This is an extremely rare silk jersey, full length Hermes dress that dates to 1972. The print is by Julai Abadi and is an elaborate version her famous 'Cliquetis' design that has since become an iconic representation of the house and appears on an entire range of their silk scarves both then as now as a re-issue. It is exceedingly rare to find such a wonderful piece from this time period of the atelier's history that is as striking and beautiful as this dress is. This is very rare opportunity to own a rare piece of fashion history that is made even better by the sheer beauty of the dress itself!

The dress was most likely a custom made piece and has been cut supermodel long. It is made from a fine silk jersey that has incredible drape. The length, combined with the stunning lines of it, make you wonder what fabulous woman this must have been made for. The print is incredible and I was very please to have been able to both date and find the artist's name who created it. The dress has straight cut, just past the elbow, sleeves and the bodice drapes and crosses over itself at both the front and back. The crossing of it drops quite low. When I originally received it, it had been tacked into place on both sides but it was readily apparent that this had been added at some later point and it was not really a well done addition. I had it carefully removed as I feel that should its new owner wish to do that same, she should place the the new securing tack, or a hook and eye, where it falls best on her. If you use the inner strips of fabric that sit inside the shoulder and attach these around your undergarment, you may find needing to tack it is not necessary. The waist is cinched in with attached tie belts and leaving these looser or really cinching the waist in gives the dress a slightly different vibe. The skirt is marvelous, with yards and yards of silk jersey used on its construction, all printed with that stupendous design by Julia Abadi. It is absolutely incredible and a real work of art. It appears to heave been worn little and is one of the best vintage Hermes clothing pies I have ever seen. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a metal and nylon side set zipper. Has attached belts that wrap to cinch in the waist further. There are little straps that snap into place on the inner shoulders to go around your foundation garment snaps to help hold the dress in place on your shoulders. One set of the snap is missing on the one side and the snap that was there at some point is what discolored the label at the one end as you can see in the photo. I can add another snap before it ships upon request. The fabric has some stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range of the fabric while lying flat. This will allow it to fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: approx 16"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 19" from shoulder to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3248

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

Victor Costa launched his own label in 1974 and was known for producing his own versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. He also looked to the Americans for inspiration as well. He used good fabrics and his designs were often very close interpretations of other designs but with his own unique twist when it came to colors and fabrics.

This dress is so pretty with its pale blue color mixed with white and its incredible fabric. The fabric seems simple at first glance but the closer you look the more you realize just how wonderful it is. That leaf pattern is not screened onto the fabric, rather it is a raised design that is woven through the fabric. It is quite fabulous as this gives the dress the most amazing texture. The neck and waist are then detailed with big tear drop plastic beads set within embroidered lace drops that mimic that same shape as the beads. The beads range from a deep milky white color to ones that have a teeniest touch of blue to them. Interspersed in that lace border that circles both the waist and neckline, are also little prong set rhinestones for the most subtle touch of glitz. The bodice is sleeveless with a scooped neckline. The waist is set just a touch high and the skirt goes to the floor in a gently widening curve. The fabric has just a touch of weight to it so helps to hold the shape. It is really incredibly pretty in real life and even better then how it photoed. Excellent condition

The skirt is unlined and the bodice is fully lined in a white silky rayon and closes with a back zipper and the velvet tie at the back of the neck.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3247

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 just love the pretty butterfly bow print that covers the surface of this Chloe top. they are done in a gorgeous red on a navy backdrop. There is also a secondary print in a a different finish blue thread and the effect is wonderful. The top is made from a scarf weight silk that holds the color beautifully. The sleeves are shorter on this one making it perfect for warmer weather. I love that they have a slight poufed shape to them and that each is finished with a turned up cuff. The collar is cut to be small and neat collar and the top still has its tie that you can tie into a proper bow tie if you wish to emulate on the print. The body of the top is cut loose and easy as it falls from the shoulders. This makes it equally great to wear tucked or un-tucked. There is a little button detail on one side of the front that is the perfect finishing touch. It is chic and easy to wear. Excellent condition.

Unlined with buttons down the front. The loose and easy fit should work on a range of sizes

Sleeves: 6"
Shoulders: no true seams
Bust-hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S874

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

This lovely little Christian Dior scarf is from the late 1970s, early 1980s, and it is very pretty. I love the mix of the stark black with that brilliant blue and the way the two colors are divided down the center. This give you a lovely effect once it is tied. It is made of a double layer of fine silk chiffon that has a slight texture to it. This fabric choice makes it extremely light and pliable so that you can easily tie it as you wish. Excellent condition

Christian Dior tag as shown. It is freshly cleaned and it looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Measures 45.5" x 17.5"

Item# A365

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

This beautiful and regal feeling gown by Oscar de la Renta is even better in real life. I love the combination of the deep blue grey silk taffeta with the black velvet applique work over it and those spectacular sleeves. The neckline is scooped at the front and the black silk velvet bodice is cut to hug the bust and waist. The waist nips in with seaming to shape it inwards. The skirt flares out from just under the seam at the low waist in a beautiful curve of volume. Through the interior there is the addition of a stiffened fabric added all the way around the o]upper part of the skirt. This keeps that sculptural, shelf effect that you see, and hold the shape when you move so that exaggerated hourglass feel is kept from all angles. To showcase this part of the dress even more, the panel of silk at the top of the skirt gradually forms into hand placed applique work. These velvet applique trail down and circle the upper part of the skirt. The skirt has its own interior layers of silk and tulle lining and I used no additional crinolines to achieve the shape that you see. The sleeves are the perfect  dramatic finishing detail to balance the skirt. Each is cut with an elastic at the cuff and are a huge, tremendously full pouf above. A finish of the same applique that you see on the skirt circle each of the sleeves for the perfect finish and balance. It is absolutely gorgeous. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine black silk through the bodice and a silk organza through the sleeves. The skirt is interlined in a black silk organza with an interior silk organza lining that has horse hair bands around the hip portion of this inner skirting. It closes with a back zipper. Each sleeve has an elastic finish Beautifully finished and appears unworn.

Sleeves: 17"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2838

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

In 1962 Capucci opened his first atelier in Paris and took the fashion world by storm. In 1968 he went back to his native Rome and opened his atelier there. By 1972 his work was presented in a museum in Rome at the Museum of Etruscan Art. A remarkable achievement for a living designer. He exhibited again in 1990 and in 2005 he founded the Roberto Capucci Foundation to preserve his numerous drawing and archives. His pieces tend to be highly architectural and the ones you see in exhibits border on not being wearable, so it is a treat to find a beautiful and highly wearable example of his work.

From the late 1970s comes this fabulous little deep blue chiffon dress that is cut to flow and drape over the body. The neck is cut wide to give a glimpse of the upper shoulders and the sleeves flow from there in an expanse of volume and fullness to above the buttoned wrist. The skirt has yards and yards of chiffon and flows to the floor in a pretty, light expanse of fabric. The back and bodice are especially pretty with their pin tuck lattice design that is detailed with a little clear beads where each pin tuck crosses over the other. It is lovely and a rare example of a hard to find designers work. Excellent condition

Fully lined except for the sleeves and closes with a back zipper on the interior fabric and snaps on the outer. Each cuff closes with a hidden snap under a silk covered button detail. Hand finished inside and hand applied beads.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2753

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

This dress is absolutely incredible and the workmanship that has been put into making it is just extraordinary. It really is one of the most phenomenal dresses I have ever had in the shop. Philip Hulitar designed under his own namesake label from 1949 to his retirement in 1964. He was known for his sophisticated cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Shortly after the launch of his label, a journalist wrote; 'The star of a gifted designer has risen recently on the fashion horizon'. Prior to launching his own label, Mr Hulitar was the in-house designer and head of the women's dress division for Bergdorf Goodmans for 18 years.

This dress is really a thing of beauty and shows the high level of meticulous care put into the execution of design during this time period. The fabric is a high end, luxurious silk in a pale dusty blue. Onto this is a hand screened  custom floral design. The print is set onto the silk in a soft washed feel like a watercolor painting. The silk has then been meticulously hand pleated into rows of sharp knife pleats that are stacked one upon each other. They are set so that the pleats are facing upwards rather then facing down as you would typically see. This gives the fabric a slightly surreal edgy feel and as gravity slightly pulls them and opens them the lines of the body are exaggerated. It is really spectacular in person. The bodice is strapless and fitted. Inside it is boned and shaped. The silk is draped into place by hand draping it to closely follow every curve. It cinches in at the waist and then follows the curve of the hips and narrows at the hem The back is spectacular with a large half bow that sits above a tightly gathered ruffle. This begins at the low back and slowly tapers out just above the knees. Everything on this dress is done to create that highly sculptural shape. Overall excellent condition with some notes to review below

Fully lined in a cream silky rayon and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. The interior bodice is boned. The back bow snaps into place. I see some extremely minor pinholes along the one part of the top pf the bodice at the fold and some very minor watermarks on the silk near the hem. It has a area of fading on one hip that I have photoed and placed after the label photo for your review. It can be seen in some of the photos before that as well. You could perhaps shorten it to remove this area or just wear it as is and not worry about it. It is marked a lot lower in price then it would be but for this area.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A to small B cup
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from top of the bodice to the front hem, 41" to the back hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3214

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

This is a wonderful dress from the fifties that is beautifully feminine and romantic in feel. It is so rare to find these really outstanding fifties pieces any more and I am extra appreciative when they come into the shop. The fabric that has been used for the base is a lightweight soft cotton mix. It is almost surprising to see such a light and supple fabric used for a structured dress like this. It is all the work on the inside that give it the lines that you see. The skirt is cut to be very full. It has a built in underskirt that is made of a starched/stiffened muslin that is then finished with a layer of tulle along the bottom for volume. I then photoed it with an additional crinoline underneath of that layer so you can get a true sense of the volume that is there. You could even go fuller if you wished. If you chose to wear it with no crinoline you would still get a lot of volume and movement. The structure through the bodice comes from the extensive ribbon embellishment. This has been hand applied onto the fabric so that is completely covers the bodice to the waist and then tapers off into pretty tendrils as it trails down and over the skirt. The ribbon on all of these places panels has been shaped and made by hand out of an ivory crinkle ribbon and then the panels hand sewn into place onto the dress. Ivory silk cord is stitched around the tendrils of the skirt so they have a more finished feel. The applique work runs over the full front and back of the dress and add a beautiful 3D element to it. The waist is nipped in and the bodice is sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline at the front and a dipped back. This is a really outstanding example of the work being done during this time period. Overall excellent condition with some very minor notes to review below.

The bodice is lined with the same blue fabric as the exterior and the skirt has a built in skirt as described above. The dress closes with a side metal zipper. Note in person the blue is slightly more a true baby blue and the ribbon has a slightly more ivory tone to it and it not a true stark white. There is a very slight storage spot on  the ribbon on the top of one shoulder (see the very last ohoto) and perhaps some slight grubbiness to the ribbon along the edges here and there but this is more a cause from time and natural patina. I am being extremely picky. The hand work in the dress is easily seen from the back. The crinoline used in the styling is not include.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46" from top of shoulder hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E661

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

This extraordinary 1920s flapper dress was completely made by hand and is very feminine and beautiful. It is a wonderful example of the level of craftsmanship being utilized during this time period. It has survived the passing of time exceedingly well with only some minor flaws. The base of the dress is made from a fine light cotton and it is this fabric choice that has allowed it to remain strong and sturdy over the years. The color is a pale dusty blue that was almost impossible to capture and in real life it has a prettier, more unique feel to it that I think is just lovely. Onto this is an intricate design made of glass tube and seed beads that covers every inch of the dress. The main portions of the blue have a dense sprinkling of little semi-transparent white tube beads. Rows pf raised pink and gold flowers flow down the dress on both sides and a band of gold bead work defines the waist. The skirt has more of those glass seed  bead flowers scattered around the hem. The placement of each and every bead is by hand and it is amazing to think of the time it would have taken to create this extensive design. The combination of soft and romantic colors and the density of the beads is absolutely fantastic. I also took a shot of the dress laid out flat so you can see how the skirt is cut with extra fabric worked around each hip to give the skirt extra flare. Overall great antique condition with some notes below to review

The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. The fabric appears to be strong and is wearable with the care it would deserve to be worn with. It is not 100% perfect but still in wonderful antique condition. There are some areas where the beads on the main body are missing. Because of the color of the dress and the color of the beads in these areas its actually not that noticeable. There is some faded discoloration from storage on the bodice. I have photoed the worst of the areas. Note that the shots before the photo of the dress laid out flat are the detail shots of the bead work, and the shots after the laid out dress photo is of of the flawed areas.You can see some of the discoloration in the other photos as well. Even with these defects the dress is remarkably sound and shockingly beautiful. It is almost 100 years old and is considered to be in museum quality condition.

Bust: 17" from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.6" from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 37.5" from shoulder to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# E660

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

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

Michaele Vollbracht began his fashion career working for Geoffrey Beene in 1969, where he eventually designed the Beene Bazaar line. He stayed there for two years and then moved over to Donald Brooks. After a stint there, he worked for Henri Bendel's and then Bloomingdales as an in-house illustrator. In the latter half of 1978 he decided to go back to fashion and launched his own label. By his second collection he had done so well that he earned a Coty award. Elizabeth Taylor was a huge fan and owned many of his pieces. The company folded in 1985 giving us a small, precise window to date this piece.  

This set is so spectacular that it really belongs in a museum and would certainly be the show piece of any collection or exhibit focusing on Vollbracht's work. It is made of a fine silk with a hand painted floral design that runs down each side the pants and down each side of the matching poncho top. Both the pants and the poncho are cut to fall loosely on the body and the beauty of the piece lies in the way it  drapes once on. It is far far better on an actual body then my dress form and really transforms. Both pieces are made from a fine lightweight silk. The pants are cut wide through the legs and by the time they reach the hem they are a full 29" around. They simply slip on with an elastic running through the waist. This makes them very comfortable to wear. I love how each pant leg is a divided into four quadrants with the two colors and how the hand painted flowers run down each leg, adding length to each. The poncho is equally amazing and also plays on that dual tone of blue and black. What I love about it, is that you can wear the poncho so any of the sides are facing the front. By changing what part of the poncho goes toward the front, it gives you a totally different look with each option. The poncho is made from one long rectangle of silk that folded and with a slit cut out for your head to slip through. One side hangs longer then the other which is what gives you the different options once it is on. You can see that I have styled it in each possible way. By turning it around it creates different lengths and looks from a crop top at the front, to a longer at the front, shorter at the sides, and with the bead design floating down either the shoulders, or the front and back. Onto the poncho is that same hand painted design on both main sides and then these are covered with extensive bead work that follows the pattern on the silk. This gives the fabric a bit of weight and helps it to fall into place perfectly once on. All the bead work is done by hand. The beaded part of the design combines silver and green glass tube beads and this gives the set a subtle added sparkle. There is also a charming little silver beaded butterfly added on both sides of the poncho that I love. The pieces look amazing together and are also very versatile as they can be split up and worn separately. Excellent condition

Both pieces are unlined and slip on the wear. The pants have elastic through the waist. Hand finished and the fabric of both pieces are hand painted and have his logo screened into the silk as well. I have marked it suitable for a variety of frames as I feel on a smaller frame they just drape more.

Poncho Top
Total Width: 25" from top to bottom on one side, 15" from top to bottom on the other side
Total length: 63" from side to side

Pants
Elastic waist: 12-18" from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" from side seam to side seam
Length: 43.5" from waist to bottom hem
Inseam: 31.5" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3210

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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

This beautiful Pucci dress is done in one of his signature prints that is screened onto a luxurious velvet. The color palette used for this one combines a black base with turquoise, blue, pale purples, mauve and grey. The bodice skims over the bust with a neat little V neck that is bordered by a bit of the print. It is sleeveless and the waist is cut to angle up slightly to give it just a touch of a baby doll feel through the torso. This tops a sleek and simple skirt that flares and widens out slightly as it nears the hem. The print on the skirt reminds me of a galaxy with suns and moons spinning around a curving design that swirls across the skirt. The waist and hem are finished in the same border as the neckline. This is a classic Pucci silhouette. The colors all work with each other beautifully and the choice to use velvet holds the shape perfectly. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes throughout.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3205

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

The Pucci beach caftan is one of those iconic vintage items that is synonymous with the 1960s and that carefree, jet set life that Emilio Pucci and his clients often lived. Variations of this example were heavily featured in the display at the Fondazione Emilio Pucci, Palaxxo Pucci, in Florence. There, they were displayed and encased under glass so that you could see then from every angle and each felt like a sculpture. They are very rare and hard to find as most were worn them extensively and most did not survive intact and in great condition. This example is in wonderful condition and the colors are still bright and true.

The piece is made of a terry cloth, toweling velvet and is a stunning example of this classic piece of Pucci's work during this time period. It has no sleeves and is meant to be worn layered over something else, whether that be a bikini, shorts, another dress or a skirt. The possibilities are endless.It has a geometric print in a gorgeous ocean theme that combines green, purple, a turquoise aqua, black and white. It completely unzips and opens at the side along one seam that I have photoed. This makes it extremely versatile and allows it to slip over just about anything or be worn as a stand alone. The front neckline sits on a V and the sides are open right to the waist. The print is vivid and bright and it one of his signature designs. The fabric is also signed throughout. These are hard to come by and a fantastic collector piece. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

The body of the dress is unlined but it does have a fine cotton muslin interior border in a aqua blue hand stitched in place around all the edges. It closes with a hand placed metal zipper at the side that completely opens the dress. There is also a row of fabric covered, hand places snaps along the seam of one shoulder. Hand finished throughout. In person the color is more true and vibrant than how it photoed. There are two tiny smudges, one that you can see near the shoulder on the 8th photo and one on the back low hip that I photoed and it is shown in the final shot after the label photo. Both are extremely minor.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 55" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3197

Reference Photos: (1) Fondazione Emilio Pucci, Palaxxo Pucci, Florence. A display featuring terrycloth and cotton velvet capes in display cases in the Sala delle Muse. Photo: Santi Caleca/Emilio Pucci Archive, Florence.  /  (2) Photo by Henry Clarke, 1968.

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

The twin of this jacket was Look 54 on the Fall 1989 runway and it was worn by none other then Beverly Peele. There is was styled with a crop pant, matching tights and gloves and a crisp white short underneath. Vogue's fashion journalist Laird Borrelli-Persson review offers an interesting glimpse of the early Alaia noting that 'Azzedine Alaïa was associated not only with a body-conscious look, but with a corner of Paris as well. The live/work space the designer built in the Marais, would become a welcoming mecca to models and clients, but it was unfinished when the designer presented his Fall 1989 show a month after the regular season ended. Alaïa famously presented on his own schedule, i.e. when he felt finished, and not according to a calendar date. According to The Los Angeles Times, the glass-roofed space was leaky, dampening the models as they paraded in a collection that underlined some of the tropes the designer had staked out as his own'.

Alaia's first ready to wear collection was in 1980 and just the year before he had opened his first boutiques in LA, NYC and Paris. That makes this a very early example of his work as he was just beginning the journey to branch outwards. The jacket is made from a rich velvet that is done in a deep deep blue. The choice of velvet gives the color extra depth and it also allows him to shape and sculpt it as he wished. The collar and front seams are finished with a wide, matte fabric in black for contrast. The collar is rounded and set so that it always sits slightly up and I love how the buttons glide through hidden set button holes set along the seam where the ribbon and velvet meet. On each hip is a pocket set with a button closure and they have a slight curving shape and are set to emphasize the hip. You can see the beginnings of that exaggerated hourglass silhouette that he would become known for in the shape of this piece. Beautifully tailored and perfect in every way. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk satin and closes with the buttons down the front as seen. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little and looks immaculate.

Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S842

Reference photo: Fall 1989 Haute Ready-to-Wear Runway, Alaia, Look 54 on model Beverly Peele

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

A close version of this dress walked the Fall 1991 Couture runway. The Rive Gauche collections were designed as separate entities but you often saw pieces influenced by the work he did on the couture side of the business. In researching this piece I did see other similar versions done slightly later in the 1990s, but for me this was the one that felt closest to the dress available here today.

The dress is made from a slinky silk jersey that has enough weight and drape to it to perfectly fall in those soft, draped, sexy lines that Yves wanted it to be. It perfectly represents this time period and yet still has a touch of the 1940s that we so often see in his work. There is also a strong nod to his 1971 'Scandal' collection with the way the gathers are set through the waist and upper hip. The shoulders are set to sit slightly awider then the natural shoulder and this gives the illusion of an even smaller waistline. It skims over the bust and is plunged to the top of the high set waist detailing. The extremely low cut V of the front gives it a sexy edgy vibe. Below this the waist is gathered and set to hug your curves all the way through to the top of the hips. The skirt flows to the floor below that and is made of yards of silk jersey that give it movement when you move. Each side also plunges right down to that top seam of the waist and this little detail is the perfect finishing touch. I love that the color is a deep blue that is a touch brighter then a true navy would be. This is a color that is flattering on any skin tone and gives it a softer feel to the dress then had it been done in a black. It is amazing once on an actual body - much, much better then it could ever look on a dress form - and a rare find. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the side with a painted metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 38. The fabric does have stretch so should fit a variety of sizes, stretching slightly  to accommodate curves and draping well on smaller frames.

Seam at the top of waist gathers: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of waist gathers: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from top of bodice to top waist seam
Banding: 8.75" from top waist seam to bottom seam
Skirt: 38" from bottom seam to hem
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3177

Reference photo: Fall 1991 Haute Couture Runway, Yves Saint Laurent

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

Victor Costa was particularly great at taking the popular designs of the day and making versions that were more affordable but still a good quality. This particular dress is a great example of his work during the 1970s. It is made from a solid turquoise colored jersey that drapes well and moves with you. It has long, lean lines and a fantastic, easy to wear shape. The front and back are scooped like a traditional tank top with skinny little straps. It has a sleek, fitted shape through to the waist and then the skirt flares out gently as it nears the hem. Between the fabric and the slight stretch of the jersey, you really get a tremendous easy feeling dress that still has impact. Added bonus for it being wash and wear. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures. The fabric has some stretch. The color in person is completely even and a touch better and brighter turquoise then how it photoed. The fabric has stretch and should fit a variety pf sizes

Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3175

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 just love the print that covers the surface of this wonderful Ungaro top. Its bright and cheerful with a purple, yellow and red print on a blue backdrop. It is made from a scarf weight silk that holds that bright color beautifully. The sleeves are wonderful and each is cut with a slight fullness above the cuffs. They are inset into the shoulder with gathers so are a touch fuller at the top. The body of the top is cut loose and easy as it falls from the padded shoulders. I love the high collar that is designed to stand up to frame the neck. It even has a little hidden snap that closes it off perfectly and holds it exactly in place. It's all drama and high eighties glamour. Excellent condition.

Unlined and buttons down the front. Each cuff buttons to close. Padded shoulders. The loose and easy fit should work on a range of sizes

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15.5" to ends of padding which extend slightly beyond natural shoulder
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.55" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S841

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

This is a fabulous little dress from the Miss Dior label. It is made out of printed nylon jersey makes it very easy to wear and care for. This is a dress that can go from beach to cocktails to dancing. The fabric reminds me a bit of high end swimsuit fabric but is lighter. It will wear amazingly and you can literally roll it in a ball in your suitcase and wear it with a quick steam as soon as you arrive to where you are going. The front is cut with a scooped halter bodice with straps that curve up and behind your neck. The bodice is defined and made from two layers of the same fabric for a little support and to make it opaque. This sits above a high set waistline. The skirt sweeps out from there in a gentle A-line. It's fabulous and it's Miss Dior. Excellent condition.

The bodice is a double layer of the same nylon jersey and the skirt is unlined. Slips on and buttons to close at the back of the halter neck. The fabric does have stretch it will fit from a 0-2 maybe up to a smaller busted 6

Bust: 13-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3168

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

When hunting for the date of this dress I found a photo of a dress from 1971 that has similar lines and ruffle details. Based on the other work Mr. Givenchy was doing during this time period it makes perfect sens that this would be from that year's collection. It is the Boutique label but very well made. I found a numbered tape inside the seam of the skirt and it may very well denote a special or custom order.

I love color and the design, the color, the workmanship - everything about this dress is perfect. At first glance the fabric appears to be a metallic silk brocade, but as you go closer you realize it is much more special then that. It is actually a fine and light woven netted lace with a blue metallic lurex thread running through the design. The play of the metallic thread against the non-metallic bits adds its own texture to the already textured lace. It is amazing and also very light in weight. The fabric has just a touch of transparency to it. Once you get past the sheer brilliance of the fabric you begin to notice the workmanship that has gone into constructing this. The bodice is cut to skim over the bust from the rounded neckline and then cinches into the waist. It has its original belt that can cinch the waist in more. I have photoed it both with and without the belt as you could wear it bot ways. The sleeves are cut long and slim and are finished with a ruffle that creates a beautiful bell shape. The skirt falls to the floor from there and gently widens out as is nears the hem. it is finished with that same ruffled detail to perfectly tie the dress together. Really a work of art and feels very fresh and current. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined with a blue silk organza. It closes at the back with a fine metal zipper. Inner waist stay hooks to close. The belt closes with hooks. There is the teeniest of marks along the inner edge under the seam at the inner arms but they do not show through. Please refer to the photo after the label shot. There is a numbered tape along the inner skirt seam that I also photoed. Note that if you required more length it would be possible to move the ruffle down as it is set higher up the skirt rather then at the very edge of the hem. I think you could get a good 6" more in length. The sleeves are set the same way.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3167

Reference Photo: Jours de France Issue 844, 1971. 

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

This collection was featured in the video we have included here for 'Throwback Thursdays with Tim Blanks'. In the  introduction to the video Blanks states: "The designer was famous for his runway spectacles, but this one in particular lingers with our Editor-at-Large, not because it featured a rookie model by the name of Gisele Bündchen, but because of its extraordinary emotional resonance. 'It's proof that he was a magician.'". Vogue's review of the collection that year explains how the name of the collection became 'Untitled'; "While there was plenty of pain in Alexander McQueen's work, there was usually pleasure, and often some poetry as well. Such was the case with spring 1998’s Golden Shower show, renamed Untitled when the sponsors balked at the lasciviousness of the former title. Models walked down a runway made of water-filled Lucite tanks wearing tight snakeskin dresses and tailored intarsia suits. They were dressed in all white for the finale and were treated to a shower that made their mascara run and their all-white clothes see-through."

This suit is one of the the versions produced from that show and mentioned in Vogue's review above. His very early pieces are more rare and this one is a fabulous find that is still extremely wearable and highly collectible. It is in remarkable condition and is a bold statement piece. The fabric is the same as a men's suiting and it has a blue pinstripe that runs through it. Depending on the light, the base looks either black or a deep deep blue-black.  The lining is a periwinkle blue so when the jacket opens you get a flash of that bold color. On the pants the blue is used even more boldly, borrowing from the runway, with a wide inset ribbon in a blue checked wool insets into the fabric. This inset of fabric runs down one leg and then another wraps all the way around the hip. The tailoring has a strong nod to a menswear suit in its cut and the the lines are precise. The trousers are flat fronted and straight legged. The jacket has a beautifully tailored cut with a notched in waist line and strong shoulder. I love how he has set the two buttons on each cuff right at the bottom edge of the sleeve and that the cuffs on the pants are precisely 1 1/4". Excellent condition

The jacket is lined in a fine grade periwinkle silk. It closes with buttons at the front. Each cuff has two buttons and the buttons holes are finished but decorative only. There is an extra button sewn inside the waist band. Pockets at each hip of the pant and hidden pockets lie along the seam of the jacket. There is also a buttoned interior pocket and one exterior pocket on the breast. Both pieces are tagged a vintage McQueen 44 but check actual measurements below for sizing

Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41.5" from waist hem
Inseam: 31.5" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1985

Reference photos: (1) Alexander McQueen S/S 1998 Runway.  /  (2) Amanda Lee Shirreffs by Erin Leydon.

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

This print was shown on the 1983 runway in a variety of color combinations. Here we have a little day dress cleverly fashioned to fut loose and easy over the body and yet still have a touch of shape.  The colors are amazing and absolutely pop off of the silk. Yves Saint Laurent was a master at choosing the fabrics that were the perfect compliment to the prints that he used. This dress is no exception to that rule with its riot of multi-colored, bright abstract design that covers its surface. The cut is pure Yves and a wonderful example of the work her was doing during this time period. The sleeves end just below the elbow and are cut with a full pouf above that. The bodice is set to sit loose and easy over the body with a high neckline that has a tie at the neck to tie onto a bow or loop and let the tie ends hang down. It has a slight dropped waist silhouette that gives it a bot of a twenties feel. The waist is cut full and loose with a dropped band of fabric to detail it. The band is finished at the front to extend into long fabric ties that you can wrap and/or tie for more shape. Below that the skirt flares out with a pretty swing feel. You can wear it loose and easy or cinch in the waist more with the ties. Adjusting the ties at the waist will also let you to change the length of the skirt depending on how tight and high you tie it. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes down the front with buttons. It is tagged a vintage YSL 34 but the loose and easy but will allow it to work on a variety of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all.

Sleeves: 19.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from neck to waist
Skirt: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2253

Reference Photo: Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1983 Runway Collection.

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

The Resort and Spring 1977 collections were some of the few that Halston worked some prints into the collections. He normally focused on a solid color palette and I love seeing this side of his work. I found a runway reference photograph and you can see the similar print done on a long silk tank dress. This shorter, day version still employs the minimal seaming that Halston excelled at but is finished in his iconic wrap cut. The photo is from a Halston book and in it there is a quote by Bob Colacello that says; "His colors were so American, they were like out of a Crayola crayon box. Halston's red and purple and green were like true colors; they weren't pastels, they weren't dark, they weren't iridescent - they were very true and very American" and this really sums up the true, beautiful blue that the silk is done in. The waist has a long attached tie belt that you wrap and cinch it in for as much shape as you wish. The silk is scarf weight so drapes beautifully over the curves of the body. I love the pops of color brought in by the abstract print that covers the dress. Excellent condition

Unlined and wraps to close. Hook & eye along the plunge that if left open will give you a deeper plunge then shown. Hand finished. he blue is a touch deeper in tone then how it photoed. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2348

Reference photo from the book: Halston, An American Original, Eliane Gross and Fred Rottman, 1999

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

This stunning and rare gown was designed by Bob Mackie. Mackie was best known for dressing Cher and for his undying love of opulence and bead work, both of which he incorporates heavily into the best of his designs. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to working as a costume designer and co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In some ways he and his creations defined their careers and that era of glamour. I think he secretly always designed for the big screen and the bygone glamor of Hollywood as his work is always over the top and extravagant.

This is an amazing gown that is heavily beaded and extremely sexy and flattering once on. The base of the gown is made of a black silk chiffon that has hundreds of vertical bands made of blue and black beads laid out in curving rows that follow the lines of the dress. Mixed into this are huge pink Orchids that curve up the front of the dress, highlight the lower half and sit on each sleeve. There are also flowers on the neckline and even on that dips out an past the scoop of the back so that the beaded flow sits on your bare skin. These are made up of beads and sequins in a mix of pinks and purples. Iridescent green tube beads form long trailing stalks and leaves. This combination of the glass tube beads and sequins give the gown an extra layer of texture and glamour as every inch of it catches the light and sparkles. As a result the dress is very heavy off the body because of that extensive bead-work, and yet once on the body it lies and drapes in a way that it is balanced and not at all unwieldy. The bodice is cut to skim over the chest with a wide cut neckline. The sleeves are cut wide and straight so that there is enough area to really show off the orchid design that trails down and around each sleeve. The back plunges in a V with that overlay flower that sits off on your skin as mentioned above. I love how the waist is gathered in by hand across the back just slightly so that there is a bit of shape created but at the front its left with no stitching added so that the front remains a ling unbroken sheath. The skirt is incredible and is cut with a high curve so that one side falls to full length and then other curves up to show the leg. The effect of this is far more dramatic and fabulous on a real body and it really shows off the legs. If you even remotely love it in the photos you will dance when you see it in person as it is so, so, so much better in real life. Extremely well made and made to demi-couture standards. It is so well made I think you could even wear it with the V to the front and it would still work. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk chiffon crepe including the sleeves. It closes with a hand set back zipper. Hand finished throughout. Incredibly heavy as it is fully beaded from top to bottom with glass beads but feels balanced when on and comfortable. Perhaps the occasional bead missing but nothing that detracts - I see a couple missing beads at the back near the hem and a bit of a row on the back of the curved hip side. You would never notice this when the dress is on.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to longest point of hem. 16.5" from waist to highest point of the curved side

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3127

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

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he continued as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house closed is couture atelier. This gown and feather cape is from the Fall 2004 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway sample that was presented and worn on the runway, Look 35

I love when I have any Haute Couture piece in the shop and to have the actual runway sample is even that much more amazing. The dress is absolutely stunning and neither the photos on the mannequin or the runway photos really do it full justice. In person the impact of the color of the blue silk and blue feathers of the cape is far more then what a photo could ever convey. It is made up of yards and yards of silk chiffon and this creates the most beautiful movement when you move. The silk is set to flow down from the structured bodice and is as light as the air so that it billows and flows around you as you move. It is very sexy and made more so by the way the silk is wrapped and secured to the base of the bodice structure. It is down to leave a slit that opens almost scandalously high when you walk or sit. .The silk through the skirt is also unlined so it has a sense of semi-transparency to it. It is meant to be worn with just a body suit underneath so that you are just draped in silk and nothing else. The bodice is highly structured and formed with a full inner structured boned and shaped bodice that zips to close at the back. It is highly corseted and structured inside to firmly hold the dress onto the body and give you shape. I absolutely love the way the back is shaped to be more like an attached cape then anything and it also creates a trained feeling behind you. Topping this masterpiece is a unstructured capelet that you just hold in place. It is covered in hand dyed feathers and adds the final touch of absolute glamour to an already high glamour ensemble. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition

The bodice is fully lined in a blue silk and closes with a back zipper. It is a highly structured, formed, boned and shaped corset and is wired around the inner top as well. The skirt is unlined. Hand work appropriate to runway sample level work throughout (see the photo after the tag for the way it is hand tacked onto the main corset. The hand written runway sample tag is present. The father cape is back in a black silk and the feathers are hand applied to a white organza on the front side. There is a little loop for your hand and for hanging it. It is Couture runway model size tiny - probably closest to a true zero or even less then that!

Bust: 14.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Inner corset: 10" from top of bodice to inner edge at the waist
Length: 57" from top of bodice to shortest point of the front hem, 61" from top of bodice to longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3122

Reference Photos: F/W 2004 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Collection.

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