This exceptional 1920s dress is extra special because of both its condition and that extraordinary and unusual color. You rarely find bright vivid pieces like this from this time period and certainly not in this condition. The dress is made from a luxurious deep fuchsia pink silk velvet. The bodice is cut to skim over the bust with a slightly dropped waist typical to the time period. The skirt is gathered into the dropped waist so that it has a bit of volume below and to the hem and it is cut longer at the back then the front. Accenting the pink are gold lame details and the fabric used for the gold parts is the real metal thread lame that you will never find in modern clothing. It is used first at the collar which circles the neck so prettily with a little gather at the front. At the back there is a darling little bow with ties that extends down the length of the back and here the gold is mixed with the pink velvet. At the waist there is a pretty little flower made out of the gold lame and another gold flower is set onto the skirt. It is stunning. It has the perfect bit of weight to it so that the dress hangs perfectly once it is on the body. It is an absolute treasure. It is such a rarity to find a piece this old and in this condition considering it is entirely original and so many of the pieces you see at market at this level of condition have had restoration work done to them. Excellent antique condition with some small flaws inherent to its age and noted below.

The velvet is self lined and the dress closes down the side with snaps. For an original piece that is now almost 100 years old I would rate this as excellent overall condition. I see some wear to the gold lame here and there, most notably on the piping around the arms, both shows shattering and you can see the cording that the gold was piped around in areas, There is a shiny mark to the velvet on the front bodice and some marks on the skirt. The last four photos show these areas. There may be minor scuffs here and there but the dress is sound, strong and wearable. The color is deeper and richer in person. Hand finished throughout

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 41" from shoulder to hem at the front, 45" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

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

Item# E680

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

Andre Odicini was one of the great Italian couturier's, who launched his label out of Genoa and sold his clothes in Paris, Geneva, Rome and Dallas. The early 80s were an especially magical time period for the label. His clothing is very well made and the fabrics he chose were top of the line. 

This is a gorgeous dress and its unusual lines and cut feel very avant-garde while still remaining pretty and feminine feeling. It is made of a beautiful silk cotton mix fabric done in a red hued bright coral mixed with big pink flowers scattered over the surface. There is also a floral print woven directly into the fabric which gives it an added texture. The bodice has wide straps that curve over each shoulder and then plunge down to the banded waist at both the front and the back. Flat pleats set at the top of each shoulder allow them to open up enough to give you coverage over the bust. The waist is wide and cinches you in. The skirt is incredible. It extends out and is draped down each of the sides. The draping starts at each hip and then simply folds over and into itself. If you pull the fabric outwards, there is actually a cut out on each hip that is hidden once it is on by the fabric simply draping over itself and into place. The skirt under that is cut to narrow down to the hem. The skirt wraps over itself so that you can actually walk with the way that it narrows inwards so much. This wrapped effect means that when you sit or move, you get an unexpected flash of leg. It is incredible and being on a mere dress form doesn't do it justice at all. Its amazing on an actual body. I love it. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with back zipper. The zipper sticks just a bit but is original so has been left as found.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3461

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 vintage mini dress or tunic was produced by the Clobber label, a boutique in London that was run by Jeff Banks from 1964-1974. Jeff Banks is one of my personal favorites of the British designers of that time and it is wonderful to have found this great little piece. The cut and silhouette are a great representation of that hippie 'street' fashion movement of the time period. It is made of a white cotton yarn that has been done with a loose open weave that forms a vertical chevron pattern. The neckline is set wide across and the sleeves are long and cut to flare at their ends. It skims over the bust and waist and then flares out at the hem. Hand knit and super cute. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The knit has some stretch and did stretch to fit my US size 6 dress form. There is perhaps the very slightest of wear to the cotton from natural aging

Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S908

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

Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing his own versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. He chose good fabrics and his designs were often very close interpretations of other designs but with his own unique twist when it came to colors, cut and fabrics.

This dress is striking with its stark red and black striping. It is definitely a dress for someone who wants all eye on her. Personally I love the bold mix of the red and black and the use of satin as his fabric choice just makes it better. It gives the dress the most amazing finish. The bodice is fitted and strapless and cut to curve around the bust. The waist nips in and the hips are emphasized by that wonderful attached peplum just below the waist seam. It also has its original tie belt in a matching fabric that allows you to cinch the waist in further. The skirt falls to the floor from there and there is quite a lot of fullness and volume created by the addition of an attached tulle underskirt inside. It falls to the floor in a gently widening curve. The fabric has just a touch of weight to it so helps to hold the shape. I love how the stripes are set on both horizontal and vertical lines to highlight and emphasize the different parts of the cut of the dress. It is really incredibly. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and the skirt has an attached later of tulle to help hold its shape. The bodice is fully lined and lightly boned.  The dress closes with a back zipper. Original matching fabric tie belt. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem with 3" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3458

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

Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. This dress for example is a version of what Yves Saint Laurent was doing in this time frame. Costa chose good fabrics for his designs and even though his work was often very close interpretations of other designs he did add his own unique twist when it came to colors, cut and fabrics.

This is one of my personal favorites of the Victor Costa pieces I have had come into the shop and the fact that it is a play on the work of YSL plays a part in that. It is well made and really great value for your dollar. He has chosen to use a silk taffeta for the dress and this choice gives it just enough weight and structure to be able to create the impressive lines and volume that you see but without making the dress heavy or bulky to wear. It also gives the dress the most amazing slightly iridescent finish. The bodice is fitted and strapless and cut to curve and shape the bust. Circling around the top portion of the bust is an elaborate ruffled finish that is made of two panels of taffeta. The waist nips in and it has its original tie belt in a matching fabric that allows you to cinch the waist in further. The skirt falls to the floor from there and has yards of fabric in it that create the fullness and volume that you see. The skirt falls in a gently widening line and is finished by a pleated ruffled that goes all the way around the hem. I love everything about the dress and how the ruffles are used to emphasize the romantic feel of the dress. It is really incredible. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a the same fabric through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. The bodice is lightly boned and shaped with stiffening fabric. The dress closes with a back zipper. Original matching fabric tie belt. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The color in person has a slightly more purple tone to it then how it photoed. It is even better in person.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice ruffles to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3460

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 used for the 1991 ad campaign shot by Arthur Elgort that featured the stunning Yasmin Le Bon. Two shots were used from that shoot so Yves must have especially loved this dress. It was also presented on the 1991 runway as seen on the beautiful Amalia Vairelli. This was one of the iconic pieces of that season and I am very pleased to have found this example.

The dress is made from a slinky silk jersey that has enough weight and drape to it to perfectly fall into the lovely draped lines that Yves desired it to have. The dress perfectly represents this time period and you can see the transition from the stronger, more angular shaped of the eighties slowly moving into simpler shapes for the 1990s. The vivid color and touch of excess from the 1980s is still there and present, but the shape is softening. It skims over the body and the skirt is made to look like it has been wrapped into place. A intricate series of hooks and snaps hold that lovely draping perfectly in place and it is these interior details that really showcase the high quality that Yves put into his designs. The neckline is slightly scooped and set in a wide crew neck. The gathers at its base and the masterful cut keep it firmly and remarkably in place. The waist is gathered across and a panel of draped silk jersey hang down over one leg. This sits over a high slit underneath that  is created by the wrap over shows off some leg when you walk, sit or move. It is amazing on the body and a rare find. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Unlined but with a inner silk inset that is about 5" wide and circles the low waist so that the skirt sits perfectly. This inset is attached to the side zipper and hooks with a flat hook as well. The dress then closes above and below this on that same side with a series of hook & eye and snaps. Tagged a vintage YSL 42. There is a small scattering of marks on one shoulder which I have photoed and shown after the label photo. It gets lost in the print but mentioned for accuracy and priced accordingly

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3136

Reference Photo: (1) S/S 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Ad featuring Yasmin Le Bon.  /  (2) S/S 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Ad from Vogue US, March 1991. (Both photos by Arthur Elgort.)  /  (3) Amalia Vairelli for S/S 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche.

Reference Video (below): S/S 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Show from Fashion Channel.

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

Anthony Muto launched his Marita label in 1971 with a focus on affordable evening wear with a relaxed sportswear feel. He did not believe in 'throwaway' clothing and the items for this line were well made and meant to last. Jersey is a notoriously difficult fabric to work with and on this dress he uses its fluidity and drape as an asset. The color choice also adds to the impact and I love the bright pink of it. The fabric is slinky and sensual and the cut is extremely flattering once on the body. The halter  is suspended by two tiny straps and there are two very long panels attached along the top bodice. These cross over each other and then wrap around the bodice. You can then wrap them around the waist, wrapping either once or twice, so that the ties hang in either the front or the back. I love the low dipping back and slight fullness through the skirt. The color and cut are very flattering on a wide range of skin tones and bodies. This is an easy to wear and flattering dress. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined though the skirt and a double layer of the same jersey through the bodice. It closes with a low back zipper. The attached ties are meant to wrap around the body and tie. The fabric has a bit of stretch. Pockets along the seams of the skirt

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2942

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

Scott Barrie was one of a group of black designers and models based out of New York's Seventh Avenue in the late 1960s. He quickly became known for his work and his pieces were fast sellers. Naomi Sims was a fan and often was spotted wearing his work. His label closed in the early 1980s. He then worked at Krizia, remaining there up to just before his passing in 1993 of brain cancer. This gives us a very small window for finding examples of his work. The earlier pieces especially were produced in very limited amounts. The very early pieces were made by him out of his apartment on a makeshift cutting table and domestic sewing machine. To me this makes each of his found pieces that much more special.

This gorgeous little Scott Barrie dress is made out of a light weight, semi-transparent silk chiffon. This fabric choice gives the dress a lovely light and airy feel to it. The dress is unlined and simply floats over the body. There is a tie that runs through the neckline and you can use it to cinch it on so that the dress sits up and on the shoulders or loosen it as I have so that it becomes an off-shoulder dress. The flutter sleeves have an almost caped feel tot hem and the extend out from the waist. This detail gives it such a feminine feel and makes the dress even prettier. On an actual body it is even better then on my dress form. The waist cinches in with elastic  and you can nip it in further with the original  matching fabric tie belt. It buttons down the front with a series of round dome buttons and fabric loops. The way the buttons are set allows for just a hint of skin to peek through which gives this otherwise innocent feeling dress a bit of a sexy touch. The skirt falls from the waist ins pretty cascade of fabric. It is a really special piece. Excellent condition with a note to review below

Unlined and slips on to wear. Elastic at the waist for an easy fit and buttons down the front. Has its original matching silk chiffon tie belt. There is one area of discoloration on the hem at the side and to the back. There is so much fabric that you don't see it once it is on. In person it is more a clay taupe color. The elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 11-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to front hem, 36" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3452

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

Claire McCardell is remembered as a being a true pioneer of American fashion. She was one of the most influential women's sportswear designers of the twentieth century. She studied at Parsons and worked as a fit model before a series of small jobs in fashion.  in 1929 McCardell landed a job as a design assistant to Robert Turk, an independent designer and dressmaker. It was he that took her along with him when he became the chief designer at Townley Frocks in the early 1930s. When he passed away in 1932 she became the head designer for Townley and eventaully a partner due to her success with the label. She gravitated towards natural fabrics like cotton, denim and wool. Her silhouettes flattered the female form and even now they seem shockingly modern. In 1954 Audrey Hepburn was photoed by Mark Shaw for Mademoiselle Magazine in her dressing room backstage at Ondine. In those series of photos she is wearing a paisley print dress that is remarkably like this one.

This incredible dress is likely from that same 1954 collection as Audrey's was from and is made out of a soft cotton that has a satin finish to it. This gives the fabric a slight sheen that is very pretty. The bodice is fitted with a simple scooped neck and sleeveless silhouette. The waist nips in and then the skirt flares out from there. It is not excessively full but it does have a touch of fullness due to the way the skirt is set into the waist with that series of soft pleats that you see. The dress hangs sleek and slim when you are still and then will flare out a touch more when you move. I have photoed it without its belt as the belt did not fit on my mannequin properly but with the belt in place I think the dress is even better. It is wide so really cinches the waist in and the large gold toned belt buckle at the front feels very modern. It is gorgeous and the perfect little summer frock. Excellent condition with a note below

Unlined and closes with a metal zipper at the side. The belt has a double buckle to close. There is one area of discoloration on the side of the skirt that gets lost in the patter. The fabric on the belt shows minor grubbiness. Otherwise the dress is is very crisp and fresh feeling

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem with 4.5" turned under the hem
Belt: will accommodate 24" - 27"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item#DD3453

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

Holly Harp opened a shop LA in the late 1960s and created custom clothing under the Holly's Harp label. She tended to create her clothing out of a  hodge-podge of new and old materials. In the beginning she favored things like feathers and fringe but her aesthetic became more 'grown up' and glamorous as her career progressed. She was an avid thrifter and you can see the influence of earlier decades in her work.

I love the fabric choice for this dress. It is a feather light semi-transparent silk chiffon that has a ribbon effect running through it that gives it an added degree of texture. The print is an abstract black and taupe and this covers the entire dress. The lines of the dress are loose and easy. The fabric has been laid out on the bias and the waist is elastic. This means that you can just slip it on and go. The neckline is cut very low with a simple tie running across the top to keep it in place. Each sleeve is wide and has lots of volume above its cuffs. The waist adjusts to fit due to the elastic and it you wanted to you could cinch it in even more with a belt. Below that the skirt flows out in a pretty and soft cascade of fabric. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic at the waist. A snap at each cuff. It has attached ties at the neck.

Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no true seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3454

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 summer of 2017 these Vita Kin dresses where one of the most wanted pieces of the season and were sold out or wait-listed everywhere. Vita’s Vyshyvanka pieces (a traditional embroidery technique from Ukraine) are easy to wear and have a touch of a seventies vibe to them  that make then the perfect summer staple. The dress is made from a heavy weight linen that helps to hold the intended shape and volume of the dress. The body is cut extremely loose and easy and the shape is achieved by cinching in the waist with the long attached fabric belt. It is extremely voluminous without the belt so will fit almost any size. Each sleeve is cuffed at the wrist and above that the sleeves are extremely full. The front neckline is notched almost to the waist and is kept in place with tasseled ties that run down the front. Adorning the dress is the heavy embroidery that you see in a red and deep blue/black. This gives it that striking and instantly identifiable Vita Kin look. I love how on each side there are panels built into the bottom of the skirt that give it even more volume. These are very over sized so will work on almost any frame. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. Ties with the matching belt. There is the slightest smudge on the inner collar but otherwise looks and feels brand new and unworn

Dropped sleeves: 21" from dropped shoulder seam
Dropped shoulders: 23"
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 51" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD3448

Reference Photos: (1-2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.  /  (3-5) credits unknown.

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 sold a white cotton pique version of this dress last year that ended up being a part of a wedding for my client, Paulina. I have included some of her photos here so you can get a sense of how these dresses look like on the body. This one is slightly different from the white - it is a smooth cotton fabric and the skirt is even all the way around. Because of that you can add a crinoline for a fuller look. They do share a similar sculpted bodice and this one is even more elaborate then the white was.

I love this dress by Thierry Mugler with its sculptural bodice that gives it a sense of high drama. That is in direct contrast to the cotton fabric that it is made of and I think that it is this contrast between the lines of the dress and the fabric choice that make the dress so fabulous. The amazing bright color is an added bonus. In real life that bright orange color is slightly more saturated and richer then how it photoed. It is a wonderful summer piece that still feels fresh and of this season despite its vintage heritage. The bodice is fitted and sculpted with that fabulous curving cut that loops over itself to form a keyhole. The other side curves up and around the shoulder for the perfect one shoulder silhouette. The interior of the bodice is finished with a stiffening fabric to keep its shape. This helps it to mold it to your frame and create shape. The waist is cinched in and then the skirt below is cut to be extremely full with yards and yards of fabric in it and the sweep extends to a full circle skirt. I have shown it without and without a crinoline underneath in the shots here and you can see how full it can get. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Lined through the bodice with the same fabric and stiffened and molded with the seaming for support. It closes with a series of  snaps offset up the back. Pockets on each hip. Note that it did not close all the way on the mannequin and of course will close properly on the correct sized person. Crinoline not included

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3446

Reference Photos: Paulina Ortega (@paulinapaige) in Thierry Mugler from 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.

This elaborately sequin and bead covered dress is even better in person. The workmanship on it is outstanding with a dense, hand applied application of large black paillettes, smaller sequins, beads and curving ropes of seed bead work that give it even more of a 3D effect. The bead work covers every square inch of the fabric and each one has been meticulously placed by hand onto the black stretch knit base. Once that dress is actually on, it hugs and molds to the body. The dress has a very intentional simple cut to offset the extensive bead work. It is a chic sheath silhouette with a slightly nipped in waist, long skirt, a barely there suggestion of a cap sleeve and a V neck. The back is also finished with a V cut that is set so that it dips lower down the back then the front. The hand work done on the dress gives it a three dimensional quality as they are set raised up from the knit. Glossy black flowers are formed from the combination of the various beads used and thick ropes of twisted black seed beads loop and curve through the design from top to bottom. Everything has a high gloss finish and I love the way it gleams in the light. It is also a great wearable size and the knit base makes it feel fantastic once on and extremely comfortable to wear. Excellent condition.

The bead work and sequins are hand applied onto what feels like a cashmere mix knit base. It closes with a back metal zipper. The edges of the slit on the skirt are finished with a black silk panel of fabric but it is otherwise unlined. The knit gives it quite a bit of stretch and the measurements give below are the comfortable range lying flat. You may be able to get a bit more then that if needed.  It still has the high end department store Neusteters label but if it had another designer label at some point that is now a mystery.

Bust: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 37" from waist to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E416

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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 came with an old hang tag that was dated as being from the 1974 season and that makes sense given his heavy use of sequins for that years collections. It is a stunning piece and a wonderful example of his work during this time period.

This beautiful sequin covered dress is absolutely stunning. It is also insanely sexy once on the body and beautifully made. It is entirely covered with glossy black sequins that give the dress an almost liquid feel once it is on the body. Not a single inch of it is left uncovered. Thousands of hand applied, glossy black sequins have been tightly placed side by side to completely cover the surface of the fabric. This gives the fabric the suggestion of liquid and when you move the light catches the sequins and creates the most sensual and magical effect. It curves up and over one shoulder and leaves the other completely bare. It is cut to curve over the body with no seam at the waist to break the line. The bottom follows the same angle as the neckline so that one side is longer then the other. He then finished the entire hem with fringe so that when you move this creates beautiful movement around you. It is extraordinary and really wonderful once on the body. A superb and early Bill Blass that packs a tremendous impact once on. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with an offset back zipper. Hand set sequins and hand finishes. Maybe the occasional sequin missing. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 16.6" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3444

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. The Fall 1976 collection featured this asymmetrical neckline heavily and I have included reference photos of jersey versions of the dress from both The Met and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. In December of 1976 the New York Times wrote that: 'This season there are three things that the ladies must wear: Adolfo's taffeta skirt, Halston's asymmetrical neckline and Mollie Parnis's tunic and satin pants.... Babe bought the first asymmetrical neckline dress and Jackie bought the second. If you do not know their last names you do not know the ladies.' This is a stunning and rare version that is full sequinned and could not be more of an impact once it is on.

The dress is made from a black stretch jersey 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 deep gunmetal grey/black and depending on the light they can reflect back as a true black, a deep grey, a lighter grey or even have a touch of a blue grey tone to them. This makes the dress absolutely incredible to see in person. The technique used of placing the sequins flat and side by side also allow the light reflecting off the sequins make it seem like you have been poured into a liquid metal. The sleeves end just about the elbow and the bust is cut to mold to your curves. It skims over the waist, hugs the hips and then flares out slightly as it reaches it's supermodel length hem. That signature neckline dips deeply to one side to expose the upper chest and this is mirrored at the back. It is amazingly comfortable to wear because of the stretch of the jersey. Excellent condition with a note below.

It closes with a hidden set, side zipper and the fabric has stretch. Fully lined in a black stretch jersey as described above. Hand set sequins and wide ribbon, hand set inner hem. There is the occasional sequin missing but there are sequins in the inner seams that could be used if this bothered you. It is so densely covered that its somewhat irrelevant. Some of the sequins show a little patina on their finish. The one shoulder above the dipped side felt slightly stretch on me, though I think that on a taller girl it would be fine. It would be an easy adjustment if needed at all. The stretch of the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes and the measurements below are the comfortable range when lying flat.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3243

Reference Photos: (1) 1976 Halston Evening Dress from The MET Online Collection.  /  (2) 1977 Halston Dress from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston Collection.  /  (3-5) 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.

Throughout various collections during the eighties Yves did several variations  of these draped wrap dresses. They were made in a variety of vibrant beautiful colors and different fabrications. The best ones had the deep plunging front that you see on this one. This particular design also has amazing sleeves that are very full just above their cuffs. This gives the dress a bit of a forties feel to it that I love. For this one he used a red crushed velvet hat has a wonderful drape and feels very sensual once it is on. It also has a beautiful texture to it that really adds to the impact the dress has. So wear it, you simply slip it on and it wraps around you at the front where it hooks into place to close. It come with its original matching fabric sash that ties at the waist so that you can cinch it in as much as you wish. The nod to the 1940s is self-evident, a theme that you see so often in pieces designed by Yves, yet it does not feel dated, even now. The details are gorgeous. There is light padding inside the shoulders, the cuffs are full and the front curves up slightly at the hem. I love the front plunge and how the light catches the velvet with your slightest movement. Excellent condition.

Unlined and wraps to close with a large flat hook on the interior waist and one on the exterior. Each shoulder is lightly padded and the fabric tie belt is original. Pockets on each hip. There is elastic in each cuff. Tagged a vintage YSL 36.

Sleeves: 25"
Slightly extended shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam where the hooks are set now - you could adjust/move these by at least 2 inches up or down.
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3442

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

For the April issue of Vogue in 1973, Lauren Hutton was photographed in a similar jersey dress by Bill Blass. The one that she wore was done in a black rather then the red that this one is. By 1973, Blass was only three years into running his own company after buying Maurice Rentner Ltd in 1970 and re-labelling it under his own name, making this a wonderful example of his earlier work

The choice of a silk jersey gives the dress a wonderful drape. It also keeps it remarkably light in weight so it is very comfortable to wear once it is on the body. There is a definitive Grecian feel to it created by the addition of that long piped tie. The ties are made from the same fabric as the dress and are meant to be wrapped around the upper body and waist. They are long enough that you could extend that down and over the hips if you wished. The neckline is high and the bodice is seamed horizontally so that you don't get any bunching of the fabric when you tie the ties over it. The waist is defined by a seam and the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of jersey. I love the sleeves in particular. Each is cut extra long and with a tremendous fullness at the cuff. This gives them a bit of an Old Hollywood feel. It will fully zip up at the back - it is just a little small on my dress form. Excellent condition overall with one small note to review below.

Unlined and closes with a back set zipper. The waist stay inside the waist closes with hook & eye. Elastic at the end of each cuff. The ties can be tied as you wish. There is a faint watermark at the hem and it has photoed darker then it is in real life. Once on this does not detract at all. Hand finished, rolled edges. The red has a slightly more blue undertone in person. The fabric has stretch but the waist measurement is firm

Sleeves: 28"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:  to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2991

Reference Photo: Lauren Hutton in Bill Blass. Photo by Richard Avedon. Vogue US, April 1973.

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

Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She had moved to the US from Paris in 1937 and her designs always have that bit of a French feel to them. By 1949 she had been awarded a Coty and won one again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She as a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening, In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use amply an African American model.

This is a gorgeous dress that has been done using layers of a black ribbon silk that is printed with two variations of a snake print, one in red and one in a tan color, on the exterior panel/overlay. The fabric also has a fine gold thread running through it that gives it a hint of glitz as it catches the light. The inner part of the dress is finished solely with a ribbon feel to it that gives it yet another added bit of texture. The touch of transparency to the silk chiffon also gives it an added dimension. It is constructed with a simple inner sheath that has an overlay of silk falling over it from the neckline. The entire dress is suspended from the shoulders from two silk straps in the same version of the fabric as the inner sheath. The inner dress zips to close at the back and then the full length panels of silk fall over this opening the full length down the front. When you move this creates tremendous movement as the silk overlay billows around you. The dress comes with its original matching sash that is very long. I have showed a couple of ways it could be used and you could also wear it as a headpiece or turban. This is one of those pieces that may look like nothing special off the body or on the dress form but once it is on an actual body it comes to life. It is an unusual design and quite forward for its time period. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a nude silk chiffon and zips to close at the back. Hand finishes throughout. 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: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Scarf: just under 9 feet long x 21" wide

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3441

Reference Photos: 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.

Voguepedia says of Gilbert Adrian: "In the hands of the legendary Hollywood designer Gilbert Adrian, clothes could do and say magical things. From the flower-festooned munchkin costumes in The Wizard of Oz to the elegance-defining “Gowns by Adrian” worn by screen stars like Norma Shearer, Barbara Stanwyck, and Joan Crawford—and copied by the hundreds of thousands for the humbler masses—Adrian was the definition of cinematic invention for more than a decade.....Adrian’s signature custom-retail label, founded in 1942, was wildly popular. His gowns bore distinctive names like “Dinner with a Dash of Gold” and “Shades of Picasso,” and he catered to an elite set of style mavens in Hollywood."

After some extensive research I believe this gown is from from Gilbert Adrian's 1945 collection. It was sold to my client and dated as being from a few seasons later, but I feel that the advertisement that I found is too much of a coincidence with its similar feeling pattern worked through the design. The gown is absolutely outstanding and in a world where Adrian Gilbert pieces are already rare, this particular gown is even more special, even if you simply based it on how utterly beautiful it is. It is made of a stunning black silk that has a metallic lame thread woven through it to create the design work that you see. The metallic parts are done in a gold  mixed with a bright, true green and a deeper olive. The addition of the metal thread gives the entire ensemble a subtle glow. The fabric has a good weight to it that helps it to hold the shape and also adds to it rich and luxurious feel. This is fabric that you would simply not be able to even have made anymore. The Grecian inspired pattern is woven through the entire fabric. The addition of this metallic thread highlights the design that runs all the way around the skirt and the top. The top is a simple halter bodice with straps that curve up and around the shoulders. It curves in towards the waist through vertical seaming and is cut to end exactly on top of where the skirt flares out. Once on it gives the illusion of a true gown. The top is entirely finished with the metallic thread, allowing us to see the full beauty of it. The skirt sits under this and the upper portion of the waist is fitted and set high so that it creates no break or lines when it is worn under the top. From under that, a magnificent ball gown skirt cascades to the floor in a sweep of silk. The construction of this is wonderful and it is gathered all the way around the dropped hip seam and set into that seam with a series of tiny, perfectly spaced knife pleats that open up to the fullness you see. I styled this over a light, full length crinoline to really give it the proper shape it would have had been meant to be worn as when it was made. The shape that this creates is amazing. The dress is entirely hand made to Haute Couture standards. This is a rare opportunity to own an original Gilbert Adrian that is not only in wonderful condition but is also heart breakingly beautiful and still to this day, feels modern and wearable. Excellent condition.

Both piece are unlined with hand finished inner seams and the inner construction is done to Couture standards. The skirt closes with a painted metal zipper and hook & eye on the inner waist band. The top closes with a back painted metal zipper. The skirt was photoed over a full length crinoline that is not included. I have included detail photos of both the fabric and the inner hand done seams. The top looks like it has been out along the side seams from the waist up on both sides and one seam on the fitted part of the inner top skirt was also opened at some point. The work is well done and it could easily be made smaller again if needed.

Top
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at lower seam of skirt: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from waist to hem with a 3.5" hem turned up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3242

Reference Photo: Gown by Gilbert Adrian, available at the William H. Block Co., Indianapolis, 1945.

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 knit and sequin detailed jacket by Adolfo. Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and like Halston, was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house in 1962. He initially focused on hats but in in just a couple of years added a full clothing line. By 1969 he was presented with a special Coty Award for his contribution to design from head to toe. He became know for his Chanel inspired clothing and many of his pieces are on par and perhaps even more relevant in feel then their inspirational equivalents of the time.

This dress is gorgeous. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor, to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan and this dress feels like it is done at the quality of one of his custom pieces. I love his work and am very pleased to have this exceptional dress in the shop today. It is made of a jet black knit that has a slight ribbed texture to it. The cut is very simple as it is one long sheath of knit that is suspended from the tiny shoulder straps. The dress is cut to skim over the body, gently widening out as it nears the hem. A slit runs up one leg for a flash of skin. The straps curve around the shoulder and each is finished with a silver lame braiding and silver sequins. The straps are set into the neckline that is cut straight across and has an elastic running through it so that it is very easy to wear and very comfortable on. Onto the dress are four separate and gorgeous sprays of sequins that have a bird of paradise, or perhaps a firework feel, with their brilliant sparkle and combination of color. Each is finished with a a crescent of red rhinestones that give the designs a more 3D feel. It is just gorgeous and even better in person. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slip on to wear. Elastic through the neckline. The fabric has some stretch so should fit a range of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

The top of the neckline will stretch from 12" to 18" flat across
Bust: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 22" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3440

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 designed them himself. In terms of style, construction and quality his dresses were often on par with Pucci and Leonard, especially the ones from the late sixties to mid seventies.

This one is made out of a fine silk twill which holds color beautifully and is why we are seeing such vivid colors even after all of these years. The colors are almost neon and no matter how much you love the photos, in person the colors are even better. They combine a bright acid yellow/green with hot pink, coral and purple in an abstract print that runs over the entire dress. It is sleeveless and at the front the dress falls from the shoulders in a loose and easy column. At the back, there is a yoke across the top of the shoulders and the fabric is set into that edge of the yoke in a series of pleats. This gives the back extra fullness. The skirt will stop at about a midi length on most girls give or take depending if you wear it belted or not. If belted it transforms into a pretty little summer piece and if worn without the belt is has an almost avant garde feel to it. This dress is wonderful. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in an soft tangerine silk. It slips on tot wear and closes along one shoulder with a series of hook and eye. Hand finishes throughout. The fabric is also signed throughout. There is a little bit of rust staining near the hook and eyes that you don't see once it is hooked closed. I see a touch of color run on one side but because of the print you would never notice this once on. A tiny spot on the front and minor thinning of the fabric along the seam under one arm. Please review the four shots after the label photo. The loose cut should allow it to fit a range f sizes

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 52" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LTG

Item# DD3438

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