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.
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.
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.
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.
giambattista valli
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.
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.
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.
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.
john galliano
Exquisite & Rare Fall 1999 John Galliano Mohair Angora Printed Jacket Skirt Suit
I Have a Question
- This is a rare two piece jacket and skirt set from the Fall 1999 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- We have included several runway shots that we found that show various pieces made of the same fabrication and with similar silhouettes.
- Both pieces are ultra soft to touch. The angora/mohair and wool mix that both pieces are made of would have been specially created for the collection in order to get the pattern to lay so precisely. The fabric would have had to have been pre-planned out prior to making the final design.
- The jacket is phenomenal. It has soft shoulders and is meant to feel at touch more oversized through the upper bodice. The waist is cinched in with a single oversized hand carved button that sits at the front. From there then it curves over the hips under that. This cut is what gives you that fantastic exaggerated hourglass feel that the suit has.
- The shawl collar is very wide and covers almost the upper bodice. It is finished with a bolder print and feels like a statement piece in itself. The body of the jacket has an angled black-and-white chevron print and I love how he has placed this to emphasize the shape even more.
- The sleeves are extra long and they are meant to bunch up slightly on the arm. They are finished with a wide band of the same design that details the collar.
- The skirt has a simple black piping at the waist and then it is cut in a long slim pencil shape. The upper portion of the skirt is done in that chevron pattern and then the lower part of the skirt picks up that amazing design that was used on the collar and ends of each sleeve.
- The jacket is lined in a black silk and buttons at the front to close as described above. The skirt is unlined and closes at the back with a zipper and hooks at the waist.
- Both pieces are tagged an early Galliano large.
- It appears to have never been worn.
- Excellent condition and so so very rare.
Jacket
Sleeves: 26.5" and are 14" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 17.5"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 22" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 35" from the waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5130
Reference Photos: Fall 1999 John Galliano, Looks 1, 4 & 9.
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
Spring 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 53 Black Silk Strapless Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in red walked the runway for Look 53 and its an iconic piece.
- Made under the Creative Direction of John Galliano.
- This collection marked Dior's 60th anniversary and it was also Johns 10th year with the label. He celebrated those milestones with a show that was a nod to both the archives and Old Hollywood glamour. Pieces were wait-listed worldwide and both colour versions were produced in very limited quantities.
- The red has also been seen on the red carpet and we have included both runway and carpet photos here. It is a spectacular piece for the collector.
- The dress is made out of a luxurious black silk. John often chose this weight of silk because of the control it gave him to be able to drape and apply the level of seam work that he loved to do.
- It is all cut on the bias.
- The bodice is strapless with an inner boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place.
- Silk panels have been draped, gathered and hand stitched into place to create the dramatic sweeping detailing you see at the front.
- At the back he gathered all of the fabric down and into the centre line to meet in a little peak at the centre of the waist.
- From there his signature bias cut allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. As in many of his pieces the seaming has the feel of the work you see from the twenties and thirties.
- The fabric has been pieced together with low dropped angled panels to create the widening of the lower skirt. It flares out at the bottom and at the back it is cut longer so that you get a sweeping feel behind you as you walk.
- A row of signature tightly spaced buttons & loops in the same silk run up one side.
- It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The inner boned and cupped corset hooks to close with two rows of lingerie hooks to choose from. The bias cut gives it some give in the measurements and I have given the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat below.
- Excellent condition
Inner bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of the bodice to front hem, 78" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5114
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2008 Christian Dior, Look 53. Model Morgane Dubled. / (5) Aishwarya at the IIFA 2008. / (6) Lucy Hale at the People's Choice Awards, 2024.
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
Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Spring 1988 Haute Couture Black Strapless w Bow
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1988 show.
- Made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan for Christian Dior.
- The evening portion of the collection focused on short dresses that had a corseted waist and bust with wrapping techniques that gave the feel of a sarong. The dress is a wonderful example of that feel he was after and it is fantastic.
- We found a teeny slice of it or a very similar piece on the runway and even though the photo shows the model on an angle, it does give you an idea of how wonderful this will be on the body.
- This would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric of this dress is fantastic. It is made out of a black silk organza that has been gathered so it has a slight 3D puffed effect. This creates an incredible texture over the dress.
- The fabric is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on.
- Inside the dress has a full proper corset with boning through the bodice to give you some support and built in cups. A wide grosgrain ribbon hooks in place around the inner waist to hold everything perfectly in place.
- All of the seams are finished by hand and it is really is a nod back to the early couture days in terms of it's construction.
- The bodice is cut with a curving sweetheart neckline and it is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with all of the gathered folds coming in to the seams that run over the bodice. This is all done to emphasize your curves and it make the dress very flattering once on.
- It nips in at the waist and there is a large and elaborate bow that sets at the base of an angle seem coming from the bust. I love how this is set to curve around the hip to the back. It instantly adds to the hourglass field the dress has.
- From under the bow, the skirt curves down and over with to wrap around you and then come back in and under that panel to give it that wrapped sarong feel.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The interior of the bodice is boned and cupped for support. The inner corset closes with its own zipper and a wide band on the interior waist hooks to close. There is a tiny bit of lightening to some of the edges on the fabric. This is a natural aging of this type of fabric and I don't consider it to be a flaw, but it is mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: qpprox 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 29.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5110
Reference Photos: Spring 1988 Christian Dior 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.
givenchy
Spring 2018 Givenchy by Clare Wright Keller Long Tie Black Front Plunge Jersey Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress was one that was produced for the shops
- Made under the creative direction of Clare Wright Keller
- Easy to wear while still being incredibly sexy. It is made out of a thicker jersey that is cut on the bias and this lets it drape beautifully over you and still be completely opaque.
- The plunge at the front gives it a very edgy and sexy feel while the jersey keeps it feeling comfortable to wear.
- The dress is made to be one long tube with a seam at the waist on the front of the dress only.
- The dress has no collar and plunges down at the front to the waist. Two long ties extend out from the base of the front plunge. You can loop or knot them and then they fall almost to the floor at the front.
- The sleeves are long and simple and the shoulders are soft.
- The skirt flares out at it reaches the floor with a high slit runs up the front so you get a flash of leg when you move
- The dress is in its original uncut supermodel length and it closes with a back hidden set zipper.
- Tagged a modern Givenchy 36
- Excellent condition with some minor grubbiness around the hem
Sleeves: 25" and are 10-12.5" around the upper arms
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Slit: 32"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5102
Reference Photos: (1) Melanie Hamrick at the American Ballet Theater Spring Gala, 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.
valentino
Fall 2015 Valentino by Pierpaolo & Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Open Side Pleated Skirt Dress
I Have a Question
- From the Fall 2015 collection with references to its design on both the RTW Couture show.
- In 2015 Valentino was headed by both Maria Grazia Chiuri and PierPaolo Piccioli.
- The fabric is a silk that is heavy and has an almost fine wool suiting feel to it. The weight of the fabric is what holds the dress in place over you.
- The front is cut straight across the neckline and then it is brought starkly down the sides and set to sit just over the seam at the waist. This is repeated at the back with an addition of a long open keyhole that displays a slice of bare skin from neck to waist.
- This creates a rectangular cut out on either side from your shoulder to the waist.
- You can wear it bare or you can lay this over top of something.
- The waist nips in and and the skirt falls to the floor or ankle depending on your height.
- There is an amazing amount of fabric used for the skirt. It is flat pleated all the way around your waist and then each of those pleats open up at about 3 1/2 inches under the waist line to the hem.
- Inside each the open pleat are four more top stitched knife pleats that gradually open as they reach the hem. The detail that this creates all the way around the skirt when you move is amazing. When you stand still everything falls like a normal pleated skirt but when you move and they start to open and you see all those top stitched inner pleats the entire thing just comes to life.
- It beautifully executed and even better in person.
- Fully lined in a black silk through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a button and loop at the back of the neck and a hidden set zipper that starts at the waist.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 40.
- It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Excellent condition
Bust: the sides are open and the bust covers 11.25" flat across
Slightly dropped waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4769
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2014 Valentino Couture, Look 8. Model Malaika Firth. / (2) Fall 2015 Valentino, Look 40. Model Irina Djuranovic.
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 lacroix
2000s Christian Lacroix Red Floral Brocade Dress or Jacket w Cording Detail
I Have a Question
- A gorgeous and striking piece that can be worn as a jacket or a dress.
- Made under the creative direction of Christian Lacroix
- The piece zips up at the front and fully opens. This is why it can play double duty as either a dress or a jacket.
- The fabric has a black backdrop and then has beautiful flowers woven through it in a deep red and an almost purple colour.
- It has no collar and the front is detailed with a wide band on either side of the zipper that has a swooping pattern made out of a cord applied onto the fabric. This panel extends down the back with more cording there as well.
- The waist is brought in and seamed and then the skirt under that is pleated into that seam. This allows it to be very full.
- Little pockets sit on each side of the hip so you can put your hands into the pockets and exaggerate the fullness of the skirt even more.
- The sleeves are wonderful. They are set into a slightly dropped shoulder and widen out to be quite wide by their ends.
- It is lined in a black silk and there is light rounded padding in each shoulder for shape. It zips to close at the front.
- Tagged a IT40, FR38, GB32, US6
- Excellent condition
Sleeves from the drop shoulder: 17" and are 13" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 20"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 36" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5081
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
Amazing Spring 2002 John Galliano Black Bias Cut Logo Dress w Sweeping Back
I Have a Question
- This is a signature bias cut dress from the Spring 2002 collection by John Galliano
- Made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- There are no closures on the dress. It is completely cut bias and you just slip it over the head to wear and it just falls into place skimming over the body from head to toe.
- The cut of the dress has a strong nod to Couture pieces of the 1930s and 1940s decades that he continuously referenced in his collections.
- The fabric has a silk like finish and is a deep black. Various Galliano logos have been woven directly into the fabric in a different finish thread so as you move these catch the light. The effect is fantastic once it is on the body.
- The fabric obviously would have been custom designed by Galliano and made specifically for this dress
- It scoops down into a V at the front and the back with a band highlighting the entire neckline. It skims over the waist and hips from there and flares out at the lower hem.
- The back is cut longer than the front so you get this fantastic sweeping feel behind you. It is in its original uncut length.
- A high slit runs up one side for a flash of leg when you walk.
- Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures.
- The measurements have a lot of range because of the bias cut and no closure so I have given the comfortable range for all below when laying out flat. There is probably a little extra room beyond my measurements, but I do not like to over pull when measuring.
- Tagged a FR42, GB14, US8
- Excellent condition and it appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: 16–19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14–17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18–21 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem and then it extends another 8" past that at the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5080
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
- This jacket is from the Spring 2006 collection and it is a beautiful classic and timeless Chanel jacket.
- Make it under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- The collection was called "Coco meats, James Dean" and the idea was that Lagerfeld organized this imaginary meeting between the two. In real life they had never met but in his eyes he saw them as being rebellious figures and wanted to explore the meeting of the two stylistically.
- The jacket has a gorgeous woven feeling to it tweed exterior and is a mix of silk and cotton.
- The shoulders have very light padding but are soft and shaped to the body and the sleeves are slightly cropped. Each sleeve has a fringe finish to it.
- The collar is scooped with the same fringe finishing and then the jacket closes down the front with hand made buttons to look like wax seals. A double C has been stamped into each button.
- Two tiny top set pockets sit on each side and these also have a fringe finish.
- The jacket has elaborate vertical seaming that pieces all of the panels together to give shape to the jacket.
- Triangle inserts have been done all the way around the hem so that it flares out with this fabulous little peplum. The bottom hem of the jacket is finished in fringe.
- Inside it is lined with a meticulous black silk that follows the pattern of the jacket. There is a signature silver chain that runs around the inner hem.
- Tag a Chanel 38
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 20" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 21.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5066
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
- This is a fantastic little Celine leather motorcycle jacket
- Made under the creative direction of Phoebe Philo
- The jacket is made from a soft leather that is heavy enough to hold its distinct shape.
- It has a small neat collar with padding and top stitching to create the distinctive motorcycle jacket features that you see.
- It closes to the side with an angled large silver zipper and then snaps to close at the collar above that.
- Zippered pockets are set on each side and there are four in total.
- Big silver buckles wrapped around the sides of the waist allowing you to cinch it in or open it more.
- The jacket is fully lined in a red quilted fabric
- Tagged a Celine 34
- There is some minor grubbiness to the inside edge of the lining and very minor creasing in the arms from minimal wear
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 21" and are 11.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with a bit of adjusting able t be done with the buckles
Total length: 19" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5065
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
Late 1960s-70s Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Floral Print Cotton Smock Dress
I Have a Question
- This exceptional dress is by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior and it is a wonderful example of his work during this time period.
- This best matches the work that he was doing from about 1969 to 1972 when he was doing these wonderful dresses. We found a similar one to this with variations on the print that this dress has and I have included it so that you can see how perfectly this will drape and fall on the body.
- It is a very easy and comfortable dress to wear
- The dress is made from a cotton that has a pretty floral print that covers the entire dress.
- The neckline is set high and detailed with a black cotton collar that extends down the front and buttons to about the waist area.
- Under that the bodice is meant to skim over you to fall loose and easy over the natural waist and then the skirt billows out from under that to the floor.
- The sleeves are set into the shoulder with slight gathers and they have a more full cut that balloons out over the wrists. At their ends they are edged with that same black fabric that sits around the collar and this extends out and tie into pretty bows around the wrist.
- The dress comes with its matching tie belt in the same fabric so you can wear it loose and easy or cinch in the waist for shape.
- Once on the body the entire dress has this stunning movement and yet feels minimalist and elegant.
- Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The front buttons up to about the waist and each sleeve ties with attached ties. The belt is original to the dress.
- Tagged a vintage Dior 12 and the easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25" and are 13" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam and then you use the tie belt to cinch it in as much as you need
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5057
Reference Photos: (1) Model in Dior for British Vogue, March 1969. / (2) Model Kellie Wilson in gypsy-style Dior, wearing a long chiffon dress in lilac with white batik print, a ribbon belt and massive gold pendant Vogue October 01, 1969. Photo by Bert Stern.
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
Exceptional Spring 2009 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 62 Silk & Tulle Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walked the Spring 2009 runway for Look 62
- Under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- This is the actual dress that was worn by Catriona Balfe for the Season 5 premiere of Outlander in 2020.
- In the book "Chanel Catwalk" the notes on this collection tell us that for this show they rebuilt the facade of 31 rue de Cambron inside of the Grand Palais. The collection played homage to classic Chanel style. The palette of the show was mainly black, white, pink and grey. Many of the pieces had a touch of a lingerie inspiration in them, including this gorgeous dress. It was one of the outstanding pieces in the show and it is even more beautiful in person. My photos don't come close to doing it justice.
- The upper bodice and shoulders of the dress are made of a fine silk netting that has a touch of transparency to it. It breaks at the back to leave a bare expanse of skin down the centre.
- A muted silk satin, with a more matte finish, is used to create a tiny little bodice piece that wraps around you. A little bow sits at the centre front for a pretty and feminine touch.
- The skirt falls from that empire cut and flows outward to the floor, expanding by quite a bit as it nears the hem.
- It is made of four layers, a top black silk net layer, a more ivory layer under that, and then two inner black silk organza layers that sit next to the skin.
- Fully lined in silk behind the bust area and the inner two layers of the skirt are a black silk organza.
- The bodice buttons to close with two pewter coloured silver metal buttons at the back and the dress zips to close under that.
- Tagged a Chanel 38.
- I see a couple of very tiny and little minor pulls and breaks in the skirt near the hem that don't affect it at all but are mentioned for accuracy and a repair near the edge of the arm opening. Overall excellent condition
Bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from top of shoulders to waist
Total length: 62.5" from top of shoulders to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5050
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2009 Chanel Runway, Look 62. Model Kim Noorda. / (5-6) Catriona Balfe, in this dress, at the season 5 premiere of Outlander, February 2020.
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.
givenchy
Late 1970s Early 1980s Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Gold Embroidered Off Shoulder Dress
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Hubert de Givenchy moved to Paris in 1942 where he worked for Jacques Fath, then Elsa Schiaparelli, and eventually Cristobal Balenciaga. Givenchy often attributed much of his later success to the years with to Mr Balenciaga and what he learned while there. In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the great couturiers of our time. I am always pleased to find any of his Haute Couture work as it is so rare. This particular dress is exceptional with every detail on it finished to Haute Couture standards.
This is an amazing true Haute Couture Givenchy dress that is a very rare and special find. Two things of immediate note for this dress. First is the absolutely beautiful fabric combination. The bodice and sleeves are an inky black silk velvet and then the ruffles on the neckline, end of each sleeve, and the entire top layer of the skirt is a starched cotton and silk mix netting that has beautiful little gold metal thread flowers hand embroidered over the netting. I took closeups of both the front of these flowers and also their backs so that you can see the beautiful workmanship put into each individual flower. I also included close ups of the hand finished seams on the interior of the dress. The time and technique to complete this dress would have been astounding and I cannot even imagine how many hours this would have taken. The second thing of note is that stunning cut through the neckline. It is tremendously flattering to have that bare expanse of skin across the top of the shoulder like that. It feels a little bit sexy with the way the top sits off the shoulder to leave that expanse of bare skin. You could also wear it on the shoulder but I chose to show it off. I love that you have the versatility of the two different ways to wear it. A ruffle goes all the way around the neckline and around the end of each sleeve. It is shaped to come in at the waist and then curves out over the hips. The skirt is set into a seam that sits at the top of the hips and the netting is softly gathered into that seam so you get a touch of fullness. As the skirt flows down to the hem it expands outwards to give you pretty movement as you walk. There is a full black silk organza inner skirt under the top layer of the skirt so that it is opaque enough to wear. It is spectacular. This is a very beautiful example of Givenchy from this time period and an amazing example of the technical skills that can be achieved in Haute Couture. It is easy to see why his work is the subject of so many books and retrospective shows at museums worldwide. Excellent condition
The dress is fully lined in a matching hand set black silk. It zips to close and an inner waist stay hooks to close. Completely made by hand throughout to Haute Couture standards. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Proper couture tag and numbered tape present.
Sleeves: 26" and are 11.5" around the upper arm
The opening across the neckline is 18" flat across from side to side
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hip: 16.5" flat across from side to side
Hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top of natural shoulder to seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 61.5" from top of natural shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4975
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 Runway Black Net & Raffia High Low Dress w Ruffle Detail
I Have a Question
This gorgeous little dress is the ready-to-wear version of the Spring 1987 Haute Couture version. We have included the runway photos of the couture version and the editorial photos to give you an idea of the dress on. This version is simplified version but still has very similar line. It is fascinating that he did this at times with a few select pieces from his collections so that his non-couture clients had access to his couture designs. The 1987 collection is a favourite and I love having this dress in the shop for you.
This is a dress that is not being done full justice on my dress form but it is gorgeous once on the body. The dress sits off the shoulders to leave a bare expanse of skin and the sleeves are cut to just past the elbow. A pretty chiffon ruffle runs around the neckline and then another ruffle wraps around each wrist. The bodice skims over the bust and comes in at the waist for shape. Under that the skirt flares out dramatically and is quite full. The front of the skirt is cut to the knee, or just above depending on your height, and then the edges of the skirt curve down and around to be full length at the back. The fullness and the length change give it a ton of movement when you move. The fabric is so unusual. It is made from a black silk net backed by a black silk tulle. Then onto the top net layer is a design made of black raffia. This gives the dress an incredible texture. The parts of the dress that are not lined have a touch of transparency which is very sexy. This is an incredible piece of Yve's history and an absolutely gorgeous dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Lined in a layer of tulle as described above and then there is a inner lining though the bodice and to just past the hips made out of a gold nude toned silk chiffon covered in a layer of black silk chiffon. It closes with a side set zipper. The raffia has small breaks in it here and there that is inherent to the material and normal wear.
Sleeves: 18"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam before it flares out
Length: approx 35" from natural shoulder to front hem, 52" to lowest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3888
Reference Photos: (1-2) S/S 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Show. / (3) Brynja Sverrisdottir in S/S 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. Photo by David Bailey.
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.
loris azzaro
1973 Loris Azzaro Couture Black Sequin & Silk Chiffon Insets Dress w Pointed Hem
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Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by his avant garde way of defining the body. His work was shockingly sexy for the times. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. The label had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during the mid-seventies. When researching we found several examples of dresses from 1973 that combined the same jagged flame cuts with sequins. I have included some of those so you can get an idea of how great this looks on the body.
This is a gorgeous dress and it is a dress that will really come to life once on an actual body. The body of the dress is covered with densely applied black sequins. They make the dress shimmer beautifully as they catch the light. The sequins start at the shoulder run down the sleeves, over the bodice, waist and hips and then stop about mid-thigh depending on your height. The skirt is set into the sequins in pointed angled that reflects the points of the hem. The skirt part is made from 12 individual panels that are set side by side all the way around. Each panel is a single layer of black silk chiffon that is incredibly light in weight. When you move they move around you. Each panel has only been attached at the top so you also get glimpses of your legs between each panel as you move. It is incredibly sexy. The same silk chiffon is set into the upper bodice and then the back has a huge cut out that is filled with the silk chiffon that dips into a low scoop. It buttons down the back can you see a hint of skin between each button. I love the pointed finished all around the scoop at the back. It is fantastic once on. Excellent condition
Fully lined through the body in a black silk. It closes with buttons down the back and each sleeve has a zipper at the wrist. One of his signature strapless bras is attached inside the bodice which could be easily removed if you wish.
Sleeves: 23" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to the longest point of hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4347
Reference Photos: (1-3) Marisa Berenson in a Loris Azzaro. October 1973. Photo: Michael Holtz. / (4) The cover of the book "Azzaro" for Assouline - Marisa Berenson and Loris Azzaro photographed in 1973, for issue 604 of L'Officiel de la Couture et de la Mode de Paris, by Roland Bianchini. / (5) Image from the book "Azzaro: Fifty Sparkling Years" / (6) Magazine spread featuring a model in Azzaro, 1973.
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
Prettiest Fall 1979 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Black Silk Lace Net Dress w White Sequins & Bows
I Have a Question
- We have dated it to the Fall 1979 collection based on the reference and runway photos we found of pieces with similar fabric and cuts.
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
- I love that it feels like a throwback to the work of the original Mr. Dior and that it has such a beautiful feel of old world glamour to it.
- Bohan's work was integral to the labels development over the decades that he headed the atelier and this is a stunning example of his vision. Beyond that it is just an extraordinarily beautiful dress.
- I love the nod to the 1950s in this dress. It has that classic little New Look shape to it that we all love and associate with the house of Dior.
- At the front the neckline is squared off by how the sleeves are set into the dress combined with the straight across cut of the neckline. Across the front of the neckline it is detailed with a wide black silk ribbon that has a pretty bow at the front.
- The sleeves are a single layer of the silk netting are are covered with those pretty white sequins. They curve softly over the shoulders and fall just below the elbow. The transparency of the netting lets you see a glimpse of the skin underneath.
- At the back the netting angles down towards the centre of the back where they meet another wide black ribbon finish there as well.
- The bodice is gathered across and into a vertical strip of the fabric that is detailed with three rhinestone and crusted buttons.
- It skims over you to the waist with a boned and shaped interior.
- The skirt is gathered in all around the waist and there is a great amount of fabric in the skirt. This allows it to fall in those soft folds that you see but when you move it has incredible movement.
- The bottom is anchored by another wide finish of black silk satin ribbon that ties the entire dress together.
- I love that the entire dress is covered with hand sewn white sequins and there two secondary patterns worked through the netting that gives it added texture.
- It is incredibly beautiful and the photos don't truly convey the sense of texture the dress has in person. It is a stunning example of Dior from this time period that somehow manages to feel perfectly timeless.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set backer and a hook and eye at the inner waist stay. The interior of the bodice is lightly boned and shaped.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 17" and 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 50.5" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4686
Reference Photos: Fall 1979 Christian Dior.
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/Spring 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Final Collection Black Silk Chiffon Dress
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"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. To tell the story of his decades long career there was a total of 371 garments shown that day. The presentation began at the beginning of his career and the show was a full retrospective of his work that showed a highlight of all of his creations through the decades. There were also a small group of 11 new items for the 2002 season included about 2/3rds of the way into the show created as the Spring 2002 couture collection. All were pieces that were based on dresses from the past but done in new colours. They were all made of weightless chiffons and were in a variety of colours. This blending of past and present further evoked the idea of his journey and how his designs are truly timeless no matter when they were made. The twin of this black dress was included in that grouping and it is based on the green dress we have included a reference photo of for you here from the Spring 1991 collection. I love it even more in its black version. The dress has its own special couture tag that commemorates it as being a part of this final show. It is an extremely rare and wonderful piece.
This dress is stunning. It has a strapless bodice that is fitted perfectly to hold the dress on the body and then it falls from there to the floor in layers of weightless black silk chiffon. The silk of the bodice is gathered and set vertically and inside the bodice there is a full inner built-in corset that is shaped and seamed so the dress stays perfectly in place once on. A wide band of silk wraps underneath the breasts to the waist and there is a sash that ties in a soft bow off to one side. The ends of the sash trail all the way down the side to the floor and this helps to add to the beautiful movement this dress has once on. Below the beautiful shape through the bodice the skirt falls to the floor in a soft cascade of silk chiffon. The. side of the skirt that opens is slightly longer than the other and this is a clever way to give that side of the skirt even more movement. These are the tiny details in Couture that make a dress move the exact perfect way. The innermost layer of silk chiffon is set all the way around you and then the other layers of the skirt are set over this and slit right up to where the waistband meets the top of the skirt on that side. So when you walk and move you are covered by that single layer of silk chiffon underneath but you are still bare underneath the transparency of the chiffon. You can see this clearly in the video as the model walks. It is very sexy. The layers and open side of the skirt combined with the trailing ties from the waist are then what allow the dress to move so beautifully around you when you move. It is absolutely perfect in every way. The workmanship is beautiful and the dress appears to have never been worn or worn very little. What a joy to have such an important dress from Yves very last collection. Excellent condition.
Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A-B cup
Seam under the bust: 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 4.75" from top of bodice to seam under the bodice
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to shortest part of the hem, 54" to the longest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD4624
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2002 Yves Saint Laurent Couture, Look 240. / (4) From the book “Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: CATWALK” / (5-6) Spring 1991 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.
yves saint laurent
Spectacular Spring 1992 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Look 47 Runway Dot & Embroidered Floral Pouf Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walked the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1992 Haute Couture runway as Look 47.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- It would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier,
- The dress is extremely well documented and I have included photos of the original sketch and swatches that I have here from the Saint Laurent couture archive book set that I own in addition to runway reference photos of it that we found. You can see just how fantastic it is on the body.
- This collection marked Yves' 30 year anniversary and it was presented on January 29 to coincide exactly with his first collection presented January 29, 1962.
- The book, Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk, notes that at the time people were expecting a retrospective but Yves actually surprised everyone by producing a full 91 piece collection. There was a definitive tribute aspect to his first 1962 collection. Flowers were a main motif and ran throughout the collection as did polka dots and stripes. Puff sleeve tops with balloons skirts were integral and dresses like this one were a key look. It is an exceptional to have such beautiful documentation on this stunning dress.
- Every piece of Saint Laurent Couture is a treasure but when it's as highly documented in from such an important collection as this, it is just that much more special.
- The dress is made from a combination of a white silk that has been hand embroidered with roses and leaves across the entire bodice. This is then combined with a silk faille skirt that has dots that appear to be hand painted onto the fabric.
- A silk organza bow is wrapped around the waist and I love the deeper mustard yellow tone of it. It perfectly offsets the black and white palette.
- The neckline is scooped across the front and the bodice is meant to skim over the body to the waist.
- The sleeves are fantastic and each insets into the bodice in a series of pleats across the top of the shoulders. This is what gives them the volume that you see.
- The edges of the neckline are finished with a black cord and this runs around the cuffs as well. Each cuff is brought into the arm with a button and loop and this bringing in at the arm also helps to exaggerate the puff above.
- The entire silk of the top is embroidered in this magical, dreamy, black rose embroidery that pops against the white of the silk.
- The embroidery is done onto the silk directly in some places and then in other places the leaves or roses have been cut out and hand stitched in place.
- The waist is seamed but it is more generously cut and the organza ribbon that circles it adds the perfect pop of colour.
- Under that the skirt is fantastically full and the fullness is created by the pleats that are set into the waist and the way it has been wrapped in and under at the hem to attach to the skirt underneath. Between the those two layers of the skirt you can feel that there is tulle and some structure inside that helps hold that exaggerated shape.
- It is a fantastic magical piece of Haute Couture and an important piece from an important collection.
- The bodice is lined in an ivory silk and the sleeves are unlined. The belt at the waist is attached and wrapped and hooked into place. The skirt is lined in the same fabric as the outer skirt and there is stiffening between the layers as described above. It closes at the back with a button at the top of the neck and then there is a hidden set side zipper too close. The dress is unlabeled, but I have seen the original label that came with the dress. The dress had been let out at some point and my client had it brought back in and unfortunately when she had it altered back to its original size, the tailor lost the tag. I see some very minor evidence of that alteration on the bodice. There are some areas of stress near the embroidery and some minor reinforcements underneath the arms. I see slight dustiness on the fabric at the top the shoulders and there is a tiny chip on the button on one sleeve. Perhaps a slight grubbiness along the inner edge of the lining under the arm. The outside presents as clean and fresh and once on it looks immaculate.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with a notes above.
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 18" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4509
Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1992 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture. / (5-6) From the book "Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: L'oeuvre Integral 1962-2002".
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.
loris azzaro
Incredible 1976-1978 Loris Azzaro Strapless Glossy Black Sequin Dress wLayered Net Tulle Skirt
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Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate fabrics and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work from the mid- to later part of the 1970s and is fantastically beautiful. No matter how good it looks on my dress form, in person and on the body it transforms into even more of a bombshell. It is spectacular. To give you an idea of the way the paper bodice fits I have included a photo of French singer Dalida and one if Raquel Welch both wear dresses similar to the bodice of this one. I think this one with its fantastical net tulle skirt is even more special
This is a killer dress. It is one that will come to life even more once it is on an actual body because this is a dress that in person it is even better. The movement it has cannot truly be captured until it is on a body and moving. The first thing you see is that the entire body of the dress is covered in overlapping glossy black sequins that catch the light from every angle. This detailing alone takes your breath away when you see the dress in person. The dress is strapless and the bodice is cut with a rounded sweetheart neckline and has shaped cups with one of hi signature inner tacked in strapless bras. It skims over the body from there gliding over the waist and hips. There is some shape at the waist but it is with a more easy feeling which keeps the dress feeling long and lean. Under that the skirt falls to the floor in an explosion of netted tulle that is set in ruffle layers that curve up and toward the centre front. The layers give the skirt so much volume and movement when you move and it is just incredible. When you move even the slightest, they move with you and it's gorgeous to see. It has a full underskirt in a black silk but the way the ruffle are set give the illusion of being more open at the front. I love how the dress curves around the hips and dips down slightly before turning into the tulle to give you maximum curves at the back as well. Above that the entire back is also left bare and open and it is as incredible from the back as it is from the front. The dress is wonderfully made. It is a stunning dress and you will definitely turn heads in it when you walk into the room. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and it closes with a zipper at the back. His signature copper strapless bra is tacked unsaid and you could remove or replace this is needed for a better fit. It is fuller through the waist and If you wanted a more hourglass feel you can alter the waist in. Elastic through the upper seam of the bodice. and the fabric has some give. Hand finished throughout.
Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with the current inner bra about a B to small C cup
Waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item#DD4486
Reference Photos: (1) Raquel Welch with Loris Azzaro, 1978. / (2-3) Dalida in Azzaro, 1976. - First two photos from the book 'Azzaro: 50 Sparkling Years'.
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.
loris azzaro
1973 Loris Azzaro Couture Black Flame Sequin Detailing & Feather Light Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate fabrics and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during the mid-seventies. When researching we found several examples of dresses from 1973 that utilized the same jagged flame pattern and sequins against silk chiffon. This one actually looks like a sleeveless version of the one shot on Marisa Berenson. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces from.
This is a gorgeous dress. It is really one that will come to life even more once on an actual body and I hope the photos convey enough of how fabulous it is because when worn this one will be even better. The entire body of the dress is covered with densely applied black sequins and these catch the light from every angle. This covers you from that jagged design on the bodice down and over the hips. The sequins extend right from the flame design at the front and then are set in long vertical rows to the hem. The top of the bodice is a single layer of black silk chiffon. This bit of transparency adds an incredibly sexy feel. He used that same silk chiffon down the back where it dips into a low scoop. I love the way that the jagged flame pattern defines the bust and that low scoop at the back. A high slit up one side lets you have the perfect flash of skin when you walk or sit. It is fabulous once on an actual body. Excellent condition
Fully lined through the body in a black silk and it zips to close at the back.
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57.5" from top of shoulder to hem with 2.5" turned under
Slit: 19.5" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL
Item# DD4403
Reference Photos: (1-3) Marisa Berenson in a Loris Azzaro. October 1973. Photo: Michael Holtz. / (4) The cover of the book "Azzaro" for Assouline - Marisa Berenson and Loris Azzaro photographed in 1973, for issue 604 of L'Officiel de la Couture et de la Mode de Paris, by Roland Bianchini. / (5) Image from the book "Azzaro: Fifty Sparkling Years" / (6) Magazine spread featuring a model in Azzaro, 1973. / (7) Spring 1973 Loris Azzaro 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.
loris azzaro
Dramatic 1987 Loris Azzaro Black Strapless Dress w Low Full Skirt & Shoulder Flare
I Have a Question
Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and his trademark look soon developed. He became know for his extravagant use of colour, beading, sequins and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new cutting edge fabrics. This is a wonderful example of his work during this time period. We found a reference photo of an Azzaro dress with a very similar shoulder treatment and I think this one is even better.
This dress is nothing short of a bold and dramatic statement piece. The bodice is hand draped into soft rounded gathers over the bust. They continue all the way down under the bust to follow the curve of the body all the way to just below the hips. For this part of the dress he used a black stretch jersey that gives the dress it's fitted shape but also keeps it comfortable to wear. Inside the dress is one of his signature strapless underwire bras and this has been sewn into the dress for added support and shape. The top edge is shaped into a low sweetheart curve and the gathers are set to run horizontally down the body. Hand set vertical seams are tacked into place at points all the way around you to give the gathers a slight scooped feel and add length to offset the horizontal lines. It also keeps the gathers from adding bulk. Under that the skirt is set low and i is made out of a black textured silk that has a metallic finish. This is set over several layers of built in under skirting to help give and hold the volume you see in the skirt. On each outer side the panels of the skirt slightly lift up and away from the dress. To tie this into the top, the same fabric and swooping line is used to create that sweep of fabric on the one side of the bodice. I love how this flares out up and over the front portion of the shoulder. It is fabulous. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a black silk with a built in bra though the bodice that hooks to close separately. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The interior bodice is boned. Layers of tulle and silk underskirts under the low set skirt. The flame/fan detailing on the bodice has wire inside to hold it up. It would be easy to add additional wire or stiffening inside if you wanted it to really hold even taller then it does now. Hand finished throughout
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks slightly smaller then that
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3680
Reference Photo: Model in Loris Azzaro, L'Officiel No. 734, September 1987.
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.
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