alexander mcqueen
Outstanding Fall 2010 Alexander McQueen Gray Scale Print Silk Dress w Caped Sleeves & Trained Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an outstanding production dress from the Pre-Fall 2010 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexander McQueen.
- At first glance it feels very much in line with what he was doing for 2007 with his castle /fairy prints. For Pre-Fall he visited upon graphic black and grey-scale prints once again. This dress looks to be a variation on a pink printed dress that he did for the Pre-fall 2010 collection. I love the change in the upper bodice on this one from the pink with its caped shoulders.
- We did find a photo from the 2010 look book that shows a shorter similar version of the dress. Just to give you an idea of how the top especially will fit once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a beautifully weighted silk that he loved to use because it gave him the drape and fluidity that he wanted his pieces to have.
- The shoulders of the dress are padded with thicker rounded pads hidden inside. Falling from there and extending around to the back is a beautiful caped panel that drapes over the top of your arms and then folds up and under itself to create the draping around and down the back. He used a double layer of the silk for this panel so that when you move you see the pattern underneath. It is these exacting small details that always make a McQueen piece stand out.
- The front neck line is set in a draping cowl that sits over an inner V. The dress skims over the bust and waist and then widens out to curve over the hips.
- Yards and yards of fabric have been used to construct the skirt. It is set into the body of the dress on a curving seam that is beautiful. He often use these curving and angled seams that are throwback to Couture pieces of the 1920s and 30s and here he has used it beautifully. The silk in the skirt is all cut on the bias. The back trails out longer behind you and all of this adds up to spectacular movement around you when you move.
- This is a truly outstanding McQueen dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set partial mid-set zipper at the back whose placement is again a nod to the Couture pieces of the 20s and 30s. The shoulders are padded. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage McQueen 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 68" from neck to front hem and the back hem extends another 10"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5370
Reference Photo: Fall 2010 Alexander McQueen Lookbook.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Exceptional Fall 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Black Silk Wrap Dress w Bow Detail
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1983 YSL Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier
- In this collection Yves paid homage to Paris. He told French Vogue that the collection was dedicated to "the prestige of Paris, as I knew it when I first arrived… That is why it reflects many things from my youth, my first sensations when I arrived in Paris from Algeria.". The book Yves Saint Laurent: Catwalk noted that the cuts were loose and offered room to breathe. Pink and black with the two primary colours used for this season and that "the black dresses were chic and cut to perfection".
- This dress is exceptional in person and I feel like the photos are not giving it full justice. The silk is light and weight, and it has far more drape and ease than I think the photos are conveying. It is an absolutely beautiful and chic dress that needs a body to truly come to life.
- The runway photos really give you a better idea of how this dress will look like once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a light weight black silk of exceptional quality.
- The shoulders are lightly shaped and the silk has been gathered up and into the shoulders. The sleeves are cut wider where they are set into the bodice and then narrow to a zippered wrist.
- The dress wraps and snaps at the side to close and there is a built-in inner waist stay to hold it perfectly in place. This is one of his signature designs and allows the drape that you see while letting the dress stay secure. It also allows the bodice to drape beautifully over you.
- The wrap of the dress creates a V neck line at both the front and the back.
- Where the dress closes at the waist the fabric has been gathered into a black silk bow to highlight the waist area. On one side of the dress the fabric is finished with a pleating detail that opens up to create the perfect drape over the body. On the other side, it is pulled up and under the bow which lets the hem at that side have a slight curve up from the bottom.
- The dress is so well-made that I think you could wear it either way around depending on how it works best on you.
- This is an extraordinary piece of true Haute Couture by one of the greatest designers of our lifetime.
- The dress is unlined and is completely hand finished inside to Haute Couture standards. It hooks and snaps to close at the waist and inside there is a hidden set zipper and inner built-in waist stay. Each sleeve zips to close at the wrist. Light padding at the top of each shoulder.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22.5" and are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approx 14-15"
Bust: approx 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5356
Reference Photos: Fall 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
ossie clark
Iconic 1972 Ossie Clark Couture 'Cuddly' Black Moss Crepe Open Back Wrap Dress w Huge Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This is one of his most iconic and collectible designs that dates to 1972.
- The dress made under the creative direction of Ossie Clark
- Ossie named all of his couture dress and this one is known as the Cuddly.
- To wear the dress you simply slip it on and wrap it at the waist where it ties into place.
- The dress is made out of his signature moss crepe in black.
- The wrap creates a V at the front and then the back has a large open cut out that leaves your back bare and exposed.
- It is very sexy and instantly recognizable as being an Ossie Clark piece.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. Each is a huge very full balloon bishop cut sleeve that are puffed and full above their cuffs.
- Once the dress is wrapped around you the skirt curves over your hips and then falls to the floor, widening out as it nears the hem. The dress is in its original length.
- The wrap leaves a long overlap at the front side of the skirt. When you stand still it falls over itself but when you move or sit you do a flash of leg. Depending on how tight you tie out around the waist you can show the entire leg.
- The dress is unlined and made out of a black moss crepe. One tie is a little shorter then the other but does not appear to have been altered. I see very minor bits of lighter areas on the moss crepe here and there. This is a natural patina on this type of fabric as in ages and is mentioned for accuracy
- The wrap style should allow it to fit a variety of sizes.
-
Tagged a vintage Ossie Clark UK10
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 29" and will cuff at the wrist once on
Bust: adjustable 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: adjustable 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to top of band at the waist
Total length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5354
Reference Photo: (1) June Ritchie, in an Ossie Clark Cuddly dress, at a photo call for Gone With The Wind at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 1972. / (2) Madeleine Hinde, in Ossie Clark, at the premiere of British horror film 'The Fiend' in London, April 7 1972. Photo by M. McCarthy. / (3-4) Suzanna Leigh, in Ossie Clark, by Allan Warren, 1973. / (5-6) Pink in Ossie Clark, from Shrimpton Couture, for her 'Walk Me Home' music video, 2019. See below for video.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Pre-Fall 2016 Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Runway Look 37 Gold Metallic Thread & Sequin Feather Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a very rare dress from the Pre-Fall 2013 YSL collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane.
- The twin of the dress was Look 37 on the runway of 93 looks and the collection was also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the YSL Rive Gauche label. Dresses had a touch of the 70s and the textiles were elaborate including this phenomenal piece.
- Lady Gaga was also shot wearing its twin.
- The dress has amazing movement and I love that you can see that in the reference photo and video.
- The dress is made out of a black silk and then that has an amazing peacock feather pattern that follows the lines of the dress. The feather design is made out of gold metallic thread to create the pattern that you see. Gold sequins are set in in amongst the pattern to highlight the design, and then tiny little more muted gold sequence follow the ends of the feathers. This combination of sequence on the goal allows the dress to glint beautifully in the light from every angle.
- The front is cut in a V and the bust is cut to skim over you to the waist. The waist has some shape defined by a band of a matching fabric that runs all the way around you.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are cut in a diamond shape at their ends so they fall at different lengths over the arm. The pattern is set over that running down the lengths of the sleeves.
- The skirt has a head pointed finish at the side and it is incredibly full. When I lay flat. It is a full circle all the way around. The amount of fabric gives you tremendous movement as you move.
- I also love how this increases the depth and weight of the pattern. The feather pattern runs down the length of the skirt all the way around you and when you move and you get the feel of how much silk and gold actually makes up the skirt. It is just phenomenal.
- On the runway, it was shown belted in with a scarf. These are pieces that were sold separately. If you prefer that look, it would be easy to add pieces of your own to re-create it.
- These extensively beaded pieces or produced in limited quantities. This is a phenomenal example of his time at the label.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern YSL 36
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 21" and they are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to the top seam of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 52" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5352
Reference Photo/Video: (1-2) Pre-Fall 2016 Yves Saint Laurent, Look 37. / (3) Lady Gaga, from her Instagram, 2017.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Gorgeous Spring 1992 Oscar de la Renta Runway Black Silk Organza Net Ruffled Off Shoulder Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1992 ODLR collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- This was an incredible collection filled with beautiful things and I am very pleased to have a second dress from it in the shop at the moment after just listing that full length lace dress recently.
- The dress is made out of a black silk organza that has a woven effect so that it has a slight transparency and almost the feel of a netting.
- The neckline is set wide across so that it sits off of the shoulders it's a bit of a elastic around the part that goes around your arm for comfort. You can also choose to wear it more up and on the shoulder. A wide 5" ruffle follows the entire neckline and gives it the prettiest flounce all the way around you.
- Under that the bodice skims down, curves in a touch at the natural waist, and then curves back down to a seam that sits at the top of the hip. If you wanted to add more shape, it would be easy to add a belt.
- The skirt is created by stocking ruffles that overlap each other all the way down to the hem. They get progressively wider as they go down the length of the skirt and this is what gives the skirt its incredible volume.
- The skirt falls shorter at the front and then the back is quite a bit longer. I love how this adds to the volume and detail of the skirt and still allows for a flash of leg to show. At the front there are six layers of ruffles and at the back there are ten. That, combined with the lightness of the fabric, gives you fantastic movement when you move. You can see this in the reference runway video.
- This is an absolutely stunning dress and this particular cut of dress is one of my favourites. .
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk with a built-in inner bodice that is lightly boned for support. The inner bodice closes with its own zipper. A waist stay hooks to close. Over that the dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage ODLR 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and the skirt is open under that
Bodice: 19.5" from top of the natural shoulder to the dropped seam at top of hips.
Total length: 35" from top of the natural shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 17"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5350
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 1992 Oscar de la Renta.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Chic Resort 2018 Michael Kors Runway Look 44 Black Dress w Elaborate Gold & Black Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress was presented for the Resort 2018 Michael Kors presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Michael Kors
- The show was presented at the Whitney Museum and he said that he chose that space to remind people that they live on an island, calling the theme "Tropicalia a la Tomboy". The evening pieces he described as being the "super easy, super glamorous point of the whole collection."
- This is a fantastically easy dress to wear and has all the hallmarks of the amazing tailoring that Michael excels at with this particular silhouette of dress.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are small caps. The neckline is slightly scooped and the bust skims over you with perfectly placed darts to help shape it around the body.
- The waist is seamed for shape and then it curves out over the hips. It falls in a chic pencil shape that will land just below the knee depending on your height.
- The base fabric is a fine black virgin wool with a bit of spandex added so that it has some stretch and feels insanely comfortable once on the body.
- Onto that is a lovely and intricate design that runs over the entire dress. It combines tiny gold sequins that are set to overlap and create the outline of a abstract design that is filled with a little teardrop and circle shaped glossy black paillette sequins. These are only attached at their very tips so they have the slightest bit of movement. They are so densely applied that they sit off of the dress slightly to create an amazing three dimensional texture.
- It is very chic, very easy and very Michael Kors.
- The dress is fully lined in black silky rayon and closes at the back with the hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Michael Kors 0
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 43" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5349
Reference Photo: Resort 2018 Michael Kors, Look 44.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Important Fall 2009 Junya Watanabe Runway Look 29 Black Padded Nylon Dress w Gold Chain Detailing
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2009 collection for Look 29.
- It was made under the creative direction of Junya Watanabe
- A version was shot for Vogue Korea that season and we have included those reference photos so you can get an idea of how fantastically this will sit on the body.
- The dress still has its original tags and was never worn so it is pristine.
- The soft sculptural quality of the dress is phenomenal. It is made out of a very light in weight black nylon that is very pliant. Light in weight padding lies between the layers that make up the body of the dress. This gives the dress a soft structure and the incredible volume and shape that you see. We have added nothing underneath to any of these photos to create the volume that you see.
- The sleeves extend out from either side of the neck line to slope softly outward from the shoulder.
- Both the front and back plunge into a V and are detailed with a chunky gold toned metal chain that is hand stitched into place. The chain continues from there to cross over itself at the front and at the back. From there it scoops over to the sides. On one side the chain curves down and over one hip on the outside of the dress and on the other side it sits on the interior of the dress. The fabric is gathered and hand stitched into the chain to create the beautiful curving shapes that the dress has. It is ingenious.
- An open keyhole is created at the back where the chains meet and the dress is so well-made that I think you could wear it either way around if you wanted that at the front instead.
- The skirt is phenomenal. It is quilted and lightly padded. It scoops back up and under itself at the hem and is attached into the chain that sits in the interior.
- The dress is like a complicated puzzle that has been peace together perfectly.
- The skirt is full and when I lay it out flat it makes a complete circle of fabric.
- The the skirt is constructed so that the inside is the same fabric as the outside and the bodice is unlined. It slips on to wear with no closures. Its easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just feel more oversized. The dress has never been worn and still has its original tags and an extra piece of repair fabric in a clear pouch attached to the tag on the inner skirt.
- Tagged a vintage Watanabe size M
- Excellent condition
Bust: approx 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: approx 47" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5348
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2009 Junya Watanabe Runway, Look 29. / (2) Vogue Korea, December 2009.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Beautiful mid-1980s Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon & Handmade Lace Wrap Top
I Have a Question
- This easy to wear wrap top most likely dates from the 1984-1985 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris Atelier
- These are more pieces from the same small collection of Ungaro pieces that have all been dated within a couple of years to each other.
- This is the perfect simple and beautiful top that is easy to wear and feels like a dream once on the body.
- The top is made out of an almost weightless black silk chiffon that is edged in a handmade black lace. The lace continues all the way around the neckline and down both sides of the front. More lace highlights the openings for the arm.
- The silk chiffon that is used for the body of the top is extremely high-quality. It has a touch of transparency to it and feels almost weightless once on the body.
- The lace would have all been handmade and it is all meticulously applied by hand. All of the interior seams are also done by hand.
- To wear it, you simply slip it on wrap, snap and hook the front into place. An interior grosgrain waist stay holds everything perfectly in place around you.
- Do not let its simplicity fool you. It is an absolute work of art.
- The camisole closes with a hidden set snap and interior metal hook that holds the interior waist stay in place. Unlabelled. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Haute Couture
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 21" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5344
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Prettiest Spring 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Black Silk & Handmade Lace Camisole
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous little easy to wear camisole dated the Spring 1984 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris Atelier.
- These are more pieces from the same small collection of Ungaro pieces that have all been dated within a couple of years to each other.
- This is the perfect simple camisole that can be worn by itself or layered under other pieces.
- Thin straps curve around the shoulders and I love the detailed ladder stitch that holds the silk ribbon in place and gives the straps extra detail.
- The front is edged in handmade lace that runs down the centre of the camisole. The lace continues all the way around to the back and the upper back is left bare and exposed. More lace finishes the entire bottom hem.
- The silk that is used for the body of the top is extremely high-quality and is light in weight so that it feels like magic once on the body.
- The lace would have all been handmade and it is all meticulously applied by hand. All of the interior seams are also done by hand.
- Do not let its simplicity fool you. It is an absolute work of art.
- The camisole has no closures and slips over the head to wear. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Haute Couture
- Excellent condition
Bust-waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 25" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5343
Reference Photo: Spring 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Chic Little mid-1980s Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Handmade Black Silk & Lace Camisole Top
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous little easy to wear camisole most likely dates from the 1984-1985 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris Atelier
- These are more pieces from the same small collection of Ungaro pieces that have all been dated within a couple of years to each other.
- This is the perfect simple camisole that can be worn by itself or layered under other pieces.
- Wide straps curve around the shoulders and the front is scooped down and edged in handmade lace. It scoops a bit higher at the back and the lace continues all the way around the neckline. More lace highlights the openings for the arm and a wide band finishes the bottom hem.
- The silk that is used for the body of the top is extremely high-quality and has a beautiful smooth interior finish so it feels like magic once on the body.
- The lace would have all been handmade and it is all meticulously applied by hand. All of the interior seams are also done by hand.
- Do not let its simplicity fool you. It is an absolute work of art.
- The camisole closes with a back hidden set zipper and appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Haute Couture
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 24.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5342
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Fall 2008 Alexander McQueen 'The Girl Who Lived in a Tree' Strapless Draped Silk Dress w Elaborate Beading
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the McQueen's Fall 2008 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexander McQueen.
- This is the actual dress worn by Connie Britton to the 2024 Emmys.
- The fall 2008 collection was called 'The Girl Who Lived in a Tree' and it was inspired by a combination of his trip to India and a 600 year old elm in his garden.
- The V&A Museum says of this collection: 'McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2008 collection centered on a fairy tale narrative devised by McQueen about a girl who descends from a tree to marry a prince and then become a queen. It was inspired by a 600-year-old elm tree in the garden of the designer’s Sussex home. At the center of the set stood a giant tree swathed in fabric, inspired by Bulgarian artist Christo, who is renowned for wrapping buildings with material.'
- You can see a similar swooping cut that the final pieces of this show had.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful rich black silk and is cut with a sculptural line combined with that bias cut draping.
- Inside there is a more fitted dress and then the length is created by a long panel of black silk that is attached around the neck line and drapes over the inner dress.
- The dress is strapless and there is a full built-in cupped and boned corset that holds the dress in place and gives you support. The way that the silk panel is draped over the inner dress allows one side of the inner dress to be seen.
- The part of the inner dress that can be seen was then elaborately finished with hand done embroidery and beads done in a stunning floral design. I took several photos holding the draped panel away from the inner part of the dress so you can see how the beading extends even underneath the panel that lies over top of it.
- The silk panel that sits over this beautifully constructed inner bodice falls around you all the way to the floor on one side. On the other side, the silk is gathered up so that it drapes down and around you. This is a classic and signature McQueen silhouette, and is absolutely stunning once on the body.
- The dress is a beautiful mix of exposing just enough of the shape of the body so you don't lose your shape completely while at the same time it showcases the exceptional tailoring skills that he excelled at and how he could control the draping exactly how he wished it to fall.
- I love how the draping slightly exaggerates the shape of the body. No matter what angle you see this dress from once it is on there is an interesting drape or an elaborate beaded detail.
- Inside, an inner black silk lining goes to just above the knee and there is a built in inner corset that is lightly boned and cupped. The corset has its own back zipper to close and then the dress zips to close over that with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a McQueen 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of bodice to shortest point of hem at one side, 58" to the longest point on the other side
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5338
Reference Photos: Connie Britton in this dress at the 2024 Emmys.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Spectacular Spring 1992 Oscar de la Renta Extremely Fine Black Lace Dress w Tiered Ruffled Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an absolutely incredible piece that dates to the Spring 1992 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- We have not yet found a photo from the collection of this exact dress but we did find a shorter version that has the exact same top.
- This might be one of my favourite dresses I have had in the shop. The photos do not do it full justice and it is only when you see it in person that you realize just how beautiful it is.
- The dress is made out of a fine black lace. The lace completely covers the dress and there are many, many yards of lace that have gone into making this dress.
- There a built-in inner fitted bodice that is strapless and is meant to be seen through the outer layer of lace. This inner layer is lined in a black tissue silk and is lightly boned for support. Lace covers this inner bodice and extends out to form the little cap sleeves.
- At the back the inner corset scoops down into a low V with a single layer of lace over the upper back. This makes it feel very elegant but still very sexy.
- I love the play on transparency that the upper portion of the dress has.
- The waist nips in and then the dress glides over the hips to fall to the floor in a wide expanse of silk and lace. The fullness of the skirt is absolutely incredible and again there is a strong play on transparency with all of the layers that make up the skirt.
- Under the top lace layer of the skirt are three layers of silk organza. Two black silk layers sit directly under the top lace and then the final innermost layer is a silk chiffon. The two innermost layers both have wide bands of stiffening around the hem and the layer that sits directly under the lace has three stacked stiffened bands going up the skirt. This is what helps to hold the incredible shape and volume that you see.
- The skirt is extremely full and has many yards of lace in its construction. The volume that you see was all created by the sheer amount of fabric, the cut and the seven lace tiers that run over the entire lower portion of the skirt.
- I love the tiers of lace that cover the lower part of the skirt. Each is set to slightly overlap the next one down. No expense was spared on the lace in the dress. Even the area between the tiers have been finished with lace despite that fact that you cannot see them. Each tier has lace that is set so that the edges are scalloped to follow the pattern in the lace. I took a photo where I hold the skirt up on one side and this will give you an idea of the amount of yardage the skirt has. It is incredible.
- The inner construction of this dress is as good as the exterior and it is made to a demi-couture level with hand finishes throughout.
- The dress closes with a back zipper where the inner corset starts. The neck hooks to close and there is a keyhole between the top of the neck and the zipper. It is lightly boned through the bodice. An inner waist stay hooks to close. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no there is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: are 10" around the opening for the arm
Shoulders: no true seams
Inner bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 64" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5337
Reference Video: Spring 1992 Oscar de la Renta.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
bob mackie
Fantastic 1980s Bob Mackie Strapless Glossy Black Sequin Stretch Dress w Back Kick Skirt
I Have a Question
- This amazing sequin dress is from Mackie's 1980s boutique label.
- It was made under the creative direction of Bob Mackey.
- This is the actual dress that Sarah Snook wore to attend the Director Guild Awards in March 2022.
- Mackie was best known for dressing Cher and for his signature glamour. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to entering costume design and he began by co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years before launching his own label.
- His work always has that touch of the best of Hollywood glamour.
- The dress has an incredible pattern done in sequins that allows the entire dress to catch the light from every angle.
- The sequins are a glossy black and are set in vertical rows set into rectangular sections over the dress. In between the sections he left bands of the fabric with no sequins to create horizontal and vertical lines.
- The sequins are set so that they slightly overlap the next sequin in line. There are thousands of sequins on this dress.
- The dress is strapless and it is cut to hug the body through the bodice. Inside the waist is cinched and the sequins curve over that inner structure. The inner corset is cupped and boned to hold the dress in place and add shape.
- The dress skims over the hips and falls to the floor, widening out as it nears the hem with a little flare. At the back it is cut longer with extra fabric there to create a little flare. So when you walk you get a little kick of fabric behind you.
- The fabric has a slight stretch to it so it is very easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
- It has a very classic Old Hollywood movie star feel to it. This is a dress that you just slip on and go.
- The bodice has a built in inner corset that is cupped and boned. The rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. When it was borrowed by Sarah's styling team they added a wide stay under the bust and another around the inner waist. Both hook to close and I have left them in place because it gives extra support. They also temporarily turned the hem up to accommodate her height and it has been let back down to be its full original length. There is one tiny area along the very top edge of the neckline near the zipper that has a couple missing sequins and perhaps a missing sequin here and there. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Bob Mackie 6.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to inner waist
Total length: 52" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 6" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5336
Reference Photos/Video: Sarah Snook in this Bob Mackie at the Director Guild Awards, March 2022.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
giorgio armani
Exquisite Fall 2019 Giorgio Armani Runway Look 80 Velvet &Silk Ribbon Jumpsuit w Black Jet Beads
I Have a Question
- The twin of this jumpsuit walked the runway for the Fall 2019 Gorgio Armani collection for the Look 80.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- This is from his main label and its twin was also seen on both Cressida Bonas and Kelly Chen. I love having the reference photos so you can see how phenomenal it is once on the body.
- The Fall 2019 show was co-ed with both male and female models on the runway. Vogue said in part that "Armani served a pre-millennial nightclub’s worth of smoky whorl and twist." Velvet, beading and wide silk bands were integral to the looks in the show.
- The base fabric of the jumpsuit is an inky black velvet which gives the beading added on top of it a luxurious background.
- The neckline is high and finished with black silk piping. The shoulders are soft and slightly dropped. The arms narrow slightly at the wrist where they are also finished with black silk piping. At the back the fabric wraps over itself to button and snap into place along the neck line. Very interesting way to close the piece.
- Starting at the centre of the neckline is a black silk ribbon that is 2.5" wide and it runs all the way down the front to the waist. A second ribbon is attached under that to wrap around the waist and tie at the front so that you can cinch in as much shape as you want. It can be worn with the waist left more generous and open, or very cinched.
- On the runway, and in the reference photos, you can see that it the bodice is split completely open down each side of the ribbon. That split is technically. there on this one as well but it is currently tacked closed with an added modesty panel under the lower half of it inside. If you wanted the full split feel of the runway, it would be very easy to reverse this and have it completely open on both sides all the way to the waist. If you preferred it open just let me know upon purchase and I can have my tailor do that for you.
- It skims over the bust and is cut generously around the waist for a easy to fit feel. The waist is finished with hidden elastic since there is no closure on the jumpsuit and you just simply slip it on to wear.
- From under the waist it curves out over the hips and then the legs fall in a wide straight cut all the way. They are very wide and that, combined with the ease and drape of the velvet, gives you gorgeous movement as you walk and move. They are a full 26" around the hem of each pant.
- Applied onto the jumpsuit is an intricate script pattern done in little faceted jet beads that are applied directly onto the velvet. These add the perfect amount of sparkle as they catch the light from every angle. If you look closely you will realize that they are his signature.
- I have taken close-ups of the extraordinary amount of bead work that has been done to make these. It is really exquisite workmanship.
- Hidden set pockets sit on each hip for the final perfect detail.
- The jumpsuit is fully lined in fine black silk. It slips onto where and then buttons and snaps around the back of the neck line. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a vintage Armani 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22.75" and are 13" around the upper arm
Soft slightly slouched shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem with about 1.5" turned under the hem
Gusset: 16" from the back waist to inner seam
Inseam: 30"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5326
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Fall 2019 Giorgio Armani, Look 80. / (4) Cressida Bonas at Harpera Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, October 2019. / (5) Kelly Chen in Giorgio Armani.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Prettiest Spring 2006 Giorgio Armani Silk Chiffon & Net Skirt and Top Set w Beaded Butterflies
I Have a Question
- A version of this set walked the runway for the Spring 2006 Giorgio Armani, collection for Look 54.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- This is from his main label and Vogue said of the dresses "Finely layered chiffon and tulle, picked out with minute embroideries of bugle beads and sequins, qualified each one as a singular piece of signature Armani... With this collection, the designer said that he had resolved to focus on what women really wear today."
- This is a set made up of two pieces which I love because this gives you the ability to mix and match them with other things from your wardrobe.
- The top combines two layers of silk chiffon with an attached layer of netting that floats over both of those layers. It is suspended from the shoulders by two straps that have been finished with tiny silver tube beads stacked in rows. These circle the neckline and then the entire top is finished with a combination of silver sequins and beads across the front. I absolutely love the flower and butterfly pattern. With the net floating over top the sequins and beads have a slightly diffused feel and it is so pretty.
- I have taken close-ups of the extraordinary amount of bead and sequin work that has been done to make the design. It is really exquisite hand workmanship.
- The front neck line is scooped into a V and the back is finished in a wide shallow scoop. I love how this leaves a bare expanse of skin around the upper shoulders.
- It skims over the bust and is cut generously around the waist for an easy fit. The hem is cut on an angle that dips down on one side and this mimics the way that the skirt and ruffles are cut underneath.
- The waist of the skirt is finished with a small black piping and then it curves out and over the hips all the way to the hem. The hem is so interesting because it is cut on a sharp angle that falls shorter on one side and then is substantially longer to fall to the floor on the other.
- The inner layer of a skirt is a silvery grey colour and then black chiffon is set in ruffles over that. The ruffles that are stacked on top of each other and set to follow the same sharp angle of the hem. It has amazing movement once on. As good as the photos are I think it is even better in person.
- The top has a lining of black silk chiffon and the skirt is lined in a grey chiffon netting. Both the skirt and top close with hidden set side zippers. Both pieces appears to have been worn very little at all.
- The skirt is tagged a vintage Armani 40 and the top has no size tag
- Excellent condition
Top
Bust: 16.5-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 19.5" from top of shoulder to the shortest part at the side, 24.5" to the longest
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: approximately 25" from waist to shortest part of the hem at the side, 47" to the longest part
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5325
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2006 Giorgio Armani, Look 54.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Minimalist Vintage Thierry Mugler Black Wide Legged Jumpsuit w Wrapped Front Detail & Flared Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This is a great vintage Mugler piece that is wonderfully minimalist in feel and easy to wear.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler
- The jumpsuit is made out of a soft black silk that has a beautiful soft drape to it.
- The cut is very simple and easy but at the same time the lines make it feel dramatic and a true statement piece. It is that perfect mix of being very minimalist yet very striking.
- The neckline scoops wide across the front and then that scoop continues down into an open V at the back. A panel extends out from one side of the V and wraps across the back and comes to the front. The fabric is gathered into a loop at one side of the waist that has an opening underneath. The panel from the back loops through that opening and snaps into place to create the knot detail at the waist that you see in the photos. This is a very clever way to keep the front feeling minimalist but with an unexpected detail. I also love the bare flash of skin that it exposes through the upper back.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long with a slight flare as they reach their ends. The sleeves are low down the side and that line of having them wider near the body and then narrowing and flaring back out is gorgeous.
- The waist has a bit more generous feel to it but you still get shape by the knot at the side where the panel attaches in from the back as described above.
- It skims over the hips and then the legs are cut wide to the hem. Once they are on the body they pick up on the flared feel of the sleeves. At the very top and across the hips you can see how he has added extra silk and carried it up and across to meet up and into the knot at the waist. It is all cut brilliantly and is very flattering once on the body.
- The jumpsuit is fully lined in a black silk except for the sleeves. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back, and then the panel runs over that and attaches in at the front as described above.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 44
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22" and are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from the top of shoulder to the waist
Total length: 59" from neck to hem with 3" turned under the hem
Inseam: 30.75"
Gusset: 33.5" from the top of shoulder to the inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5324
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Fabulous Spring 1985 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Runway Black Stripe Jacket & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This is original Haute Couture who's twin walk the runway for Spring 1985.
- The suit was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- This would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This is a stunning two piece set done in a black on black stripe woven directly into on a fine wool / silk mix feeling fabric.
- The jacket is a classic cut of his from this time period. It features wider set strong shoulders and is meant to feel more oversized through the upper bodies.
- The entire lower portion of the jacket wraps around and over to one size creating this phenomenal dropped waist detailing that adds incredible detail all around the lower portion of the jacket.
- The front wraps over itself and hooks and snaps into place on one side at the top of the hip. There is no collar so you have a very clean feel to the upper bodice. The draping that happens around the hips is what adds all of the drama to the jacket.
- The shape at the lower front portion of the jacket is achieved by the gathering of the fabric along the side of the sea, and then into a ruffle at the front that hides where it snaps into place. This is what gives you that brilliant shape and that fantastic flare at the side. It is the kind of detail you look for in a couture piece.
- The sleeves are full through the upper arm and they come down to a more narrow cuff. The entire lower portion of the sleeve is detailed with six round gold toned, filigree buttons that have black rhinestone set into them for a little added glitz. Hidden under the buttons are a row of silk covered snapped that you can use to bring the wrist in further.
- The skirt has a band at the waist and then it is cut in a slim pencil shape to just past the knee depending on your height. A panel wraps over the front of the skirt to give the illusion of a wrapped finish that picks up on the wrap of the jacket.
- Both pieces are fully lined in a handset black silk. The jacket hooks and snaps. to close. There is an inner attached waist stay that hooks to close. The button on the sleeves are decorative with head and snaps underneath of them as photoed. The skirt closes at the side with a zipper and hooks at the waist. The shoulders have padding. All of the hand work is to Haute Couture standards throughout.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 24" and are full and open through the upper arm.
Exaggerated shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 29" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 25" from the waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD55323
Reference Photos: Spring 1985 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emanuel ungaro
Fantastic Spring 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Black Stripe Jacket & Skirt Suit + Pink Camisole
I Have a Question
- This is original Haute Couture whose near twin walk the runway for Spring 1984.
- The suit was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
- This would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This is a stunning three piece set done in a black on black striped woven into a fine wool/silk mix feeling fabric and it comes with a matching pink silk and lace camisole.
- The jacket is a classic cut of his from this time period. It features wider set strong shoulders and is meant to feel more oversized through the upper bodice. The waist is shaped to be cinched in with a single pink dome button that sit at the front and the there is a dramatic peplum set under that. This cut is what gives you that fantastic exaggerated hourglass feel that the best of his work has.
- The front closes with that single button at the waist. The collar is done in a pastel pink silk and it is very wide and pointed and set so that it covers almost the entire upper bodice. Under that the hips flared dramatically out all the way around you.
- The shape of the bottom peplum is achieved by having the panels of the jacket shaped and cut to widen out just under the waist. This gives you those brilliant little flares but without adding extra seams. It is the kind of detail you look for in a couture piece.
- The sleeves are full through the upper arm and they come down to a more narrow cuff detailed with four of the same pale pink domed buttons that are slightly smaller than the one at the front.
- Under the jacket is a little pink silk camisole that is just exquisite.
- The camisole is made out of a lingerie weight pink bias cut silk that has hand made lace set into. Each strap that wraps over the shoulder has silk that runs through a little lattice work of netting. The top is cut fairly boxy and so is very easy to fit and wear.
- The skirt has a band at the waist and then it is cut in a slim pencil shape to just past the knee depending on your height. Pockets sit on each hip and the pockets add a little bit of shape around the upper hip.
- The jacket and skirt are fully lined in a handset black silk. The jacket buttons to close with one button at the front. The button on the sleeves are decorative. The skirt closes at the back with a zipper and hooks at the waist. The shoulders have padding. The camisole is online and slips over the head to wear. I see a tiny indentation in the fabric in one spot and there's a bit of edging missing on one part of the strap. Please see the photos after the label shot. All of the hand work is to Haute Couture standards throughout.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 24" and are full and open through the upper arm.
Exaggerated shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 23.5" from neck to hem
Top
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam:to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 24.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 26.5" from the waist to hem with 3" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5321
Reference Photo: Spring 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
versace
Ultra Rare Spring 1993 Versace by Gianni Versace Silk Black & White Printed Off Shoulder Bell Bottom Jumpsuit
I Have a Question
- This is an absolutely fantastic and ultra rare piece from the Spring 1993 Versace collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace.
- Similar pieces was seen on the runway worn by Linda Evangelista, versions were shot for Italian Vogue and used for various editorials that season.
- This collection was an homage to South Beach, a place that Gianni absolutely loved. In 1991 he bought Casa Casuarina, a mansion on Ocean Drive. Two years and $30 million later it was a lavish palazzo. But before that completed, he created this spring 1993 show as a love letter to South Beach. Little Havana was referenced in the amazing bell bottom pieces and floral printed silks, both of which are found on this jumpsuit.
- The jumpsuit is made out of a black and white floral printed silk that has a beautifully soft finish to it which makes it very comfortable and easy to wear once on the body.
- A wide 5" band of the floral printed silk is mixed with a second ruffle made out of a black and white dotted silk. This gorgeous double layer of ruffles circles around the shoulders with a silk covered elastic band that lets it sit perfectly in place on you. I I love the bare expanse of skin this leaves showing across the top of the shoulders. As good as it looks on the dress form it will be even better once it is on a body.
- The body of the jumpsuit skims over you and its cut is shaped to follow your curves. Depending on your preference and size, it can be worn super fitted or have more of a skimming feel over you.
- All of the shape over the bust, waist and hips is created by long vertical seaming. The waist curves to come in for shape and then the silk curves back out over the hips.
- The pants are phenomenal. Each one has a fairly straight leg to about the knee. At that point there is a curving seam that wraps around the waist and into that the bottom of the pant leg has been added. The fabric is done in an extra full flare to create that fantastic bell bottom that you see. It is made out of two layers of silk. There is an inner dotted layer that extends out past the hem and then the floral printed layer over that. When you lay it out each bell bottom is a full 52" all the way around. I love how the dotted fabric peeks out from below the hem and ties the dotted fabric on the ruffle around the shoulders together perfectly.
- The extreme bell shape of the lower pant legs creates phenomenal movement when you move but because the silk fabric is so light and fine they have the perfect amount of fullness when you stand still.
- The jumpsuit is unlined and closes with a back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Versace 40
- Excellent condition
Elastic shoulders: 19-23" flat across side to side
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60.5" from top of natural shoulder to hem
Inseam: 29"
Gusset: 27" from the top of the zipper to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5314
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Linda Evangelista for Versace, Spring 1993. / (4) Spring 1993 Versace. Model Angelika Kallio. / (5) Backstage at Versace, 1993. / (6) Photo by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia March 1993. / (7-8) From the book "Versace: Catwalk".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Resort 2017 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Collection Look 70 Black Net & White Embroidery Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown for Look 70 of the resort 2017 Valentino collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- This ended up being the final collection that Maria worked on for the Valentino label.
- The inspiration behind the collection was Cuba and the looks were rife with embroidery and print. Piccioli remarked that "It gave us a real freedom to mix, like a souvenir, lots of pieces together."
- The dress has the added provenance of being the twin of the dress worn by Natalie Portman that year on the red carpet. She wore it beautifully and it shows you just how spectacular the dress is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a light weight, more open weave black net that sits over a black silk chiffon lining to make it opaque enough to wear. Onto that is a stark white embroidery that forms a beautiful pattern over the entire dress.
- The neckline is set wide across so that it sits at the edges of the shoulders. If you are not very broad across the shoulders you should be able to wear it fully off the shoulder. The dress form shows it fully off the shoulder. The collection photo shows it at the very edge and then Natalie chose to wear it a little higher up. I love that this let you see all of the options.
- A wide 9" ruffle follows the entire neckline and gives it the prettiest flounce all the way around you.
- Under that the bodice skims down to the seamed waist and then the skirt is smoothly set into the waist. From there the skirt expands outwards and by the time it reaches the hem it has an amazing amount of volume. The back is cut slightly longer than the front so you get a beautiful sweep.
- The the hem of the skirt has a ruffle that picks up on the one around the shoulders and that ruffle is a full 13" wide. Underneath the top layer is two more layers of black netting that sit between the top skirt and the inner silk chiffon lining. I love how this added touch of underskirts along with the beautiful cut of the skirt adds to the volume and detail of the skirt. It also gives you fantastic movement when you move.
- This is an absolutely stunning dress and this particular cut of dress is one of my favourites.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk chiffon with extra layers of netting through the skirt as described above. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from the top of the shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to the front hem, 64" to the longest point of the back hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5312
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2017 Valentino, Look 70. / (2-4) Natalie Portman at the Premiere of Jackie, Venice Film Festival 2016.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chloe
Rare Spring 1979 Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Floral & Stripe Print Silk Dress w Matching Striped Belt
I Have a Question
- After much research I believe this to be from the Spring 1979 Chloe collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- In this collection he moved away from 1940s as his inspiration into the sex appeal of the 1950s, said the book 'Chloe Catwalk'. The silhouettes were based on the hourglass. In that same book there was a very similar floral patterns shown I have included several photos here for you.
- Hand placed gathering emphasizes the hips for many of the pieces in this collection, along with extra emphasis on the waist. Lagerfeld said of the collection to the press "Frivolity is important. I want shape and sensualness."
- The dress is made from one of his signature feather light silks being used during this time period for Chloe. It is screened with a custom print that mixes an ivory, more pastel coral colour and a pale lavender.
- An interesting detail is that the labels are on the side of the dress that I think is the front. The side that has the deep plunge is longer in length at the hem so I believe that should be the back. I have seen other dresses with this label placement from around this time period and when the back is plunged like this, so it is not unusual to see. I have photoed it both ways for you, with the plunge at the back and the front. You could potentially wear the plunge at the front if you don't mind the longer hem at the front much like that Lacroix dress from me that was worn to the Met Gala a couple years ago when they turned it around backwards.
- The sleeves are long and it skims over the bust to the waist. The back plunges into a low V to just above the waist. As mentioned above, it is possible that you could wear it either way around. It is incredibly sexy worn either way.
- The waist is seamed and the dress comes with its original striped screened silk belt that hooks into place around you. The stripes on the belt pick up the stripes that are on the end of each sleeve and circle around the hem.
- The skirt curves over the hips and there is a gathering of the silk for added shape. It falls to the floor with the back cut longer then the front for a slight trained effect. You get the most fantastic movement as you walk.
- The dress is in its original uncut length and is unlined. It closes with a back hand set zipper. Hand finishes throughout. There is a tiny bit of fading at the top of the shoulders and edges of the hems. The entire dress looks to be hand dyed and or screened and it presents perfectly once on as this becomes part of the uniqueness of the pattern. The belt hooks to close.
- Excellent condition with the note above.
Sleeves: 22.5" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 60" from neck to front hem, 68" to the back hem with about 2" turned under the hem
Belt: 2.5" wide x 27" long where the hooks currently sit.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5310
Reference Photos: From the book "Chloe: The Complete Collections" by Lou Stoppard.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Cruise 2010 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 33 Silk Chiffon Dress w Oversized Purple Floral Print
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Chanel 2010 Cruise runway for Look 33 with a jacket over it that was later sold separately in the shops.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- The show was set on the boardwalk of the Venice Lido at dusk. "Coco at Lido" is how Karl Lagerfeld described this cruise collection. Vogue described the scene as Karl "reinstating the long-lost leisurely sensation of a fashion show as an exceptional one-off experience. The 350 guests reclining on sun beds in the famous white tented cabanas certainly felt privileged to be witnessing the extreme glamour of the designer's learned-but-light invocation of an important part of Coco Chanel's biography." The location was "one of Coco Chanel's favourite summer haunts—she visited Venice for almost ten years beginning in 1919 and met Diaghilev here".
- The inspiration behind much of the show was the twenties and thirties and you can see that in the lines of this dress.
- The dress is made out of a feather light ultra fine silk chiffon whose weave gives it the feel of a fine netting or mesh. These amazing fabric innovations were a keystone that you see in Karl's work.
- The silk is covered in a beautiful oversized floral print in dusky pastels done in a way that makes then look like they have been hand painted directly onto the fabric. The base colour is a deep blue-purple and the colour combination of everything together is stunning.
- It is sleeveless and the very upper portion of the bodice around the shoulders is a single layer of the silk so that it has a touch of transparency. Just above the bust it becomes a double layer so it can be worn, It is cut to skim over the bodice down to the waist. An attached panel of the same fabric goes around your waist and hooks into place at the back for added shape and subtle detailing.
- The dress falls from there in a swoop of that feather light silk to the hem that widens out as it near the floor. The back feels slightly fuller than the front so you get this pretty billowing effect around you when you walk. This is a signature Karl silhouette to give the dress as much movement as possible.
- The famous double C logo is worked throughout the floral print of the dress making it impossible to not know that you are wearing Chanel.
- The dress is lined with the same fabric through the bodice and the skirt is lined with a layer of a deep blue silk. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper and has a hook and eye at the back of the neck with a keyhole between the two. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Chanel 36
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.25" from top of shoulder to waist
Total Length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5309
Reference Photos/Video: Resort 2010 Chanel, Look 33.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Dreamy Spring 2018 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Black Tulle Sequin w Velvet Bows
I Have a Question
- This beautiful dress is from the Spring 2018 collection and it was made on a limited production.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- Its twin was worn by Imogen Poots and also by a guest at the Couture collection that season. We have included reference photos for you to see how gorgeous this is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a black tulle that sits over an inner black silk chiffon base. The netting has gold metallic embroidered thread applied in long stripes over the dress. Hand Zone onto the gold thread are tiny little sequins in a rainbow of colours. This creates an incredible subtle burst of colour across the entire dress.
- The netting on the bodice crosses over itself at both the back and front to create that pretty neckline that sits wide across to the shoulders.
- The little cap sleeves are very full with elastic and a ruffle at their ends. You can see in the reference photos that the sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulders and it dramatically changes the look of the dress. I love this extra versatility that this gives the dress.
- The skirt is very full and explodes outwards from the waist. All of the volume you see is created by multiple layers of netting and silk stacked over each other in layers. I have not added any extra crinolines underneath for the shots.
- Pretty velvet ties fall from each shoulder and they are set in a bow at the top of the shoulder for the perfect dreamy finish.
- The dress is fully lined in black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have never been worn.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 13" and full through the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5303
Reference Photos: (1) Imogen Poots at The Olivier Awards, April 2018. / (2) Guest at the Fall 2018 Valentino Couture Show, July 2018.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Rare Spring 2008 John Galliano Black Version of Look 13 Production Label Black Lace Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in a blue walked the runway for Look 13 for the Spring 2008 Galliano collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This is a very rare Production label piece by Galliano. It may or may not have been produced for retail but it is the original production piece made before making that decision. This is a very rare thing to find and an amazing piece of Galliano fashion history.
- I love that we have the runway photos and video of the dress in blue. The runway piece was shown unlined so it really allows you to see the extraordinary detail in the lace that the dress has. The black version is obviously harder to photo and it is lined, but has the same amazing detail as the runway piece.
- I have added some detail shots of the dress lane flat so that you can see the patterns watch all through the netting.
- The Spring 2008 show coincided with John Galliano's tenth year with the label and it was Dior's 60th year as a label. John celebrated that by creating pieces based on some of his signature looks through the past decade.
- The dress is made out of black netting that has a dot pattern running through.
- Added to this are circular medallions made out of a and then stitched embroider to create the circles that you see. These medallions are also a clever way to create the shape of the dress. Around the skirt, for example he has placed more of them all the way around to help provide structure and fullness before the final lower tier of the skirt.
- The bodice is shaped and cupped with a build in hooked strap. I love that the outer part of the cups of the bra are finished in a velvet, even though you can't see this, detail it is there. It just shows you how much attention was paid. I took a photo for you to see.
- The straps of the bra curve up and over your shoulder and are finished in a black velvet on their exterior side. Play beside those straps are straps made out of netting that have a round double ruffle shape. These sit over the inner bra strap once it's on your shoulder and Cape softly over the top of your shoulder and upper arm.
- Under the bus, it follows down to the waist where there is a pattern of the round medallion, circling all the way around you. These are placed on a slight downward angle on the sides to create a pretty line.
- Tool explodes to be very full and open. Just under the hip there is a second ring of those circular medallions that go all the way around you and again replaced on a slightly downward angle that curved down lower at the back of the skirt.
- Under that it is fantastic with layers to sit on top of each other with both layers having unfinished raw edges. One layer is longer than can you get even more volume.
- The back of the skirt curves around longer than the front. The lightness of the fabric let it move and catch the air fantastically. You can see that in the runway video.
- This is a phenomenally, rare piece of Galliano history, and and absolutely beautiful dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk with a belt in attached bra that hooks to close at the back. The straps are adjustable. It closes with a tightly space row of his signature button and loops down one side.
- Because it is a production / sample piece there is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A-small B cup
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 53" from top of shoulder to longest point of the back hem, 45" to the shortest point of the front
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5304
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2008 John Galliano, Look 13. Model Alana Zimmer.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Incredible 1980s Thierry Mugler Black Layered Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress Flared Skirt Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a phenomenal dress that we believe dates to the early to mid 1980s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
- Mugler was a masterpiece of draping and cut and this is a fantastic example of that. It is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- It is made out of a black silk chiffon that sits over an inner structured and boned bodice. The dress under that is a play on transparency. The way the silk is draped in parts make some of it less transparent. The silk is gathered and placed to wrap around the body and emphasizes your curves.
- A panel of fabric extends up to create a single strap that wraps and hooks into place around the neck. A little half bow extends out to sit at the top of your back shoulder. The strap extends across the back on an angle to leave the rest of your back bare.
- The panels drapes upwards on one side and other panels extends down to wrap around the hips. Panels are caught up at the back of the waist to leave ties hanging down the side, picking up on the tie at the top of the shoulder. The body of the dress extends down to just above the knee, depending on your height. A single layer of bias cut silk chiffon is set in under that to create the lower skirt. It falls to the floor in a sweep of chiffon and adds incredible movement as you move.
- The bodice has a built in corset that closes with a series of hooks and then there is a zipper set under that. There is a layer of chiffon through the body of the dress. The neck strap snaps into place with hidden set snaps.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5299
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Gorgeous Spring 2005 Roberto Cavalli Black & Gold Feather Print Bias Cut Silk Dress w Open Criss Cross Back
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2005 Cavalli collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli
- For that season Cavalli based everything shown on the 'Fashion Traveller' Theme and Vogue proclaimed that to mean "an eclectic throwing-together of hippie-ish trailing print skirts, ruffled cavalier shirts (worn belted at the hip as tantalizing dresses), and nineteenth century Sgt. Pepper-ish frogged military jackets."
- The dress is made of a black bias cut silk that is covered with a gold tone print. The print depicts golden feathers that curve heavily down and over the bodice and then gradually just become the gold parts that trail down and over the skirt.
- The feather print is very detailed and quite beautiful. I love how the pattern is set to accentuate the curves of the body underneath the dress and build on the cut of the dress itself.
- The dress is suspended from two tiny straps in the same silk that curved up and over the shoulders. At the back they cross over each other. The entire upper back is left bare and exposed behind the crossing of the straps and the front comes down in a wide V.
- The dress curves in at the waist with long curving vertical seams and then curves back out over the hips. Everything is cut on the bias and there are no horizontal seems to break the print or lines of the dress.
- The lower skirt flares out with quite a bit of fabric used for its construction. There are extra triangular panels built-in around the sides and back. These are what give the fullness to the lower skirt that you see and create its sweep. The back skirt is cut a little longer than the front so that you have a beautiful bit of fabric behind you as you move. The extra fabric also gives you wonderful movement as you walk.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Cavalli 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to the shortest part of the front hem, 71" to the longest part on the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5289
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Outstanding Spring 2006 Roberto Cavalli Black Silky Jersey Corset Bodice Dress w Gold Hardware Detailing
I Have a Question
- This is the all black version of the Spring 2006 pink floral dress from the same collection that we currently have in the shop.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli
- The twin of the pink version of this dress was worn by Noemie Lenoir in 2006 and we have included those reference photos in this listing because even though it is a different colour it still shows you just how phenomenal this is once on the body.
- The dress is made from a black silk feeling jersey that is draped over an inner black body suit that gives you the perfect amount of inner structure and holds the dress perfectly in place.
- That inner corset is lightly boned through the front and the bust area is shaped with inner padding and wire. The jersey on the exterior is draped into place over that and gathered over towards one side. At the base of where it gathers there is a decorative panel that has a tie running through it and little gold metal loops. You could use the ties to wrap around the waist or just let it hang down over the hip as I have done for these photos.
- A single layer of the jersey drapes down from there to form the skirt. The skirt is incredible. It falls to extend down long and dramatically on one side so you get a sweeping feel around you as you move. On the other side there is an inset triangle made out of a black chiffon that gives you the very slightest bit of transparency on that side.
- If you loved the dress in the flower print but are not a flower kind of girl. This is the version for you.
- The inner black bodysuit is shaped and made of a stretched lingerie netting to give you support and shape. It zippers to close at its side and then hooks to close at the bottom. The dress closes over that at the side with a hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to the shortest part of the hem at one side and the back extends another 17" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5288
Reference Photos: Noemie Lenoir attends the 'Quand J'Etais Chanteur' premiere during the Cannes Film Festival, 2006.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Exceptional Fall 2005 Original Valentino Runway Look 82 Black Velvet Dress w Bows, Silk Tiers & Pink Detailing
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2005 show for Look 82 and was worn by Erin Wasson.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- Vogue said of the collection that "Valentino's couture touch brought exquisite workmanship to filmy lace blouses and brocade jackets as well as evening gowns that captured the seasons passion for Victorian and Edwardian effects." They went on to mention the feel of this gown specifically saying "courtly evening gowns had trains, composed of tiers of ruffles."
- On the runway they showed the dress with the ruffles backed in a silk taffeta in what looks to be a more coral red. When the dress was produced for shops this version has a pink behind the bows and it is lined in pink for just a hint of colour. The silk ruffles cascading down dress have no lining in a different colour. I think the dress is more striking this way. It is not so busy as how it looks and was presented on the runway.
- The dress is absolutely spectacular and showcases what made these original Valentino pieces so special under Mr. Valentino's direction.
- The dress is strapless and curves across you at the front and is fitted around the bust. Inside there is a built-in corset that is lightly boned to keep the dress perfectly in place.
- From there it is shaped so that comes in at the waist without any seams to break the eye. It curves back out to glide over the hips.
- The skirt widens out to be very full by the time it reaches the hem. The back of the skirt is cut longer than the front so that you get a beautiful sweeping feel behind you.
- Beginning just under the bust is the first ruffle. It is 7.5" wide and is set to curve down and around you before dipping lower at the back for a very pretty line. And its long longest point in the back it extends to 12". A bow in a matching silk sits at the top centre of the front and this is backed in a pink silk for a tiny touch of colour.
- The second ruffle begins just under the waist and this one follows that same beautiful curve around you. It dips lower and longer at the back to a full 21" at its longest point. This ruffle is also topped by a pretty black and pink silk bow at the front.
- Each of the tiers is gathered in lightly along where they are set into the dress so that they have lots of volume and movement. Under the last ruffle the entire lower skirt at the back widens out substantially and trails behind you in a swooping train. Under the skirt is a pink silk organza lining that is finished with a pink edging made of the same pink silk that the bows are backed with. When you move and your legs kick the dress outward you get a little hint of the pink and it all perfectly ties in with the pink of the bows.
- This is a truly spectacular dress and one that you will not see come around very often if ever again.
- The dress has a built-in black silk corset that is lightly boned and zips with its own zipper. The dress closes with a hidden set zipper over that. Where the ruffle goes over the zipper, there is a series of hidden snaps to fully close the ruffle over the zipper so that it is all hidden. The skirt is lined in pink organza as described a book. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56.5" from top of the bodice to the front hem and the back extends another 9" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5240
Reference Photos: Fall 2005 Valentino, Look 82. Model Erin Wasson.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Exquisite Spring 2016 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Runway Look 34 Black & White Lace Cut Out Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2016 runway for Look 34.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- Vogue declared that it was the prettiest and most personal collection since she took over as the Creative Director at McQueen. Sarah declared that she wanted the collection to be "believable, touchable, soft.". Vogue's review noted that "The beautiful dresses speak for themselves. Everything about them in times when every camera phone has a zoom lens and can be examined in all their extraordinary detail, down to the finest stitches and the Couture level embroidery.
- This was one of the series of lace pieces in the show and I love the contrasting black-and-white lace used for the dress and how it is all set on a nude netting.
- On the runway the front buttons were left open above and below a single closed button at the centre. A jewelled body harness was worn underneath and over the dress for added detail and it was styled over pants, showing how you are able to style this in many ways.
- The dress is set high around the neck with cut outs between the straps that wrap around the neck and the ones curving over each shoulder. The front lace inset is a deep white ivory and it closes with black silk covered buttons that are all functional. Black lace panels wrap around you to the back.
- At the back you see the same combination of the white lace running down the centre of the dress and the black around the sides. Here there are deep open cut outs on either side of the white lace. There is another row of buttons there as well and these are also functional.
- Leaving buttons opened or fully close changes the look of the dress substantially.
- More buttons sit around the waist cut outs and you could in theory button them high and change how the dress sits. Leaving them open leaves the sides of your waist open and exposed.
- The skirt is absolutely magnificent. It is made out of layers of black lace set in overlapping ruffles. At the front there are two layers of ruffles and then the dress is quite open under that down the full front. We included a photo of an all white version of the dress from the runway so you can clearly see what length the front will fall once on the body.
- The skirt fall down from there on either side of you and curves around to the back. There are six layers of the ruffles and they are all set on a black lace backdrop. This gives the entire skirt a touch of transparency while at the same time the stacked ruffles play on that transparency. It is fantastically full by the bottom hem and you can see from the runway video how beautifully this moves.
- This is an extraordinarily rare dress from the Sarah Burton era and it is absolutely exquisite in every way
- The body of the dress is backed in a nude netting and the skirt is unlined. It buttons at both the front and back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. If you wanted a more bare look you could wear boy shorts or a barer or more covered option underneath.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with the buttons fully buttoned.
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam above the cut outs, 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam under the cut outs.
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam of the inner piece above where the tiers start. The skirt is full and open under that.
Bodice: 11" from top of the shoulder to the highest point at the side where the cut out begins, approx 16" to the the same under the cut out and 24" to the sea of the inner piece the hips were measured at.
Total length: 27" from top of the shoulder to the shortest point of the front hem, 62.5" to the longest point of the back hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5241
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2016 Alexander McQueen, Look 34. Model Wangy Xinyu.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fantastic Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Strapless Dotted Silk Net Strapless Dress w Rhinestone Detail & Full Lower Skirts
I Have a Question
- This dress is a version of a series of these dresses that Yves sent down the runway for the Spring 1987 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- I have included reference photos of similar dresses used for the ad campaign and shown on the runway so that you can get an idea of how great this dress will be on the body.
- The 1987 collection is one of my all time favourites and I am very pleased to have this wonderful example from it in the shop.
- The dress is made from a black silk base with a layer of dotted black silk netting applied over the bodice in horizontal bands. This choice in fabric gives the dress its structure and shape so that it holds the shape around you once on.
- The bodice is strapless and cut on a soft curve across the neckline. It is lightly boned on the inside to hold the dress perfectly in place. It curves in over the waist and then curves back out over the hips. From there the lower skirts flare outwards to the hem.
- The lower skirt is quite full and makes an incredible statement. It has a fishnet style lace for its top layer. Under that is a layer of dotted lace to subtly tie in the lace of the bodice. Under those layers two more layers of the fishnet lace to give it its incredible fullness.
- On the bodice the lace is separated by five wide bands made out of a black silk ribbon that give a beautiful and rich feel to the dress. I love the contrast between the texture of the silk and the dotted netting.
- Each ribbon is stacked to run from the very top of the bodice to the lowest seam above the skirt. Each ribbon is gathered into a little folded bow and has a round metal circle attached that is finished with glossy black glass rhinestones. There are five of those big jewelled pieces in total and they add the perfect amount of glitz to the dress. The combination of the silk ribbon, the dotted lace, the jewelled circles and that stunning full lower skirt is just gorgeous to see and it is even better on the body.
- The dress fully lined in a crisp black cotton and closes with a side set zipper. The inner bodice is lightly boned and shaped. I see some minor repairs in the netting of the skirt. You only see them if you are looking for them because of the amount of fabric in the skirt and the black layers. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A-small C cup built into the front
Waist: to 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from the top of the bodice to the inner waist, 24" to the bottom of the lowest seam above the skirt
Total length: 47" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5242
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Ad Campaign / (2-3) Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Fantastic c.1983 Thierry Mugler Black Raw Silk Vertical Panel Dress w Car Wash Hem & Silk Chiffon
I Have a Question
- We believe the dress to be from the Spring of 1983 based on the reference photo that we found with a similar design especially given the cut of the lower skirt of that dress.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler
- The fabric of the dress is a black raw silk which helps to hold the design and intended shape.
- The construction of the dress is quite brilliant. Long vertical panels of the fabric have been pieced together side-by-side from the top of the strapless bodice to the hem of the skirt. The long lines created by piecing the panels together like this become a part of the design and the entire dress has been shaped by the manipulation of the sizing and placement of the strips.
- The bodice is strapless and the tops of the ribbons are set at different heights all around the neck line. Where they rise above the top edge they are not sewn together so you get a very distinctive ribbon feel. I love the added detail this creates.
- It is meant to fit the bodice and then curves in at the waist. Inside there is for built-in corset that is lightly boned and holds the dress in place around you.
- From there it curves out and over the hips, comes in slightly just below the knee, and then flares outward again for the lower skirts.
- Just under the knee the panels open up and are no longer stitched together. This is what gives it the added volume there and creates a 'car wash' feel around you. Behind the panels are three layers of stacked black silk chiffon When you walk you get that bit of transparency between the the panels and it feel very interesting and unexpected. You get a sense of what that will be like in the runway reference photo.
- The dress is not 100% perfect but is wearable as is. Please make sure to read the condition notes below in full before purchasing.
- The inner nude silk corset acts as the lining behind the bodice. It is lightly boned and closes with its own side zipper. And attached waist hooks to close. Under that into the top of where the panels open on the skirt, it is lined in a black silk. Three layers of silk chiffon are attached behind the lower portion of the skirt as described above. The dress closes with a hidden set zipper placed over the inner corset zipper. I see fading on the fabric most notably around the the bodice and around the waist. Please see the photos after the label shot. It may be possible to dye the dress to a true black once again. It is wearable as is but the fading is present. All of the fabric is sound.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
- Excellent overall condition
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from top of inner edge of the bodice to inner waist
Total length: 53" from top of inner edge of the bodice to hem and the ribbons extend beyond the top edge of the bodice from 1.5-2.5".
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5232
Reference Photos: Spring 1983 Thierry Mugler.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Beautiful Fall 2002 Valentino by Mr. Valentino Runway Look 65 Flowing Black Silk Chiffon Caftan Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway in a deep burgundy brown colour for the Fall 2002 collection as Look 65.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- The dress is made from layers of a feather light black silk chiffon that is cut on the bias. It is an extremely easy dress to wear and fit because it has a definite caftan feel to it.
- It is cut to sits either just at the edges of the shoulders as I have shot it here or can be worn off the shoulders like how you see it was worn in the runway photos. I love how that bare expanse of skin offsets the fullness of the dress underneath.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. Each is cut so that it is very full and wide. They cascade down the arm in a double layer of silk and they are split along the upper edge. Each sleeve is cut so that it falls on an angle so that the innermost portion of the sleeve falls much longer than where the outer edge lies creating a cascade of silk down your arm. The lightness of the silk chiffon gives them a ton of movement around the arm when you move.
- The top of each shoulder is gathered into a series of rounded pleats and more of the same rounded pleats sits on the side of each hip. Long panels of silk chiffon fall from under the pleats set on the outside of each hip. These are cut much like the sleeves with a double layer of silk chiffon stacked on top of each other and ending in different lengths. This adds a tremendous amount of movement to the skirt when you move. I love how they tie in the sleeves and skirt together.
- The dress skims over the body and widens out quite a bit as it nears the hem. This is what gives the dress its caftan feel. The back hem is cut longer than the front so you get a sweeping feel behind you.
- The body of the dress is made from three layers of silk chiffon and these act as the lining. The sleeves are made of two layers of the silk as described above. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Be easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just drape more.
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 12
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: to 33" at their longest points and are full and open around the upper arm.
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to the front hem and the back extends another 10" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2002 Valentino, Look 65.
Item# DD5227
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
todd oldham
Incredible & Rare Fall 1995 Todd Oldham Runway Black Silk Creoe Dress w Large Crystal Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1995 show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Todd Oldham.
- In an interview with Fashion TV Oldham said that the Fall 1995 show "was the biggest collection he had ever done, it was more well rounded, and that he thought he liked it better than any collection he had ever done... It is rich without being alienating"
- Todd Oldham showed his first collection in 1981 and officially launched his label in 1989. In 1991 he won the Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. By 1995 he was the darling of the media. His shows were extravagant and all of the reigning supermodels of the day walked his runways.
- Nothing from his label was being produced in great quantities and the more extravagant dresses like this one are extremely rare and hard to find because they were made in such limited quantities.
- The dress is made out of a black silk crepe that has a very slight ribbed texture to it. It has a sleek and simple feel to it that perfectly reflects the 1990s. At the same time it has a very elaborate crystal rhinestone detailing done for the straps that elevates the dress perfectly
- The upper bodice has attached silver metal linked chains that are flexible and have a series of hand set crystal rhinestones set side-by-side along the lengths of the chain and are held in place by prongs set on a mesh ribbon backdrop.
- The front sweeps up to the neck to a centre peak and the attached rhinestone chains wraps around the neck and then runs down the sides of the back to attach to back of the dress. The first chain is set along the top edge of the dress and runs closer to the neck before curving down the back. The second series of chains are set below that and follow the same line just a few inches apart. I love the crisscross shape that this creates at the front. You can see on the runway pictures how this sits on the body. It is interesting to know that there are no claps or closures. You have to put the dress on and then slip your arms through so that they sit on top of your shoulders.
- The chains are made out of big chunky glass crystal rhinestones that are very high quality. The pattern on each chain combines a large marquise shaped stone set between two stacked round rhinestones on either side. They are gorgeous.
- The dress skims over the bust and curves in at the waist. At the back the upper back is left bare and exposed.
- It curves back out over the hips and then the skirt falls to the floor and gently widens out to the hem. The bottom of the skirt flares out a touch and this gives it some extra fullness and movement as you walk
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper. There are little soft half cup sewn into the front bust area. Some of the ribbon backing of the chains has come loose where the glue has given out. It appears to sit properly once on regardless, but if you want my seamstress to look at this before sending let me know when you place your order. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand work throughout.
- Tagged a vintage Oldham medium
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5226
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 1995 Todd Oldham Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
pierre cardin
Minimalist c.1978 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Huge Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- When my client sold this to me I told me it was from 1978. We have not yet sourced a runway photo of it because these early collections were not always documented but if we do at some point we will forward that on to its new owner.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierre Cardin.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made out of a very high-quality black silk chiffon that is feather light in weight. It gives the dress phenomenal movement around you once on the body.
- This is a fantastic and surprisingly avant garde Haute Couture dress by Pierre Cardin that shows the breadth and depth of his talent. From a historical perspective it is also an interesting insight on the volume and play on proportion being done during this time period.
- The design is simple and has a minimalist feel but is still striking and dramatic. It is really a piece that will only truly come to life once on so is a bit of what I like to call a 'trust me' dress because you have to trust a bit on how phenomenal it will be.
- The neckline is squared off right to the outer edges of the shoulder on both the back in the front. The back dips down a little bit lower for more skin to show. I think that you might be able to also wear this fully off the shoulders if you wished.
- Inside there is a little strapless soft cupped bra made out of lingerie nude netting.
- The silk falls from the shoulders and skims over the inner bra, flows generously past the waist and hips and then it widens out a touch more as it nears the floor.
- Under the top layer of black silk chiffon there is a layer of a dark brown silk chiffon. This keeps the dress from being too transparent and at the same time it creates the illusion that the dress has more transparency than it actually does as the two colours play against each other.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are cut on a curve and are gathered into a piped wrist finished with a little bow, made of the same piping. Once on they pouf and balloon out fantastically above your wrists. They are one of the most exaggerated balloon sleeves that I have ever actually seen on a dress but in the best possible way. On my dress form they appear to hang very long and low but once on and held in place by your wrists they sit properly and billow out around the arm. They are quite brilliant.
- It is an incredible dress and like many of his pieces it truly will only come to life once there is a body in it.
- It is remarkable piece of true couture and a true piece of fashion history.
- The dress is fully lined with a layer of dark brown silk chiffon. It slips on to wear and the inner bra hooks to close. You could adjust the fit a bit by replacing that inner bra with one fitted to you and I have included the measurements of the outer dress for you as well as the inner bra.
- The dress has no size tag since it is couture so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" to the actual wrist and then the sleeve extends another 10" past that when hanging loose. They are 17" around the upper arm.
Inner bra: tagged 34-35B and is 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam, the outer dress is to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5225
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean patou
1940s Jean Patou Haute Couture Strapless Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Tiered Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an exceptionally beautiful Jean Patou silk chiffon dress that is an absolute masterpiece. It is an important and early representation of both the house of Patou and the level of Haute Couture being produced during this time period.
- Jean Patou once said "Certain dressmakers desire to pass for an artist. I have one ambition: that is to have good taste." and this dress is the very epitome of that statement.
- The dress is made entirely by hand and represents countless hours of dedicated hand work within the atelier. It is one of the most beautiful dresses that I have had come through my hands and the photos cannot begin to convey the detail and fine work that has gone into the creation of this piece.
- It is constructed from a fine black silk chiffon and the bust is fitted with a boned and shaped interior to hold the dress around you. The upper edge of the bust has a little silk chiffon ruffle that folds over for a pretty detail.
- It cinches in at the waist and the skirt flows down on a gentle curve. The waist seam curves upwards at the centre front and then curves downward towards the hip. The back seam continues curving downwards to to create a dip at the back.
- Under this the skirt falls in a cascade of silk chiffon tiered panels. There are three in total and each one overlaps the one underneath. Hidden in between the ruffles are panels of silk organza which helps to give the dress its volume. An extra panel sits under the very lowest tier. Inside the skirt is a layer of stiffened netting.
- The skirt follows the same curve the waist seam has with the front coming up a touch and the back sweeping out behind you.
- We have not added anything under the skirts. There is room to go fuller if you wanted to add a crinoline underneath you can go as full as you wish.
- A spray of pink silk flowers and black velvet leaves run down one side of the skirt.
- This is really an extraordinary piece of early golden era Haute Couture. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand.
- The bodice has a hand set silk lining and is boned. It closes with hand set back metal zipper. The skirt is lined as described above. I see some minor grubbiness around the hem of the interior lining. The tulle lining under the skirt is raw cut and there may be occasional little break near the hem here and there. There is light stress near the seams on the bodice around the waist area that indicate there was a belt or ribbon attached at some point. You could easily add a belt or ribbon and you would never see these. The flowers do not feel fresh. They are just tacked in place and they could be removed or replaced.
- Excellent overall condition.
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 12" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to front hem, 62" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5219
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
2010s Giambattista Valli Black Dress Stretch Sleeveless Dress w Front Metallic Thread Wool Inset
I Have a Question
- This is a more modern piece by Giambattista Valli that I believe is from circa 2015.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giambattista Valli
- This is a fantastic day dress that is appropriate for the office but also can be worn to dinner or a cocktail events.
- The base of the dress is made from a stretch mix of silk and wool in a black that has a touch of charcoal feel to it. The stretch allows it to really form around the body but still feel extremely comfortable to wear.
- It is sleeveless and skims over the bodice. The waist nips in and is highlighted with a wide black grosgrain ribbon. From there it curves back over the hips.
- The skirt is cut in a chic pencil shape. A back vent lets you walk easily when wearing it.
- An attached panel runs down the front of the dress. This is made out of a wool that has a nubby thatched texture to it with little silver metallic lurex threads run through the fabric. It is subtle but really elevates the dress and is a beautiful added detail.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a black hidden set zipper.
- Tagged a modern Valli 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the shoulder to the top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 39" from top of shoulder to hem with approx 1.5" turned under the ham
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5200
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
versace
Rare Spring 1998 Gianni Versace Runway Silver Sequin & Thread Detail Pink & Black Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1998 Versace show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace.
- This is a rare and early documented example of his work.
- The dresses made of two layers of silk. There is an inner silk layer that is a bright vivid pink and then this is topped with a black silk chiffon that has a touch of transparency.
- Onto the top black layer is an elaborate pattern made of silver metallic thread and little tiny silver sequins. This adds a subtle sparkle over the entire dress.
- Two triangles sit at the front bust and they are brought inwards at the neck leaving an open keyhole underneath. The straps circle around both sides of your neck and then meet at the back. They curve outwards to meet the sides of a full open scoop that leaves most of your back bare and exposed.
- It skims over the waist and hips from there and I love the lingerie effect created by having the black float over the inner pink layer.
- The inner pink silk layer acts as the lining. The neck of the dress slips over the head and then the dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. When the dress is off the body the pink under-layer appears to extend past the bottom by a couple of inches but it is bias cut so once on it lines up as shown in the photos here.
- Tagged a vintage Versace 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers up to 8" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to the seam under the bus
Total length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5194
Reference Photos: Spring 1998 Versace.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fall 1979 Yves Saint Laurent Unlabled Haute Couture Black Silk Dress w Elaborate Sequin & Crystal Detailing
I Have a Question
- A version of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 1979 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress is completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards and it is incredible.
- I love having the runway photos so that you can see just how amazing it is in the body and I think the longer version is even better. It's more balanced and proportional with the upper body.
- The dress is made from a crisp black silk and this fabric choice allows it to hold those beautiful lines that you see.
- The neckline dips into a shallow V and the dress is vertically seamed to follow the curves of the body.
- The sleeves are amazing. Each is cut on a curve to follow the shape of the arm in the traditional manner of making a sleeve. They are set into the shoulders with a beautiful series of soft pleats so that you get a bit of volume at the shoulder. They puff out slightly around the upper arm and then narrow down at their ends.
- At the back the dress scoops low to give you a bare expanse of skin across the upper back. The back has a low set seam under the open scoop and this allows the top of the back skirt to lift slightly off and away from the body. A tiny detail that feels very sensual on the body.
- That same seam curves over the hips and angles up towards the waist at the front. The skirt falls under that. on a curve that widens out as it reaches the hem. The back is fuller and it also falls a touch longer to give it the feel of it sweeping out behind you.
- Underneath the skirt is a built-in ruffled black silk net underskirt and when you move or sit you see just a peek of the ruffle around the inner hem. Layers of silk net have been added under the sea, where the skirt starts to help to hold the fullness there as well.
- The dress is detailed with hand applied sequins to form little varying sized circles that run over the entire bodice, the waist and the top part of the skirt. Two types of sequins have been used - tiny silver sequins one and others that are an iridescent pale blue. The blue ones catch the light and range in colour from silver to an ice blue. Mixed into that are some circles that are made from little glass crystal beads.
- The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined with a built in underskirt in a black silk net and taffeta. Built in interior panniers around the hip area that I have photoed. It closes with a hand set back zipper and the skirt snaps into place with silk covered snaps over that. Hidden set zippers at each wrist. Hand finished throughout. There is the occasional sequin or crystal missing on the dots here and there and I have photoed one area for you to see as an example. Please see the last detail photo for that. Unlabeled. Completely made by hand to Haute Couture standards.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23.5" and are 16" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem, 60" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5188
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Beautiful Fall 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 36 Black Net Bead & Sequin Over Skirt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this skirt walked the runway for the Fall 2019 season for Look 36.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri
- Vogue's Sally Singer noted that; "Chiuri sought inspiration for this collection from Britain’s postwar Teddy Girls, those working-class, rock ’n’ roll–loving beehived vixens who hit the clubs in a mix of men’s Edwardian jackets, full skirts, blue jeans, leather, velvet, and eyeliner galore. She was struck by the similarity in silhouette and the optimistic excess that characterized Christian Dior’s designs of the same period. She was also moved by Yves Saint Laurent’s addition to the Dior pantheon of a men’s black leather jacket for women in the late 1950s. So, heritage, hipsters, and herstory."
- This skirt is one of the ones that felt most like a heritage piece from that show while still having a modern flare.
- The skirt is made out of a black silk net and the fabric choice is what allows it to hold its fullness.
- Onto the tulle is an extensive pattern created from hand applied beads and sequins. A thin band at the waist cinches it in and then the skirt is full under that. It will fall to about mid-calf to the ankle depending on your height.
- At the front the skirt is fully split and open from just under the band at the waist to the hem. It wraps over itself a touch at the split and there is a little flat bow at the waist for added detail.
- This open split lets you can layer it over just about anything. You can take a simplest little dress or plain skirt that you already have, pop this over it, and all of a sudden you have an amazing and elaborate look.
- The entire skirt has been appliqued with little floral sprigs that are made of hand set metal coils, tiny seed beads, sequins and MOP finished paillettes. All of the work appears to have been done by hand.
- It is made out of two layers of the black netting and meant to have a slight transparency. It closes with snap and hook an eye at the waist and is open down the front. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. It is a very little special piece that has a huge array of styling options.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 36" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5175
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2019 Look 36. Model Hyun Ji Shin.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Elaborate Spring 2019 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Black Net Skirt w Hand Beading & Silk Chiffon Insets
I Have a Question
- This skirt is a production piece for the shops from the Spring 2019 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- On the runway a dress shown for Look 60 had similar a beaded design over its surface. We have added that runway reference for you here.
- Vogue succinctly said that "In a season when there’s been so much talk about the appreciation of couture dressmaking and craft skills, Piccioli just took it to the ultimate. It was as accomplished, as complexly cut—and as simple as that."
- The high level of craft put into a hand embroidered and beaded piece like this is evident in the price tag. The original cost of the skirt was £12,285.
- The skirt is outstanding and is beautiful to see in person. There is an inner silk skirt that snaps into place around the inner band of the waist. I love that this gives you the choice to wear the skirt fully opaque, or you can snap the lining out and have the skirt be more transparent.
- Over the inner lining is a layer of black netting and then the top layer combines tulle with insets of a light grey and deep dusty blue grey silk chiffon. Silver metallic thread and tiny silver beads run in swirling designs over the entire skirt. And if you look carefully, you see that there is one unexpected little pink pop of silk chiffon. I love that unexpected detail.
- The waist is banded with a black grosgrain that folds inwards. The inner skirt snaps onto that band so that the snaps are hidden from view.
- The skirt falls from there and has quite a bit of room through the hips so it is an easy fit. It widens out as it nears the hem. There is quite a lot of fabric in the skirt and it moves beautifully around you when you move.
- The black silk lining snaps into place as described above and both the lining and outer skirt have a zipper at the side. Without the lining snapped in the skirt has a touch of transparency. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 38
- Excellent condition
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 40" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5176
Reference Photo: Spring 2019 Valentino, Look 60.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Incredible 1970s Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Demi-Couture Elaborately Beaded Black Lace Net Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a superb Christian Dior dress made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan
- It is a wonderful example of the work being done during this time period and shows how well the label could be when it delved into a more minimal cut combined with that full out glamour.
- The dress has classic feel of the best of Old Hollywood and the closer you get to it the more you see the incredible and elaborate amount of detail that has been put into this fabric.
- The dress is made from a black silk net with a floral pattern worked through the lace. The flowers are edged in black silk cord and then it is beaded with an elaborate beading that follows the pattern
- The top beaded layer sits over a black silk chiffon layer. Under those is a nude silk chiffon inner layer that is backed in a black silk. Adding that nude layer gives the dress a bit of an illusion of wearing nothing underneath.
- The dress is suspended from two beaded straps that curve over each shoulder. The front neckline dips into a slight V and the back is a simple scoop.
- It is cut to skim over the body from bust to hips with no seaming to break the eye or the design created by the bead work. The shape of the dress is created by vertical seaming on the inner layers and then the top layer is shaped to follow. The skirt widens out a touch as it nears the hem.
- The lace netting is covered with an elaborate design made of glossy black beads in various sized along with black sequins. The design is heavier around the top the bodice, lightens in coverage as it goes over the hips and then becomes dense and heavy again at the hem.
- The sequins have been applied so that they are stacked and layered over each other to give a slight 3D feel.
- Small faceted beads follow other parts of the pattern and these are the same beads that are used to cover the straps. Tiny little seed beads are thrown into the mix and then there are square pailettes and oval faceted beads on a much larger scale to really create impact.
- The beads are all applied by hand and catch the light from every angle.
- The label on the dress is numbered and when you see that in a Dior Boutique label it most often meant that the piece was a special order or was a custom made order for a client in the atelier but fitted at the boutique store rather then in Paris.
- Fully lined as per the description above. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Numbered tag. Perhaps the occasional bead missing but you would never tell because of the extent of the pattern. The slight bias cut will allow for a bit of movement in the measurements.
- There is no size tag so I have put the comfortable range of measurements below
- Excellent condition.
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5168
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Exquisite 1950s Unlabeled Hand Made Couture Heavily Sequinned & Beaded Strapless Burlesque or Showgirl Dress
I Have a Question
- This is original dress from the 1950s that is completely made by hand.
- It is an absolutely incredible example of the high level of hand work being done during that time period and you would be hard pressed to find anything modern done to this degree outside of true Couture pieces.
- The dress has hundreds of thousands of sequins and beads hand applied over every inch of its surface. The sequins are incredibly dense in the way that they have been applied. They are set so that they overlap each other to the point where they stand up and off the dress slightly. The black sequins were done in a swirling burst design and this lets it catch the light differently and creates the most amazing effect.
- Added to that is a floral design in pale pink, gold and greens that is also done in sequins. This wraps around the bodice and then runs down the entire skirt of the dress with the density of the design getting heavier as it near the hem.
- Added over that are coloured over-sized faceted beads have been applied by hand to add an extra bit of detail and sparkle to the dress. They are all jewel tones mixed with gold and copper and it is just incredible to see.
- The dress does have weight to it but it is perfectly balanced once it is on the body.
- It has straps but can also be worn strapless. Inside there is a full built-in boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place and adds shape. The waist is brought in by this corset and then the dress skims over the hips. As it falls to the floor it narrows down. There is an overlapping curved slit at the back that allows you to be able to walk in it.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silky rayon. The dress has an inner corset that hooks into place with a double row of metal lingerie hooks. The inner corset is boned and cupped. It is lightly tacked into the dress. I see some slight minor wear on the inside of the corset here and there. The dress zips to close over that. It is completely made by hand. My favourite detail is a handwritten tag with the name Edith that sits inside the hem. This is almost certainly the name of the burlesque dancer or showgirl dancer that would have worn the dress.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to hem
Back slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5170
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from neck to hem with the length adjustable by how tight or loose you tie it behind the neck
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5157
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Strapless Black Handmade Lace Dress
I Have a Question
- This amazing dress is from the Spring 1987 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made from a black French corded lace and this choice in fabric gives the dress its structure and shape. This is mixed with silk satin details across the top of the bottom, around the hip and finishing the hem.
- The bodice is strapless and is cut to curve across the front. Inside there is a full separate couture corset that is boned and shaped to hold the dress perfectly in place around you.
- It curves in to skim over the waist and curves back out for the hips. Sitting just under the hips there is an attached black silk ribbon that wraps around you and ties in a bow at the front.
- The skirt falls underneath that ribbon detailing to the floor. It widens out quite a bit around you for a lovely movement when you move. The skirt is cut longer at the back so you have extra fabric there and a bit of a sweeping feel behind you. I love how there is a matching dip at the back of the bodice so that there is an illusion of added length created.
- As with all couture pieces they only truly come to life once on the body. This dress looks so simple and easy but it is really a bit of an understated masterpiece in person.
- It is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The inner corset closes with its own zipper inside that. The corset is lightly boned through the bodice and shaped. An inner waist stay hooks to close.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements list listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to front hem, 54" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5158
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Beautiful Spring 1998 Valentino Black Dot Net Over Ivory Silk Taffeta Strapless Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 1998 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- This is a really stunning dress that shows how beautifully Valentino emphasize the female body will always staying within a certain type of elegant.
- It is strapless and cut to curve over the top.
- Under that the dress is covered in a black netting that has little dots worked throughout the tulle.
- An inner ivory silk layer gives the dress its structure and allows the pattern that you see on the netting to really take centre stage by acting as it's backdrop.
- The dress is gathered down the full length of each side. This is what creates the shape and gathers in the netting that you see.
- Each side has a detail of a double row of tiny black seed beads running vertically all the way down for a little added glitz as you move.
- The very bottom of the inner skirt peeks out from underneath the netting. It is that so that it flares out with an elaborate pleated ruffle all the way around.
- The ivory acts as the lining through the body and then the bodice is lined with an additional layer of black silk satin. Lightly boned through the inner built-in bodice. It closes with a hidden set side zipper and the inner bodice piece has its own separate zipper. It has its original tag and appears to have never been worn.
- Tagged a vintage Valencia 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5159
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
karl lagerfeld
Fantastic Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Runway Black Dress w Extensive Beading
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1993 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- He did an entire series of dresses in several variations for this collection. We have also added some other shots from the collection for you to see since this particular group of dresses were integral to the collection that year.
- Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. This is an important piece of his fashion history.
- The cut of the dress is simple but it is very sexy with its long silhouette and see through lower skirts.
- The dress is made out of a black crepe that has a slight bias cut to it that allows it to drape well over the body once on.
- The strap detailing that crosses over the body, edges the bust area, and is used for the straps that go up and around the neck, are all made from a wide cotton weave looking ribbon that is applied directly onto the dress.
- Black seed beads were applied onto that ribbon and they catch the light beautifully when you move. The bodice is extensively beaded, sequinned and embroidered. The colours are bright and brilliant and I love how they give the dress a fantastic pop of colour.
- The work completely covers each triangle of the front bust and then wraps all the way around the back. The straps are intricate and hook behind the neck and become a design detail in themselves.
- The dress skims over the body and then flares out with that inset of silk chiffon for the very lower part of the skirt.
- Fully lined in a black silk. The lower chiffon part of the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and hooks to close at the back of the neck. Hand finishes and beautifully constructed.
- Tagged a vintage Lagerfeld 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4901
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Runway. / (6-7) Kristen McMenamy for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ready to Wear Advance. / (8) Helena Christensen for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ad Campaign.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Cruise 2016 Yves Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Couture Black Dress w Mesh & Crystal Front
I Have a Question
- This is a very rare and unusual piece of YSL because it has the added information on the tags of that it is a piece of Couture.
- At this time Hedi Slimane was the creative director and he had re-opened the Couture division at the YSL label. The couture line was not for the general public but was reserved for a select group of friends and clients, making it even more exclusive than traditional couture.
- A couture collection was presented for Fall 2016 in Paris but it was not officially a part of the Couture schedule.
- All of that sums up to make this dress one of the pieces that he most likely made as a custom-made piece for a client. Because YSL had not officially joined the Chambre Syndicale de la Mode Parisienne it would officially be considered to be demi-couture.
- This is an extremely rare piece from his time at the label made even more special because it has all its original tags in place.
- The dress is made from a fine black wool that has a touch of a texture to it.
- It is sharply tailored and touches on the famous YSL tuxedo variations that Yves' did season to season. The shoulders are shaped with structure and the sleeves are long. Each ends with five hand covered buttons to close the end of the sleeves.
- It skims over the bust, waist and hips and then falls to the floor widening out as it nears the hem.
- The skirt has a very high slit at one side so that you get a flash of leg when you walk.
- At the front there is a panel that has a mesh net inset that has little handset black beads in a mix of a jet black beads and a deep grey glass prong set rhinestones. When this is on you see that bit of skin showing through and the detailing lets it glint in the light.
- Between that mesh covered front cut out and that extremely high slit at the side, it has a very sexy feel once on despite its covered and sculpted feel, making it perfectly representative of Hedi's best work.
- It very well could be the only one in existence.
- The dress is fully lined in a handset black silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Each sleeve buttons to close. Ribbon edged seams and hand finishing throughout. Some of the long seam Work appears to have been done by hand, which is allowed in modern Couture.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition and appears to have never been worn.
Sleeves: 24" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the shoulder to the waist
Total length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem with just under 1.5" turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5142
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Spring 2002 / Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Final Collection Black Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was a part of the Spring 2002 final Haute Couture collection by Yves Saint Laurent.
- "I have chosen today to say goodbye to the craft that I have loved so much. The next show to which I invite you, on Tuesday, 22nd January at 6 PM, at the centre of George's Pompano, will predominantly be a retrospective of my work… Some designs from the currencies will also be shown." This was how Yves the announced his intention to retire and leave the world of Haute Couture. That final show was over an hour long and was presented to a room of 1500 hand picked guests.
- A total of 371 garments were shown that day with pieces from the beginning of his career to the final collection.
- Recreations of some of his most famous dresses were made available and each has the special label that you see in this dress with both the original date of the labels inception and the 2002 date.
- This is one is a recreation of the famous Fall 1984 dress. We have included references of both the original and the twin of this one in the show.
- It is an extremely rare and wonderful piece of YSL history.
- It would have been entirely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The neckline sits wide across and the shoulders are soft. The sleeves narrow to their ends and all of the upper bodice is done in a fine black light in weight wool that has a slight texture.
- The waist is defined by two wide panels. They attached and are gathered in along each side and this gives the shape you see. The top panel is a purple and the bottom a deep pink.
- The dress skims over the hips and then falls to the floor flaring outward as it reaches the hem. The back is cut slightly longer than the front and you can see the extra fabric built in there to create a sweeping feel behind you.
- Every line is meticulously thought out and the technique to create the lines of this dress showcase his decades as one of the premier modern Couturiers in the world.
- The dress is fully lined in a hand set black silk and closes with a side set zipper. An inner waist hooks to close and the dress buttons above a small keyhole at the back. Each end of the sleeve closes with zipper. All of the inner seams are done by hand and the entire dress is made to modern Couture standards. Its proper numbered Couture tag is present.
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition and appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 21" and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to top of the 10" band at the waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 5.5" past that with just under 2" turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5140
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2002 YSL Couture, Look 229. / (4) Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture. / (5) Vogue, November 1984.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Color Blacks

















































