This Jean Varon is amazing. It looks like it was never worn and is incredible condition. The fabric it is made out of is a taupe crepe jersey. This fabric choice really allows the dress to drape and move wonderfully as it has some weight to it and holds the intended lines wonderfully. It was quite obviously inspired by ancient Greek and and that combined with its seventies bareness gives it load of sex appeal. The skirt is cut on the bias so that it feels like a column when you stand still but when you move, it moves with you and you get a sense of the true amount of fabric that was used to construct the skirt. The top is fantastic with a halter cut at the front. Two triangles of fabric plunge to the just below the bust and curve over the shoulders. The first waist seam is set high and just under the bust. Fabric is gathered under this vertically and then a second seam hugs the natural waist to give the dress a Grecian feel. Under the second seam is a flaring hip peplum. The sides are left completely bare with the shoulders extending down into the low waist of the back. These cross over straps that extend from under the bust at the front to create a grid at the side and back that keep the dress in place but leave the sides and back completely bare. I love that the seams that define the bust and waist are highlight with cording in a combination of a metallic gold and taupe. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a low back set zipper and hook & eye to close each of the straps at the back. Note that it was too tiny for my dress form and of course zips and closes perfectly on the correct sized girl. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The color is slightly paler in person. Hand finished

Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to bottom of the waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SM

Item# DD3100

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 am very pleased to begin presenting a collection of Bill Blass pieces from a woman who was a close personal friend of Mr. Blass for many years. Many of these pieces were custom made or tweaked specifically for her and all of them are in exquisite condition, having been stored and cared for properly over the years. These are rare and hard to find example of his work from the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Some may be the only version of its kind that were made. The family would also like it to be known that their portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to charity. 

The crepe fabric on this late seventies, early eighties dress is the perfect choice for it to fall and drape perfectly once on the body. The fabric has just enough weight so that the drape down the front is perfectly executed, but it is still light enough to feel extremely comfortable once on the body. The simple yet dramatic cut has that nod back to the glamour days of Hollywood that you see in his best pieces. The interior of the bodice is has a concealed inner separate panel that is lightly boned and meant to hug and support the bust so you can go completely bare underneath. Straps made from the  same fabric extends from the center of the bust and curve up and around the neck. From the center bust the dress drapes down and around you, curving up at the front allowing for an unexpected flash of leg when you move and down to a longer length at the back. This then tops a second layer of fabric so that the dress falls to a full maxi length. A slit runs up the front so that you get a flash of leg when you move. It is simple, sexy and perfect. Excellent condition with one minor note below.

The bust has a full built in foundation that is lightly boned and closes with its own front set zipper. The exterior layer of the dress closes with a front hidden set zippers that is set along the front middle seam, disappearing under the draping once on. Hand finishes. The ends of the ties are weighted and hand finished. I see one tiny storage mark on one hip. Please see the photo after the label shot. It also comes with a matching cowl like scarf pie that is not pictured but will be sent with the dress

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner bodice at waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: approx 60" from neck to hem
Front slit: 21" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3277

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.

I am very pleased to begin presenting a collection of Bill Blass pieces from a woman who was a close personal friend of Mr. Blass for many years. Many of these pieces were custom made or tweaked specifically for her and all of them are in exquisite condition, having been stored and cared for properly over the years. These are rare and hard to find example of his work from the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Some may be the only version of its kind that were made. The family would also like it to be known that their portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to charity.

This gorgeous printed ball gown skirt and silk top set is a wonderful example of the work that Blass was doing in this time period. We were able to date it exactly with a family photo that my client shared with me. The skirt is made out of a fine silk taffeta. This was then printed with the most amazing floral print. The backdrop is a golden taupe and the flowers are a mix of soft muted pastels with pops of purple that pick up on the purple of the top. It has a detachable cummerbund in a muted burgundy earth color and the bottom pf the hem is finoshed in a wide strip of a copper colored silk satin. The skirt is very full and I have not used any crinolines under the skirt for these shots. The fullness that you see is all done through the way it is cut. The choice of the silk taffeta also helps it to hold the shape while still keeping it very light in weight. The top is a light silk that has a slight texture running through it. It is made with elastic all through the neckline so that you can wear it on or fully off the shoulders. More elastic is used at the waist which makes it insanely comfortable to wear. I love that you can wear it tucked in, loose and easy or with the belt to really cinch it in.  Each sleeve is very full and voluminous. and this just adds to the fabulous effect the full set has. Having the three pieces makes it so versatile as you can wear it all together for the full Blass look, or mix and match with modern pieces from your wardrobe. It is beautifully made and wonderfully extravagant. Excellent condition with one small note below

Both pieces are unlined. The skirt closes with a metal and nylon zipper and a flat hook & eye at the waist. The skirt's hem has some water staining to it. I photoed the worst area bit there are some more. You really don't notice them once it is one due tot he volume. Please review the photo after the label shot. The top slips on with elastic through the neckline/shoulders and also around the waist and each cuff. The cummerbund closes with hook and eye.

Top
Sleeves: approx 26"
Bust: 20-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 23"

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46.5" from waist to hem
Matching cummerbund: 30" from end to end

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3263

Reference Photo: 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 is every inch that classic, couturier inspired, tent coat of the fifties and sixties except it has been done in a soft suede and has the option to cinch in the waist for added shape. I think the cut is wonderful. I have to say that the photos of it on the mannequin do not convey how great that this will sit on a real girl. If you are a fan of these coats then you already know how wonderful these are. To see one made of suede is not something you will see every day. The suede gives it enough body to hold the form and structure of the coat. The cut gives it lots of swing and volume. A pointed collar sits at the neck and each sleeve is cut wide and turns up to make a wide cuff. All of the volume comes out from the shoulder and once on it creates the most dramatic silhouette. It comes with its original matching belt and the suede is soft enough that it easily will cinch and tie for a completely different look and feel. I love the top stitched detailing where the panels of the coat connect and that is has hidden pockets on each hip. Excellent overall condition.

Lined in quilted rayon that is backed with padding. It buttons to close at the front. The suede shows some minor patina from age and normal wear but nothing that doesn't just add to its vintage character. Pockets sit on each hip. The cut will allow for a range of sizes. In person the color is a touch more vibrant and even better.

Sleeves: approx 25" from natural shoulder
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C512

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 wonderful little piece merges a top with a jacket perfectly and is a beautiful example of Ferre's work during his time as Creative Director for Dior. The twin of this piece walked the runway and I have included the video of the piece in its debut as well as a still capturing it on the catwalk. The tag is numbered which for the boutique line label usually denotes a custom order or an order by an established client during this time period.

A cornerstone of Ferre's work was his ability to mix textures and fabrics so flawlessly that they created one seamless piece that you could not imagine being made any other way. Here he utilizes four distinct fabrications to make this gorgeous little jacket. The sleeves are cut to be very full and billow above the cuffs. On each cuff there is a filigree silver metal button, a signature of this particular collection. The sleeves are made from a fine silk organza and the execution of each is flawless. I particularly love how they are pleated across each upper shoulder. The back is a raw silk finished with a touch of sheen. The front is made of silk cord that is knotted and swirled. Finishing it off is waxed cord that is set as tassels all along the lower edge. It is remarkable, extremely well made and my client says that it was never worn. Excellent condition.

The front panels are lined in a silk chiffon and the back in a black silk. The sleeves are left unlined. It has no closures at the front. Each cuff buttons to close. The tag is numbered 49407

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 15.5 " from neck to hem at the back, 20" at the front

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S851

Reference Photos: From the Christian Dior S/S 1994 Runway Show Video (below).

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 J.G. Couture was added as a division of Malcolm Starr in 1969 and was produced until 1973 so we know the window from when this jumpsuit would be from.

The jumpsuit is gorgeous and when combined with the gold metallic threads that run from top to bottom and create those little gold dots, it is made even better. The exterior layer is an organza that has a secondary print running over it and under the gold dots. I love the richness of the earthy tones mixed with the gold. The gold is further set off by the braiding that runs down the front, around the waist and highlight each arm where the sleeves are set in. The braiding also circles each cuff. As you get closer you realize that there are flat gold metal discs set in and running along all of the braiding. Each is engraved with a circular pattern to pick up the dots in the fabric even more. There are also little gold dome details and rhinestones. The sleeves are long and slim and the neck is simple and scooped. The pants are very full and flares out in a gentle swoop of fabric as they falls to the floor. At first glance it looks like full length dress but they are indeed pants. It is a beautiful and dramatic piece. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a hand set taupe silk rayon. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each leg is a full 54" around the bottom hem. Hand finished throughout and there is a good 2.5" turned up under the hem of each leg if you meed more length

Shoulders: 15"
Sleeves: 22.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" when measured flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from the neck to the waist seam
Pant length: 45.5" from waist to bottom hem
Inseam: (dropped) 29"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3169

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 beautifully combines several textures to work together wonderfully. It also wonderfully showcases the genius of Mr. de la Renta's work and attention to detail. The dress has a beautiful elegance to it and is quite striking. This sense of refinement is a constant in Oscar's work and I particularly love the earlier examples of it. You can see how many of the elements you see here carried through his entire career and body of work.

The dress is made from a sheer black silk chiffon with a built in under dress done in a light, fine silk chiffon. This gives it a touch of sheerness and allows the design that runs over the chiffon to have more if an impact. That pattern is made from a combination of two velvet's fused to the underlying silk chiffon. One is a coppery brown with no metallic sheen to it and the other a full on metallic velvet that gives the entire dress its subtle glint. Each sleeve is left unlined for a touch more transparency. These are both full and poufed above their cuffs and add a touch of high drama. The bodice is cut in a low V at the front and I love the little high cap detailing at the top of each shoulder. The skirt falls to the floor and comes in more as it nears the hem for a lean silhouette. A high slot runs up the center front for a flash of leg and ease to walk in it. It is a beautiful example of his work during this time period. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with an inner built in bodice made of a nude and black silk chiffon and a black chiffon through the skirt. The sleeves are left unlined. The inner dress lining closes at the back with a hand set, painted metal zipper. The outer fabric snaps and hooks over that to conceal the zipper. Each cuff closes with a hidden set snap. Tiny padding in each shoulder  - just enough to support that little cap. A long slit up the front that is 21" up from the hem. Hand finished throughout. It looks to have been worn very little if at all

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: at inset seam approx 13" and to where shoulders sit - approx 15"
Inner bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist and will blouse up a bit over the seam so sits at about 15"
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3166

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 great little jacket by Burberry that is the perfect neutral and will pair with pretty much anything. It is a light khaki color and has great lines. The shoulders are shaped but not overly squared off and the sleeves are long with incredible cuffs. Each flips over at their ends and a row of three gold buttons sits above that for a slight nod to the military look. The front buttons with more of those fabulous, gold metallic buttons and the collar is neat and slightly rounded. Three pockets sits on the front and each is finished with its own gold button. The hips slightly flare out from the waist. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a taupey gold silky ribbed rayon and closes with the buttons as shown. The buttons are the cuffs are decorative only. Tagged a 44 but cut on the smaller size

Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: flares to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S837

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

This is one of those absolutely beautiful printed silk dresses that you can only find from the 1940s. It was definitely stored properly for all these years because the colors in the print are as crisp and vibrant as the day it was made. The base of the dress is a deep chocolate brown and then onto this are beautiful sprigs of flowers that have the feel of being hand painted onto the fabric, even though they are of course screened on. The cut is fitted with a high neck that has a neat little pointed collar. The sleeves are capped and the waist is seamed for fit. The skirt is very interesting in its construction. At the front, it wraps over itself and has a curved panel that shows a bit of leg when you move. At the back it is gathered into the waist seam for a little fullness and falls longer then it does at the front. On each side a panel of fabric wraps partially around the hip and then is caught in a loop of fabric on the front of each hip and falls to the hem. This is a very pretty detailing and one I have not seen before. Excellent condition with one minor note below

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. There is just the slightest touch of color change to the tops of the shoulders - it will not even photo but is mentioned for accuracy. I don't think it impacts at all when on.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5 " from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to shortest point of the front hem, 29" to longest point at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D606

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 am such a huge Hanae Mori fan and this particular dress is absolutely wonderful. It still feels so fresh and modern even after all the years that have passed since it would have originally been made. The neck is gently scooped at the front with a little ties there and it softly blouses out to the waist. It is sleeveless with an angled cut that leads to the silk straps that wrap around the neck. The skirt flows to the floor in a perfect soft flowing column of silk. It flares out gently as it nears the hem and this allowed Hanae to fully showcase the print that she has wrapped around the lower skirt to its full advantage. The dress is made of the top printed layer of silk chiffon that you see and then inner layer is a nude silk chiffon. The skirt has an additional silk layer under that as well. Even with the layers the dress weighs almost nothing. Once the dress is slipped on, it simply floats around you.The outermost silk has been custom screened with one of her beautiful prints and it is a striking combination of neutral taupe and browns with vivid pops of blue and coral. The design is pure Hanae and the print is just extraordinary and beautiful depicting a sunrise over a beautiful floral backdrop. Excellent condition with one minor note below.

The bodice is interlined lined with a nude silk chiffon and layers of a nude silk chiffon and a pale blue silk line the skirt. It closes at the back with a series of hand covered snaps down the back and these also close the exterior skirt over the zipper that closes the inner lining. There are the lightest faintest little marks here and there on the skirt - maybe faint water marks? They are not seen unless laid out flat and when its on you would never notice. mentioned for accuracy. Hand finished throughout to demi-couture standards. Cut on the bias but waist is seamed

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Lining hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 17" from top of bodice to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 39" from slightly dropped waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3101

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

Mariuccia Mandelli launched the Krizia label in 1954, as one of Italy's first ready-to-wear labels. By the 1980s and 1990s Krizia was a leader in the Italian fashion world with international acclaim. Much of her work was inspired by architecture and you can see a strong sense of that in this dress. I have dated this to the 1982 collection based on the reference photo found and dated to that year. It shares the same striking and unusual 'pockets' that jut out dramatically from the hip at sharp angles as the piece in that photo.

The dress is full length and made of a crinkled iridescent taffeta. Another reference photo found shows Mariuccia wearing an outfit in a similar fabrication. The drama of the hips are balance out by equally dramatic, curved and puffed sleeves. The front is done in an extremely low V that plunges past the waist to an almost unwearable depth. The hips are cut slim and fitted and the back has a high slit that runs up the center seam so that you can move and walk. The panels on each side are functional 'pockets' of sorts and do open down into the very bottom of where they attach along the side of the skirt. I have shown them extended out to each side but also photoed them pinned at the top points so that they curve in and wrap. You could do this to either the front or the back as I have shown. It is a very interesting and avant garde piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set, metal and nylon zipper at the back. Tagged a 42IT. Appears to have never been worn, or worn very little

Sleeves: 15"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Front plunge is 19" deep and the black slit is 24 from hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3099

Reference Photos: (1) Krizia, 1982. / (2) Mariuccia Mandelli (designer of Krizia), date unknown.

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 held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the fur pieces being produced at this point in Dior's history. I am no expert on furs but believe this it is mink. The color is a rich deep chocolate that is so dark that at first glance it almost appears to be a black. The fur is supple and soft and very shiny. It is applied on to the coat in series of matching rectangles that each measure approx 5" x 7" and you get a bit of a border where each fur piece meets another. This gives the coat an added bit of texture and a subtle pattern. It is cut in an almost trench coat style with a more structured, flared bottom to it then a soft trench would have. Big, unusual silver buttons run in a double row down the front. Slanted slit pockets sit on each hip and and it has its original matching tie belt that you can cinch to give the coat shape. The sleeves are cut straight and full and the collar is a classic notched wide collar.  It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No splitting, issues or shedding. Excellent condition with a minor note below to review.

Fully lined in a black silky satin and closes with the buttons down the front and has an attached tie inside. Slip pockets on each hip and one hidden along the inside edge at the front. Matching tie belt. I see no bald spots or shedding, the pelts are supple, soft and shiny. there is slight wear at some of the common points - edges of the sleeves. the inner edge, but it is very minor. For a vintage fur from such an important designer, I still rate this as near excellent. The fur has no odd odor, is still supple and is stable with no signs of excessive shedding that would indicate that it is breaking down. 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C484

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs, fur trimmed & feather pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. All fur coats, fur trimmed & feather pieces are final sale

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

These little 1950s Hawaiian dresses are wonderful and are cut to give you curves. They have such a classic silhouette that they still feel fresh even after 50+ years. This one is unlabelled and would have most likely come directly out of Hawaii in the movement that was set up to cater directly to the thriving tourist market of that era. These sarong styled sun dresses were worn by Hollywood starlets and girls bought them in droves to emulate their favorite stars. I love the sarong style skirting with its attached illusion of a wrap skirt complete with a little tie of fabric that sits at the side of waist. This one is boned through the bodice for support and the neckline is slightly gathered at the bust for a touch of detailing. The print is a pretty mix of a right tropical orange against a brown and tan backdrop. It is very pretty and very flattering on. The fabric is still crisp and it appears to have never been worn. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined and has boning in the bust area It closes with a side painted metal zipper. Made of a crisp cotton and appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D598

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 Christian Lacroix dress perfectly showcases his mastery in combining colors, fabric and textures. Every element on the gown has a depth and texture to it separate from the others and yet it all works perfectly together. A version of this dress, using the same metallic lace for its skirt, was shown on the Fall 1995 runway giving us the collection date for this piece.

Everything starts with the fabric choices on this one and the cut of the dress is there to simply support those choices. The body of the dress is a metallic lace that has a brilliant array of fall feeling colors. A deep brown lace is finished with a metallic thread that changes from deep coppers and russets to shades of gold. The colors flow into each other in a beautiful mix and cover the dress from just under the empire cut bodice to the extended train at the back. The skirt scoops and under the high set bodice and there is a metallic taffeta ribbon in a deep copper that sits between the bodice and skirt that is finished with a bow at the front. Above that is the bodice and it is done in a pure golden lace. An intricate pattern of flowers are subtly woven through the bust fabric. It is predominately gold but there are also delicate pink toned flowers in there as well. The dress flows to the ground, widening as it nears the hem and it has a longer train at the back. It is just exquisite. Excellent condition.

Fully lined black with a satin lining through the bodice area. It closes with a hidden back zipper and snaps close the gold lace of the bust area over the zipper. Tagged a 38.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under bust seam to natural waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem at the front, 52" to longest point at the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1580

Reference Photo: F/W 1995 Christian Lacroix Runway Collection.

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

On June 15, 1978 Lisa Najeeb Halaby wed King Hussein wed and she became the Queen of Jordan. She chose a Christian Dior gown, designed by Marc Bohan, for the ceremony and instantly became a style icon. Harper's Bazaar named the gown one of their 'The Most Iconic Royal Wedding Gowns of All Time'. That same year my client commissioned this version of that dress. I have also included a reference photo from the Metropolitan Museum of a top from the same collection that year that also has the open cut work 'ladder' technique. Charlotte Rampling was also photoed in a version for Vogue. The dress for sale today comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client who had it commissioned.

The attention to detail shown in every hand done stitch is breathtaking. It is entirely done by hand and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather. The top floats over the torso for an easy fit and is left unlined, which makes it semi-transparent. There is a double row of that open 'ladder' stitch edging the top portion of the bodice. The skirt falls in a column of bias cut silk chiffon. Detailing the lower half of the skirt are six rows of that same open ladder design that is used on the bodice so that it is in perfect balance. It comes with the original flower belt. The belt combines an antique gold metal thread lame that is then detailed with a huge silk flower. You can wear around the waist as intended or even choose to wear at the neck or as a head piece. I also photoed it without the belt so that you can see how versatile it could be. There is also a square silk chiffon scarf that came with it that is not photoed but will be sent with the gown. It is truly a wonderful dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece and fit for a modern day queen. Excellent condition.

The skirt is lined in second layer of the same silk used on the exterior while the bodice is unlined. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a handset, low side painted metal zip below the waist and and above that the bodice closes with a series of hand set, silk covered snaps. Inner waist stay the hooks to close. Note there is no label but it is true Haute Couture Dior. Note the color has a slight hint of terra cotta to it in person

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from shoulder to waist but drapes to approx 15" when on
Skirt: 39.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2365

Reference Photos: (1-2) Queen Noor in a Christian Dior Gown & King Hussain of Jordan on their wedding day, 1978 (credits unknown)  /  (3-4) Graco of Monaco in Yellow Christian Dior for the wedding mass of Caroline of Monaco, 1978.  /  (5) Princess Caroline of Monaco and Philippe Junot civil wedding, June 28,1978.  /  (6-7) Dior Evening Ensemble from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Online Collection  /  (8) Charlotte Rampling in Dior, March 1978, Vogue US. Photo by Helmut Newton.

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 seventies coat is unusual in that it has its own little carrying case hidden away inside a pocket in the form of a zipped pouch. It's label indicates that this was a patented design and it would have been made for the girl on the go and traveling.  The leopard print has been applied to a soft jersey and the inner lining is a lightweight fabric that is probably slightly water repellent. The leopard print acts like a neutral in that you can pair it with pretty much anything and any color. It closes with a double row of buttons down the front and ties around the waist for added shape. I love the notched collar and its trench coat styling. It flares out as it reaches the hem and has front, angled flap pockets. The zip pouch double as the inside of one of those pockets. You just pull it out and voila - the travel pouch is revealed, It is quite clever. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a light taupe nylon. It closes with buttons at the front as see. Attached zip pouch inside one pocket

Sleeve: approx 24"
Shoulder: approx 15-16"
Bust: 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C476

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 Spring 2005 Prada show is one of the label's most iconic and recognizable. In her review of the show, Vogue's Sarah Mower stated: "Just when the whole fashion world has turned ladylike—thanks, of course, to Miuccia Prada—she's tossed it all in the air, looking for a certain freedom. "A vague idea of birds; birds of vanity, like peacocks, parrots, and swans," was a starting point in her restless search for change, she explained. "I also wanted to move toward something more young and sporty, tall and narrow.... In broad terms, the news from Prada included a different silhouette (short hemlines, worn mostly with flat sandals), a return to one of her favorite palettes (brown-ochre-rust), and as always, lots of artful eccentricity (peacock feathers, flowerpot hats, Bakelite digital watches). There was also a Jamaican dance hall vibe, with reggae on the sound system, Rasta stripes in the knitwear, and Caribbean crochet in the raffia hats and cardigan coats. The birds really took flight for night, in the form of skirts overlaid with peacock feathers, dresses covered with digitalized feather prints, and pretty chiffon gowns whose fan-like pleats hinted subtly at dove's wings."

This is Look 48 from the runway show and one of my personal favorite pieces of the show. It is in that exact color that the show's review mentions in the paragraph above - a brown-ochre-rust color - and the silk shantung fabric chosen for this piece also gives it  a slight metallic sheen which adds to the allure of the piece. The dress is cut micro mini short with a simple A-line cut skirt that flares out as it reached the hem and a single shoulder at the top. Black silk ribbon insets add detailing around the waist and down the skirt to frame the embellished front. The skirt is heavily embellished with large paillettes, beads and crystals mixed with copper colored sequins. This is classic Prada and feels even more fresh then when it was originally presented on the runway. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a brown silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Hand set boning through the sides. Tagged a Prada 40

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2818

Reference Photo: Prada Spring 2005 Runway Show, Look 48. (Model: Querelle Jansen)

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 Spring 2005 Prada show is one of the label's most iconic and recognizable. In her review of the show, Vogue's Sarah Mower stated: "Just when the whole fashion world has turned ladylike—thanks, of course, to Miuccia Prada—she's tossed it all in the air, looking for a certain freedom. "A vague idea of birds; birds of vanity, like peacocks, parrots, and swans," was a starting point in her restless search for change, she explained. "I also wanted to move toward something more young and sporty, tall and narrow.... In broad terms, the news from Prada included a different silhouette (short hemlines, worn mostly with flat sandals), a return to one of her favorite palettes (brown-ochre-rust), and as always, lots of artful eccentricity (peacock feathers, flowerpot hats, Bakelite digital watches). There was also a Jamaican dance hall vibe, with reggae on the sound system, Rasta stripes in the knitwear, and Caribbean crochet in the raffia hats and cardigan coats. The birds really took flight for night, in the form of skirts overlaid with peacock feathers, dresses covered with digitalized feather prints, and pretty chiffon gowns whose fan-like pleats hinted subtly at dove's wings."

This is Look 22 from the show and is absolutely infused with that Prada vibe. Here we see her masterful hand at mixing textures with color. The top of the dress is a combination of eggplant and purple, anchored by an almost startling strip of red at the waist. A bright purple grosgrain ribbon details the sides of the bodice. The skirt is a combination of a deep brown and a moss green pleated & textured silk chiffon. The cut is micro mini short and the skirt has lots of movement and it is just gorgeous. The silk chiffon it is made from is feather light and it is given shape and structure by the addition of two rows of horizontal stitching placed over the hips. The top is a light weigh wool and I love the contrast of fabrics. The one shoulder silhouette balances the length of the skirt nicely and the unusual color combination is fabulous.  Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep brown silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Hand finishes. Tagged a Prada 40

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 16.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2820

Reference Photo: Prada Spring 2005 Runway Show, Look 22. (Model: Kim Noorda)

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 am such a fan of Joy Stevens work - she made amazing jersey dresses out of her design studio in California during the 1970s and they are really some of the nest jerseys of the time period. She concentrated on easy to wear day pieces and  designs that ruled the night clubs of the seventies. Her work typically has a sexy but easy to wear feel to it. They were the type of thing you just threw on, looked fabulous in, and could dance until 3am without worrying about how they would hold up. Her best pieces were made from a fluid jersey (like this piece) and this allowed them to both move and wear well. This amazing little halter dress is done in a deep brown jersey with an olive undertone to it. It ties around the neck and the back is left bare. At the front, an embroidered net applique has been placed over the bust. The design gives the suggestion of feathers. The Under this the dress is softly pleated and tucked in and behind that embroidered panel making the skirt look like it just cascades out from underneath it. Excellent condition.

The dress is unlined and made of a synthetic jersey knit and the fabric does have stretch. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and ties around the neck.

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60 " from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1416

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

John Anthony opened his label in 1971 and during the 1970s he produced some really outstanding pieces at a couture level, that were sleek, sexy and sophisticated. His business was all done on a made to order basis. That means the majority of pieces found are a one-off, or if there are similar pieces, very few of each piece exist. This personal attention to each dress is clearly seen in the workmanship of his pieces and his work is a personal favorite. This dress is wonderful and is constructed from a fine brown colored lace that is placed over an double layer of nude silk chiffon. This layering effect gives it just enough coverage to keep it from being see-through but keeps it very light and easy to wear. It also give the allusion that the wearer has one less then she actually does. The combination of lace and silk give it a slight lingerie inspiration feel that i love. It is constructed to demi-couture standards and is hand finished with exquisite touches. The lace is detailed with clusters of round copper colored beads that are sewn into place by hand and scatted over the entire gown. The interior bust is supported by a built in bodice that is cleverly concealed by another layer of silk so seems to not exist when on the body. It hugs and molds to the body and the strapless silhouette is very flattering. The legs are given extra attention with a high cut side slit. All of the edges have the lace peaking over the inner seam work so you can see the scalloped edges. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with two layers of a fine nude colored silk chiffon and an additional layer of tissue silk through the bodice. It closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and the exterior lace closes over that and secures with hook & eye. Boning through the bodice. Hand sewn finishes and the bead work is hand placed and hand sewn.  Note that is does fully close at the back on the proper sized girl

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD1578

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

Many people do not know that Emanuel Ungaro took a position with Balenciaga in 1958 and in 1960 he became the chief designer of the house, staying there until 1964 before he briefly went on to Courreges before opening his own couture atelier in 1965. The house has fallen from its former glory of the sixties through to the eighties, but in its heyday, the label was a force in the world of Haute Couture. By the 1970s his brilliant use of print and color combined with soft fluid tailoring made him a darling of the jet set. This gorgeous little day dress is a beautiful example of the more conservative end of his range in cut, but it still has that pop of a print that he was known for. It is made of a fine printed silk with a mod feeling print that covers its entire surface. It can be worn for the day or for cocktails with proper accessorizing. I love the refined cut and those full, balloon cut sleeves. The fabric is very light in weight and backed in a fine silk that gives the dress a very sensual feel once on. No shortcut was taken in the construction and it is of course, entirely made by hand. The neckline is high and yoked with the shoulders and bodice softly gathered. A fabric tie runs around the waist so that you can wear it loose  and easy in more of a shift shape, or you can tie them in to cinch it for added shape. The skirt has two little slant pockets that sit on each hip. However much you think this looks fabulous in the photographs it is far better in person and on a body. Excellent condition with one small condition note below about the lining.

Fully lined in a hand set silk of very high quality. It closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper and hook and eye at the back. Each cuff has a fine hand set zipper and hook & eye. The belt is partially attached and snaps into place where it is not. Note that the exterior has no flaws whatsoever, but there is a small amount of shattering under each arm to the lining only. It is stable enough to wear as presented. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely made by hand. Haute Couture tape label present under label #H205-5-74

Sleeves: 25" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item#DD2522

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

Richard Blackwell launched his line in the late 1950s and even then his dress sold for between $800 and $1000 (or up to $10,000 in the modern terns). He dressed many of the stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. Here we have a piece form the 1960s done in a combination of a darker brown chiffon organza and a gold lurex thread that has been applied to the organza in a series of circles that cover the dress from tip to toe. The gold catches the light beautifully and really adds detailing to the piece. The cut is simple but dramatic and fully covers the body. The neck is high and the sleeves are long and cut with a huge pouf balloon sleeve finish that I love. The skirt is quite full and it flows to the floor in a lovely cascade of fabric tat is almost a full circle skirt on the outer layer. This is the glamorous version of the hostess dress and very chic. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in the same synthetic organza as the exterior and a brown silky rayon through the skirt. The sleeves are left unlined. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper. Each sleeve has hidden set, fabric covered snaps to close.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2971

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 Thea Porter dress, produced in 1970, was one of the dresses that I lent from my archives and was displayed in the 2015 exhibit "THEA PORTER 70s Bohemian Chic" at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, curated by Laura McClaws Helms. You may also recognize the dress as being the one worn by Nicole Richie when she celebrated her birthday in it back in 2006. The textile design that runs over the dress was done by Sheila Hudson.

It is wonderful to have such an iconic dress and to have become a part of its provenance. The Nicole connection has made the dress instantly recognizable world-wide. Like all of Thea's pieces, only a very few were produced. I have decided to let this one go and I know that I will most likely ever see another one in my career. The dress features a hand-sequined and beaded bodice. These are set so that they follow the textile design underneath and add the perfect little touch of high glamour to the finished product. The bodice is fitted to the bust and has wide straps made of the same silk chiffon that tie around the neck. The skirt is set into the waist on the bias and this makes the chiffon seem to float around you and feel light as air. At the very bottom hem there is a ribbon of purple velvet to finish. The dress is not 100% perfect but still sound and very beautiful. Please review the condition notes below. This is a once in a life time opportunity to own a marvelous and very rare example of one of Thea's best work.

The dress is lined in a tissue silk. The museum staff added structural support under each arm in the interior (photoed). You can see a small amount of thinning to the exterior (also photoed) and the inner addition of fabric was done to stabilize this. The hem is finished with parts of it being longer than others. The interior lining shows fading and marks but is sound. Finally there is evidence of some repairs to the skirt and neck tie. All as found and in the condition exhibited it. All of this has been taken into consideration when pricing.

Bust: approx 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: is slightly shorter in the front at about 31" and the back goes to about 37" from slight empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS (through the bust this is a true size 0)

Item# DD2954

Reference Photos: (1-2) Nicole Richie in Thea Porter, 2006.  /  (3-4) From the 2015 "Thea Porter, 70s Bohemian Chic" Exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum.

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