The twin of this dress is held in the permanent archives of The Metropolitan Museum. It would not surprise me to find out that these were the only two samples of this dress in existence. True Haute Couture pieces were never produced in any significant quantities. The dress is as wearable now as it was when first made and feels very modern. It is entirely finished by hand and is from the time period when the house was run by Hubert de Givenchy himself. This is a wonderful and well documented piece showcasing Givenchy's work during this time period. I have included the dress that the MET has in the final shot here for your reference

The dress is made of a deep blue grey silk crepe. It is cut with a strong nod to the classic Grecian silhouette that leaves one shoulder exposed and bare. The construction details throughout the dress are exquisite. The bodice has been gathered by hand to create a series of soft pleats that run from the shoulder to the waist. These are set on a curving angle to follow the cut of the neckline as it works it way up towards the shoulder. The draping and soft pleat technique adds a beautiful detailing to the bodice of the dress. The waist is defined by a slim gold leather cord that wraps and ties to add shape. The skirt falls below this to the floor gently widening out a touch as it nears the hem. A second panel of fabric is draped over the skirt and set so that it angles softly down one side mirroring the angle of the shoulder. Slipping over this is a short cape that is made from the same fabric. It is cut on an angle to point down the front and the back and gives the dress a beautiful flowing feel. The colour is richer and deeper in person and on an actual body the entire dress really comes to life. Excellent condition with a few small notes below to review.

The dress is fully lined in a hand set blue silk of very high quality. There is a wide waist stay that hooks at the inner waist. It closes with a hand set, side painted metal zipper and from the waist down there are hidden set snaps that close the fabric of the skirt over the zipper. The bodice is lightly boned and there are small bust pads that are handset inside the bodice. The cape is unlined and slips over the head to wear. There are some light snags in the fabric here and there and some small areas pf darkening on the skirt overlay - the snags are most noticeably on the back of the skirt near the bottom - these are seen most when it is laid out flat but once on the color and placement make all of them negligible. Please see the two images after the label shots. All the interior work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards. Proper Couture tags on both pieces. Haute Couture tape label #55417

Dress
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Cape
39" from neck to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2767

Reference Photo: 1973 Givenchy Evening Dress from The MET 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 New York times said of this collection at the time; 'Yves Saint Laurent did it. With sophistication and authority in his collection for spring and summer, he gave validity to couture, the high end of the fashion industry. There was no desperate groping: this is the way the most expensive clothes in the world should look, he seemed to say. As the showings sailed into their final days, he re-established himself today as the king of couture." after their review of the day and suit looks they continued to say; "Preliminaries over, he was ready for evening dresses, the serious business of couture. His unerring eye for color came to the fore....One-color dresses were also effective, in fuchsia, bright blue or rose. Rarely did he resort to embroideries...His effect was achieved through line and cut." The review ended with this lovely sentiment; 'Saint Laurent knew his show was a success. "The couture lives," he whispered backstage after it was over. His mother, Lucienne Saint Laurent, told him he had never done better. He seemed to agree. It is rare for a designer to reinvent himself at the age of 56, the way Saint Laurent had just done. The show recalled his glory days in the 1970's, when he set the guidelines for couture and the rest of fashion. He has now done that for the spring of 1993." 

On the runway this dress was shown in a darker, more subdued blue. The twin of the runway dress is held in the Met Museums' collection and I have included that reference photo for you here along with the runway shots. My client had the dress made in one of the brighter blues that was used elsewhere in the collection that year and I love it in this brighter bolder color. The dress is cut to leave one shoulder completely bare. Both sides have long slim sleeve and there is a panel of the same silk gathered along the top of the shoulder that then swoops down over the bodice and the back. That draped panel is very full and I love how it drapes over the sleeve on that side. The inner details here show is the genius of couture. The zipper on that side is set so that is softly curves under the arm and runs down the top of the inner sleeve. That way the person wearing the dress does not have an uncomfortable zipper pull right under their arm. It also keeps the sleeve perfectly in place despite the absence of a shoulder. The waist is seamed and detail by a matching, hand dyed silk satin slim belt. The skirt falls the the floor under that, gently widening out as it nears the hem. The side opposite to the bare shoulder has a very high slit so that you get a flash of leg as you walk. It is stunning and in person the colour is a touch richer and deeper then how it photoed. The silk also has a slight texture to it that adds detailing in person that the camera does not quite convey. This is a wonderful example of how strong his tailoring was in evening wear and an important piece fromm a collection hailed as a triumph. Excellent overall condition with a small note below

Fully lined in a fine blue silk. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and closes with a hidden set side zipper under the arm that curves up and into the sleeve as described above. Inner waist stay hooks to close. The fabric is cut on the bias so there is some give. There is a slight fading along the top of the shoulder and down that same sleeve. Please see the two photos after the reference shot. It is light and because of the placement once on it is barely seen. The hem has been let down at some point. The belt is original to the dress and is in excellent condition 

Sleeves: 27"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3582

Reference Photos: (1-2) S/S 1993 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway.  /  (3) S/S 1993 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Dress from The MET Online 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.

I have had a version of this dress in the past in a paler icier blue so when I saw this one with it's deep sapphire blue colour I had to have it for the shop. It is a beautiful and romantic bias cut silk chiffon dress by the great American couturier Oscar de la Renta. It is constructed from multiple layers of a lightweight, slightly textured, silk chiffon in the most stunning deep sapphire colour. The bodice of the dress is gathered in an elaborate ruching of silk that meets in the center in a thick braided detailing. This runs down the centre of the front of the bodice. The strapless neckline above that is cut into a rounded sweetheart shape that is very flattering. The bodice is fitted and cinches in at the waist with interior boning to help hold the shape. The skirt cascades to the floor at the back and at the front it curves up higher so you get a flash of leg when you move. It is made up of three full layers of weightless silk chiffon that float over and around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. The lightness of the silk gives it a billowing effect when you move and walk that is stupendous. A really lovely and romantic dress in one of the best blue colours I have seen. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a hand set blue silk and the three layers of silk chiffon the skirt is made of serve as its lining. The dress closes with a side painted metal zipper. Hand finishes. I see one tiny area on the side off the skirt that has darkened. 

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 48" from top of strapless dress to back hem, 37" to the front hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3583

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 1993 Oscar de la Renta took over as Creative Director at Balmain where he designed the Haute Couture collections until 2002. The house had been floundering at that point and he had a huge impact on the reviving the sales of the couture pieces, mainly by catering to private clients, much like Balmain had originally. The runway photo that we found shows the dress layered over a printed pant but all of the subsequent references of it match the set to the one we have here with the pants in the same striped silk as the top piece. The twin of this set was a part of the 2016 ‘Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective’ exhibition at de Young Museum, San Francisco, curated by André Leon Talley where it is referred to as being 'evening pyjamas'. The exhibit was broken into different themed galleries and this dress was a part of the garden themed section. Oscar was an avid gardener and the works in this section took inspiration from that life long passion. And it holds an extra special significance because the one shown in the exhibit was loaned to the museum by Annette de la Renta, Oscar's wife and muse, giving it an extra layer of personal connection to its provenance. The dress also appears in the book 'Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style' by Talley. The Met Museum also holds one in their permanent collections and then this one is the third.

In an interesting twist, one of the other dresses that was a part of the garden section of the exhibit was a striped OLDR dress from 1999 and my client had a that dress as well. It is listing along with this one today. It is incredible coincidence to have both dresses in at the same time with that shared bit of exhibit history behind them and both are exceptionally beautiful.

It is extraordinary to think that Oscar never produced a Haute Couture line under his own label and these few short years at Balmain gives us a chance to see just how talented he really was at all levels. Like most Haute Couture, this is a set that only truly comes to life when it is on an actual body. No matter how good it looks in the photos, the impact it has in real life and how it moves once on is undeniably beautiful. The fabric that both piece are made from is a fine chine silk taffeta that hearkens back to the 18th century with its washed pale blue striping. All of the edges are finished in that same fabric but for the edges it has been tightly knife pleated. These form a wide pleated ruffle all around the collar, down the front and around each cuff. One pale baby pink stripe runs along the edge of the ruffle for a magical bit of colour against the blue. That pink is then picked up on each hand made button that runs down the front and is set on each cuff. The buttons are amazing. They are hand made and they each have a tiny, perfect sprig of hand embroidered pink flower splayed across their tops. Under the evening coat, are a pair of silk taffeta pants in the same fabric. The pants are cut very simply with a flat front and no banding at the waist. They run in a slightly tapered cigarette shape and land just about the ankle depending on your height. Over this is that amazing evening coat that has the lines of a formal court dress worked into its cut. It is created with a nod to the decadence of the eighteenth century with a high pleated collar and softly defined shoulders. The sleeves are long and slim, ending in an elaborate ruffled cuff. It skims over the bodice and tapers in at the waist. The buttons to close it run from the collar to the waist at the front. From that point under the bottom button the front is completely open so that when you walk you see the pants underneath. The back of the coat is a work of art. The skirt trails out behind you, falling from that curved horizontal seam at the waist where the fabric is gathered in soft folds. It is tremendously full and when you walk it causes the skirt to billow out behind you. Haute Couture is always about the details and I love that for the seam that runs across the low back, Oscar used a fine pink silk piping to define the seam and where the gathers of the lower skirting are set. It is the perfect detail to tie in with the pink at the front. This is everything you want to see in a Haute Couture piece; elegance, refinement and a dash of coquetry. It is ornate but sophisticated and feels wonderfully light and perfectly suited to his love of nature and botanical themes. “A garden is probably the most spiritual and pure of joys. It’s a communion with nature and beauty in the most simple and fundamental form.”– Oscar de la Renta. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition. 

Both pieces are unlined and all the interior work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards. The pants close with a hidden set side zipper. There is a built in gusset that is pristine. The evening coat/dress closes with a hand set zipper and then a panel that snaps into place over that with silk, hand covered snaps. Hand made, light shoulder pads. A series of hand embroidered buttons down the front. The inner waist stay hooks to close and you could adjust the hooks if needed or wear it unhooked if you needed the extra room. Each cuff zips to close with a hidden set zipper and has three of the same buttons as decoration. I see one pinhead mar near a front button and a nick out of the fabric near the seam under the arm. One inner seam on either side looks like it was slightly adjusted. There is an extra button sewn to an inner seam. Proper Couture tags on both pieces and the coat one has its couture tape underneath numbered 173 470. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Sourced from the original couture client 

Evening Coat Dress
Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 15.25"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam, inner waist stay hooks at 14"
Hips: open
Length: 56" from neck to shortest point of the front hem, 62" to longest point of the back hem

Pant
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39.5" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 28" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3568

Reference Photos: (1) 1998 Balmain Silk taffeta coat and pants from the book "Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style" by Andre Leon Talley.  /  (2) 1998 Balmain Ensemble from The MET Collection Online.  /  (3-4) Spring 1998 Balmain Haute Couture Runway. / (5-6) Photos from the ‘Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective’ exhibition at de Young Museum, San Francisco. Curated by André Leon Talley.  /  (7) Photo from the book "Oscar De La Renta: The Retrospective" by Jennifer Park and Molly Sorkin.

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 2015 Curator and Fashion Historian, Laura McLaws Helms contacted me about the upcoming exhibit at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London on Thea Porter's work that she had planned. She ended up borrowing a dozen Thea Porter pieces from me for use in the exhibit and for the accompanying book 'Thea Porter: Bohemian Chic'. A close up of the fabric from this dress appears on p.84 of the book to illustrate the collaborative efforts between Thea Porter and textile designer, Hannah Meckler. The pattern on this dress is the 'Wave' design and in the book this is clarified as being done by hand and "painted onto meters of silk chiffon that were made into evening dresses and Abayas". This dress has the added provenance of being the same print and fabric of a Thea Porter owned and worn by style icon, Kate Moss

This is a wonderful Thea Porter dress that has a bare back and halter neckline. This more fitted shape is a bit unusual for her but that is part of what I love about it. It shows the range that Thea had while still staying within her wheelhouse of that bohemian feel. Thea's pieces often created sensuality by combining full coverage and flowing fabrics, so to see a dress that has far more 'bareness' to it is a bit of an anomaly for her and really showcases how multi-faceted she was. The hand painted Hannah Meckler wave design that covers the silk is appropriately named for its beautiful blue tones that are reminiscent of the ocean. The pattern has been set to highlight the lines of the dress which would have required much pre-planning and a disregard for the extra fabric needed to achieve this. The skirt is made from many yards of the silk and is set on a bias cut so that the movement it has is incredible. The fabric choice gives the dress an airy, floating feel. The bodice is fitted and cut with a high halter neckline that curves up and around the neck to tie at the back. There is a second layer of silk there that ties over the inner strap and trails down the back. The back is left completely open with a wide expanse of bare skin showing. Curved pleats, done by hand, angle up to the silk chiffon rosette details the neckline. It is very beautiful. A wonderful example of Thea Porter's work and her collaborative efforts with textile designers of the time period. Excellent condition with minor notes to review below

Fully lined in pale blue tissue silk. It closes with a low, hand set, back painted metal zipper. The halter closes at the back with hook and there is a panel of silk chiffon that ties into place over that. Light boning on either side of the bodice. All hand work. There is a slight discoloration to the lining near the top edge, the waist and inner skirt. Tagged a vintage UK 10. Note that it was too small for my mannequin and it does of course zipper and close properly.

Bust: approx 16" flat across from side seam to side seam but there is some play here as the back is open
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to slight empire waist
Skirt: 45" from slight empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1108

Photo Credit: (1) From the Book Thea Porter; Bohemian Chic, p.84.  /  (2) Kate Moss in a dress with the same print

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

Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy.

This is an incredible set by Beene that is made out of a feather light metallic silk lame. The color of the metallic fabric is a combination of a soft turquoise blue shot through with gold thread. The pattern this creates are a little series of squares and each one has a subtle leopard print worked into them. It is just amazing. Especially when you have it in hand and realize just how light and fine the fabric is. The set is made up of two pieces. The skirt is cinched in at the waist and has a pocket along one side. It widens out as it nears the hem and the lightness of the fabric makes it move wonderfully around you when you move. The matching top wraps around you to close, crossing at the front. I have tied it at the back but you could probably wrap it once more and tie it at the front if and ties at the back. On my dress form it ends up to be quite cropped and depending on how you tie it you can have to sit even higher up or slightly lower to close the gap a bit. Excellent condition

Both piece are unlined and the fabric is incredible. The skirt hooks to close at the waist and the top slips on and ties. You could move the hook on the skirt up or down a 1/2 inch or so in either direction and the top is adjustable with the tie. A pocket on the skirt where it hooks.

Top
Bust: to 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam and the ties make t adjustable
Length: 16.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 35" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3514

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

While researching this stunning dress I found the photo I included here of a dress from 1971 that the same lines and ruffle details. Based on the other work Mr. Givenchy was doing during this time period it makes perfect sense that this would be from that year's collection. In addition, I found a numbered tape inside the seam of the skirt and it may very well denote a special or custom order.

At first glance the fabric appears to be a metallic silk brocade, but as you go closer you realize it is even more special then that. It is actually a fine and very light weight 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. The fabric has just a touch of transparency to it and I love the unusual deep deep blue of it that has just a touch of purple to make it even richer in feel. 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 it cinches in at the waist. The dress comes with its original belt that can cinch the waist in more. The sleeves are long and are finished with a ruffled the wrist that creates a beautiful little bell shape. The skirt falls to the floor from the waist and gently widens out as is nears the hem. It is finished with a wide ruffled detail that ties on the ruffle on each cuff. It is stunning and even better in person. Excellent condition with a minor note 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.

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.

In its heyday the Gene Shelly of California label was highly sought after. The label was doing some of the best of the early sequinned vintage pieces that you could find anywhere on the planet. All of the sequin work that covers this dress was done by hand in Hong Kong on American manufactured fabric. The company would send the fabric to be hand sequinned and beaded. After that was done the fabric would be sent back to California where the dresses were made. At the time, Hong Kong was doing the best sequin and bead work in the world outside of the specialty ateliers in Paris. This dress is not perfect but it is still very beautiful and with a little work it could be perfect again. 

This dress is especially interesting because it bears many similarities to the one I sold before that ended up being the twin of one worn by Diana Ross and The Supremes. This dress has a very similar layout of the beads and sequins but it has been done on a silk based rather then a knit. This base of this one is a beautiful pale ice blue that perfectly sets off the silver sequins that are applied to it. There are hundreds of silver sequins that are laid out flat onto the silk from shoulder to hem. Each sequin has been meticulously applied by hand into its set place. Every inch of the fabric is covered with sequins and the dress glimmers in even the lowest of light. Set in among the silver sequins are big faceted pink and coral paste crystals. These circle the neckline like a built in piece of jewellery. There is also wide band of them applied around the lower skirt. Each crystal has been is hand sewn into place and they are large enough that they each have a 3D effect. Tiny faux pearls and seed beads outline them. Around the neck line and sleeves are coral beads and faux pearls. The dimension and texture created from the result of all of this hand work is wonderful. The dress itself is immensely flattering with its figure hugging shape and all of the seams in it are set vertically to give the wearer a beautiful long line. The base dress is in excellent condition but there are sequins missing. Please review the condition notes below.

The base is an icy blue silk  and the dress closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. The sequins and embellishments are all applied by hand.There are areas of missing sequins. Most notably across the upper shoulders and down the top of the cap sleeves. Some other areas in the body of the dress. These could be filled in with modern silver sequins. Or it could be worn as is. Priced with the work needed to make it perfect taken into account. Please review the photos after the label shot. 

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3502

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

Mother-daughter duo Luisa and Lucilla Beccaria are known for their incredibly feminine pieces with an almost story book feel to them. Their gowns run upwards into the thousands of dollars and their clothing is very well made. The dress that walked the runway in 2014 was not the same cut as this dress is but it did use the same fabric which is how we were able to date this wonderful dress.

This example is more of a caftan feeling piece and it is gorgeous. It is cut supermodel long and was sold this way and meant to be shortened to the exact length its new owner wished it to be. The fabric is wonderful. It is an open cut work embroidery and the stitches that finish the open parts are the palest possible pink. The embroidered floral medallions are a combination of a pale light cotton that has a soft blue embroidered detailing on it. The overall effect is so pretty in person and the color is better then how it photoed. The open work gives it some transparency and you can easily just slip it over a bikini by the pool or wear a nude or colored slip under it to be able to wear it for day or evening. The sleeves are cut extra long and each ends in a wide flare that I love. The neckline is notched and has a series of clear hidden snaps so you can wear it completely done up or open. It skims over the bust, waist and hips all the way to the hem. Up each side is a high slit. There are pockets on each hip for the perfect finish. It is very beautiful and a very easy dress to wear. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. Hidden snaps at the neckline and pockets on each hip. Tagged a modern 38. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 66" from neck to hem
Slits: 20" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent:  SML-LRG

Item# DD3486

Reference Photo: Spring 2014 Luisa Beccaria Runway Presentation, Look 23.

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 the 1960s if you wanted to wear something with a dramatic flare then you chose the work of Ronald Amey. He was known for his original use of fabrics and colors and his dresses were priced into the thousands even in the 1960s. His career was very short-lived. From 1959-1969 he designed under the label Burke-Amey. Joseph Burke, his partner, took care of the business side of things. In 1970s he bought out Burke and renamed the company Ronald Amey where he continued to produce his dramatic clothing until the label shuttered in 1976. His clothing was of very high quality and he incorporated many couture level details into their construction. All of his pieces were sewn in-house at his New York atelier

One of his signatures was to combine bold colors, prints and fabrics in interesting, unusual ways and this dress is a splendid example of that. The colors are bold and the mix is dramatic. The bodice and sleeves are sheer orange printed silk chiffon that is layered over the same printed coral ribbon silk that you see used for the skirt. This gives the top a very couture and quirky feel. The neckline is cut wide across the collarbones and it is anchored by a wide band of blue silk satin that is top-stitched in gold thread. This curves around the neckline and then down the front on either side of the notched front. The panel continues past the seamed waist and runs down the center of the skirt where it ends with a large diamond of the same fabric in brown. More of the blue runs around the hem and then is used again for the cuffs on each sleeve. The combination of the orange, coral and blue is spectacular . The heavy dose of all those prints, colors and patterns should not work but it does. The perfect finish is the wide fabric belt made of the same blue as the banding and this wraps around the waist where you can cinch it in and leave it simple as I did or tie it in a far more elaborate way. The exterior is in excellent condition with a note about the lining to review below.

Fully lined in a bright peach silk throughout. Entirely hand finished. It closes with a front zipper and there are zippers on each cuff. The zippers stick a bit when you open and close them. There is shattering of the silk around each arm on the interior. The exterior fabrics are sound and show no wear at all. The exterior of the dress appears to have been worm very little. The dress is even better in person.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3478

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 dates to the early 2000s and is a remarkable throwback to the deco era in feel with its amazing large Chanel logo print that runs across the bottom of the towel. Three vintage feeling girls, complete with one piece swimsuits and a variety of head wraps, dive and cavort among those letter. The rest of the towel combines a curving print made of two blues and the famous double Cs and its bordered in a red stripe.  The entire back of the towel is white. It is made out of 100% cotton printed terrycloth. Excellent condition with a small amount of normal patina from normal, light wear and washing. Minor marks on the back as seen on the last photo here

Measures 39" x 66"

Item# A376

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

When Alexa Chung announced that she was doing a collaboration with AG Jeans, the fashion crowd immediately took notice. When the collection was released the pieces sold out worldwide. This little denim mini was the stand out piece from that capsule. The skirt is in immaculate condition and still has all of its original hang tags and shop return tag attached. It is made from a stretch denim so is extremely comfortable to wear. It closes with a series of snaps down the front, each embossed with the 'Alexa Chung for AG' circling around a little flower. The waist cinches in and then then skirt flares out on an angle from there. Its a very easy to wear and a very fun piece. Excellent condition

Unlined and close with the snaps at the front as seen. Tagged a brand size 29. The fabric has some give and stretch. Never worn with all original tags attached

Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 17" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# S915

Reference Photo: Alexa Chung for AG Denim, Spring/Summer 2015.

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

This was a key piece from the 2015 Balmain Resort collection. This collection created a frenzy for the pieces offered and this skirt in particular sold out and was wait listed world wide. I think everyone wanted one and almost every brand out there made a copy of it. The skirt has never been worn so is showroom fresh.  It has that curved and fitted cut that Balmain is known for and has the added dimension and texture created by what it is made out of. The denim is heavy distressed denim. This gives the skirt an extra dimension and depth that it would not have otherwise. It is cut to sit high up on the waist and is fitted to hug your hips. At the back is the signature Balmain chunky zipper. The front has pockets on each hip and large gold domed buttons run down each side. It has all its original tags still attached and has never been worn. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the back with the zipper you see. Tagged a modern 40. Unworn.

Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 17.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S916

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 rare example of the work that Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell were doing together in the very early 1970s. It's an early version of what would go on to become one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable designs with that signature plunging squared off neckline. Various versions of these in solid colors are held several museums. I have only seen a couple of these and this one is entirely original.

It is said that the original design of these front plunging dresses were loosely based on the designs of a graduation gown. If that is the case Ossie somehow managed to take that rather conservative feeling piece of clothing and work in the flow and drape that he was known for. His pieces always have a touch of an overt sexuality that became one of his trademarks and here we see that in the ultra low front plunge. This one also has a touch more shape through the waist then we see on the longer maxi versions with that same neckline. On this dress, the plunge dips into a deep squared off shape that is cut to just above the seam at the waist. The waist is banded all the way around with attached ties on both sides. These wrap around and ties to cinch in the waist and it also keeps the plunge from moving. The skirt flows out from there with lots of fabric in it that gives it tons of movement when you move. The sleeves are slim cut and have a row of silk covered buttons at each wrist. The fabric itself is a silk crepe with a deep navy base. Onto this is that spectacular fan print by Celia Birtwell in blue, green, yellow and red. This label is from the couture Ossie Clark line and it also has the Jeeves Dry Cleaning, Quorum recommended, tag. The midi length makes it extra versatile and it is a dress that you will wear over and over, easily able to go from day to night. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist and a side set zipper. Each cuff has three fabric covered buttons at the wrist. There is a small faint mark at the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged an vintage UK 10. The flowing silhouette, waist tie and deep decolletage suit a variety of figures and sizes.

Sleeves: 22.5" but come up when cuffs are buttoned
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be cinched in more by the attached tie
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Plunge: 13" from neck to bottom
Skirt: 34" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3467

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 Emilio Pucci clutch bag is gorgeous and is quite large. It is covered in his signature print that has been done in shades of blue and purple that make the exterior of this bag instantly recognizable as being Emilio Pucci. The fabric is his classic velvet and this gives the bag an added texture and makes it wonderful to carry in the hand. It is really two bags in one. There is an attached heavy gold chain that can be tucked in for it to be a true clutch or used to be able to carry it as a shoulder bag. I love the way that strap folds around the bag to close at the front and the simplicity of the gold bar that holds it in place. Its sleek and simple lines still feel modern and fresh. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk satin and closes with the slip buckle clasp at the front. The handle is attached and hidden under the top flap. Two interior open pockets and a slip pocket inside. Light marks in the velvet inside consistent with normal aging

11.5" W x 7" H x 1.75" D - the handle adds 18" to the height

Item# B149

This garment is in clean, as found condition. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

George Halley started at Charles James who said of the young designer that he 'was a genius at draping'. By the time Halley opened his own atelier in 1966 he was well on his way to fame. He won the Coty Award in 1968 and his work is on par with couture. He is one of my personal favorite designers. In 2015 I included him in my list of: The 10 Designers to Add to Your Vintage Collection' for Harper's Bazaar, saying; 'If you want old school glamour and to feel like Hollywood royalty, look to this under-the-radar label outside of vintage circles... A Coty Award winner in 1968, Halley was one of the great American Couturiers and his work always feels grand and elegant. Think polished silk and fused velvet's and embellishments that have a touch of the Grand Old South to them. Silhouettes to look for are his sweeping ball gowns and hostess gowns. Rich fabrics and rich colors are used with a master's hand. Feathers, crystals, hand painted fabrics and fine workmanship are all things to expect from a George Halley gown. Slipping one on instantly makes a girl feel special and important. These are the showpieces and while you should expect to pay for the quality and beauty of what you get they are absolute jewels'. The best of his work are the pieces that show his love for Old Hollywood glamour combined with his love for over-the-top opulence. Women's Wear Daily called him 'a designer in a lovely world of his own'.

This dress is very pretty in person and the camera does not capture the depth created by that the gold thread woven into the fabric. A George Halley design always starts with his the fabric that he has chosen. For this one he has used a stunning silk brocade that uses real metal thread in a gold tone that is densely woven through the silk. The color is a soft pastel teal blue green through the body and then the collar, waist and down the sides of the skirt are highlighted with a panel of the same type of fabric in a soft dusty pink. The bodice is cut to be more fitted and has a high neckline and narrows down into the cinched on waist. Each sleeve is long with a wide cuff on that pink fabric. The skirt falls to the floor and there is a surprising amount of volume in it. It widens out gradually as it falls from the waist and is set into the waist with a series of soft folds. This is an attached band of matching fabric in the pink that wraps and hooks to close around the waist. The hidden details are exquisite with each snap covered in silk and set into place by hand. It is made to couture standards. In person the gold has a bit more of an impact and catches the light when you move.  This is a remarkable dress that would be impossible to replicate in our modern work. This is almost certainly a one-off and a wonderful find. Excellent condition with a small note to review below.

Fully lined in a hand set turquoise blue silk. It closes with a hand set back zipper, The waist sash and hooks to close. Each sleeve has hidden, hand covered silk snaps. There are some breaks along the edge of the hem, please see photo after the label photo. There is also minor fraying to the edge of the collar . Neither of these notes detract and the gown is extraordinary and very beautiful.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 24"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3430

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 amazing and rare Donald Brooks Boutique set is an early example of the pieces he was doing for his main couture line. He launched his self-named label in 1964 and only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He also designed costumes and stage wear and that love of exuberance and high glamour was also seen in his own label and in pieces like this.

This set is incredible and is such a glamorous and distinctive design. The pants have an unusual harem cut to them and this will give them a slightly cropped feel to them depending on your height. Each leg ends in an elastic and this allows the pant leg to pouf over the inner elastic and gives it that wonderful harem feel. They are slim cut through the hips and the waist is set higher. Over this is the long tunic dress that is cut to skim over the bust. The waist is cinched in with a seam and there is the matching, original tie belt that allows you to add even more shape if needed. Below that the skirt falls past the knees so that when worn together the pants just peak out under. The longer length of the top gives you the extra versatility to wear it as a dress on its own and of course you can mix the pants up with other pieces from your wardrobe. I love the edging of big gold pailettes that dangle from the edges with little looped seed beads. These go all the way around each cuff, the neckline, and the  hem of the skirt. When you move they will move as well and create a fabulous added feel to the set. The fabric is a beautiful printed silk chiffon over an inner lining of silk and there are big gold dots created by gold metallic thread. The combination of the bright turquoise, the print and those metallic dots is killer. Excellent condition with a small note below

Both the top and skirt are lined in a bright matching turquoise silk. The tunic closes with a metal and nylon zipper at the back and hook & eye at the neck. Each cuff snaps to close. The pants zip and hook to close and have elastic at each hem. Note that there are a couple of the gold pailettes missing on each cuff. I have photoed them for you to review. One pant leg seems to fall slightly differently then the other I would have it adjusted to where they sit perfectly on you. Note that the back does close all the way - it was just small on my dress form

Tunic/dress
Sleeves: 27" with the pailettes adding another 2"
Shoulders: 15'
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from shoulder to hem
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem including the pailettes

Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 42" from waist to hem
Inseam: approx 30"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3427

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

Bill Blass became the head designer at Maurice Rentner in 1959 and soon after that his name started to appear on the labels. In 1970 he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. These Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner pieces, are some of his earliest and you will find many of them, like the twin of this coat, in museum collections throughout the world. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of all the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seem to have a way of flattering the wearer even at their most extravagant. This piece has the additional bonus of being able to be worn as either a coat or a dress

This early Bill Blass coat is particularly gorgeous with its metallic gold and deep blue silk brocade fabric. The base of the coat is a deep blue silk. Onto this, in horizontal rows that run over the entire coat, is an incredible and intricate design that has been created out of gold lame and gold thread. The gold pops off the blue base and has a lovely way of catching the light. The coat has a bit of a military feel to it and I love how the pattern is laid out to highlight the high collar and cuffs. Flap pockets are placed on the front of the coat. One on each hip and then two more on each breast. They are perfectly set tot follow the pattern and each has a large bead covered dome button to secure its flap closure. The same big bead covered buttons run down the front giving the coat a neat and polished feel. The shoulders are structured but are not padded. There is a subtle fabric epaulette across the top of each shoulder. The sleeves are long and he took the time to make sure that the fabric lines up with the body of the coat. The fairly simple design of the coat allows that beautiful fabric to take center stage. An interesting thing about this one, it closes all the way to the bottom hem so could be worn as a dress as well. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a blue silk and closes with silk covered snaps hidden behind each hand beaded dome button down the front. All four pockets are functional. Hand finished throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem with 4" turned over under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C542

Reference Photo: Samantha Jones in Bill Blass, photographed by Richard Avedon, Vogue October 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.

This Valentino set is wonderful and even better once it is on an actual body. All four of the original pieces are present which is rare. This is early Valentino Boutique when they were still hand writing out the fabrics on the tag. 

All of the pieces of the set are made out of the same fluid silk chiffon crepe that has a deep blue base with a Italian Roma tomato print. The pieces are all original. There is a cropped halter top, a long full maxi skirt, a sash and a huge shawl. The top is cut with a high neckline and a ruffled collar. The front is set on an angle that curves up towards the neck and leaves a hint of collar bone showing. It is slightly cropped in length and ends up sitting just at the waist with a ruffle detail that picks up the detail at the neck. This leaves the entire top portion of the back bare. This gorgeous little top goes with the long maxi length skirt that is incredibly full. It widens out to almost a full circle skirt when laid out flat with yards and yards of fabric there. A double ruffle circles the bottom hem and ties in with the ruffles on the halter top. When the top and skirt are worn together it gives the effect of a dress except for that sexy peek of skin at the waist. You can wrap the long sash around the waist or use as a head scarf. The shawl can be wrapped and styled around you any way you wish. The shawl is also finished with a ruffle around all its edges to tie everything together perfectly. The set is gorgeous and far better on an actual body them my dress form. This is Valentino at his best during this time period. Excellent condition

The skirt and halter top are fully lined in a black silk chiffon and the sash and shawl are unlined. The halter closes with a painted metal at the back and the skirt also zips to close at the waist. Hand finished throughout. Tagged a vintage Valentino 6

Neck: 13.5" from end to end
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 17"

Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Sash: 16" x 72"
Shawl: 39" x 116"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3078

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

Yves Saint Laurent only created six Haute Couture collections for the House of Dior which makes the few garments found from those collections very special. The Fall 1958 season was his second collection for the house and this collection was presented to Princess Margaret and guests at Blenheim Palace. This coat is  from that season and is exceptionally well documented. It was the piece from the show that was used in the ad campaign that season and it also appears in the book 'Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960' one of a series of books celebrating the houses 70th anniversary. The design of the coat builds on the Trapeze line of his first collection for Dior. In the book it is noted as being a ‘Courbe line’ or curved line design. It is extraordinarily beautiful and a true piece of fashion history.

The coat is made from a navy blue silk satin and is cut with the volume that Yves brought to the collection that season. This would have be considered to have been a ‘Petite Theatre’, or more formal evening coat, during this time period. A neat rounded collar wraps in a curve around the neck and closes just off to the side to sit perfectly above the row of buttons that run down that side. Those buttons are one half of the double row of large silk covered buttons that finish the front of the coat. Under each is a perfectly made button hole and all the work is done by hand. Vertical seams run down each side of the buttons and are gracefully set on a slight curve. Pockets are hidden along their curve so that their lines seem unbroken. The back has more volume then the front and this fullness is created by an inverted pleat that opens from just under the back collar and extends down to the hem, opening as it goes. From the side, this treatment almost gives it a caped back feel. The silk used is of the highest possible quality and there is an almost sensual sensation when wearing the coat. It appears to have bee worn very little and is in outstanding condition. The original, numbered Haute Couture label is present and the coat is made entirely by hand to the standards demanded of Haute Couture. This is an exquisite example of Yves work during his early years at Dior and an outstanding piece of Haute Couture from one of the most important houses of our modern era. Excellent condition

Fully lined in hand set blue silk. It buttons to close at the front with silk covered buttons and has two hooks inside to secure in place. Hand done, proper button holes. Pockets are hidden at each hip along the seams. The coat looks to have been worn very little if it all. The coat is meant to fit slightly oversized so should fit a variety of sizes. It's Haute Couture tag is present, numbered and the coat is of course made to Haute Couture standards

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: open
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 38.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C434

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior ad, 1958.  /  (2-3) "Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960", pages 108-109, published by Assoulin.  /  (4-6) 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.

Emilio Pucci is one of my favorite designers and every single dress is a work of art in its own right. His colors and prints are mixed with a masterful hand and when you get a good piece of Pucci, it is a piece that you can wear for a lifetime. This one is quintessentially Pucci and is done in one of his beautiful blue color palettes. The dress is made out of his signature lightweight silk jersey, a fabric that he preferred because of the way it moved and took color. It is screened with one of his custom prints that depicts a lattice pattern that runs over the entire dress and then has leaves and vines twining around and through that lattice. The pattern runs over the long sleeves and over the bodice that skims over the bust with a scooped neckline. The neckline and cuffs are defined with a border piece of the same pattern that only has the leaves and vines. There is a detailing seam that runs just under the bust and then the waist and skirt flows from there to the floor. I love the wide band of print that runs up the back of the dress and circles the hem as well. The skirt itself is surprisingly full through the lower portion. When you are standing it falls in perfectly little rounded drapes but when you move you really get a sense of the fullness. The entire dress weighs ounces and is just wonderful to see. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back hidden, painted metal zipper. The fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch. Note that the color is more intense in person - better then how it photoed. Hand finished. Tagged a vintage Pucci 8

Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3382

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

From 2004 until 2012, Stefano Pilati was the head designer of Yves Saint Laurent for 8 years. He did two more collections after the Resort 2012 one. Vogue said of this collection that Pilati had succumbed to the call of the sea for resiort sending "out a cruise collection that was as croisière as it gets, complete with lanyard necklaces, rope-print dresses, and sailor jackets and pants. Afterward, the designer pointed out that Yves Saint Laurent did a nautical collection of his own around 1982. "He showed it with sheer stockings and pumps, and I loved the 'why not?' factor," Pilati said" This dress was Look 23 of the collection and one of the ones that had a definitive nod to the original YSL archives in its lines.

The dress is ain a pretty crepe fabric that has a blue floral print covering it. It has the feel of Yves infamous 'Scandal collection of 1971 in its cut that has a string nod to the forties. The sleeves are capped and gathered along a bad that runs down their tops before buttoning in a cuff detail. The front plunges quite low and ties in two places along that plunge. There is actually a double panel of fabric that extends out from each side to make those ties which is unusual and gives a bit thicker knot for coverage. The bust and waist just skim over the body with no seaming present until you hit the low ruffle of the skirt. This low set skirt has volume so that when you move it moves and gives the dress its flirty feel. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Ties at the front and each sleeve has a button to close. Tagged a YSL FR40 but cut generously for that sizing.

Inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3313

Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2012 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Collection, Look 23, Model Janice Alida.  /  (2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. (Cherie is also wearing a Recent Prada Jacket)

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 darling little dress is from the days when founder Consuelo Castiglioni was the head of the company still and acting Creative Director. The brand launched in 1994 and quickly became known for it innovative prints and the way she mixed and matched colors. This is classic Marni from this time period. The print was featured on the runway in two looks and then for production to the stores they utilized the fabric in this dress as well. It is one of her very easy to wear smock pieces with sleeves that run just past the elbow and a bodice set above a high waist. The collar is neat and pointed and this tops a plunge that runs right to the seam under the bust. There is a bit of a curved yoke at the front and the back as well as a few well placed knife pleats for volume and detail. The dress falls in a loose baby doll, smock feel around and below that. It is very easy to wear and travel with and is a great example of her work during this time period. Plus it has pockets. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. Buttons at each cuff and pockets along the side seams. Tagged a 38

Sleeves: 18"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 35" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3314

Reference Photos: S/S 2006 Marni Runway. Look 2 (Model: Kim Noora) & Look 4 (Model: Gemma Ward).

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 Hardy Amies label launched in 1946. In the beginning he only produced couture. it was not until 1950 that he added a more ready-to-wear label, but even that was made to extremely high standards. In 1951 Amies was chosen to design some of the wardrobe for Princess Elizabeth’s tour of Canada. That led to Amies appointment as the Royal Dressmaker in 1955 after Elizabeth became the Queen. Hardy was known for his fine, elegant lines and very high quality fabric choices. A signature touch of Amies is a slightly dropped waistline as he thought it was more flattering and elegant and added length to the torso.

This beautiful full length maxi dress is made of a silk organza that holds color exceptionally well and it is very light but still has a touch of structure to it. It is the perfect fabric choice to create volume without bulk or heaviness. The blue is a lovely and unusual shade, and in person it is even better then how it photoed here. Screened onto this is an pretty print done in rusts and taupe shades. The dress is cut with simple lines. The simple bodice has tiny straps that curve up and around each shoulder. The waist nips in with a seam and under that the skirt billows out with light and airy fullness. The skirt is made of yards and yards of silk that drapes perfectly into place as it flows to the ground. The top layer floats over an inner lining and all the volume you see is created by the way it is set into the waist, the fabric choice and the sheer yardage used to construct it. There is no additional crinolines used on the photos. I love the matching cape that simply ties into place at the neck and floats over the shoulders. It is cut to end just about the waist seam at the back and sits just slightly shorter then that at the front. The edge is finished with a full six inch ruffle that perfectly picks up the skirt's shape and volume. Excellent condition with one note to review below

The dress is fully lined in a blue silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. There is a light spot that follows the front seam of the skirt - it really gets lost in the pattern and when on is not noticeable - you do see it when its flat and look for it. Please review the photo after the label shot. The cape ties at the neck and is unlined.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: " flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem
Cape: 18" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1586

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

If you have been looking for a statement dress for the season look no further then this incredible Emanuel Ungaro dress that is absolutely amazing. The color is wonderful. It is a metallic feeling blue on a silk taffeta. This fabric gives it a touch of a shimmer and depth as it catches the light. The fabric is quite light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not heavy to wear, but it does hold the intended shape fabulously. The bodice is cut with a strapless, modified sweetheart neckline and hugs the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. This was an Ungaro signature and really made his pieces flattering once on. An angled sash wraps and hooks into place to detail the waist even more. Under that the skirt explodes in a pouf of shape and volume. Elaborate gathers mold the shape so the skirt feel asymmetrical on one side and on the other there is a huge half bow that gives even more volume to that hip. The opening of the skirt at the very bottom is deliberately kept to be as minimal as possible, forcing you to move in a way that highlights the shape even more. It is incredible. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side zipper from the waist up and silk covered snaps under the wait. The bodice is boned. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 10 but cut small. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem but can be worn up as high as you wish because of the way the bottom opening is cut.
Skirt opening at the bottom hem 32" in total around

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3256

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

This is an 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

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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.

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.

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.

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 beautiful Emilio Pucci dress is made out of one of his signature silk jerseys. Covering every square inch of it is a stunning print that is a mix of different tones of blue, grey and whites, all mixed together like a master. The bodice crosses over itself and is then detailed at the waist with a contrasting printed border. This border also circles the neckline for added detail. Each cuff is also finished with this contrasting print and covers each wide cuff that the sleeves end in. The cut is a simple and classic with a slight A-line cut as the skirt nears its hem. The sleeves are long and simple with a slight pouf to them. I love those wide cuffs that finish each sleeve off perfectly. This is a classic Pucci silhouette that is instantly recognizable and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. I love all the contrasting print panels that give the cut visual definition. This mix of blues is always one of my favorite of his prints. They are just soft and pretty and suit pretty much any skin tone. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the side. Tagged a vintage Pucci 12 but of course, check the actual measurements. The fabric does have slight stretch. Each cuff closes with hidden set snaps

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to middle of waist
Skirt: 28" from middle of waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2718

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

After much searching I have settled on the Spring 1973 as the most likely collection that this is from. That collection also featured snap closures instead of the buttons he used more often in earlier collections. It also had the same side placement of the snaps that the skirt has. This very rare numbered couture label piece from Courreges and its absolutely stunning.

The blue color of the piece is slightly deeper than what is showing and in person is more a true navy blue. The fabric that the suit is made out of is that classic Courreges wool. It has enough weight to hold the sharp lines of his pieces but without adding bulk or feeling to heavy to wear for a modern wardrobe. It has a slight texture to it and that, combined with the superb seaming, are all that is needed to highlight the suit design. The jacket is wonderful with its fitted shape and snap front. It curves in at the waist for added shape and to highlight the waistline. The sleeves are kept short and I love the seaming detail that runs down each of them. The skirt is done in a sharp little A-line cut. It has a double row of snaps that run down each hip and both sides open all the way up to the waist. That means you can leave them as open as you want and create as high a slit up each leg as you wish too. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in cream silk and close with the snaps as described above. Note that the last two snaps above the hem on either side of the skirt are both snap tops only so do not fasten. There is a repair to the inside lining of the skirt at the back but of course it does not show when worn. Tagged a vintage Courreges 00

Jacket
Shoulders: 12" across
Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 18" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 17" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 22.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS

Item# DD1091

Reference photo: Andre Courreges Haute Couture Spring 1973

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 stunning Pierre Balmain suit that is constructed from a deep blue suiting fabric that has a touch of texture to it. I believe that is a mix of a fine wool and silk and this combination gives it enough weight to hold the line but without it feeling bulky or too heavy for a modern wardrobe. We found similar pieces from the 1960 collection and have included those here. The suit has a beautiful sculptural feel with an exaggerated and dramatic swing back cut to the jacket. From the from, when the jacket is buttoned, it nips in slightly at the waist to give it just a hint of a curved in shape. The back of the jacket is gorgeous. It dramatically swings out from the shoulders in a sweep of volume that is wonderful. It is slit with a two button detailed closure and the slit runs from just below the mid-back to the hem. This tops a little A-line skirt whose simplicity perfectly balances the volume at the back of the jacket.  It is immaculately made. The seaming on the inside jacket is fantastic and both pieces have the hand finishing one excepts from a true couture piece. Behind the Balmain label is the the numbered tape showing its Haute Couture origins. Excellent condition with one small note below to read about the buttons.

Both pieces are fully lined in a navy silk. The lining in the skirt is a soft, heavy weight silk satin and the lining in the jacket a more structured silk taffeta. The jacket closes with buttons down the front and has two decorative buttons at the back. The skirt closes with a fine, back metal zipper and flat hook & eye on the waist band. Completely hand finished. Numbered behind the main label. Note the buttons are original and show chips along their edges. These are the original buttons so have been left as found.

Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16.5" across
Bust: to 22" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: open
Length: 22" from neck to hem

The back vent is actually open under the overlapped fabric to the fist button - 14" above the hem

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 20" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1089

Reference Photos: (1) Pierre Balmain in L'Officiel, 1960.  /  (2) Pierre Balmain in Vogue, March 1960.

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 original owner of this dress wore it to host a dinner party in 1989 but I do not know if she had purchased it that same season or from a slightly earlier season. There are hints of it from both the 1986 collection in terms of  some of the construction details and the 1988-89 collection in terms of color specifically. I have included reference photos for both those collections. Of course Haute Couture was always custom made for the client so would rarely be a specific copy anyway but it is nice to have a more narrow date range.

The dress is a stunning example of Valentino's work during this time period. It mixes a sense of restraint and elegance with the softness and sensuality that the silk gives it. You are entirely covered form neck to hem but the transparency of the silk through the billowing sleeves and upper shoulders hint at the skin underneath and keep the dress from feeling too demure. The bodice is a masterpiece in shaping and couture techniques. The silk here is entirely set and gathered by hand and immaculately stitched into place to create the soft pleats that curve over the bust and highlight your shape. Inside it is boned and shaped but not to the point where it feels constrictive, just so that it holds you in place and shapes you perfectly. The skirt flows out under that in four full layers of bias cut silk chiffon so that when you move the skirts seem to float around you. This is the type of gown that Valentino excelled at; refined elegance mixed with a luxurious fabric and finished with a master's touch of provocativeness and romance. The dress presents as excellent but does have some flaws. Please review the notes below.

The interior bodice is finished in muslin, lingerie netting, boned and molded through the bust. The sleeves and upper shoulders are unlined and the skirt is made from four full layers of silk. The interior bodice closes with series of hook and eye and the dress sips to close over that with a painted metal zipper. Each cuff buttons to close with two silk covered buttons and loops. Three buttons also sit at the top of the back neck just above the slit opening that starts just above the zipper of the corseted bodice. There are various discolored areas through the skirt that go through the layers. I have photoed the worst of them. There is so much fabric that once on these are almost invisible to the eye so it is wearable as is if you are OK with it being not 100% perfect. There are some very light faint versions of the same on the upper front above the corset and through the sleeves. I see one tiny repair near the hem at the back of the skirt. Priced well down from what it would be if perfect. Note for those that buy based on how it fits me that it was a little long through the bodice and big through the bust and waist on me.

Dress
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from top of neck to interior waist stay
Skirt: 45" from interior waist stay to hem

Matching ruffle edged shawl (photoed separately)
54" x 52"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3018

Reference Photos: (1) From the book "A Grand Italian Epic, Valentino", 1988/1989 collection  /  (2-3) The "Degradè" Dress from the Valentino Haute Couture 1986 collection. (4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon taken on location at JohnMel Stables 

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 color of this Pucci dress is wonderful. It is a beautiful shade of turquoise blue and the pops of pink and purple work perfectly against that backdrop. The cut is very flattering and forgiving and has a very romantic feel to it. This is not your typical stretch silk jersey dress that you see but it still has that fabulous Pucci print and feel. The sleeves are cut wide and full. Each ends with a ruffled detailing fro a pretty flounce. This same ruffle treatment is used at the hem of the skirt and helps give it lots of movement and an airy feel. I love the neckline - it has fabric ties that run all the way around the shoulders and you can adjust the neckline with them. They allow you to let it sit higher up or let them out wide enough to sit fully off the shoulders. It is very feminine but sexy at the same time. I love it. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching blue silk chiffon and closes at the side with a painted metal zipper. The shoulders can be adjusted with the ties that run through the upper edge.

Shoulders: adjustable
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1866

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 unusual and striking Galanos dress dates to the late 1970s, early 1980s, and combines a silk twill with silk chiffon to create the layered print effect that you see. The entire dress is done in a combination of yellow and blue. The inner layer and skirt are an opaque silk twill. Over that, Galanos has then used a silk chiffon in the same two print. The two layers used this was give the pattern depth and play on the saturation of the color. The bodice has a high neck and soft drape over the bust. Each sleeve billows above the cuff and the shoulders are gathered. The back is left partially open with the slit that goes from neck to waist. The skirt has a straight cut with a side slit. There are two panels attached on either side and these meet and loop through an opening at the waist. This gives it a drape over the hip and fabric cascading down one side.  Excellent condition

The bodice is constructed from two layers of silk chiffon. The skirt is a made of a silk that is fully lined in a yellow tissue silk with silk chiffon draped overlay. The dress closes with a low painted metal zipper that starts at the waist. There are a series of hook and eye at the back of the neck and the chiffon in between is left open. Each sleeve closes with a fabric covered button.

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulder: approx 14"
Bust: to 19" 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: 13" from neck to slight empire waist
Skirt: 41" from slight empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1119

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

This is an extremely rare Jeanne Lanvin-Castillo labeled ensemble. The label is that of the "Execute par Maria Carine sur autorization speciale", which translates to: "made by Maria Carine with special authorization. That label is best explained by this partial excerpt from the Vintage Fashion Guild: The Maria Carine atelier was owned by Maria Moutet-Chenu. She worked with four couturiers: Heim, Desses, LaRoche, and Lanvin. After the couture showings, each couturier would give her sketches based upon the garments they had just shown. Moutet-Chenu made the toiles which were approved by the designers. Then each garment was cut individually by hand in the Maria Carine workrooms in Paris using the same fabrics that were used for the couture garment. Maria employed hundreds of seamstresses, many of whom worked in their own homes. They sewed each garment individually by hand to exacting standards. In other words - this is an authorized piece, whose construction was overseen by the house of Lanvin and is how demi-couture pieces were produced for clients outside of France. These were only produced for a small window of time before more mass market production methods took over. This method was used by the French ateliers of the time to circumvent the stringent export rules of the day - think of it as a off site atelier as this were only produced with permission of the house. They are not "copies", nor are they less valid pieces - they simply were produced off-site to get around the export rules of the time. The quality is that of a demi-couture piece.

The fabric of this dress is wonderful. It is a very lightweight, fine silk brocade woven with a slightly raised pattern of flowers in a deeper blue thread that perfectly contrasts against the blue base. In person this fabric almost seems to glow from within and it is very beautiful. The color is not quite captured in these photos and I think it is far better in person. The dress is fitted through the waist but cut to skim over your curves above and below that. The sleeveless top gently gathers into the banded waist with soft pleats that make it feel very feminine. The skirt falls softly to just past the knee and gently widens as it nears the hem. The jacket is cut with a simple design and has straight cut sleeves that are just past the elbow in length. The is no no collar and it ties in place at the waist. That tie at the waist is finished with hidden set snaps to keep the ends of the tie perfectly in place. I love the two round pockets that sit very high up on the chest. It is made with masterful seaming and cut and the fabric is just extraordinary. Hand finishes and extra detail throughout. Excellent condition.

Unlined with a combination of grosgrain and hand stitched edged seams on the interior. The dress closes with a side set painted metal zipper. The jacket ties at the waist and there is a combination of with hook & eye and hidden snaps to secure the tie. Each pocket is hand shaped and sewn into place. Hand sewn interior silk banding at the waist for additional comfort.

Dress
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to top of waist band
Waist band: 3"
Skirt: 22" from waist to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 17"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 17.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1700

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