My client purchased this spectacular Vivienne Westwood gown from her mothers shop. She wore it to a friends birthday gala and that was the only time it was every worn. We narrowed down the date based on that info and also the reference photo of a similar gown that was shown for the Fall 1998 presentation.

The gown is one of the best I have seen and is utterly amazing. The cut and line of it are pure heaven. It is strapless and has that famous dipped and peaked bodice edging that Vivienne is famous for. Inside is one of her boned and shaped corsets that are constructed to cinch you in and push up the breasts. On an actual body you will get that full Westwood effect from this and the bow that sits at the bust only emphasizes this. the bow is constricted so that it curves out from the body and just adds even more bust shape and size. below that the waist curves in with vertical seam and then it curves over the hips and then flares out in a beautiful flared shape. The construction of the skirt is almost architectural and reminds me of that famous Charles James gown in the way that it flares and curves outwards on each side. The fabric is a heavy black silk satin that seems the perfect choice for the cut and feel of the gown. It is incredible and a rare find. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk with an inner built in corseted bodice as shown. Inner wired peaks at the side of the bodice The corset zippers to close. The outer dress also zips to close with a hidden set zipper along the seam offset at the back

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 51" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3343

Reference Photo: F/W 1998 Vivienne Westwood Ready to Wear 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 am so in love with this dress. The lines of it are pure Yves Saint Laurent for this time period and it is just extraordinary. The dress is made from a combination of a deep silver grey silk taffeta that he has used for the body of the skirt and the matching ruffled shawl, combined with a black, sequin detailed lace bodice. That same sequin lace is also used to finish the lower part of the skirt's wide hem. The dress is suspended from the shoulders by two thin silk ribbons. You could also easily tuck those in and wear this as a strapless piece if you wanted. Under those straps the bodice is covered in a black silk lace netting that has a secondary design made from applied silk organza to give it a 3D feel. Over this are black sequins that have been used to highlight the design created by the silk and netting. The bodice is backed with a black silk but on the hem of the skirt, where the same fabric has been used to finish it, it is not backed. This gives you a touch of transparency there that is very sexy as some parts of the skirt are actually cut quite high up the leg when you just look at where the grey silk part falls to. The skirt itself is extremely full so that when you move you will get a lot of volume and movement. It has a long matching silver silk sash that cinches in the waist as much as you wish. It also comes with its original matching shawl. The shawl is very large and finished with a wide ruffle all the way around. As good as it looks on a dress form, on a real body it really comes alive. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below

Fully lined through the bodice with a black silk and the grey part of the skirt has a black silk chiffon inner skirt. It closes at the side with a metal and nylon zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 42. There is a faint mark on the side of the skirt near the seam and bottom of the grey part of the skirt that you only would see if you lay it out flat as I have. The straps show some wear and fraying at their very tops. Please review the first two photos after the label shot. The shawl has a small blue mark near a seam and there are some watermarks/scuffs to the fabric. These are shown in the last two shots. All are minor.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: approx 42" from waist to longest points and approx 25" to shortest
Shawl: 57" x 46"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3342

Reference Photo: Model in Yves Saint Laurent F/W 1981-82 Rive Gauche Collection. Photo by Helmut Newton. From the book "Yves Saint Laurent: Icons of Fashion Design" by Schirmer/Mosel.

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

Ruben Panis was known for his flair for drama. He started off his career designing costumes for showgirls in Las Vegas and eventually honed his skills by working for both James Galanos and Norman Norell. His gowns were worn by many Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor. At the height of his career he was charging up to $5000 for a dress which at the time was an exorbitant amount. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made

A light silk chiffon base through the majority of the dress makes this gown much lighter on than it may appear with that dense and heavy coverage of sequins. The way it is cut is very old Hollywood. The dress is sleeveless with and the bodice is plunged at both the front and the back, right to the seam that runs under the bust. Here the silver and black rows are set to angle down towards the center. This is then contrasted on the skirt where they are set on a angle that wraps around the body. The skirt is long and lean with a side slit to allow you to walk. All of the sequins are hand sewn into place in double rows of silver alternating with black. The overall effect - especially at a distance is really extraordinary. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made. Take particular note of the way that all of the rows line up at the seams whenever they can. That takes extra time, care and planning that gives you an idea of the quality of the dress. Excellent condition.

The bodice is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt is backed with a black chiffon. It closes with a back, painted metal & nylon zipper at the low back. Note that the back zips up a little more then shown, It was too small on the mannequin to zip the last 3-ish inches

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under bust: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17,5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to center front
Skirt: 44" from center waist seam to hem with another 2.5" turned up under hem
Side slit: 21" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3341

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 the black and gold version of this one shoulder dress by Bill Tice, but the is the first I have had in this wonderful nude peach color. Versions of his one shoulder pieces sit in the closet of countless celebrities like Rachel Zoe  & Nicole Richie (and my own!). This is one of those dresses that you know is going to work every time you put it on. Whenever I get my hands on these they fly out the door. It is insanely sexy with an easy to wear caftan feel that is suspended from one single shoulder. It is made of a liquid jersey that feels amazing on and has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach some far off destination and be perfectly ready to go. The inner dress is long and slim and this is topped by a wrapped looser overlay that is cut on a curving angle. The way it is constructed the inner dress is seamed to just about the hop and then its open under there, with coverage provided by the wrapped overlay. This allows a bit of leg to show when you walk or sit. The single shoulder has a knotted flower detail and both the flower and the neckline edging are accented by ribbons of gold lame. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. The easy fit should allows it to work on a variety of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from shoulder to hem and you can adjust at the shoulder

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3339

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 Halston IV caftan, is a made from a stunning deep copper gold lurex lame and is an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still be entirely comfortable. The simple, classic design makes it is an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. I have seen Rachel Zoe wear the twin of this one around LA. I have also have had these in the shop in solid colored jersey, but the lame ones are just that little bit extra special I think. These easy to wear caftan dresses can go from the beach to entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamor. It is cut deceptively simple with a slit front neck and a second slit that goes up to the knee up the center seam at the front. The rest is loose and cut to skim over the body. The sleeves flow out from the body of the caftan and narrow down at the wrist. The skirt flows to the floor and widens out as it reaches the hem. You can wear this loose as I have photoed it here, or belt it if you want to add more shape and definition. This is a wonderful piece with all the lines you love from Halston. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has a slight transparency to it. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx. 22"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam and it widens to approx 26" around the hips
Length: 59" from shoulder to hem
Slit: 26" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3338

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

George Stavropoulos is one of my favorite designers and I love having his work in the shop. His clients included Elizabeth Taylor and opera singer Maria Callas and part of why they flocked to him was his ability to create stunning evening wear. His hallmark pieces were based on simple lines but with a masterful attention to construction. He shunned overt ornamentation and instead focused on cut and fabric to convey his vision for each piece. This is an amazing example of his work during this time period. His pieces were made by hand made and to demi-couture standards.

The dress is beautiful and comes with a matching capelet and an extra long sash. I love the lightness and airiness that is created by his use of the silk chiffon. The color is amazing in person. The photos are close, but don't quite capture the tone of the color. It is even better in person and the coral is a clearer brighter coral then how it photoed. The silk is cut on the bias and that gives the dress beautiful movement. The skirt has been constructed using four full layers of the silk. This creates beautiful volume and movement as the layers float over each other. The bodice is cut with a simple scooped front and another scoop at the back that is cut lower for a little extra bit of skin to show. The waist is seamed for a touch of definition but is still loose and comfortable to wear. If you want to add more definition you can cinch it in with the sash. The matching little cape sits over the shoulders. It stays in place with little hooks behind the buttons and you can wear those to either the back or front. Wearing it with the cape adds a pretty flowing feel to the dress. There is also a matching sash that comes with it. The sash is very long and you could wear it a multitude of ways, at the waist, as a turban or even substituting it for the cape and wearing it around the neck. It is very pretty and fresh feeling. Excellent condition

It is lined in multiple layers of the same coral silk chiffon. The dress closes with a hidden set, back painted metal and nylon zipper. The cape is unlined and hooks to close under the decorative buttons. I see one extremely faint area of darkening to the fabric about mid thigh on one side. I could not get it on camera it is so faint. The volume of fabric efficiently hides it. The silk is all bias cut and the measurements reflect the range it will go

Dress
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 39" from waist seam to hem
Cape: Length: 14.5" from top to bottom
Sash/Scarf: 120" x 30"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2488

Reference Photos: Shot for creative purposes by Nicole Ormerod  /  Stylist: Nadia Pizzimenti  /  Hair & Makeup:  Jodi Urichuk  /  models: Riley Young & Viktoria Light.

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 John Kloss piece is not 100% perfect but is too pretty to not put out there. I know there are collectors of his work and I hope someone falls in love with it as is. This would have been originally intended to be worn as lingerie piece. However, the recent trend towards wearing items more sheer and layered over inner foundation garments makes piece like this far more suitable as outwear now. This one walks the edge, as far as how sheer it is. It def has a touch of sheerness in a strong light but you could use it as a cover up, be daring and wear nothing but a slip under it, or layer it over just about anything underneath to the point where you can walk outside. The nylon is of a good quality and weight. The fabric is a pinky red color that I think is better in person then how it photoed even though the color is very close in these shots. It slips over the head with pretty cap sleeves that just cover the tops of the shoulder. The neckline is scooped and dips very low. I love the way that it is gathered under just the one side of the bust. It is so subtle and such an unusual detailing. There are a scattering of pinhead size dots at the front and a couple of the same down the front that are barely noticeable. The fabric itself is strong and otherwise in excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. Tagged M. The fabric does have some stretch. Dots on the front as per above. Please see the photo after the label shot for the area affected the most

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3336

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 Frank Usher dress is really wonderful. It is a full length maxi dress and the skirt falls to the floor with yards and yards of a bright orange based coral jersey for its fabric. The color is an instant showstopper and the fabric choice means that it drapes and moves fantastically. The skirt is cut on the bias and once it is on you get a better sense of just how much fabric has been used. The waist is set high and just under the bust. There are three long skinny ties made of the same fabric that loop through openings there. These allow you to cinch in the front and gather it a little more if you wish and then you can either leave the ties hanging on either side or tie them at the back. The top has two triangle halters that plunge to those front ties. They then curve up and extend into long straps that tie behind the neck. This leave the back completely bare. Excellent condition

The bodice is a double layer of the jersey and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a low back set zipper and also ties around the neck. Three ties runs through the front that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The color is a touch more coral then how it photoed in person

Bust: variable since it has no true side seams and has stretch
Underbust: to approx 14-16.5" flat across from side to side
Natural waist & hips: open
Length: somewhat adjustable but approx 58-60" from neck to hem it will vary a little depending on how you tie it at the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3335

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 Yves Saint Laurent piece is the later version of the black one I also listed today and it is just as fabulous. The color of the deep burgundy sequins is amazing. The color is very rich feeling the sequins bring it to life even more. Every square inch of the piece is finished with them. For this one the sequins are laid out flat and set side by side to cover the entire piece. Like its slightly older counterpart it too can play double duty. It is more of a short, mini dress length but can also be worn as a tunic. Either way you will be showing off a mile of leg. The neckline is slightly scooped and the shoulders themselves are lightly padded and squared off so you get a touch of structure. The sleeves are long and the body of the tunic dress is cut to skim over the body in an easy, relaxed way. The sequins are shimmer in the light and in person it is even better then how it photoed. I love the piped detailing that finishes each cuff, the neckline then runs down the back on either side of the zipper. It's fabulous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a burgundy silk  crepe and closes with a zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 40

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30.5" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3334

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

Christophe Decarnin headed Balmain from 2005 as a designer and was named the Creative Director for the brand shortly after. He remained there until 2011. He was largely responsible for revitalizing the couture house, turning the label into his own rick-chic vision, and bringing in a much needed younger clientele. This tunic is a runway piece shown for Spring 2008. It's twin was worn as a tunic for Look 31 in the show.

The tunic is pure Decarnin - it has the unexpected rock chic feel to it and you can easily see its influence with what we are now seeing on the runways. Every square inch of the piece is finished with little silver sequins. I love that they are not your typical round sequins either. Each is a bit of an abstract shape and they have been applied to the silk organza underneath with silver metal thread that is top stitched over them. This creates its own secondary texture and gives the sequins a more interesting effect. It is also a little extra special because it can potentially play double duty. It can absolutely be worn as a tunic but if you are brave and don't mind showing off a mile of leg it is probably just long enough to be worn as a micro mini depending on how it sits on you. Especially with the addition of a pair of tights underneath. The neckline is scooped and the shoulders are unstructured so that is sits loose and easy on the body. The sleeves are long and the body is cut to skim over the body in an easy, relaxed way. The sequins are a brilliant silver in person the way they shine and shimmer in the light is far better then how it photoed. It weighs almost nothing and it is a piece that perfectly sums up Decarnin's tenure at the brand. Excellent condition

The sequins are directly applied to a white silk organza and it slips on to wear with no closures. Tagged a 36

Sleeves: 19"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3333

Reference Photos: Spring 2008 Balmain Runway Collection, Look 31. Model: Kim Noorda.

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 absplutely love this Yves Saint Laurent piece.  I just had a blue version of this come in the shop a few weeks black and was very happy to find this black one. for you. The sequins are glossy and a true deep ink black and they cover every square inch of the piece. It is also a little extra special because it can play double duty. It can absolutely be worn as a tunic but if you are brave and don't mind showing off a mile of leg it is just long enough to be worn as a micro mini. Especially with the addition of a pair of tights underneath. The neckline is slightly scooped and set wide across the neck which allows for a little bit of skin to show on the top of your shoulders. The shoulders themselves are lightly padded so you get a touch of structure. The sleeves are long and the body of the tunic dress is cut to skim over the body in an easy, relaxed way. I love the detailing around the cuff of each sleeve and the bottom hem. It creates the impression of a ribbed sweater but this is all actually done with hand placed tube beads. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and slips on to wear with no closures. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a L but check measurements. The loose cut should fit a variety of sizes

Sleeves: 23.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3332

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 is a spectacular example of the high end hand beading that was being produced during this time period. It is harder and harder to find these original pieces that are entirely made of glass beads and with such a heavy covering of bead work. The instant you lift this dress up you know it is an early and well made original because it literally weights about 8 pounds. This is entirely due to the dense and heavy coverage of the beads which literally cover every inch of the dress. The cut is simple but dramatic. It is cut to hug every curve but without clinging. This creates a long lean silhouette that suggests the body underneath and gives the illusion of height. The neckline is a simple scoop at the front and the back dips into a V. The hips are cut with a slight curve to follow the curve of the body and the skirt falls to the floor from there. The back hem has a bit of extra fabric and is slightly longer. The entire dress is densely covered with hand placed pink, gold and silver glass tube beads that are set into angle rows. These are so heavily applied that they cover the entire surface. Worked in among the sequins are a strands of tiny ivory seed beads that are each finished with a faux pearl. There are hundreds of these hand beaded tassels that follow those curving lines. The effect that these create whenever you move is wonderful. I love that no matter what angle you look at it, every line lines up. The time and hours put into making this dress with all that hand work and then lining it all so perfectly would have been astounding. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a hand set pink silk and closes with a back metal zipper. All the sequins, pearls and beads are completely hand sewn into place. It weighs several pounds. There are some minor grubbiness to the inside lining near the hem but of course this is not seen when on.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of shoulder to front hem, 54" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML

Item# E871

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 Fred Perlberg label launched in 1920. Perlberg was only 19 years old when he started the label and stayed on as the label's designer until 1968 when he retired. Upon retirement he handed over the reigns to Roger Millet who designed the label into the late seventies. This dress would be from the earlier part of the Millet ear, most likely the late 1960s or early 1970s.

The dress continues on Perlberg's legacy and is a great representation of what the label did so well. It made mid-priced party and dance dresses that followed the current trends. They were well made in small production runs and hold up well to the passing of time. This one is gorgeous with its bright pink silk chiffon skirt that have yards and yards of fabric in it and is set with two layers of chiffon over the innermost lining. When you move the silk will twirl around you beautifully. The waist is set high and begins just under the bust line. The bodice is gorgeous and is completely covered with a silver lace that then has looped beads, and silver sequins set onto it for a lovely bit of glamour and contrast to the pink. The bodice is cut with a modified sweetheart front and a low curved back. It is a lovely piece and the pink is even better on person. Excellent condition.

Fully lined  through the skirt and main part of the bodice in a pink silk. The upper bodice and straps are lined in a nude netting. The dress closes with a back painted metal and a hook above that.

Inner natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3331

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

There is nothing like vintage Pucci and his cotton pieces that were meant for the beach are among my absolute favorites. This fabulous little cover up instantly makes you think of far off tropical luxury, combined with lazy days spent by the ocean, with umbrella topped drinks in hand. It is superbly simple in cut, allowing the beauty of that custom screened cotton to shine. The colors are pure and blissful pinks. He effortlessly mixes different hues of pink and then highlighted them with pops of white and grey. The angular pattern is all edged in fine black and signed throughout with that famous Pucci signature. It is made of a thicker twill weight cotton and buttons down the front with the buttons hidden under that front border. You can easily wear it on its own as a mini dress, or even layered over other pieces as more of a tunic. Excellent condition with a couple of very minor notes below

Unlined and closes at the front with hidden buttons under the front panel. There is a slight bit of fading near the arm, A teeny spot near the front hem and faint mark at the front. Please review the three photos after the label shot. These are all extremely minor. Tagged a vintage Pucci 12

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3330

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 is the designer who created that dress that Marilyn Monroe was sewn into when she sang Happy Birthday to  President John F Kennedy. Louis worked in the movies heading the costume department at Columbia Pictures before starting his own label in 1961. Once he began designing under his own label he concentrated on suits and evening wear and was known for his beautiful fabric choices.

This is a wonderful example of that and the dress is very pretty and romantic. The combined effect of that feminine cut and gorgeous fabric will make you feel like you are floating into a room on a cloud of flowers. It is cut with a strong nod to those dramatic gowns of the 1930s and 1940s that Louis excelled at in his movie days. The bodice is fitted with an almost cape-like chiffon overlay that wraps all the way around the neck and over each shoulder to create a soft suggestion of sleeves. The neckline is cut wide and once on will sit on the very outer edge of the shoulders. The waist nips in to balance the volume above and below and the skirt flows out from there to the floor. The skirt has a wonderful fullness and volume to it and the choice of chiffon keeps it light as air. I absolutely love this dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk crepe with an additional layer of silk organza that backs the more full outer layer in the skirt. Closes with a hand set, back painted metal zipper and has a waist stay that closes with flat hook & eye. Hand finishes and made to demi-couture standards.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1264

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

Arnold Scaasi did exquisite work and as time passes I feel his designs are coming to be appreciated by a new audience. He apprenticed for Paquin before moving ot New York and working for Charles James. He launched a ready to wear label in 1956 but 1964 launched a couture salon and scaled back everything else to concentrate  on made-to-order. He cut and created his designs to extremely high standards and the workmanship is fabulous.

Yards and yards of a peach silk organza have been used in this Arnold Scassi gown. The silk used is just incredible. It is a light weight, fine organza and then onto this are hundreds of little cotton pique shapes that have been individually applied.  The fabric he has chosen give the dress both lightness and fullness. That combined with the inner structure through the sleeves and built in skirting allow it to hold that stunning shape and silhouette that you see without having to add any additional underpinnings of your own. The bodice is fitted and cut to follow and highlight the curves of you body to just above the hip where the skirt then explodes out in all of that volume. I actually love how he has extended the bodice down and to the top of the hips while still defining the waist with that pretty grosgrain and silk belt. It cinches in the waist while still exaggerates the curves of the female form and giving you shape despite all the volume in the sleeves and the skirt. The skirt is wonderfully dramatic and full with inner built in layers of silk and tulle to hold the volume. The inner construction of the skirt is amazing. The very inner skirt is made from a fine peach silk with a broad band of horsehair taping inside the bottom hem. Between that and the outer layer of silk are four full layers of silk net tulle. The sleeves are equally incredible and are shaped to have that gorgeous fullness to them and also have an inner finished of tulle netting to hold the shape. The inside is exquisitely constructed and it is all hand finished. This would make a stunning wedding dress for someone who is not looking for a white dress. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes to review below

The bodice is fully interlined in a fine peach silk. The skirt is finished in silk and tulle as per the description above. The sleeves are finished with tulle. It closes with a hand set back metal zipper. The belt is a silk grosgrain backed with a silk ribbon. It hooks and snaps into place. Finished to couture standard by hand. I see one small spot on one of the appliques to the side of the front waist. There is some slight grubbiness to some of the applique pieces near the hem. At some pint a repair was done to the skirt at the back. It is extremely well done and I only initially spotted it when steaming the skirt from the inside. You would never notice it on but mentioned for accuracy. Please review the photos after the label shot. The color in person is a touch more vibrant then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 12"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3329

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

This beautiful and happy feeling dress is one of my favorites from the pieces of Malcolm Starr that I have had in the shop. It was designed by Elinor Simmons, who was a young designer that Malcolm brought in to the company to design a higher end line for him in 1965. She eventually left in 1972 which giving us a window within to date the dress. Everything about this dress suggest the late 1960s.

The silk fabric that the dress is made out of is very pretty and fresh feeling with huge flowers printed across its entire surface. The bodice skims over the torso with darling little capped sleeves and a high set, ribbon detailed waist line. The neck is detailed in a double band of the same black braiding used at the waist. This use of a bit of a darker color anchors the design beautifully and contrasts against the pastels colors of the silk. The skirt falls to the floor, gradually widening out as it nears the hem. I love the fullness that this creates. The silk used has a almost polished cotton finish to it but with a touch more texture. The fabric choice really holds the shape of the dress beautifully and the color is wonderful. I love that it has pockets hidden away at the inset seams that run down the front. It really is a lovely dress. Excellent condition with a note below to review

Fully lined in an ivory muslin through the skirt and an ivory silky rayon through the bodice. It closes with a painted back metal zipper. The hem of the skirt is finished with ribbon. Some grubbiness to the edge of the hem. It appears that the back was taken out at some point alongside the zipper. It could be left as is or easily taken in again to be smaller. I also see what looks to be maybe a faint touch of a pen mark near the zipper. Please review the last photo after the shot of the label. Otherwise it appears to have been worn very little.

Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to top band at the waist with 2" to the bottom band
Skirt: 42" from bottom band at the waist to hem with 3" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2730

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 listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label. Was very happy to have a follower send me links to the 1972 Sonny and Cher album included here that dated this one and shows Cher wearing a simialar one! 

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a royal purple color that is a touch deeper and more vibrant in person then how it photoed here. I love the easy silhouette of the dress and how the front of the bodice has an elaborate and beautiful macrame detailing. This has been entirely done by hand and then hand applied to the dress. The front detailing is made an off white rope that is knotted into a thick braid and applied around the V neckline. It then falls from the base of the V into a dramatic cascade of long fringe knotted with wood beads. The  longest of the fringes go almost to the hem. This elaborate applique gives the simple cut of the dress an instant dose of high glamour. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. This one is unlabeled and has some small flaws but is in overall great condition. 

Unlined and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. The macrame was hand made as a separate piece and then hand applied. The stitching is easily seen on the back of the fabric. The color is a touch more vibrant in person. Unlabeled. My cleaners managed to lighten the one spot on the side of the dress and then there are some small areas of color change to the purple. The last three photos show these areas. Sold as is and as final sale.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3326

Reference Photo: Cher in Bob Mackie, 1972 (from the Sonny & Cher 'Regreso' Album)

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 listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label.

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a stunning coral peach color that is a bit more vibrant in person then how it photoed here. I love the one shoulder silhouette and how the front of the bodice has an elaborate and beautiful beaded Native American feeling bird. All of the bead work is done by hand and has been hand applied to the dress. It is made entirely of turquoise, coral and wood beads and then it is edged in round silver beads. The tail of the bird is a dramatic cascade of long beaded fringe that goes almost to the hem. This elaborate applique gives the simple cut of the dress an instant dose of high glamour and the bird itself is like wearing a huge piece of jewelry. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. I have sold another example of this dress in a different color so was very familiar with this one. This one is unlabeled and has some small flaws but is in overall great condition. 

Unlined and closes with a hand set, slightly offset back painted metal zipper. The bird was beaded as a separate piece and then hand applied. The stitching is easily seen on the back of the fabric. The color is a touch more vibrant in person. Unlabeled. My cleaners managed to lighten the spots that were on the dress and the one that are left are very light now. The last three photos show the worst of them. Sold as is and as final sale.

Bust: 15-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3325

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 listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label.

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a deep yellow color that photoed pretty bang on. I love the fitted silhouette of the dress and all that amazing sequin detailing. Running down the front are a series of different pieces of fruit that are all hand done using sequins, tiny tube beads and rhinestones. The dress is more fitted through the upper body and then flares out as it nears the hem. At the back there is a large cut out below the button and loop at the neck. This leaves a large expanse of bare skin across the back. And just above the butt is another cluster of strawberries for a little bit of a sassy finish. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous sequin detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. This one is labeled and does has some flaws but is otherwise in good condition. 

fully lined in a white stretch nylon lined and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and button at the back neck. The sequin work is all done by hand and hand applied. My cleaners managed to lighten the spot s on it some but they are still present. All are mainly on the back of the dress so the front presents as near perfect and the back shows all the staining with just one light spot on the front near the side seam and some faint areas on the edge of each cuff as well. . The photos after the label show show these areas. Sold as is and as final sale.

Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3327

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 early eighties are a time period often overlooked in the Paco Rabanne history but there are some lovely pieces that came out of this time period. This dress is definitely one of them. It is made from a white crepe and has a nod to the earlier mod shaped shift dresses that defined his career. The white of the fabric is still crisp and this contrasts perfectly against the rope and chain detailing that finishes the edge of the neckline, sleeves and hem. Building on his iconic chain link pieces, all of the edges of the dress are finished with a series of open gold toned metal grommets that are linked together with little silver circles of metal. A rope runs through the upper edges for a slight nod to a nautical feel. It is very chic and with the recent revival of the Rabanne house, it feels very modern. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silky satin rayon and closes at the back with a zipper.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3323

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 1981 Haslton was still in full control of his brand. He had not yet signed the international licensing agreements (that was to happen in 1983) that would be the beginning of his downfall. In fact, at this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable.

The fabric for his beaded and sequin pieces were being made in India. Halston personally chose the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his main line collections. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. In the book Halston, An American Original, the twin of this dress is shown as it appeared on the runway for that season. It is interesting that he chose to show it belts belted with a sash so that the length is shorter. The dress is extraordinary and all of the bead work on it is completely done by hand. The beads are tightly spaced and all have been hand applied onto the fabric which you can clearly see on the back of the fabric. I love the pale mix of pastels colored beads that were used as it gives the dress a soft and pretty feel. The fabric that the beads have been applied to has just the slightest touch of transparently to it which I love. The silhouette is very simple with a scooped front and back and then it just gently widens out as it reached the hem. This makes it very easy to wear and very flattering on the body. Really a wonderful and rare example of his work during this time period. Excellent condition.

Unlined and has no closures. It slips over the head to wear so you have to be small enough to get it on without a opening. You could probably add a side zipper along the seam if needed. The bead work is completely hand done.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41.5" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3322

Reference Photo: Spring 1981 Halston runway collection from the book 'HALSTON: An American Original' by Elaine Gross & Fred Rottman.

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 from the Spring 2012 collection from the house of Valentino. During this time period both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors. On the runway there was a shorter strapless dress shown and a longer version with cap sleeves. For the stores they seemed to have combined the two looks into this strapless version with a longer skirt. Vogue's Nicole Phelps reviewed the collection and said in part:

"The designers turned out their best collection yet—one dress more seductively, calmly lovely than the next, many of them walking out on flat sandals or lace espadrilles that helped give the outing its fresh feel. "Fashion is a dream, and in this moment we need dreams," Piccioli said beforehand...The designers opened with short frocks in off-white or black in a cotton lace fabric that made them into everyday sort of propositions, or they inset lace into paper-thin leather for a halter dress and a snappy trench..."Beautiful" is the word we heard over and over as we left the show."

And beautiful the dress is. This is still once of my favorites collections from the modern Valentino and I was very pleased to get this example in the shop. These are the kind of pieces to buy now, treasure and know they will only increase in importance as time goes by. The dress is strapless with a built in lingerie weight stretch corset that gives you support. The waist is nipped in and has a leather cord that runs through it and adds some detailing and additional shape. The skirt falls from there and widens out as it nears the hem. It is finished with a wide ruffle that gives it some movement and extra volume. The fabric is lovely and is a cotton and nylon mix that has a artisanal feel to it. It has cut work areas running all through it and it back with an almost weightless cotton. It is stunning and looks to have never been worn. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a light cotton muslin and the bodice has an additional lingerie stretch, lightly boned foundation built in that closes with its own zipper. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. A leather tie runs through the waist. It is tagged a modern 42 but runs extremely small. Please check the measurements provided. It would best fit a 0-2. The detail shot of the cotton lace is the best color reference photo.

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 36" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SM

Item# DD3322

Reference Photos: S/S 2012 Valentino Runway. (Look 2, Model Julia Nobis / Look 4, Freja Beha Erichsen)

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