The 1940s feel to this dress is distinctive and it was this feature that allowed me to find the date of the collection. We tracked down a photo of Karl with a model in 1974 wearing a dress from that years collection that has that same 1940s feel to it that as we see on this example. The date also matches what I was told about the purchase date by the original owner. It is these collections during the years between 1969 and 1975 that we still see heavily influence the modern bohemian feel of Chloe today. Examples of his work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds.

At first glance you would think this is a dress straight off the 1940s runway. It has that same cut and feel and even the silk used has that feel of the early crepe silks. You can see the more modern touches (for 1974 that is) with the black lace that edges the sleeves and finishes the hemline. In person it is even better then how it photoed as you can really get lost in that gorgeous print of dragonflies, flowers and butterflies that cover the entire surface. The cut is classic forties in feel with a loose and easy fitting bodice whose cap sleeves are en extension of the fabric used for the bodice itself. So there are no seams there to break the line or disrupt the pattern. The skirt under that falls just past the knee and is also cut to be loose and easy. At the hips on either side sit bows that combine a matching printed fabric with a coral silk that add detail and a touch of volume there. The dress is made from a  fine black silk that has  that wonderful design screened over it surface in a way that give it the appearance that it was hand painted. It came with its matching fabric tie that you can use to cinch in the waist or tie around the neck. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back, hidden set  painted metal& nylon zipper. Has its matching tie belt. Hand finishes throughout

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 30.5" from waist to hem
Tie: 45" x 2.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3050

Reference Photo: Karl Lagerfeld and a model for Chloé Spring/Summer 1974 Fashion Show.

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 wonderful strapless dress from Lanvin has a pretty and unusual design. It is made form a black silk that has enough weight to hold the shape intended. The bodice is strapless and lightly boned for structure. It has a high peaked front that sits over an inner structure to hold you in place. This peaked bust line scoops down at its center and is held in place by a small knot of silk so that the bodice has the look of a bow wrapped around you. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out from there. The skirt is quite interesting as it is actually made from two layers. There is an inner fitted pencil skirt that is a combination of a black silky rayon lining around the hips and then the bottom of that inner skirt is the same silk as the rest of the dress. Over this is a much fuller skirt that is shaped and cut to have the perfect amount of volume. It is very pretty.. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in black silky rayon and closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is lightly boned. A single layer of tulle sits at the hip between the two layers of the skirt for added shaping. There is the tiniest bit of shininess from over pressing to the back zipper area and some seaming but very minimal.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to bottom of top hem, 26" to bottom of inner hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3045

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

My client was a couture client of Ungaro's during this time period and this was one of her few RTW purchases. You can clearly see the reference to the longer version that walked the couture runway that was worn by Iman. I love the shorter version equally as much and the craftsmanship on it is wonderful.

The dress is one of the best Ungaro pieces I have come across. It feels shockingly modern and you can clearly see where many of the modern day designers have gotten their inspiration from the past few seasons. It is made out of a black silk satin that is trimmed in a black lace. Onto that lace are hand applied sequins that give it the perfect little shot of glitz. The shoulders are exaggerated and padded and the sleeves below have tremendous volume until they reach the cuffs. Each cuff is a full XX" ling and are fitted to the arm with a row of metallic thread knot buttons to close. The dress wraps and snaps into place and I love how the lace is set around the waist to draw the eye on and make it appear smaller. The dress is lined but only tot he upper portion of the lace at the hem so that it has a touch of transparency.  Its fabulous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a combination of snaps and hook and eye at the waist. The cuffs button to close. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Padding at each shoulder

Sleeves: 28.5"
Shoulders: 16" but padded and over-sized
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist stat: 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: 22" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3046

Reference Photo: (1) Iman for F/W 1988 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture. / (2-4) 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.

The silk Swiss dot netting used for the outer layers of this dress are so fine and light that it seems almost an impossibility that it could even be shaped & sewn properly to create the dress. The workmanship is exceedingly fine and the final result is beautiful. It has the added benefit of a well documented provenance. It's twin was used for a Bill Blass advertisement that year that was shot by Francesco Scavullo. The ad ran in the October 28, 1978 issue of WWD. This exact dress for sale today was also worn by Michelle Monaghan to attend the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party.The dress is semi transparent from top to bottom and you can see the effect best on the photo of Michelle. The inner bodice has a layer of nude silk chiffon throught he fron of the bodice only and those extra panels of netting that run down and over each bust. From a distance this gives the illusion that it is only the vertical panels providing coverafe. The back is covered with a thin layer of netting only and the skirt is made up of the same netted silk over semi-transparent inner silk chiffon.  The waist is cinched with a wide silk taffeta belt that gas pretty little dots of cording running along its length for embellishment and detailing. The workmanship is exceptional and most is done by hand.  Excellent condition.

The front bodice is lined in a nude silk chiffon and the skirt has an inner layer of black silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the low back with two buttons above that and hook and eye at the back of the neck. Each sleeve has a hidden set snap. I see one teeny repair to the net on one sleeve. Note that it was a little tiny on my dress form and will sit on a proper sized girl like the reference photos provided. Hand finishes throughout. Tagged a vintage 4 but please go by listed measurements

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to longest point of back hem. The front hem is 31.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3039

Reference Photos: (1) Bill Blass Ad shot by Francesco Scavullo from the October 28, 1978 issue of WWD.  /  (2-4) Michelle Monaghan at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party.

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

Richard Blackwell launched his label in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 (or up to $10,000 in the modern terms). He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. His 'custom' line was the pieces that were made to order, and were one of a kind pieces that were fitted to a specific client in the couture tradition.

This dress is from the custom part of his atelier and is a wonderful example of his work. It is a wonderful dress and rarely do such fine examples of this time period, and with this level of glamour, come to market anymore. This comes directly from the original client who kept it on pristine condition. The cut is simple but dramatic because of the amazing front inset and embellishment. The dress is cut in a simple, long sheath black sheath and the black is a medium weight wool crepe jersey so it holds the intended shape very well and gives the dress structure without having to have a lot of seaming. The sleeves are long and straight. The dress skims over the torso and glides into a touch of shape at the waist. It then falls to the floor in a column that gently widens as it nears the hem below that. The front of the dress has a nude silk inset that is backed by an opaque silk so it gives the illusion of being see-through from a distance but you are entirely covered. This is then densely covered in an angular pattern created by hand placed large glass crystal rhinestones, clear seed beads and rows of faux pearls. They have a raised 3D effect and give the otherwise simple dress a high level of glamour. The illusion that it is slit to below the hips adds a touch of sexiness despite the wearer being completely covered. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the body in a nude colored silk with the sleeves left unlined. It closes with a back, hand set, painted metal zipper. The embellishments are hand placed

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3037

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

I love this amazing silk floral Prada set from the 2008 Resort collection. This was one of the most famous of all Miuccia's collections and the pieces sold out world-wide shortly after being released. Being resort the pieces were produced in extremely limited quantities making everything from this collection even more special. This print was featured heavily in the ad campaign for that season and was seen on countless other celebrities. Pieces appeared in many publications and editorials. It will forever be instantly recognized as one of the key prints from the house. It is also an amazing testament to the couture level construction techniques that the house of Prada employs. The set is twp pieces, a top or light jacket and a pair of straight legged pants. Each of the pieces also has a matching belt making the set four pieces in all. The jacket is cut to skim over the body and buttons fully down the front so that you can wear it as a top on its own or layer it over other pieces. Its matching belt cinches in the waist for added shape. The pants are cut like a trouser with a banded waist through which the second belt goes. They have a flat, zipped front and each leg is cut straight and wide. The finishing is immaculate and the silk used gives it that perfect balance between softness and structure. This set was provided exactly as it appeared in the collection that season. Excellent condition.

The top is fully lined in black silk and closes down the front with buttons. Each cuff also buttons to close. The pants zip to close at the front and have two flat hook and eye to close at the waist. Top set pockets on each hip. Beautifully finished and appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Both pieces are a Prada 42. Please know your size in Prada and/or check the measurements provided

Top
Sleeves: 25 3/4"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from top of neck to hem

Pants:
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28 1/4" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3034

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 black jersey dresses that were made on the late 1940s and early 1950s are wonderful examples of the work being done in these early forms of jersey. The dress is made of a very early silk knit jersey. The fabric is very fluid and drapes very well making it a preferred choice for many dress designers during this time period. The bodice has a detailing on it created by the soft pleats  that curve up either side to the neckline. The neckline is squared off and a little flat bow sits at its center. Each sleeve is cut to just past the elbows and they are kept simple and unadorned, just like the front of the skirt is. At the back, the pleat work from the front continues to cure around to meet at the back of the waist two panels of jersey fall from there to give some volume and movement to the back of the skirt. I love the nod to the art deco movement that this gives the dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the body in a combination of black silk through the bodice and black rayon through the skirt. The sleeves are left unlined. It closes with a back painted metal zipper

Sleeves: approx 19"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to front hem, 29" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E653

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 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 is cut on the bias and this gives it a lovely movement and makes it very comfortable to wear once on the body. The bodice is made up of two attached pieces, an inner, more fitted top that is suspended from the shoulders by two tiny little silk straps and a loose and billowy caped overlay. The caped overlay is cut on a curve that it attached along the waist lines and then curves up with slits for your arms and then curves back in towards the neckline. A slit runs from the neckline to mid-back at the back. It blouses over the waist when on and it creates a very pretty effect with its slight transparency. The waist is nipped in. Below that the skirt is made up of five full layers of silk chiffon, all cut on the bias to have full movement and drape. 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 very beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk chiffon with the top cape overlay left unlined. The skirt has five layers of silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper on the inner bodice. Immaculately constructed. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut allows for some range in the measurements as indicated below

Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 50" from top of shoulder to hem and will come up a little when on due to the bias cut

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3032

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 lines on this little black dress are pure Yves Saint Laurent for this time period. The dress is made from a combination of a inky black velvet that he has used for the upper bodice, a semi-transparent lace through the mid-riff area and a bandage like jersey knit for the skirt. At the front the neckline dips very low to meet the lace inset that runs around the center of the dress. The sleeves are long and slim with zippers at each cuff. The back is amazing with a button at the nape of the neck and a slit  from there to the top of the lace inset. Four more buttons are set along the length of the inset and the way they are set allows for little gaps between each. This gives you a line of skin showing that runs from the neck to the top pf the buttocks and it is insanely sexy. The waist is a black lace that is backed with a nude silk chiffon so has just a hint of transparency to it. The skirt is slim and fitted. As good as it looks on a dress form, on a real body it really comes alive. Excellent condition

Fully lined through the bodice with a black silky rayon and the lace is back in a nude silk chiffon. The sleeves and skirt are unlined. It closes with a series of buttons down the back. Tagged a vintage YSL 38. The skirt has stretch

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3033

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 notes for the 1972 collection in the book 'Dior, The Catwalk' state that The New York Times declared Bohan's collection for Dior as 'the best of the season in Paris'  that year. The same notes on to say that the full records for Bohan's collection did not survive the passages of time. Having a dress from this collection that is so very well documented is that much more special as a result. The dress is exceptional.

The caption on the photo of Vogue editorial that I have included here says it best: "Pretty. That's really the word for it - the softness of everything at Dior. So feminine at night especially...The flirt of the sleeves on a short dress for evening...black mousseline, covered at the neck and yet...revealing lots of skin beneath and lots of leg below". Of course on this version, the dress has a crossed over V neck that I prefer to the higher tied neckline. A Haute Couture client would have ordered the dress in a variation that suited them best and often a change like this would not be allowed to be repeated. This design also allows the unusual sleeves to really be showcased and become the highlight of the dress. Each sleeve is semi-sheer to the elbow and is full and poufed underneath until the cuff cinched it in at the wrist. Lying over the lower portion of the sleeve is a circle of silk that that circles around each sleeve and lies over the lower half of the sleeve. It is a very unusual treatment to the sleeves and instantly catches the eye. You can see why it would have been pulled to be used for editorials that season. The skirt is full and has two soft and floating layers of black silk chiffon over a slimmer  inner skirt. The shape this creates mimics the detailing on the sleeve perfectly. The back is left entirely transparent for an unexpected touch of sensuality. Dated and numbered with it Dior Haute Couture label. This is a rare piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silk chiffon except for the sleeves and upper back above the waist. The back closes with a low set, fine metal zipper and then the dress snaps to close with a series of tiny snaps up the back of the dress that run over the zipper, past the waist to the neck. Each cuff buttons to close. Entirely made by hand. The Haute Couture label is present and the dress is numbered 01340

Sleeves: 27" (poufs up when on)
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16" 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
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3031

Reference Photos: (1) Karen Graham in a chiffon dress by Marc Bohan for Dior, Autumn/Winter Collection 1972, photo by Richard Avedon, July 1972.  /  (2) Dior dress in Vogue, September 1972.

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 Geoffrey Beene wrapped coat is fabulous with its bright contrast of that hot pink silk satin against the heavy black silk base. The collar, cuffs and the inner edge of the coat are finished with  a vivid pink and that shot of bright color combined with the dramatic lines of the coat are wonderful. The coat wraps to close and is cinched in at the waist. The skirting below the waist flares out to an extreme fullness that is very flattering on. The collar is cut to be oversized and the color draws the eye to create a strong focal point. I love that each cuff is finished with that same pink fabric. Both the collar and cuffs are top stitched in rows for a little extra detail. It is cut so that you could get away with wearing this on its own as a dress, but if you do layer it over something else, you will love the unexpected pop of color that runs down the inner edges on both sides at the front. It is just gorgeous and a wonderful example of his earlier work. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes along the waist with hook & eye. Hand finished through out and extremely well made. It presents as being in great condition but has some tiny things to note. There is a touch of wear to each cuff where the fabric folds (see photos) and there is a touch of fading/discoloration along the top of the collar from improper storage (photoed) and where each cuff folds. Otherwise excellent. Priced accordingly. Note the pink is ore a Barbie pink in person and better then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C473

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

Heart-breakingly beautiful, this silk chiffon Hanae Mori gown is a rare example of her true Haute Couture work. The dress just an absolute work of art from the Spring 2000 collection. It is an interesting example of how the client is really the driving force behind what they buy. The dress is an adaptation of look seven from the runway and uses a print from the Fall 1990 collection. I have included a reference photo of both the 2000 runway dress and the 1990 one as they were presented.  It has her signature east meets west feel and it is an honor to have a piece of her couture work in the shop. Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York Runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

The dress features one of her custom designed prints, depicting a forest of trees rising up along the side of a mountain. She has screened this onto the top layer of the skirt that is made from a feather light silk chiffon. The inner layer of the skirt is made from a fine silk twill and this is also screened with that same design. The layering of the two fabrics gives the print depth and a touch of the surreal as they move over each other. Interspersed here and there over the silk are her signature butterflies. These are screened onto the silk with such a light touch that they seem almost ghostly as they flit randomly over the silk. The bodice is highly structured in contrast and uses different shades of grey silk to add to the contrast of the layers. Here the silk is hand pleated and gathered into soft folds that shape and mold the upper body. The dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and over each shoulder. At the back, the silk flows out into a soft train. A matching shawl of the same silk chiffon is screened with more of that beautiful art work. Inside the dress is her proper Haute Couture label and it's numbered couture tape underneath. Excellent condition with a tiny note to review below

Fully lined in a hand set cream silk. It has a fully built in inner boned bodice that closes with its own independent zipper. A second, hidden set zipper closes the exterior. The top silk chiffon layer of the skirt hides the zipper below the waist with fabric covered snaps. Inner waist stay. Hand finished to couture standards. Haute Couture tape #C 1109 5.4.2000. There is the very faintest of tiny marks to the silk just below the waist line with the tiniest of pulls to the fabric here and there. A small bit if scuffing to the inner lining of the train. All extremely minor and when on it appears unworn.

Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to shortest point of front hem, 59" to the back hem
Shawl: 36" x 124"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3020

Reference Photo: (1) Hanae Mori F/W 1990 Haute Couture Collection.  /  (2) Hanae Mori S/S 2000 Haute Couture Collection. (3-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is wearing a Magnetic Midnight X Shrimpton Couture 'Shooting Stars' Headpiece - available on the site here >

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 a recent Alexander McQueen collection and the original retail was well over 4K. The dress is gorgeous. It is made from a beautifully weighted silk satin that has that same liquid feel the the best of the 1930s pieces did that were made from this same fabric. Like those dresses of the thirties this is also cut on the bias but with a more shaped silhouette. It is cut to flow over the body with a nipped in waist for shape and a V neckline at the front. The skirt flows and hugs the hips and then flares out in a wonderful soft draping at the lower hem that gives you fabulous movement when you walk or move. The sleeves are cut with a full kimono style drop sleeves. This adds a high sense of drama to the dress. The perfect finishing touch are those wide cream silk bands that run around the bottom hem of the skirt and around each wide cut sleeve. That touch of graphics with the contrast between the black and cream is spectacular. Excellent condition.

The fabric is self backed and it closes with a low set, hidden set zipper at the back and a hook & eye at the top of the back opening. Bias cut but the waist is seamed and has no give. The inner edge of the seam is open like a traditional kimono sleeve. Note that it would fully zip at the back on a girl a bit smaller then my dress form. Tagged a modern 38. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little

Sleeves: 19" from shoulder seam to upper edge and the are cut a full 44" around. When dropped the longest point falls to approx 33"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 53.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3019

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

I have had a version of this dress in the past and think I like it even more now. It has a really timeless quality about it and yet feels very fresh and of the moment. It is made out of a light weight black wool crepe that allowed Oscar to give it the structure he wanted but still keep it light in feel and so that it moves very well. The bodice is fitted and suspended from the shoulder by two piped straps made from the same fabric, The waist cinches in and the skirt flows softly over the hips and gradually widens out as it nears the hem. I love the way that the skirt rises at the front and is longer at the back. That, combined with the volume the skirt has by the time it gets to this point, and that dramatic 7" ruffle that the skirt is finished with, give it a bit of a Spanish feeling flare that makes for amazing movement whenever you move. I love it. Excellent condition

The bodice is lined in a black silk and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Tagged a vintage ODLR 8. I feel like you could also tuck in the straps and wear this one strapless too.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 36" from waist to longest point at back hem, 23" to the shortest point at the front

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3013

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 one of the highlights of the 2014 Pucci runway, shown on Isabeli Fontana for Look 37 of the fall presentation. Even though it is a recent piece, it is sure to  become an important piece in terms of Peter Dundas' career. Style.com said that this was one of his best collections:

Over his five years at Emilio Pucci, Peter Dundas has soaked in the house's Italian jet-set heritage and turned the show into one of Milan's hot tickets. ...... Dundas tapped into his own history, and the result ranks up there with his best collections for Pucci.....Jersey was another house signature, but back in Emilio's day it never draped quite as fabulously. 

The dress is made out of a slinky, fine light weight, black jersey, cut to highlight and show off your figure. It also is micro mini length so shows miles of long bare legs. Cut outs circle the upper bust to giving a sexy glimpse of skin. These cut outs are connected by a gold chain that running around your upper bodice and creates a tantalizing series of open slashes. The workmanship that has been out into the dress and draping of the jersey is extraordinary and shows a high level of  technique. This particular fabric is extremely hard to work with and the level of fit and draping that Dundas has achieved is wonderful.  The original price on this dress was just over 4000+ taxes and I would bet that given the time to become a "true" piece of vintage that its value will far exceed that and what it is listed here for. New with original hang tag and never worn.

The skirt is a double layer of jersey that continues up through the bodice and the upper shoulders and sleeves are a then a single layer. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the side and hook and eye along the neck. Tagged a modern IT44, FR40, UK12 or 10US. The fabric does have stretch

Sleeves: 31" and push up when on
Bust: 15-20" flat across from seam to seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from seam to seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from seam to seam
Length: approx 35" from neck to hem but when on you can wear it as short as you wish

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item # DD3012

Reference Photo: Isabeli Fontana for Emilio Pucci, F/W 2014 (Look 37).

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 an exceptional twenties flapper coat that is made of a beautiful black silk velvet. This particular fabric is a dream to wear with its beautiful drape and ease. It falls to just past the knees and has a loose and easy cut so can be thrown on over just about anything. The upper portion of the coat has soft rounded shoulders and these curve gracefully into the sleeves. Each sleeve is quite special with an angled drop cut at the cuffs and gathers that flow into an angled piped detailing so that the cuffs have extra volume. The collar is equally special with a demure little detail at the back where a panel of fabric of fabric is looped and gathered around the back collar. The inside of the coat has been lined with a pale green silk satin set slightly shorter then the length of the coat. This interior lining is still in excellent condition with just the barest hint of wear near the arms where a small repair was made. I love the wide and easy swing cut through the body. It has no true closures so when it is on you get that flash of silk lining that creates a wonderful contrast to the black exterior. Excellent condition

Fully lined in pale green silk, both the interior and exterior are in strong and wearable condition. No closures. The loose and open cut will fit a range of sizes

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

Sleeves: 23" at the shortest point, 28" to the longest
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: to 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist to hips: open
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# C470

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 pictures cannot come close to conveying the beauty of this coat. It is really extraordinary but being black, it is hard to capture just how wonderful it is. The cut is stunning and a strong nod to the sixties aesthetic. It is cut full length with narrow shoulders and meant to sit more fitted to the body through the upper torso. The sleeves are elbow length with a straight cut to them. It is seamed at the front waist only with a slight flare to the lower portion of the front and the back sweeping out more from the shoulders to the hem with no seam to break the line at the back. The fabric itself is stunning. I have included some close ups but even they do not convey it properly. It has a floral print woven through the silk with a matte black thread for contrast. Then onto this are raised embroidered threads that curve between the flowers and these sit up from the fabric for a slight 3D effect. It was then lined in thick, luxurious pink silk satin so every time you move you get a pop of that amazing color. It is as beautiful inside as the outside. The final finishing touch are the two huge crystal encrusted rounded buttons that sit at the neck and waist respectively.  Very well made. Excellent condition

The coat is fully lined in an immaculate bright pink silk satin and closes with the two buttons at the front. It has a good weight to it but is not unwieldy to wear. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Note that the pink is far richer in person then how it photoed.

Shoulders: no true seams but approx 15"
Sleeves: approx 14"
Bust: 17" flat across the inside back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the inside back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from mid neck at the back to bottom hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C471

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 wonderful 1950s dress is made from a very fine, high end Asian silk. Woven through the silk is a beautiful design of feathers that have been done in a red thread. Also woven directly into the silk are medallions that are scattered over the surface and around the feather design. Along the inner seams the fabric has the markings of the fabric maker which is in interesting detail and depicts its higher end origins. The red is much better in person then how the camera has captured it. The color is richer and has more depth to it. The cut of the dress is very pretty and unusual. The bodice has a low V with is sent in soft gathers along the band of the waist. The waist is nipped in and then the skirt is set below that and it has a very unusual cut. The inner base of the skirt is a more pencil skirt shape at the front, but the back is shaped almost like a bustle back skirt and has pleat work that give it some volume there. Then there is a second panel of fabric at the front that lies over the inner skirt. This panel gives it that rounded, volume that you see in the photos. It  is attached at the waist and curves around the sides towards the back. It is so clever and unusual. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a combination of an ivory silk organza and a black silk. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. Hand finished and beautifully made. The fabric is marked along the inner seams. The skirt has ribbon edged, hand finishes

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E642

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

Koos Van den Akker started his career as an apprenticeship with Christian Dior in the late 1950s. This early exposure to Haute Couture shows in pieces like this. This particular dress is exceptional and a real testament to his beginnings in the world of couture. He was a designer that started from the fabric, allowing it to influence the final design. Here he uses the semi-transparency of the beads on a fine netted lace to shape and mold the body underneath. The lace used is a combination of a red and black. Hand sewn onto the black portions of the lace are thousands of tiny black sequins. These are set into place to follow the pattern of the lace and they cover the dress from shoulder to hem. Covering the red parts of the design are tiny seed beads, again hand applied by the thousands to the lace net below. The combination of beads and sequins catch the light wonderfully when you move. The dress itself is fitted through the body and the sleeves are set so that the the shoulders are left bare. The dress is lined in a layer of fine black silk that gives you coverage through the body but leaves the upper neckline and sleeves semi-transparent. The semi-transparency is also used in the deep V in the back and for the last couple of inches of the hem. The workmanship is very fine and the is truly exquisite in person. Excellent condition

Lined in black silk and closes with a hidden set painted metal and nylon zipper. Fully boned through the torso for support.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from top of shoulder (where it sits off shoulder) to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2305

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 was custom made, and is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser. Betsy appeared on several Vogue covers in the 1950s and it was during that time period time period that she met Galanos. They were friends for over 60 years. She collected, and wore Galanos, her entire life and was his friend and muse. He once told her husband ‘I would rather have Betsy wear my clothes than any other woman’. She was a constant presence on the International Best Dressed List and and was added to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in the early 1970s.

Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and although his atelier was never formally designated as Haute Couture by the French, he certainly produced clothing that met the parameters of couture and he is often referred to  as one of the great American couturiers. Here, we see that high level of workmanship put into this dress. The dress is made of a light weight  black silk chiffon that is covered with a vivid floral print. The colors are bright and true with a watercolor feel and they pop against that black backdrop. Three full layers of silk are used through the body and yet the dress still weighs mere ounces. The top layer is printed and the two layers under that are a black silk chiffon. The layered effect of the silk gives it lots of movement and creates a light, floating effect when you walk. Each layer is finished with a black ribbon piping along the edges and the dress does up along each side with a series of small frog knots and loops made of the same fabric as the finishing. It is cut in a long column that skims over the body to the floor. Each side has a openings along either side and the lower frog knots are functional so that you can control how high they open slightly. The top is scooped at both the front, and the back. Both these scoops are finished with a panel of a fine black lace so that you get a transparency effect. The back is scooped very low and is only kept from being scandalous for its time period by that covering of lace. The contrast between the lightness of the silk, the see through quality of the lace and the boldness of the colors is wonderful. Excellent condition

The dress is made of three layers of silk chiffon and close with a hidden set, side zipper. Frog knots run down each side with some functional and some decorative. The slits can be close slightly with a frog knot and if you wanted them higher you could open them more. This is a one-off, unlabelled custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate. The cut is loose and easy through the body.

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Slits: to 28" on one side and to 23" on the other

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3004

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

This is one my own personal favorites of all the Bill Tice designs. I own a version of it myself that I wear endlessly and will always have on in my closet. I am very happy to have finally found documentation of it and that the documentation for it ended up being an editorial that featured Jerry Hall for Vogue in 1981. I have had versions of this in the shop before and every girl that has bought one through me has loved it. It is one of those fail safe pieces that you know is going to work every time you put it on. When I do get one in they tend to 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 black 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 instantly ready to go. The inner dress is long and slim and this is topped by a looser overlay that is cut on an angle. There is a high slit up one leg that shows when you walk or sit . The single shoulder ties into place and it is accented by his signature curved top stitch gold lame. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. Ties at the top of the shoulder. The easy fit allows it work on a variety of sizes. The gold is a true gold in person

Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from shoulder to hem and you can adjust at the shoulder
Slit: 16" from hem to top

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Reference Photo: Jerry Hall in Bill Tice. Vogue US, August 1981.

Item# DD2938

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