fabulous. Excellent overall condition with a note below

Unlined and the skirt closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. The top wraps and ties and you can tie it a several different ways. There is a touch of grubbiness to the cotton where it would normally sit under the arm and there is a tiny bit of colour run on the skirt. Please see the final two photos. Otherwise it is sound and fabulous

Bust: variable
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D632

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 absolutely incredible and one of the prettiest things I have seen lately. I love this dress. The fabric is a wonderful silk taffeta that has a romantic washed floral design covering its entire surface. The print is set onto the silk in a soft washed feel like a watercolour painting. The bodice is strapless and fitted to hug the body. Light boning at each side helps to hold it in place. The silk was then draped to closely follow your every curve. The fabric on the bust crosses over itself and gathers bring the dress in at one side to create the illusion that it has been wrapped around you. The wrapped illusion is made even more apparent by the wide ruffle that trims all of the edges. This wide panel os fabric follows the cur of the dress and curves around the hem and then back up. The form is shipped ups lslightly as a result for some leg to show and I love ow the hem is slightly asymmetrical as a result. The ruffle also acts to emphasize the curves and the shape of the dress. It has a very bombshell feel to it as a result. The waist is cinched in with seaming and a large flower made of the same fabric is nestled into the folds just under the bust for the perfect finishing detail. Everything on this dress is done to create that highly sculptural shape. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. In person the colour is a bit more towards a dusty pinky red then the coral it photoed as. It is even better in person. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a pink silky rayon and closes with a hidden set side zipper. 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A to small B cup
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bust: 10" from top of waist
Skirt: 30" to the longest point at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3581

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

Leger worked for Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi and followed him to Chanel in 1983 when Lagerfeld took over there. In 1985 at the age of 28 Leger began designing under his own name for clients. His dresses were one of the stars of the nineties and were among the most coveted and iconic of the labels during that period of fashion. His bandage dress in particular were one of his strongest creations and the originals were only produced between 1989-1997. This dress is even more special as it is one of his couture pieces. A mannequin would be created based on the exact measurements of his client that the dress was made for and each is a one of made to fit that client exactly. In 1998 the company was sold to BCBG and the making of the bandage dress were halted along wth the dismissal of Herve from his self named brand. Dresses from this time period where he was making and designing the dresses himself are very rare and to find a couture one even rarer. It is a very special piece. I was very happy to find a version that walked the runway for the Fall 1997 show and the runway shots show you how it looks when in an actual body aNDA the shoulders worn off shoulder like they should be 

This dress combines that iconic striped bandage technique he used with a bias cut silk skirt and stunning lace and bead work. The bodice is made entirely using his famous bandage technique where elastic strips of fabric were sewn together to make girdle-tight foundation. The allows the bodice to mold and shape itself to your body and  create that perfect hourglass feel. The bandage portion the dress runs from the neckline to just past the hips. The bodice was then covered in a soft, fine lace that allows the nude coloured elastic underneath to peak through. From a distance this gives the illusion that you aren't wearing anything underneath the lace. The lace is held in place by vertical banding of beadwork that are set on slight angles to further add to the illusion of shape. More beadwork runs around the neckline and over the straps and then again t the bottom where the bodice meets the skirt. The front is shaped to mold over the breasts and the straps are set wide. On an actual body these can be worn more off the shoulder to leave the collar bones completely bare. At the back the neckline scoops down to leave the upper portion of the shoulders bare. The skirt is set in under that and flares out around you to move with your slightest movement. I love this contrast between the very fitted top and the more flowing skirt. The silk used for the skirt is light in weight and has no lining so it really moves wonderfully. It is stunning and a fabulous example of his made to order couture work. This is a dress that really needs a body to come to life and once on it will blow you away.  Excellent condition 

Unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a M. The fabric does have stretch and it can expand but does still stay tight and fitted with the elastic interior. The range of measurements given below are of it laying flat but it will potentially stretch to a couple of inches more. 

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from off shoulder strap to hem, approx 57" once on

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3581

Reference Photos: Fall 1997 Herve Leger Runway.

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

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during this period. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.

This is a killer dress. It is really one that will come to life even more once on an actual body and you can see your bare skin peeking through the waist openings. I hope the photos convey just how fabulous it is because when worn and on an actual body this one will be even better. The top is made from two simple triangles that curve up and around the neck and then narrow into straps that dip down the back. The waist is entirely made out of a pattern of beads done in a combination of black and gold. The spaces created between the curving rows of beads are completely open so that you get your bare skin peaking through once it is on. This bead detailing starts just under the bust and runs all the way around you to the waist seam. At the back it ties into place which just adds to the bare feeling the dress has. It also makes it adjustable from larger to small bust-lines. This transparent coverage is where that mix of sensuality and sexuality that his work always has becomes so apparent. The skirt under that is made from a bias cut black opaque silk jersey that sits and drapes beautifully around you. When you walk it moves and there is this beautiful contrast with the length of the skirt and the bareness of the top. It brings all the emphasis to the curves of your body above. If there was ever a dress that needed a body inside of it to bring it to life, this is it. It is stupendous once on. Excellent condition

The skirt is fully lined in a black silky rayon and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a low back set zipper on the skirt and then ties up the back above that. One of the circles seems a little unmatched to the rest but it still lays perfectly fine once on. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tiniest bit of reside on the back of the halter from old taping. 

Bust: adjustable with the ties at the back and each triangle will provide up to approx 7"across in coverage 
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3580

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

In the 1980s and 1990s Gianni Versace ruled the catwalks. He was the favourite of the Supermodels and they were featured predominately in his runway shows and his ad campaigns. Versace launched his label in 1978 and by 1989 he presented a couture collection. The days that Gianni headed the label were heady, glamourous ones and set the tone for the label as we know it today. He remained at the helm of the brand until his death by assassination in 1997. This is from those years in the 1990s when the label was everywhere and everyone wanted to own and wear a Versace. While researching this piece I found several photo references of different variations of the dress from both the catwalk and ad campaigns. I have included those here. I love this chic graphic version in the black and white. It is an exceptional example of his work from this time period.

The dress is exactly what you think of when you think Versace from this time period and it is instantly recognizable as his because of that famous ad shot. The dress is made from a very fine wool and it is the kind of dress that instantly demands your full attention. The dress is almost weightless once on the body, an effect achieved by the use of the finest, lightest wool that there was at the time. The shape is as simple as you can get. It is a simple shift that is meant to hang suspended over the body underneath. The simplicity of it perfectly captures the mood of 1995 and it allows that little check pattern to take the spotlight. The pattern is a series of small 1/2" squares and I love the care and attention to line the pattern up at the seams and back zipper. It is truly spectacular and that perfect combination of sexy and yet still innocent because of the easy to wear shape. If there was ever a dress proven to be supermodel worthy this one is it. This is a rare and very collectible Versace. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. I see a tiny run on the fabric near the side at the front and an even smaller one a little ways up from that. You would never see these once on. Please see the shots after the label shot. Otherwise it looks to have been worn very little if at all. The easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes

Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3578

Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 1995 Versace Runway Collection (Look 46-Claudia Schiffer, Look 47-Nadja Auermann, Look 48-Naomi Campbell)  /  (4) Shalom Harlow by Richard Avedon for Versace Fall 1995.  /  (5) Stephanie Seymour by Richard Avedon for Versace Couture Fall 1994.

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

In the 1980s and 1990s Gianni Versace ruled the catwalks. He was the favourite of the Supermodels and they were featured predominately in his runway shows and his ad campaigns. Versace launched his label in 1978 and by 1989 he presented a couture collection. The days that Gianni headed the label were heady, glamourous ones and set the tone for the label as we know it today. He remained at the helm until his death by assignation in 1997. This is from 1995 based on the label marking. This period is when the label was everywhere and everyone wanted to own and wear a Versace.

What I love about this dress is that it shows the level of his tailoring skills. This is a dress that is extremely simple in cut but every line is done with purpose to highlight and mold to the body. The dress is constructed from a fine black wool that is light in weight but holds the shape exceptionally well. It has just a touch of stretch to it so it is very comfortable to wear. It is then seamed to create that fitted shape that you see. The bare minimum of seams are used and have been set into curving lines at each side and one at the back to create an hourglass shape. The seams also help to give the dress structure, shape and support. The waist nips in and the hips curve out following the lines of the body. The skirt is cut to about the knee depending on your height and curves in slightly at the hem for a more fitted silhouette. The bust is spectacular and its simple lines hide an inner foundation that helps to give support. The neckline dips in a beautiful low plunge and this is mirrored at the back. I love that little triangle detail at the base of the plunge at the back. It is wonderfully made and might just be the perfect LBD. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk with an extra layer built in through the inner bust. It close with a hidden set side zipper.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3577

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 Bessi company was launched in 1950 but it was not until 1968 that it started producing the printed pieces that the label is now associated with. Like Pucci he signed all his prints and created them himself. In terms of style, construction and quality, Bessi dresses were often on par with Pucci and Leonard, especially the ones from the late sixties to mid seventies. This one is just lovely and I love it

This dress is made from a fine silk jersey and the colour combination is a little unusual as it is not the typical super bright prints that you more often see with Bessi. The main colour of the jersey is finished in a softer light purple colour. Worked into the print are little pops of different shade of pink. The floral and swirling design covers the entire surface of the dress. A contrasting border defines the cut of the dress and runs around the waist, up the front of the skirt and then defines the collar, cuffs and hem. The sleeves are cut long and I love that little pop of pink at their cuffs. The bodice is cut to skim over the bust with a V neckline. The waist is cut on the more loose and easy side and the skirt flows to the floor and widens softly as it reaches the hem. At the front there is a slit that runs up and in between the print there so that when you walk or sit you get a flash of leg. It also allows the skirt to have a bit more movement when you move. The silk jersey is very light and this allows the dress to drape beautifully on the body. It is a stunning dress. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. Hand finishes throughout. The fabric is also signed throughout. The fabric has some stretch which makes it very comfortable to wear. Very well made and it looks to have been worn very little if at all

Sleeves: 23"
Slight drop shoulders: 17"
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to top of waist
Skirt: 42" from top of waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2143

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 am always on the look out for this style of dress by Halston. It is perhaps the most iconic of all of the Halston silhouettes and in 2016 a red version of this dress entered modern day fashion history when Kate Moss wore its twin on the red carpet at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. And we have had Martha Hunt wear a white one version that she sourced from us to Cannes. She landed on several Best Dressed lists as a result. These were made in a variety of colours and this one is a gorgeous purple lavender colour. It is made from a very easy to care for jersey and this fabric choice makes it very easy to wear. These were made in both a Petite sized version and a regular, longer cut version which are a little harder to find. This one is one of the longer ones.

Halston was a master at this cut. There is a certain sexiness caused by the illusion of having the entire dress suspended by one hook at the shoulder. It gives the sense that undoing that hook would cause the entire dress to drop in a puddle around you (which it would). It is constructed from two attached layers. The inner dress is cut from the same synthetic jersey and skims over the body in a long sheath. This inner part of the dress has a high slit cut into the side that travels up the side of the leg opposite to the draped side. Attached to that inner sheath lies a draped panel of jersey that is suspended from the shoulder. It falls from that shoulder down and over the front and the back of the dress. The dress hooks into place at the shoulder and the jersey cascades loosely down and over the inner layer for the ultimate Grecian goddess feel. This is a classic dress by Halston that is perfect for traveling as it is wash and wear and will travel exceedingly well with little to no wrinkling. It is very easy to style too - a quick change of shoe takes it day to night in a snap. This one looks to have been worn very little is at all. Excellent condition.

Slips on to wear and hooks to close at the top of the shoulder. These will fit a variety of sizes since they are not cut to be super fitted and the jersey does have some stretch. Note the colour has a slightly more pastel  feel to it then how it photoed. It is better in person I think.

Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Slit: 29" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3575

Reference Photo: (1-2) Kate Moss in Vintage Halston at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.  /  (3) Karen Bjornsen, Alva Chinn, Connie Cook and Pat Cleveland in Halston Dresses, photographed by by Harry Benson, 1978. / (4) Martha Hunt wearing this dress in Cannes, 2019.  /  (5) Martha Hunt on Harper's Bazaar Australia Best Dressed List. /  (6-8) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

James Galanos was just 27 years old when he launched his first label called Galanos Originals in 1951. 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 convert that to modern dollars and realize that it would be just under 30k for his upper range pieces. Part of the reason for those high price tags was that his ready-to-wear was made to couture standards. The workmanship and craft put into them were made to a level that was on par with the official French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper. Grace Kelly was an early fan and other couturiers looked to his work as inspiration. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. I have had this dress in a version that had a sleeved overlay and I loved finding this one that has a more bare feeling bodice. It really allows the emphasis to be on that beautifully draped skirt 

The dress is made from a beautiful silk chiffon that is completely covered with an oversized flower print. The colour combination of the deep rich purple with the pop of deep green for the leaves in the print is just gorgeous. The skirt is cut to suggest that it is simply wrapped around you and could be unwrapped at any moment. It is attached most of the way around and then it simply hooks into place at the side of the waist. This clever little way to set it into the seam is what gives it that lovely curved line at the front. All of the excess fabric has been gathered along that side so that the silk cascades down in a lovely draped manner. The skirt is made up of thee full layers of silk chiffon. This is an important point in itself. Silk chiffon is notoriously difficult to wrk with and he was a master at this layering technique. The draped front lets you see all three layers and the edges of the three lates become their own design element. There is the top floral printed layer, a middle layer that is a solid purple in the same tone, and then the innermost layer that gives you that unexpected bright shot of green. When you move you get flashes of that green and the effect is fantastic. The bodice is simple and perfect. It has a slightly scooped neck and it cut into an say to wear tank that dips low at both the front and back. The dress comes with its long matching silk sash that you can wrap around the waist as I have done for these shots, or you could tie it at the neck or use as a head scarf. A stunning example of his work and beautifully finished. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a bright green silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set painted metal zipper. Bias cut so there is a little  with the measurements which I have given below. Ribbon edge finshes and hand done throughout. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The bias cut and easy fit combined with the sash to bring in the waist mean it should fit a range of sizes 

Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seamed can be cinched in with the sash
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem
Scarf: 15" x approx 140"

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3576

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 little Oscar de la Renta dress is most likely from around 1968. Variations of these highly detailed dresses were made in both long and short lengths and in a several different colour ways. The label in the dress identifies it as being a part of his earliest main line. When Oscar De la Renta first started his career he began a partnership with the fashion house of Jane Derby in 1965. Jane Derby died shortly after and in 1966 the first labels that bore only the Oscar de la Renta name appeared. That makes this a very early example of his higher end work. The dress is gorgeous and a definite favourite from all the pieces of his that I have had over the years. 

The dress is very beautiful and is an absolute knock out once on. It is also very representative of his work during this time period. The fabric is quite exceptional and the silk threads that are woven through the deep red silk form a stunning design that runs from shoulder to hem. The fabric is lighter in weight then you would think at first glance. It is heavy enough to hold and retain the shape that he desired the dress to have but is still light enough so that it feels easy and comfortable to wear. It has a very refined feel to it but it feels youthful and fresh at the same time. It perfectly sums up Oscar's love of opulence mixed with the exuberance of the decade. The cut is kept simple to allow that stunning fabric to take centre stage. The skirt falls from the waist and widens out slightly as it nears the hem. I love the way the skirt has those deep pleats at either side. It adds a little extra volume and also some visual interest when you turn to the side. The waist is seamed but left more on the open and easy feeling side rather than being severely cinched in. The bodice has simple cut with no sleeves and is cut to skim over the body. The fabric is a rich silk in a deep red that has a touch of coral colour to it. Woven through that are little floral feeling medallions in a mix of silver and gold metallic thread. These have an slight 3D feel to them and add a soft metallic shimmer over the entire dress. The detailing on the bodice is spectacular. It is all edged with an elaborate gold braiding. Large crystal rhinestones are set into the coils of the braiding and little gold studs are spaced evenly along its length. The braiding runs around the neck, each arm and then details the top and bottom edge of the attached belt that gives you shape at the waist. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a red silk chiffon with additional strips of silk the inner edges. It closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The belt is attached. Hand finished throughout 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam, with extra room created by the folds on each side
Length: 35" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3753

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 striking dress is from the 1970s Valentino Boutique label. The cut and drape of it is so unusual and feels very modern and edgy even by todays standards. The wool is fabulous and it feels like a mix of cashmere and wool that has been dyed to that famous Valentino red. It has this great oversized feel to it and yet it cinches in at the waist so you still have some shape. The fabric itself is lighter then you would at first think so it is super easy to wear. It is just heavy enough to be able to hold the shape and drape perfectly but feels very comfortable on. To wear it you slip it over your head and button it at the neck with the buttons you see there. Your arms slip into the straight cut sleeves and then each side is open from under the arm to the hem. Ties extend out from the back part of the dress and you wrap these around you and tie it into place. You can wear it is a dress with something underneath or with it tied tighter if you are small, or use it as a top layering piece. I feel like this is one that you could come up with a zillion way to style it. It is well made and a versatile piece that can be worn endlessly. It's amazing. Excellent condition

Unlined with buttons at the neck. It slips on to wear and then you can use the attached ties to add shape. The easy cit should allow it to fit a range of sizes. 

Sleeves: 20"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust-hem: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3754

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 pair behind the La Mendola label met in Rome in 1960 and started their business making dresses and selling them one by one, piece by piece. In 1967 they opened a shop. They soon had a Hollywood following and mega stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth become regular clients who were buying and even wait-listing for pieces as they were produced. They made all of the pieces in their ateliers and designed their own prints. Clients would be sent swatches of the season's available prints and then they would place their orders. They were beloved and sought after by the jet set travel crowd as their pieces travelled extremely well and the colours used were beautiful. Their atelier closed in 1974 and I am always happy to have their pieces in the shop.

In the past I had one of their dresses come into the shop and the original owner of that dress had kept the fabric swatch options for the 1972 season along with her correspondence with the atelier. They named all of their prints and using that information that I kept a digital copy of, I know that this dress is a version of their Paridiso print. The fabric that they used for their pieces were very high end chiffons and jerseys. This dress uses both to great advantage. The actual dress is made from a beautiful light and fine silk jersey. This exceptional fabric takes colour and print very well and it is as bright and vibrant as when it was first made. Layered over this is a panelled wrap skirt  made from a silk chiffon. This top skirt layer is made of a two panels. Each is a single layer of silk chiffon and they are attached along a waist band with a bit of spacing between the two panels. This leaves a long slit on each side for the dress underneath to show through. You can tie it with the splits towards the side or the front and I have shown both ways here. You can even get clever with the styling and use it as a cape that sits lower across the shoulder. The wrap skirt layer has the same peacock feather print that the dress underneath has. This allows the two prints on each layer to be slightly offset giving the print an extra dimension of depth. The pinks used in the print are gorgeous and it is even better in person then how it photoed. The dress has a high neck and a simple cut through the bodice and sleeves. It skims over the waist and then widens out just a touch as it nears the hem. At the back it closes with a row of tightly spaced silk jersey covered buttons, a finish that was a signature of the house. The jersey has some stretch and is very light in weight so wearing this is a dream. You can wear it on its own or layer the skirt over it for added movement and completely change the look and feel of the dress. It is stunning. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with that row of tightly spaced silk jersey covered buttons. The over-skirt ties into place. The fabric the dress has stretch and this combined with the easy design of the dress should allow it to work on a variety of sizes. Hand finished throughout. The measurements given are the comfortable stretch when laid out flat. The over-skirt waist is adjustable with the ties. The photo of the swatches is from that previous dress. The actual swatch card is not included. I see one small hole in the chiffon of the skirt that gets lost in the folds once on. Please see the last shot here

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dress length: 60" from neck to hem with just under 2" turned up 
Over-skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3389

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

Norman Norell was one of the great American designers. His clothes were wildly expensive and he was credited for the unique ability to translate Paris couture into American ready-to-wear.  He started in the film industry and then was hired by Hattie Carnegie. In 1941 he left and and joined Anthony Traina where the Traina-Norell label soon appeared. Upon Traina's retirement in 1960 he launched his own self-named label. He won the very first Coty American Fashion Critics' award ever given in 1943 and then won it again in 1951 and by 1956 was the first designer to earn a place in the Coty Hall of Fame. His signature styles for day ran the gamut from shirtwaists, suits, beautifully tailored coats, and clothes that featured polka dots, checks, gingham and of course, the huge oversize bow. Norma himself once said 'To qualify as a designer one should not be afraid to repeat a good design, and certainly must have his own signature'. He did that and more and I think every serious vintage collector should have a piece of his work in their archives. 

I absolutely love this dress. The lines and cut are somewhat similar to a dress I have had in the shop previously that was dated to 1963. This one, with its bright and cheerful pink gingham print, is just spectacular to see. The silk is a very high end and I love the colour. It is cut with a masters hand and the workmanship that is put into it is beautiful to see. The bodice is cut to be more fitted and follow the lines of your body. It cinches in at the waist and to add even more shape there is a wide matching belt that acts like a corset to really bring the waist in and make the skirt under it seem even fuller. I took the first set of the photos here with a crinoline under it and then the last three full length shots are of the dress without the added underskirts. You can see how this really changes the lines and the volume of fabric in the skirt. Even without the underskirt the skirt is full and this volume has been achieved by the way it is set into the bodice. Inside at the waist there is a full ruffle of silk that sits above the interior seam. I took a photo of the inside so you can see how it is gathered up and through the waist. It is just incredible. To wear the dress you slip it on and button it down the front. It has the most incredible buttons. Hand carved, thick mother-of-pearl buttons run down the front. The same buttons in a smaller size have been used on the cuffs of each amazing sleeve. Each of the sleeves are cut on a curve to follow the natural shape of the arm. This is a couture technique that you rarely see anymore and it is just executed to perfection here. They pouf up at the shoulders and are set into the bodice with a series of high gathers. The sleeves are full at the tops and then narrow down to the wide cuffs at each wrist. Each cuff is a full 4" long and closes with four of the mother-of-pearl buttons. The interior of each sleeve is finished in a silk organza so that the sleeves keep that volume that you see. The finishing touch is one of his wide over-sized bows that you tie at the neck with the long attached ties that extend out from the collar. One side is even cut a little longer then the other so that it ties to a perfect length every time. The workmanship on this dress is incredible. This is an amazing example of the work that he was doing during this time period and one of the prettiest Norells' I have seen. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a hand set white silk through the bodice and ivory silk organza through the sleeves. The skirt is unlined. Closes down the front with a series of hand carved mother-of-pearl buttons. Each sleeve has four more of the buttons in a smaller size. The only thing I see is that part of the silk on the belt has darkened a touch and there is a bit of grubbiness under the arms on the inside lining. The back of the belt is stamped Norman Norell. Hand finished throughout. The crinoline used on some photos is not included

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to bottom of the waist banding
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem with a 5" hem turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3318

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

Halston used this sequin technique predominantly between about 1973 to 1978. Instead of layering and overlapping the sequins, they were laid out flat, side by side, to cover every inch of the fabric. This is a stunning and rare version that is full sequinned and could not have more of an impact once it is on. 

The dress is made from a red silk chiffon for the inner layer, which also acts as the lining, and then the outer layer is made out of the same fabric but in a lighter, thinner weight than the inner layer. That outer layer is what the sequins are attached to. The sequins have all been placed and attached by hand and completely cover the dress from shoulder to hem. The sequins are a glossy true red and they reflect the light beautifully. This makes the dress absolutely incredible to see in person. The technique used of placing the sequins flat and side by side allow the sequins to catch as much light as possible so it gives the fabric a molten, liquid metal feel. The bust is cut to skim over your curves. It has a pointed collar and the front wraps and snaps to close with silk covered snaps at the waist. This creates a deep front plunge but with that chic little collar that you can flip up if you want. There is elastic all around the waist so it is super comfortable when on. It skims over the hips and then flares out slightly as it reaches the hem. Because it wraps and is held in place only by the snaps at the waist you get a long overlapping opening down the front so you see lots of leg when you move or sit. It is amazingly comfortable to wear because of the stretch at the waist. Which was what he was all about - high glamour cobbled with ease. Excellent condition with a note below.

It closes with a hooks at the waist. Elastic through the waist. Fully lined in a red silk chiffon. Hand set sequins. There is the occasional sequin missing but there are sequins in the inner seams that could be used if this bothered you. Some missing sequins on the inside seams mostly on the inside panel near the waist. Obviously not seen once it is on. Minor shattering to the lining near the arm opening and a repair near the seam on the other side. Please see the photo after the label shot. 

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3747

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

Youseef Rizkallah joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favourites. While at Malcom Starr the piece that he designed pieces had  both his name and the Malcolm Starr International name on the label. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture drama and cut that he learne