The Balmain transformation from what it was originally to what it is today began when they hired Christophe Decarnin. He was the designer that gave it its edgy feel that has continued to the present day under Olivier Rousteing, the label's current Creative Director. When the Fall 2008 collection showed Vogue's Nicole Phelps said in part: 'And as promised, Spring's haute hippie feathers, fringe, and tie-dye were replaced by an all-Billy Idol soundtrack and enough leopard-print chain mail, python-pattern denim, and crystal-embroidered lightning bolts to make you wonder if there was anything at all left on the shelves at Trash and Vaudeville. To be fair, Decarnin's creations are much finer than the East Village emporium's, but they appeal to a similar kind of chick, one with a killer body and an active nightlife.' The twin of this dress closed the show and it is perhaps one of the most memorable and significant pieces that Decarnin designed for the label. It was produced in very limited quantities and instantly sold out world wide despite a very hefty retail price. 

The dress is incredible and the skirts are all still their original lengths. I note that as I have only ever seen one other of these for sale and it had its skirts shortened at some point. The length is integral to the design in many ways. The skirt panels are incredibly long and light in weight so that when you move they float and billow around you as you can see in the runway footage. Above the skirts it is extremely fitted long curving bodice that is constructed to highlight your every curve. On the interior of the bodice there is a full boned corset with built in cups. The corset is cut to run from the bust to the top of the hips so that you are molded and shaped into place. On the outside the silk is hand draped and placed into position to form soft gathers that run around you. A huge zig zag bolt runs down the front. It is densely covered in crystals and it separates the prints on either side of you. The silk on one side is zebra and the silk used for this is a light scarf weight silk. The other side is finished in a black and white leopard print. On that side the silk is more of a silk faille and slightly heavier in weight then the zebra printed silk is. This change in weights of the silk is genius because it means that the way the silk moves in the skirts changes and you get more movement. The crystal covered panel that divides the two printed sides curves over just one shoulder and then runs down the front in the dramatic zig zag that you see. At the back it extends just past the shoulder and curves to the side. To close the dress Decarnin  has used one of the signature chunky Balmain zippers to divide the two prints. The zipper is set on a curve that follows the curve of your body and it becomes an incredible design detail in itself. The dress is fitted to the top of the hips and then the skirts flare out into long trains of fabric. The predominant part of the skirt is made from the leopard print and this is set on a curve at the hem that extends out to the side and to the back. There is a smaller panel at the front that is made out of the zebra print silk that also extends out and back. Where the two fabrics meet at the front side, they are only attached at the to and not together. This means that an opening is created that goes right up to the top of the thigh. When you move your entire legs shows. We have included the runway footage for reference so that you can see just how incredible it is when it is on and you walk. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The inner bodice has a fully built in boned corset made from a nude colored lingerie stretch corseting nylon fabric that has built in cups and is finished by hand. The fabric is hand draped over this and the crystals and lightening bolt have been attached by hand. It closes with a curved set zipper that allows the form fitting construction of the dress. Tagged a 40. There are a couple of small repairs along the hem of the trained skirts. Some tiny pulls in the silk of the bodice. Please see the photos after the label shot. Hand finished throughout. The inner foundation garment does have some stretch. You might be able to squeeze out a bit more room when on a real body.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 33" from top of shoulder to bottom of inner foundation garment
Skirt: 28.5" from bottom of inner foundation garment to shortest hem, 53" to the longest hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3115

Reference Photos: F/W 2008 Balmain Runway, Final Look.

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 the vintage fur everyone looks for. That simple box cut to just past the hip in a natural red fox. It was the jacket that every 'It girl' of the seventies wore. It has a strong nod to the 1940s in its cut and fits perfectly once on without overwhelming the body. The shoulders on this one are soft and rounded and the cut through the body is loose and generous. It has an almost swing jacket cut to it. All of the pelts run horizontally and I love how they all line up across the sleeves and through the body. Suede insets run between the pelts but the fur is so thick and plush that you don't see them once it is on - they are just there for a touch of structure. It has no collar and the neckline is cut a little wide across the top. Fur hooks are hidden down the front. The pelts are thick and glossy and it looks to have never been worn or worn very little. It is a stunning choice for the girl who believes that vintage fur is a sustainable choice. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a golden silky rayon and the lining is spotless. Closes with fur hooks down the front. It has been specialty cleaned. Perhaps the teeniest of wear near on the fur at the edges of the cuffs but very minor.

Sleeves: 22" 
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C548

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 a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. Fur coats are final sale.

This has a very Bonnie Cashin vibe to it with those fantastic turn key brass closures that run down the front. That little addition of those fabulous details really gives this one an extra shot of style. The jacket has a simple box cut to just past the hip and it is made from a natural red fox. This is the jacket that every 'It girl' of the seventies wanted and wore. The shoulders on this one are soft and rounded and the cut through the body is loose and generous. All of the pelts run horizontally and I love how they all line up across the sleeves and through the body. Taupey leather insets run between the pelts but the fur is so thick and plush that you barely see them once it is on. They are just there for a touch of structure. You do see the leather that runs behind the turn keys at the front and there is a thick band of it used to finish each cuff. Another thick band of it runs up each side and down the insides of the sleeves. The collar is wide and pointed and backed in the same leather. The pelts are thick and glossy and it looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Pockets on each hip are the perfect finish. It is a stunning choice for the girl who believes that vintage fur is a sustainable choice. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a brown silky rayon and the lining is spotless. Closes with the turnkeys down the front. It has been specialty cleaned. Perhaps the finest bit of wear to the very edge of the back hem but nothing that detracts. 

Sleeves: 28" 
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 28" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C549

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 a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. Fur coats are final sale.

Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy. When researching this dress I found a dress held by the Metropolitan Museum with a strikingly similar silhouette and also an editorial shot of a dress that uses the same printed fabric.

I love Geoffrey Beene's work during this time period and this particular dress is just divine. It is really a special piece and Museum worthy. The workmanship is very fine and it is surprisingly light weight despite all that is going on in it. The body of the dress is made from an ultra soft leopard printed chenille like fabric that is almost a faux fur but far lighter and more refined. It is almost like a long piled velvet. Very unusual and very interesting. This is mixed with a black silk netting that makes up the shoulders and sleeves. The netting is detailed with gold metallic thread and also with fused dots of a flat piled black velvet. The bodice is cut to curve around the bust and I love how the leopard printed fabric angles up the the mid-neck on both sides. The netting takes over at that point and curves over the shoulders and down the long sleeves. The extensive detailing work and the way the design is laid out is amazing. From there the fabric skims over the waist and hips and then narrows down to the hem. It is cut to curve in slightly and the hem is cut on a curve as well and has a high slit running up the center. It is really an amazing dress and a testament to Beene's genius. Excellent condition.

The fabric is self backed and the dress unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has a hidden set snap at the cuff. Ribbon edge finished for all inner seams. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Tagged a vintage size 6

Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to front hem, 58" to the back hem
Slit: 26" from hem up

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3484

Reference Photos: (1) Valerie Celis in Geoffrey Beene for Vogue US, 1994. Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth.  /  (2) Spring 1993 Geoffrey Beene dress from the MET Collection Online.

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 held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the fur pieces being produced by designers like Pierre Cardin during this time period. This was the beginning of the movement of treating fur more like a fabric and making coats that had far more style to them then the previous norm. I am no expert on furs but believe this it is Fitch. The color is a rich deep brown that has an undertone ranging from a soft taupe to a creamy ivory. The fur is supple, shiny and very soft. The fur is set in horizontal rows with bands of a black suede in between. It is cut in a classic sixties cut that flares out as it reaches the bottom hem. The sleeves are incredible and each widens out to a flare finish at the cuff. It does up with hooks at the front and the collar is deep and rounded. Pockets sit along the edge of one of the rows at each hip. It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No splitting, issues or shedding. Excellent condition with a minor note below to review.

Fully lined in a deep brown silky rayon and closes with the fur hooks down the front. Pockets on each hip. I see no bald spots or shedding, the pelts are supple and soft. There is slight wear at some of the common points - near the hooks and the edges of the sleeves, but it is very minor. The fur has no odd odor, is still supple and is stable with no signs of any shedding that would indicate that it is breaking down.

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C534

Reference Photos: (1) Model in Pierre Cardin, 1966.  /  (2) Hiroko Matsumoto photographed in a white fur coat by Pierre Cardin, 1966.

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 a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. Fur coats are final sale.

This is the ready to wear version of what walked the runway for the Fall 1992 Haute Couture show. The runway version was leather and fur but here he has decide to go full on faux. The sleeves are magnificent and have all the fullness and impact of the couture version. They are incredibly full and made of a black faux fur that is glossy and thick. The body of the coat is a textured chenille velvet that does an incredible job of mimicking astrakhan. This is achieved by the swirling fabric and palette of greys and blacks. The neck line is high and the body of the jacket is cut in a straight line. It closes down the front with buffed wooden buttons. The sleeves are the star if the show and each is a full 24" around at their widest points. The come on at the wrist and I love the contrast between the two colors and the statement the strong black sleeves make. Such impact. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk satin and closes at the front with a row of carved wood buttons. Pockets on each side. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C531

Reference Photos: (1) Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 1992-1993, Paris, France.  /  (2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

Karlie Kloss wore the twin of this dress to the Balmain after party in Paris that season and the photos instantly went world wide. This was a peice that was available exclusively through Farfetch so very few were produced making it even harder to get. This one still has its farfetch tags and has never been worn. Olivier Rousteing said of this collection to Vogue: "Welcome to my jungle," Olivier Rousteing pronounced backstage, declaring this fearless mash-up of safari chic and hip-hop style to be his most personal collection ever. "I'm French, I'm black, and I'm proud to be at Balmain, but this is a message of freedom and globalism."

The dress is made from a leopard print jersey that is cut supermodel long. It has a open back dress that leaves an expanse of skin bare. It has the signature Balmain chunky zipper at the back that sits low below the waist, becoming a design feature in itself. The halterneck sits high at the front with a gilded and embossed lion head snaps fastening it at the back of the neck. I love the black detailing that sweeps up and around the neckline and forms a criss-cross pattern around the waist. This draws the eye in and acts both as a fabulous detailing to the dress and also it gives the illusion of a waist cinching belt and makes you look even tinier through the waist then you are. The hem is cut longer at the back then the front for a trained effect asymmetric hem and a super model long, sweeping floor-length that features a thigh-high split at the front. Original tags still attached. Excellent condition

Has a full black stretch jersey inner lining. Closes at the back of the neck with snaps and at the low back waist with a zipper. Tagged a 42 but Balmain fits small. Original tags attached. Never worn.

Bust: no true side seams
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16 " from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 48" from waist to front hem, extends another 20" past that at the back
Front slit: 33" from hem to top of slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2970

Reference Photos: Karlie Kloss at the Balmain After Party on September 25, 2014 in Paris, France.

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 was Look 30 in the Fall Prada collection and was wait listed worldwide when it debuted that season. It was produced in limited numbers so will only grow in value as time passes. Style.com said of this collection: 'When the going gets tough, no one can cut an argument for great design with as much substance, conviction and richness of intelligence as Miuccia Prada. Using an unlikely mix of potentially dowdy British tweeds and men’s shirting, bright, lustrous William Morris prints, humble lining silks and deluxe furs and skins, she performed sheer alchemy to create a vision of high chic for hard times'..... 'Part of this collection’s genius is that it has continuity and ingenuity: all the hallmarks of Miuccia Prada's talent are on show. Take the way she has of ordaining the peculiar as newly desirable. This season it’s Willam Morris–by–way–of–Liberty flower prints, used as formfitting knee-length dresses, shirts and a deerstalker hat. Or her way of letting the uptight formality out of evening wear with form-skimming dresses in unpressed lining silks or crinkled georgette, shown with fabric neck pieces (a continuation of Spring’s beaded jewelry). Visually and intellectually, this is a collection that hit the high notes. Post-show, Prada explained her endeavour to be “a desperate search for beauty as we wait for war.” Bad times or no, it's fashion guaranteed to make women desperate to shop.'

The coat is made out of a soft pale taupey beige coloured leather with a suede finish and a texture worked through it to give it the look and feel of Ostrich. The leather is very soft sand yet it is thick enough to keep that deliberate oversized, barrel shape that Miuccia has created. This oversized, slouchy fit is classic Prada. It is meant to feel like you perhaps borrowed your husband out boyfriend's coat and have just slung it on over whatever you happened to be wearing underneath, wrapped one of his belts around you and and walked out the door. It has no front closures and hangs from the dropped shoulders in a loose and easy feel. The shoulders are each detailed with a strap, continuing on the play with a menswear piece and the sleeves are straight cut. It is open through the body with topstitching to define the low 'waist'. Pockets sit low on each hip and a large top set pocket is on one side of the bodice.The belt is a thick leather and a deep brow. It is meant to be oversized so that it sits low on the hip and you can wrap the ends. We have included a runway and video reference so that you can see just how amazing it is when it is on and moving. This is an investment piece for the future. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a white silk satin with the white Prada label. No closures at the front and has its original belt. Pockets on each hip and the front. Tagged a Prada 42 and meant to be worn slightly over-sized. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The front has no closures so it should work on a range of sizes

Sleeves: 18"
Dropped shoulders: 19"
Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C380

Reference photo: Luca Gadjus for Fall 2003 Prada 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.