This matches the coat listed today and is a beautiful 1950s silk dress. It is made from a very fine, high end silk. The silk has a beautiful red thread woven through and used in the black silk base to create the beautiful little floral designs sprinkled over its surface. The red is not a true metallic thread but it seems to almost glow in real life. It is really something special and much better in person then how the camera has captured it here - the color is even richer and more true. (One thing to note - the color is a true red - in the label photo it has more of a orange hue and that is the camera lighting not the true color - the other photos are far closer) The little floral medallions are woven directly into the silk. The sweetheart neckline and front pleating detail on the bust are finished with a little romantic bow. The way this is set into the front bodice is a little unusual and very pretty once on. The dress itself is wonderfully cut with that shaped bodice and simple capped sleeves. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out into a gentle A-line. It is a nice light weight and very well made.  The shop label it still has was a high end one and I would not be surprised if this was a designer piece that has lost its label. Really it is a steal at this price. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a black silk organza. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. Hand finished and beautifully made.

Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20.5" 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: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E639

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 matches the dress listed today and is a beautiful 1950s swing coat. It is made from a very fine, high end silk. The silk has a beautiful red thread woven through and used in the black silk base to create the beautiful little floral designs sprinkled over its surface. The red is not a true metallic thread but it seems to almost glow in real life. It is really something special and much better in person then how the camera has captured it here - the color is even richer and more true. (One thing to note - the color is a true red - in the label photo it has more of a orange hue and that is the camera lighting not the true color - the other photos are far closer) The little floral medallions are woven directly into the silk. The coat is cut with a looser, swing shape that is pure fifties. It has a large rounded collar and closes down the front with faceted raised jet black buttons. It has pocket flaps on each hip but they are decorative only. The sleeves end just past the elbows and the back has that wonderful swoop of fabric typical of the period. It is a nice light weight and very well made.  The shop label it still has was a high end one and I would not be surprised if this was a designer piece that has lost its label. Really it is a steal at this price. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon satin that has a pretty print woven though it that reminds me of the linings used for men's suiting in this time period. It closes with buttons down the front. Hand finished and beautifully made. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 18"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C442

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 really wish I could convey the feeling of that beautiful fabric and how it presents in person as it is even better when you see it in real life. The red bits have an almost inner glow to then that doesn't quite convey in the photos.  The cut is a classic 1950s fitted silhouette that just skimmed over the body but still emphasized curves. The fabric is very beautiful - the base is a black silk matte satin and the velvet fused onto the fabric and over the red rose print that is worked through the silk in a way that gives it a slight 3 dimensional feel. The velvet used to do this is a rich deep red. I love the simplicity of the bodice and the seamed waistline. The skirt skims over  the hips and softens out to a a simple a-line cut. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a black silk organza and closes with a back zipper. There is one tiny repair where the fabric has been tacked down where the seams meet at the arm on the right side. The dress has been priced accordingly and is strong and stable

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: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 21.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E638

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 classic Vivienne Westwood piece that plays on the 18th century in its design execution. I doubt that many labels in the world can equal Vivienne's  amazing corsets and their iconic status. It is highly sculptural in feel with its wonderful draped panels layered and placed over and inner stiffened board. This is cut so that the bust is pushed up to suggest the style of corsets from the 1700s. It is fully boned through the back and has ties that you can wrap around your body and cinch to add even more shape if you wish. I love that is has her signature asymmetrical cut so it feels instantly recognizable. Excellent condition

Fully lined and boned. It closes with a back zipper. Tagged a UK 12/ US 8 but check measurements as these do tend to run small. Appears unworn.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 15" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S518

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 label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco & Nature inspired designs that she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This dress is a beauty and really a museum worthy piece. Her caftans and dresses by her during this time period and of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. The base of the dress is a black chiffon. The bodice is what gives the dress its caftan feel even though technically it is more fitted then a typical caftan dress would be. The sleeves are cut wide for a kimono feel and her signature embroidery runs extensively down each of them and across the back of the dress. The front is cut very low with a loop and button holding it in place. The waist nips in and is highlighted with red embroidered piping. This same red line runs down the skirt, highlighting the sweeping lines as the skirt gently flares out as it reached the floor. It is beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The front button on the plunging neckline is also functional.

Sleeves: 21" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2813

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 label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco inspiration she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This set is amazing and really a museum worthy set. Pieces by her of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. It is two separate pieces and the base of both is a black chiffon. Both pieces simply slip on and are very easy to wear. The top "tabard" cut top is fabulous. It is cut into a wide T shaped on both the front and back. This allows the sleeves to be wide and have a kimono feel to them and the front drop over the skirt like an apron. It has elastic that runs through the waist and it ties at each side.  Her signature embroidery is done in sharp geometric angles that follow the cut of the tabard on both sides. The pink and green pop wonderfully against the black. Under this sits a skirt that is completely finished with Fortuny felling pleat finish. It is full length and the solid black of it serves as the perfect base for that spectacular top. Excellent condition

The top is fully lined with the same chiffon fabric as the exterior and slips over the head with elastic all through the wide waist band and ties at each side. The skirt is also lined and closes with a zipper and hook at the waistband.

Top
Length: 54.5" top to bottom
Width: 32.5" side to side

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2811

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 stunning dress that dates to the late forties, early 1950s combines a beautiful print and color combination with sequins and a pretty feminine feel. The entire dress is stunning and made of a beautiful black cotton voile with a pretty floral print scattered over its surface. The fabric choice helps it to keep its shape and volume and really show off those ruffled tiers perfectly while still keeping it light and summer feeling. Three full tiers make up the skirt and are layered over each other with each getting wider as they near the hem. This creates incredible volume and movement. The top is fitted around the bodice and has a pretty pleated and draped detailing that highlights the bust.Two tiny straps curve over the shoulders. The best part is the finish of green sequins that are hand set everywhere you see the flower print. These early dresses are harder and harder to come by and this one is exceptional. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the side with a metal zipper. Hand finishes and hand applied sequins. Note that there is no tag present but the owner passed onto me that it did have a Fred Perlberg label originally.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D578

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 of the best Geoffrey Beene gowns that I have seen in some time and is really an outstanding example of his work. My client had this looked at by someone that actually worked closely with Beene and even they said it was one of the best Beene pieces they had seen. 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. It also has a very refined look to it which is a feat in itself considering how many details and separate elements have gone into its design. It is made form a combination of a gold backe, silk lurexy mixed with netting and chenille velvet yearn embellishments. The prints are a mix of pattern, lines, stripes, dots and  animal prints with a lurex trim detailing.

The body and skirt of the dress is made of a fine metallic silk lurex, with striped netting used  for the sleeves. This same striped netting curves around the back waist and up into the inset bodice. . The bodice has a silk muslin with velvet chenille dot embellishments covering it. It is cut full through the bodice so just skims over the bust and out into the sleeves. The extensive detailing work and lurex piping that details all the design is amazing. From there the skirt floats over the hips to the hem where it is finished with a fine band of black netting set just under the hem line. It is really an amazing dress and a testament to Beene's genius. Note that the dress also comes with a short lurex sash that you can tie around the waist or neck. I chose not to photo it ties around the dress so you could fully see the amazing detail at the waist and neckline. Excellent condition.

The fabric is self backed in gold and the dress unlined. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each sleeve has a hidden set zipper at the cuff. I see one small stitch where there was a break on the net at the top of one shoulder.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2807

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

Like the other dress by Biba that I have in the shop right now, the sleeves on this dress stand out immediately. They are just amazing and really take this simple black dress to a whole new level. Each sleeve ends in a full circle cuff that circles the wrist and gives you really dramatic movement once the dress is on. In typical Biba fashion, the rest of the dress is kept simple and easy with a figure hugging silhouette. It is that perfect British mix of saucy, sexy and girl next door. The fabric used for the dress that fabulous black moss crepe that was favored by the British designers during this time period. The front bodice is fitted and plunges in a V. From there the black moss crepe fabric is cut on the bias and flows out from just under the V neckline on the bust all the way to the floor in a beautiful sweep of fabric that widens as it nears the ground. It is an amazing, original Biba dress that is extremely collectible and still very wearable and fresh feeling. A real treasure. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The occasional but of sheen to the fabric here and there from it being cleaned and pressed over the years but nothing that really takes away from the dress or would be considered anything but normal vintage wear and patina.

Sleeves: 28.5"
Shoulders: 11.5"
Bust: 16" 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: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2571

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 spectacular gown designed by the American couturier, James Galanos shows how he combined that sense of American sensibility with Parisian glamour. It is chic and sophisticated and yet it is bold design and in his fabric choices. Galanos was particularly known for his evening wear and this gown is an amazing example of his work. His work was on par with French couture and the workmanship is fabulous. He is considered one of the great American couturiers and his gowns reflect this in terms of construction and quality. Galanos dressed actresses, socialites, even First Lady Nancy Reagan and his work is held in the collections of all of the major museums around the globe. Hie work was selling for as high as $20,000 a dress by the eighties whoich works out to be about $60,000 + in today's dollars.

This gown combines black and gold stripes and he uses two different fabrics to create a beautiful contrast in texture. On the skirt the black stripes are contrasted with a muted gold stripe on a silk taffeta. On the bodice he chose a black silk velvet with gold stripes made from gold lame thread. The bodice is constructed like a simple tee that skims over the body and has a nod to sportswear in its design. Below this the skirt is set into the waist in tiny gathers all the way around. The skirt itself is fabulous and is deceptively sexy. At first glance it looks and falls like a ball gown skirt but upon closer inspection you see that is is made from three panels. The full back one and then two on each side at the front. In between each and down the front you have a high slit that shows a flash of leg when you sit or move. Under the silk panels is a layer of tulle that is edged in gold. A row of functioning gold buttons go from the waist to the top of the slit at the front. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

The gown in fully lined in a soft, fine black silk through the bodice and the skirt has attached layers of gold edged tulle under the top silk skirting. It closes with a back, hidden set zipper. Hand finished. Functional buttons along the top front of the skirt. It appears to have never been worn.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2357

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 absolutely incredible dress and once on the body it flows and drapes into place beautifully. It is from the 1970 collection and is documented in the "A To Biba" where a photo of a model wearing its twin was captured at the press launch party for the Biba make-up range on Kensington High Street in April of 1970. This is everything you look for in Biba dress, from the signature black moss crepe fabric that is so representative of this era, to the incredible flowing bias cut, to those amazing  Bishop cut sleeves. Those sleeves are the star of the show on this dress and they are incredible. This is classic Biba at its best and each billows out in a huge pouf of fabric above the elastic cuff. Above that they narrow to a slimmer fit over the upper arm which gives them balance and mimics the flared cut of the bodice and skirt. The front bodice is fitted and plunges quite low and it is gathered with seaming just under the bust. From there the black moss crepe is cut on the bias and flows from just under the bust to the floor in a beautiful sweeping column that widens as it nears the ground. The cut is supermodel long so it adds height to the girl wearing it. This is Biba at her best and even now feels incredibly relevant and modern. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Elastic at each cuff

Sleeves: 32" but pouf up and shorten once on
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under-bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to under-bust
Skirt: 45" from under-bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1290

Reference photo credits: Image from the "A To Biba" book by Barbara Hulanicki, Blogger Anita Clarke of "I Want, I Got"

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 fabulous silk Sonia Rykiel set that really sums up her chic French girl style that always feels so chic and has so much charm to it. We lost Sonia last August and it feels even more special to know that this was a piece designed by her. The label tells us this is an early piece designed shortly after she launched her label or a few years into that. The silk is scarf weight and I love her signature combination of black with a chic taupe tan color. Stripes were her forte and this set used them beautifully. The pants are just perfection - they are cut wide with a slight flare cut at the ends and each is split deliberately up the sides. This split detail is mimicked on the tunic with also is split up each side. I love the way the stripes sit over each other once the two pieces are layered. The tunic is suspended from skinny straps and is cut to skim over the torso and flare out over the pant. My favorite detail is the front pockets that are sewn apron style and have a slight droop to them, again deliberate. This gives the set the final perfect touch for me. Together they are perfection but you could of course wear them separately as well. Excellent condition

Both pieces are unlined. The top slips on to wear with no closures and the pants close with a fine metal zipper at the side. Handwritten fabric tag. All hand finished inside. The seams on the side of the tunic are set inside out - again this is deliberate and a design detail

Tunic
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 45.5" from neck to hem

Pant
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33.5" from waist to hem
Inseam: 22"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2805

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 am amazing piece and a piece for a brave girl who wants to drop jaws. Its about as risque as you can get and even more so when you think of when it is from since it looks like it could have walked off a runway yesterday. The bodice is made of a texture black crepe chiffon with stitched lines running vertically from shoulder to waist. It is left completely sheer and the only thing covering your modesty are those rickrack panels of glossy black sequins. At the back the sequins run down the center of the back. The panels keep your modesty intact and the high neckline keeps it from moving. The waist nips in and is attached to the flared, wide legs. For the lower portion of the jumpsuit Varon used a textured "bubble" 3D fabric. It is amazing and I doubt you will see this one again. Excellent condition

Unlined in a black rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Tagged a vintage UK 10. Pockets hidden along each hip

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Pants: 39.5" from waist to hem
Inseam: 27"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2804

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 dress is made from layers of black chiffon set in tiers over each other to create that pretty ruffled effect. This combination of ruffled tiers perfectly offset the black of it to give the dress a wonderful romantic feel. Each layer widens gently out as they near the floor and each panel of fabric is set so that it floats above each other and moves when you move. The bodice is cut with a slight scoop across the front and has two tiny straps that go up and around the shoulders. At the back it dips into a slightly lower scoop. I love that the straps and trim are a cream and each ruffled layer is finished with a cream stitch for the a little detailing. Note that it was a teeny bit small on the mannequin so on a girl that it fits properly it will of course zip all the way up, rather then being open at the very top as the photos show. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silky crepe rayon. It closes with a back painted metal zipper.

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS- SML if you are small busted

Item# E636

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 black pleated full length cape is a wonderful example of Giorgio di Sant'Angelo's work and aesthetic. He first hit the fashion map when Diana Vreeland asked him to design clothing for a desert location shoot that starred Verushka in 1968. That shoot is now legendary - it created such a buzz that his clothing was instantly sought out by all the most fashionable women on the planet. In 1976 he dropped the "di" from his name giving us a post-1976 date for this. His pieces were sexy, bold and had a hippie flair to them that few other designers could match at the time. I love his work. This spectacular cape is constructed from an unusual perma-pleat fabric that is lightweight but gives it some structure and keeps the slim line  of the piece until you need to move around in it. It falls all the way to the floor in a full length swoop of fabric. The collar is gathered and it has ties running through it that allow you to loose or tighten that ruffle around the collar as you wish. This lets you have it so that it sits wide at the shoulder or tightly framing your neck. The lightness of the fabric gives it a billowing effect when you move and walk that is stupendous. A really lovely and romantic cape that will top just about anything. Excellent condition.

The cape is unlined and ties at the neck. It will fit any size

Length: 57-60" from neck to hem depending on how you tie the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C441

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 and romantic bias cut black chiffon, full length cape by Adolfo. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged form clients ranged from the Duchess of Windsor to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He won a Coty Award in 1969 for his head to toe women’s design. I love his work and though you most often see his more conservative suits here and there these days, he was actually quite flamboyant in his work during the early days. This spectacular cape is constructed from a lightweight black chiffon that falls all the way to the floor in a full length swoop of feather light fabric. At the neck are very long, attached ties in the same fabric and the neck is cut so that it sits wide at the shoulder instead of gathered up around the neck. The lightness of the silk gives it a billowing effect when you move and walk that is stupendous. A really lovely and romantic cape that will top just about anything. Excellent condition.

The cape is unlined and ties at the neck. It will fit any size

Length: approx 58-60" from neck to hem depending on where you let the neck sit on you

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C439

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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 Bill Blass dress is fabulous. It is the kind of dress that will stop people in their tracks. This is not from his main line and I rarely pick up this particular version of his label but I have to say that I was very impressed with this dress. The design is on point and the construction is very good. It would have definitely been the upper end of this line and the fact that it basically looks to have never been worn and is as crisp and fresh as when it was made certainly doesn't hurt. It is cut in a sleek column suspended from the tiniest of straps. You could tuck these in and wear this as a strapless piece if you wished. That huge black and white diamond pattern is created by squares of fabric placed piece by piece so the pattern is made. The yellow top stitch bow that sits on the top of the bust is the highlight above that great graphic feel. That pop of yellow is fantastic and the tops stitching gives it that perfect Blass touch. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back zipper. Light boning through the bodice. Tagged a US6 and looks unworn.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2796

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 gorgeous Estevez dress is perfect for the summer and can easily work during the day or at night. The jersey has an almost swimsuit feel and will travel and wear extremely well. The cut is very flattering with a ling lean body, tiny straps and a built in bodice inside that gives you shape. This inside foundation would even allow you to tuck in the straps and wear this as a strapless dress is you wished.  The base is black and onto this is screened a graphic print of lilies in white and greys. It is so pretty and chic and still feels fresh and current. Louis Estevez worked for Jean Patou for two years before starting his own label in 1955 and had a long and successful career. Excellent condition.

It has a built in bodice with elastic that sits just under the bust and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper.Note the straps are extra long and work best if you slip them over your head so they cross as photoed. Or you can shorten them to the perfect length if you prefer then to not cross

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist to hip: widens from 17" to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 58" from top of shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2795

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

An absolutely beautiful 1970s piece of bohemian glamour that is in excellent condition. This is a darling little beaded capelet with a pretty fringe bead detail running all the way around the bottom edges. It has a simple hook closure to hold it in place and below that dangles elaborate beaded cords that end in a splay of chiffon and beads. The pattern is stunningly beautiful - glossy gold beads and sequins are hand sewn in a black chiffon and the edges finished with a row of gold ball beads and tube beads. Excellent condition

Width: 36" from tip to tip when paid out ad spread out. The ties add another 18" (9" each)
Length at longest point : 14.5" top to bottom

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# S782

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 absolute stunning silk chiffon dress from Chanel. It is truly one of the prettiest and chicest pieces I have seen from the label during this time period. It is made from feather light layers of a high quality, fine silk chiffon set to float over each each other through the skirt. The layering of the chiffon is used with a masterful hand to create light and dark areas where needed. The fabric is draped and gathered perfectly to create that gorgeous and feminine silhouette. The top is kept simple and chic with a high cut neckline at the front. At the back it dips into a low V to show some bare skin. Suspended within the bodice is a second layer of chiffon that covers the bust and keeps it from being completely transparent. A wide gathered panel of silk chiffon is set to wrap around the waist and define it. At the back this banding comes together to close with a series of tightly spaced gold metal embossed buttons that run down the back. Below this is the skirt flows and floats around you when you move. It is made from three layers of silk. Each layer wraps around the body and is cut to leave a soft hem that dips down at the sides and back. It is the perfect mix of sexiness and elegance. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk chiffon and closes down the back with a series of tightly spaced gold metal embossed buttons over a hidden set zipper. The skirt has a touch of transparency to it. Light boning through the bust and sides.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under-bust at top of waist band: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem, approx 44" to shortest

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2300

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

John Kloss for Circa were originally intended as lingerie pieces the vast majority are too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dresses now. This one walks the edge, perhaps not to be worn on its own out in public with its open sides, but as a layering piece. It def has a touch of sheerness in a strong light but you could use it as a cover up, be daring and wear nothing but a slip under it, or layer it over just about anything. I love his work. He deliberately chose good weight and quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. This black tabard cut gown is simple in feel but big on style. It slips over the head with an elastic drawing in and adding shape under the bist and to the waist at both the back and front. It is left completely open on either side with just a simple tie. Quite amazing and daring. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. The design will allow it to fit just about any size.

Bust to hips: open
Bodice: 11" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 39.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2790

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 darling little dress from the 1950s with pretty lines. It is labelled - Jeannette Alexander of California - and is well made. It has a fitted, strapless bodice that has a pretty black velvet ribbon circling its upper edge for a little detail. I love how it glides into the skirt and the fullness of the skirt is created by the pleats set along the side of each hip and around the back. This gives the skirt lots of fullness but keeps the front from being bulky and unflattering. I have added a light crinoline and you could wear a far fuller one for e really "cupcake" look, or none for a more modern feel. It's light and airy despite the black of it and it is still in great shape.

Unlined and closes with a back metal zipper. light boning on each side. The fabric shows a touch of sheen from being pressed over the years but its is still in great condition

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of dress to waist seam and then it has a 4" band before the pleats at the side start
Skirt: 31" from waist seams to hem, 26" from the side pleats to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E635

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