Fred Perlberg is an interesting designer. He started his label in 1920 at the grand old age of 19 and continued as the designer until 1968 when he retired. This would be from just before that. It is a great representation of what the label did so well - make 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 a simple silk sheath with the waist nipped in and a long lean skirt. It is completely covered with rows of ivory sequins that are set on long squiggling lines vertically up the dress. The bodice is cut with a plunge front and a slit runs up one side of the skirt. I love how the edges around the neckline and waist have a tighter panel of sequins going in the opposite direction. It is a nice touch to highlight and add some texture and interest to the piece. The sequins have a pearlized iridescent quality to them so that the dress has a nice glow without being overwhelming. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in an ivory organza and closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. Hand finishes

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem, slit 20"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3108

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 was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used under the top layer of netted lace used in its construction. Working in this type of fabric is already difficult and this would have taken many hours of work to execute the making of this dress by hand. The silk layers underneath are all cut on the bias and this gives it a lovely movement and makes it very comfortable to wear once on the body. The dress is suspended from the single shoulder and falls from there with a loose and billowy effect as it widens out to the hem. The top layer of the dress is made of a netted ivory with a lace feeling pattern that runs over that. This is then detailed with gold thread that gives the dress a slight touch of sparkles. Once the dress gets past the bust it widens out to be quite full by the time it reaches the hem so that when you move you get an unexpected bit of volume. it is also gathered up at the side toward the back and this gives it a little extra volume there, shows off the layers underneath the top layer and also helps to create that asymmetrical hem. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon under the top lace and net layer and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper set off side at the back. Has four full layers of silk chiffon under the top netting layer under the skirt

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3107

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 Emilio Pucci dress is made out of a luxurious mix of cashmere, silk and wool. This mix makes for an incredibly fine, soft fabrication that holds the color exceptionally well and feels wonderful on the body. Covering every square inch of the dress is a stunning print that is a mix of blue, purple, green and black, all mixed masterfully together. The neckline is high with a contrasting print circling the collar.  This border also circles the waist for added detail and each sleeve is finished with the contrasting print at the cuff. The cut is a simple and classic with a slight A-line cut as the skirt nears its hem and an inverted pleat that runs down the center of the skirt. This gives it a touch of volume when you move. The sleeves are long and simple with a slight pouf to them. This is a classic Pucci silhouette that is instantly recognizable and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. And you just cannot beat that beautiful fabric. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. Tagged a vintage Pucci 10 but of course, check the actual measurements. The fabric does have slight stretch. The fabric is signed throughout and is a nix of 75% cashmere, 15% wool & 10% silk

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to middle of waist
Skirt: 22" from middle of waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3106

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 believe that like the other Patrick Kelly I just listed, that this one is also from the Fall 1988 collection but could not find an exact reference. I say that because that particular collection featured a lot of feathered neckline pieces. If it is not in that season it would certainly have been around that time period.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art recently hosted an exhibit of the work of Patrick Kelly. The show notes state: "“I want my clothes to make you smile”—that was the goal of late African American designer Patrick Kelly in creating his bold, bright, and joyful creations. Kelly achieved this on the streets, nightclubs, and runways of New York, Paris, and beyond in the heady, inventive, and often-subversive urban milieu of the 1980s....Kelly’s work pushed racial and cultural boundaries with golliwog logos, Aunt Jemima bandana dresses, and his ubiquitous black baby-doll brooches. His playful looks were inspired by his muse, Josephine Baker, and admiration for couturiers Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others."

The dress is as exuberant and  over-the-top as you would expect from a piece of Patrick Kelly's work. It is made from a black & purple brocade that has a quilted detailing that runs over the fabric. This gives it an almost padded feel to the fabric and is very unusual. It is cut to hug the body and show every curve. The waist is nipped in through vertical seaming and the skirt is cut to follow the hips and sits slim cut below that. Kelly has squared off the single shoulder on the one side and and kept that sleeve long and lean. The sleeve ends in a point which is a small detail that I love for its unexpectedness. The other shoulder is left bare for a flash of skin. I love the fluffy explosion of black feathers that sits all the way around the neckline - this is what gives us the clue to the collection date and makes the dress so wonderful. As you get closer you also notice that the purple bits on the fabric are not just any design - they are each and elaborately done, long feather design, perfectly tying everything together. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and dress closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Light boning through the bodice. Appears to have never been worn. Tagged a 42

Sleeve: 25"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3105

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 Emilio Pucci dress is made out of one of his signature silk jerseys. Covering every square inch of it is a stunning print that is a mix of different tones of blue, grey and whites, all mixed together like a master. The bodice crosses over itself and is then detailed at the waist with a contrasting printed border. This border also circles the neckline for added detail. Each cuff is also finished with this contrasting print and covers each wide cuff that the sleeves end in. The cut is a simple and classic with a slight A-line cut as the skirt nears its hem. The sleeves are long and simple with a slight pouf to them. I love those wide cuffs that finish each sleeve off perfectly. This is a classic Pucci silhouette that is instantly recognizable and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. I love all the contrasting print panels that give the cut visual definition. This mix of blues is always one of my favorite of his prints. They are just soft and pretty and suit pretty much any skin tone. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the side. Tagged a vintage Pucci 12 but of course, check the actual measurements. The fabric does have slight stretch. Each cuff closes with hidden set snaps

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to middle of waist
Skirt: 28" from middle of waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2718

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 Philadelphia Museum of Art recently hosted an exhibit of the work of Patrick Kelly. The show notes state: "“I want my clothes to make you smile”—that was the goal of late African American designer Patrick Kelly in creating his bold, bright, and joyful creations. Kelly achieved this on the streets, nightclubs, and runways of New York, Paris, and beyond in the heady, inventive, and often-subversive urban milieu of the 1980s....Kelly’s work pushed racial and cultural boundaries with golliwog logos, Aunt Jemima bandana dresses, and his ubiquitous black baby-doll brooches. His playful looks were inspired by his muse, Josephine Baker, and admiration for couturiers Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others."

This super sexy black knit Patrick Kelly dress is wonderful. It is made from a black knit that hugs the body to show every curve. Kelly has squared off the shoulder and kept the sleeves long and lean. The cut through the body hugs every curve and the dress is molded to just past the hip. At that point the skirt flares out dramatically and when you lay it out flat you realize that he has built in an entire circle of fabric into this low, dropped skirt. This is what give it the tremendous movement and volume that is has as soon as you move. It also offers a striking contrast to the super fitted cut through the body. I love the curved seaming that sits discreetly across the bust - this is what gives us the clue to the collection date and makes the dress a more subtle version to his famous heart dresses. Excellent condition.

The dress is wool knit jersey with some stretch. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Light padding in each shoulder. Appears to have never been worn. The fabric does have stretch and the measurements provided are the comfortable range when laying flat. Tagged a US8. FR40, GB12

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:13.5-15 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3104

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 little black dresses that Ceil Chapman made on the late 40s and early 50s are some of the best examples of her work out there. This piece is quite fabulous with its mix of inky black velvet and ivory silk matte satin. I hope that the girl that decides to make it hers will truly love and cherish it. These early Chapman pieces are very hard to come by and you can see the masterful seaming techniques she employed in this piece. The ivory silk on the bodice inset bodice is sharply pleated across the waist and in the offset notch of the bust. I love how she has set this detailing off center so it looks like the wearer is wrapped into the dress. The skirt is cut slim and long to just past the knee. At the back two black velvet panels drape down the skirt on either side of the center. These are finished with a backing of the same ivory silk used on the bodice so that you get the perfect, unexpected, flash of ivory as you move. An extraordinary piece that is highly collectible. Excellent condition with one minor note below

Fully lined in a combination of an ivory rayon backing the bodice and a black silk through the reminder of the dress. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and is boned through the bodice. There is perhaps an area or two where the velvet's pile is not laying the same way as the rest but this is normal on a velvet dress of this age so more a sign of normal patina then a flaw but still mentioned for accuracy.

Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 46" from shoulder to hem with the back hem about an inch longer and the panels extending about 2" past that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3103

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 such a huge Hanae Mori fan and this particular dress is absolutely wonderful. It still feels so fresh and modern even after all the years that have passed since it would have originally been made. The neck is gently scooped at the front with a little ties there and it softly blouses out to the waist. It is sleeveless with an angled cut that leads to the silk straps that wrap around the neck. The skirt flows to the floor in a perfect soft flowing column of silk. It flares out gently as it nears the hem and this allowed Hanae to fully showcase the print that she has wrapped around the lower skirt to its full advantage. The dress is made of the top printed layer of silk chiffon that you see and then inner layer is a nude silk chiffon. The skirt has an additional silk layer under that as well. Even with the layers the dress weighs almost nothing. Once the dress is slipped on, it simply floats around you.The outermost silk has been custom screened with one of her beautiful prints and it is a striking combination of neutral taupe and browns with vivid pops of blue and coral. The design is pure Hanae and the print is just extraordinary and beautiful depicting a sunrise over a beautiful floral backdrop. Excellent condition with one minor note below.

The bodice is interlined lined with a nude silk chiffon and layers of a nude silk chiffon and a pale blue silk line the skirt. It closes at the back with a series of hand covered snaps down the back and these also close the exterior skirt over the zipper that closes the inner lining. There are the lightest faintest little marks here and there on the skirt - maybe faint water marks? They are not seen unless laid out flat and when its on you would never notice. mentioned for accuracy. Hand finished throughout to demi-couture standards. Cut on the bias but waist is seamed

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Lining hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 17" from top of bodice to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 39" from slightly dropped waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3101

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

Mariuccia Mandelli launched the Krizia label in 1954, as one of Italy's first ready-to-wear labels. By the 1980s and 1990s Krizia was a leader in the Italian fashion world with international acclaim. Much of her work was inspired by architecture and you can see a strong sense of that in this dress. I have dated this to the 1982 collection based on the reference photo found and dated to that year. It shares the same striking and unusual 'pockets' that jut out dramatically from the hip at sharp angles as the piece in that photo.

The dress is full length and made of a crinkled iridescent taffeta. Another reference photo found shows Mariuccia wearing an outfit in a similar fabrication. The drama of the hips are balance out by equally dramatic, curved and puffed sleeves. The front is done in an extremely low V that plunges past the waist to an almost unwearable depth. The hips are cut slim and fitted and the back has a high slit that runs up the center seam so that you can move and walk. The panels on each side are functional 'pockets' of sorts and do open down into the very bottom of where they attach along the side of the skirt. I have shown them extended out to each side but also photoed them pinned at the top points so that they curve in and wrap. You could do this to either the front or the back as I have shown. It is a very interesting and avant garde piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set, metal and nylon zipper at the back. Tagged a 42IT. Appears to have never been worn, or worn very little

Sleeves: 15"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Front plunge is 19" deep and the black slit is 24 from hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3099

Reference Photos: (1) Krizia, 1982. / (2) Mariuccia Mandelli (designer of Krizia), date 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 have this same dress in a brown version that is also currently available in the shop. If you want to see it in that color option, please click here to pop directly to that listing.

Geoffrey Beene's evening wear rarely misses the mark.  It always has this combination of elegance and sexiness with great details and workmanship that makes you feel that you are really wearing something special. Here we have a beautiful and very sexy silk chiffon bias cut gown with a fabulous squared off back cut out that leaves the back left bare. On this one the color combination begins with a nude underlay that is then topped with a layer of a deep green and finished with a deep blue. This creates that unique color that you see and gives the dress a really unusual tone and depth. Depending on the light and how the fabric is sitting the color seems to change before your eyes. It is quite unusual. The bodice has a wide band at the waist and on this version that band is left simple and clean. The arms are full near the body - they begin from the top of that waist band and then narrow as they reach each cuff. The skirt swings out from the waist and there is literally yards and yards of fabric in it - if you twirl it is a full circle. The neck scoops at the front but the back is left completely bare - that bit of sexiness I mentioned above. It is just absolutely stunning. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silk crepe, it closes with a low back, hand set zipper. Each sleeve has hidden snaps at the wrist. Hand finishes

Sleeves: 27" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to top waist seam, band is 4.25"
Skirt: 42" from bottom waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3094

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

These early Louis Feraud pieces are highly collectible and in their day they were sought after. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans. During the sixties and early seventies the Feraud label was known world wide for piece that incorporated vibrant prints and gorgeous graphic designs. This full length maxi dress is a striking example of just that. The jersey is of the wash and wear variety and this fabric choice beautifully holds the color.. The design is as vibrant as the day it was screened on. I love how the design is done to cover the body completely but the jersey fabric still drapes and clings to every curve so it is still insanely sexy. That bright design highlights the cut of the dress from neck to hem. I love the mix of the print and the unexpected pops of color worked in with the blue and green. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with buttons and fabric loops at the back neck as well as a painted metal side set zipper. Each wrist buttons to close. The fabric is a light weight jersey so it will have a bit of stretch from the listed measurements.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3095

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 dress from the Christian Dior label that showcases the restraint and elegance the best of the brands work has always displayed. It is cut to supermodel length and the lines make it feel even longer. Everything about the cut is done to lengthen the girl wearing it and give her one long and beautiful line. The shoulders are slightly squared off, but not in an exaggerated way. The sleeves are long and lean. The body of the dress follows the body underneath in a way that the fabric just skims over you from shoulder to hem. The waist is brought in just a touch and this is done with vertical seaming so that there is no line to break the fabric across the waist. The skirt falls from there to the floor in a column. It buttons down one side and the buttons are set on a slight curve that gives the dress a respectful nod to the early days of the house. These completely open so you could actually wear this is a layered piece if you wished. It is simple and refined and has not a single unnecessary seam. The original tags are still attached. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep blue silk and closes with the buttons down the front. Original tags attached and appears to have never been worn. Tagged a modern 40

Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3096

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

By Spring 2011 Isabel Marant was a force. This was only her fourth official runway show and her label was exploding. She told Vogue's Saran Mower that it had become hard to keep her New York store, which opened that spring, stocked with merchandise: "As soon as a new shipment comes in, pfff, it's gone." Mower's review of the collection went on to say that: "Marant took her first trip to California earlier this year and fell in love with its chill vibe. This collection, she said, was an ode to surfing and the early days of skateboarding. That seventies feeling meant there were cutoffs in denim or corduroy with everything from bright check button-downs to shrunken fisherman sweaters to lacy tanks. Sports references came fast and furious: A vintage-looking silk baseball jacket in embroidered washed silk was followed by nipped and fitted rugby-stripe dresses and slightly oversize football-jersey tees. On the more girly side, Marant's signature cropped jacket was cut from red bandanna fabric, and a strapless dress was smocked from a Liberty-esque purple floral print."

This is that purple dress mentioned in the review and it instantly sold out world wide and was wait listed everywhere. The furor caused by this dress was astonishing. It was worn by Anja Rubik for the runway and everyone wanted to emulate her look. It is the easiest dress to wear and the cut is very simple. The bodice is a stretch, elastic tube and the skirt is cut micro short. The seams are left raw and deconstructed, The skirt has three layers of ruffles and only the very top layer is seamed, the other two layers are left cut and raw. The sides are curved up so they are cut very high on the thigh, This also gives the skirt a pretty curve that is immensely flattering. It was shown on the runway belted, but can be work either way. Even after all this time this is a favorite piece from all her collections. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slip on to wear. The bodice stretches. Tagged a Marant size 2. The fabric is 100% Indian made silk. The stretch will allow a variety of sizes

Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: t 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length 24" from top of bodice to shortest pints at the sides, 26" to longest point of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3093

Reference Photos: S/S 2011 Isabel Marant Runway, Look 3. Model: Anja Rubik.

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

These little 1950s Hawaiian dresses are wonderful and are cut to give you curves. They have such a classic silhouette that they still feel fresh even after 50+ years. This one is unlabelled and would have most likely come directly out of Hawaii in the movement that was set up to cater directly to the thriving tourist market of that era. These sarong styled sun dresses were worn by Hollywood starlets and girls bought them in droves to emulate their favorite stars. I love the sarong style skirting with its attached illusion of a wrap skirt complete with a little tie of fabric that sits at the side of waist. This one is boned through the bodice for support and the neckline is slightly gathered at the bust for a touch of detailing. The print is a pretty mix of a right tropical orange against a brown and tan backdrop. It is very pretty and very flattering on. The fabric is still crisp and it appears to have never been worn. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined and has boning in the bust area It closes with a side painted metal zipper. Made of a crisp cotton and appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D598

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 lovely little dress is closest in feel to the pink one used for the fall ad campaign for the Rive Gauche label that year. I love the pink version as well but think that the all black is perhaps even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions and the velvet gives it a more luxe evening feel.

The dress is lovely with its strapless, curved bodice and fitted silhouette. The main fabric that makes up the body of the dress is a rich, lush black velvet that gives it depth and texture. This is then mixed with black silk organza ruffles that detail the dress. I absolutely love the ruffle detailing that finishes the edges and the contrast of the two fabrics. This is a classic YSL touch and gives it a flirty, girlie feel that it would not have without that finish. The ruffles edge the curving neckline, curve around to highlight the bust area, and then go all the way around the back. At the hem he has used three full layers of the ruffle set almost on top of each other so that you get a little explosion of volume there. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the ruffles are set on the velvet to the fitted and curved lines of the body of the dress. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black cotton fabric and the interior bodice is lightly boned for shape and support. Inner waist stay that hooks to close  and the back closes with a fine metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 44

Waist at inner waist stay: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3092

Reference Photos: (1-2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.  /  Naomi Campbell for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, F/W 1987.

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 from the debut collection of Anthony Vaccarello for the Saint Laurent label. It was Look 43 on the runway. Vogue's Sarah Mower said of the collection in her review:  Vaccarello’s new position is an opportunity for which he closed his own line, to concentrate on the responsibility of reimagining whom the Saint Laurent girl might be. “She’s certainly not bourgeois or classic,” said Vaccarello. “She has a huge respect for Saint Laurent, but not in the first degree. So I thought of her taking a vintage dress and cutting into it....In particular, that dress was a puffed-shouldered number from an Yves Saint Laurent collection of 1982, and a black leather version of it opened this show.... Embracing the ’80s isn’t a stylistic stretch for Vaccarello, either; his own sexy looks have always stuck to that kind of glamor. He played on it with plunging bustier tops in leather or velvet, pelmet skirts and boyfriend jeans, a section devoted to draped gold lamé, iterations of skinny smoking suits, and variations on one-sleeved dresses."

This is one of those one shoulder pieces that formed the basis of the collection and certainly one of the more avant garde ones The body of the dress is a fine,lightweight black stretch wool fabric that falls perfectly on the body in a sleek sheath with low set pockets set on each hip. To this rather austere base, he has then added a deconstructed puffed drop sleeve. It is a daring design made out of a black lace that starts with that incredible sleeve and ends slanting down the chest. The lace is purposely finished to appear ripped and partially destroyed but the open holes are cleverly placed and planned for that perfect rock and roll defiance. The dress can be worn as shown on the runway with the lace exposing the front of the chest, however I just slightly adjusted it once on and belted it to sit a bit higher and it was fine. A nude undergarment would allow you to wear it either way. Or not if you dare. Never worn and still has part of the original tag still attached. The original retail on this was $3800USD. Excellent condition

Fully lined in silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a FR40. The pockets at the front are still temp sewn shut as they would have been from the original store.

Sleeve: dropped and cut extra long at 29"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3091

Reference Photos: (1) S/S 2017 Saint Laurent Runway, Look 43. Model: Chiharu Okunugi.  /  (2) 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 lovely little dress is one of the several versions that were produced that year for both the Haute Couture runway and the Rive Gauche line for Yves Saint Laurent. A version in pink and black was featured heavily in the  fall ad campaign for the Rive gauche line that year. I love the pink version as well but think that the all black is perhaps even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions.

The dress is lovely with its strapless, curved bodice and short, fitted silhouette. The main fabric that makes up the body of the dress has a slight bubbled textured feel to it which make it more of an interesting choice than a plain black fabric would have. I love the ruffle detailing that finishes the edges. This is a classic YSL touch and gives it a flirty, girlie feel that it would not have without that finish. The ruffles edge the curving neckline and go all the way around the back. Wider ruffles edge the hem and there he used three full layers of the ruffle set atop of each other so that there is a touch of volume and a flare to the skirt. At one hip is a large black bow done in the same silk taffeta that the ruffles are made from. This adds a saucy bit of volume at the hip. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the hem is set to that final ruffle that sits curves across the back. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black cotton fabric and the interior bodice is lightly boned for shape and support. Inner waist stay that hooks to close  and the back closes with a fine metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 38

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from top of bodice to hem and the top ruffle adds 2.5 inches above the top seam of the bodice

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3090

Reference Photos: (1) Naomi Campbell for Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, F/W 1987.  /  (2-3) Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture S/S 1987 Runway.

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

The Colifichets boutique was found on the ground floor of the Dior Haute Couture atelier at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. It allowed Dior to expand his clientele beyond his Haute Couture clients. The pieces were still made in house and to demi-couture standards. I found reference to the boutique as early as 1949 in article giving the history of when Dior conceived his first lipstick. That idea was conceived as a sort of limited-edition 'gift with purchase', and was sent to the most loyal clients of his Colifichet boutique as a Christmas present that year. This is a beautiful example of the workmanship coming out of the boutique. It is not perfect but still a very rare and important piece of Dior's early history.

The dress is made from a rich ivory silk that holds the shape well. The bodice is cut with a high V at the front and the back gently scoops to leave the upper back bare. The waist is set high just below the shaped and formed bodice and the skirt is cut to angle out as it nears the hem. The bodice has an intricate design done in a combination of crystal rhinestones, dangling drops, and faux pearls. The edges of the bodice are densely covered and all the edges are finished with dangling teardrops. Every piece is hand set and applied and you can clearly see the hand done work on the back of the fabric. The interior is fully finished with a boned and cupped inner corset that hooks to close independently under the exterior zipper.

The dress is far from perfect and is suitable for the collector as is, or for someone who would be willing to take on a restoration project. I note the following flaws: faint discoloration and staining scattered over the skirt. These might be lightened out by a specialist. They are faint and if you don't mind small flaws these could be considered negligible. On the bodice there are some missing tear drops and beads here and there. Not very many and a repositioning of some of the other beads and crystals would resolve this. Inside, some of the metal stays that create the boning are poking through at the ends of this silk pockets. Again a minor issue to resolve. The interior of the inner corset is otherwise very clean and unaffected. The real flaw is the staining under each arm. The arms would have to be re-cut. The good news is that the marks do not go terrible deep into the dress from under the arms so should be doable without completely compromising the dress. I have chosen to sell it as found for two reasons. One, the collector may wish it to be in its original, as found  state regardless of the flaws, and two, for the girl buying to potentially wear, it makes more sense to have the repairs done to fit her specifically.

It is fully lined in an ivory silk and part of the lining has its own hook and eye closure. The exterior silk closes with a back, painted metal sipper. The  inner corset closes with hook and eye. The tag is numbered. Please make sure to fully read the above paragraph before purchasing. This gown is sold as a final sale and as found

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam, removing the inner corset might give you another inch or two. The cups would fit up to a B I think
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam, removing the inner corset might give you another inch or two
12 to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to lowest part of empire waist
Skirt: 41" from lowest part of empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS to maybe a XS if inner corset was removed or altered

Item# DD3089

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

Morton Myles shot to fame when Jacqueline Kennedy appeared on the cover of Look magazine wearing a blue sleeveless linen dress, with her family, in 1961. He had designed the dress while working for Herbert Sondheim and soon after started his own label. His work is always well made and has a sense of refinement to it. Even in a piece like this with all of its over-the-top hallmarks of the 1980s with that extravagant ruffled sleeve, it still somehow feels classic. The dress is cut to fit the body with a nipped in waist and long lean skirt that balance out that dramatic top. The fabric is a black taffeta and his choice to keep it as a black dress helps to balance out the drama of the ruffles. And what drama it is. I love the huge ruffled sleeve that poufs out with all its extravagance. The ruffles are set all the way around the shoulder in a dense and tight pattern that keeps that huge round shape and give it volume. More ruffles continues down from that one sleeve and edges the neckline on both the back and the front. The other arm is left bare and a huge bow sits on one hip. A high slit that runs up the seam on the skirt on the side opposite to the single sleeve is the perfect finishing tough. It is quite wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Appears to have never been worn.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Slit: 22" from hem to top of the slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3089

Reference Photos: 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.