This gorgeous dress is by Bob Mackie and from his main line which can be considered as demi-couture. He Mackie is best known for dressing Cher. His work showcases his love of over-the-top opulence and often showcase extensive bead work and applique work. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis before starting his own label. This early entry into costume design and the glamor of Hollywood continued to influence his work through his career. His designs are always extravagant and glamorous in the best possible way. Here we have a piece from the 1980s and it has that opulent feel in spades. The gown in made in delicious shades of metallic golds through the bodice mixed with a pastel coral based metallic silk for the skirt. The bust is strapless and has a gold cord embroidered "lace" applique that covers it all the way around. This is layered over the same silk the skirt is made up of. Scattered over this are gold and clear crystals that catch the light when you move. The skirt is fabulous and the silk is a nod to Fortuny in the pleating treatment. The silk here has a lame feel to it and seems to glow. The underskirt is a gold silk taffeta and there is a lot of fabric there so it really has fullness and movement when you move. The bodice is very structured and molded. It feels like couture once on. Extremely well made. Excellent condition with two small condition notes to review below.

Fully lined in a muted gold silk though the bodice and the silk taffeta underskirt is interlined in a silk organza. The bodice has a built in, molded bra and boned corset built in under the lining. There is also an inner waist stay. It closes with a back painted zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a small repair to the silk near the hem at the front and another near the base of the zipper. The pleating treatment to the silk effectively hides these when on but mentioned for accuracy and I have photoed both.

Bust: 17.5-8" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks to fit a either a 26-27" waist, if you need the full 28" you can leave the stay undone or remove it
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to true inner waist
Skirt: 43.5" from true inner waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2814

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 little beautiful Suzy Perette dress is made of a beautiful light weight fabric with a floral pattern in an array of citrus hues. I have not found a really great Perette dress in ages and am so pleased to have such a fine example of her work in the shop today. There never was an actual "Suzy" behind the label but the company that created the line relied heavily on the designs coming out of Paris and the interpretations of the Couture looks, in particular Dior's "New Look", were spot on. This gorgeous little dress dates from the 1950s and has such pretty colors and pretty lines that you can't help but swoon at the sight of it. The top is a simple sleeveless affair with a wide boat neck cut. It is seamed to hug the body and then this flares out and tops a full skirt that has lots of fabric in it and could be worn over a crinoline if you wanted it even fuller. The entire skirt is made from a series of perfectly spaced, crisp knife pleats so it has a lot of movement. The original, matching fabric belt cinches in the waist even more and I love the large flat belt that adorns the belt. The colors are lovely, the cotton voile fabric of very good quality and the lines and cut are wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a white muslin and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The belt is in excellent shape as well.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2810

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 extraordinary find. It is a stunning piece of Valentino with an extensive detailing of coral beading mixed with tube beads hand applied on silk netting and then used as detailing on the cream silk base. Valentino made this coral look famous in his 1969 collection and in the 1990s looked back on that collection and produced a small collection of pieces in homage to his earlier work. The workmanship on this is exquisite and the lines perfection. The cream silk base is cut in an oversized T shape that sits loose and easy on the body. The fabric itself has the feel of a polished raw silk with that same silk texture to it.  The neckline is cut wide and the portions of the beading detail have a touch of transparency so you get the feel of skin underneath and around the collarbones. The The same beaded netting detail is used to finish each sleeve. I love the deep neckline - it all does up with little hooks but you get the sense of bare skin underneath there as well. If all of this was not enough, it is lined in a silk satin so feels like heaven on the body. It is very chic and very refined and very Valentino. Excellent condition.

Lined in a fine cream silk satin and slips on to wear. The neckline closes with a series of hidden hook & eye. Hand beaded and extremely well made. Meant to be work loose and easy.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist to hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S779

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

Chiffon layers edged in prong set rhinestones give this pretty, pastel coral dress a light as a feather feel. The bodice curves over the bust and the chiffon is set in vertical pleats for detail. The neckline and high waist are banded and detailed with a scattering of [prong set rhinestones. The skirt swoops to the floor from there and there is actually quite a bit of fabric that has been used in its construction but because it is cut on the bias it feels more like a column when the wearer is standing still and only displays its wonderful fullness once you move or twirl. Over the chiffon of the skirt is a angled panel that balance the one shoulder bodice and this panel is also detailed with rhinestones along its edge. The shoulder from which the entire dress suspends is topped by a dramatic bow made of the same fabric and it is placed there and secured by a final double row of rhinestones. So pretty and romantic. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching silky rayon. It closes with a painted metal and nylon side zipper. It is unlabeled but did have one - you can see the outline of it where it was cut out unfortunately. In person it is a touch more towards the pastel hue of this coral then how it photoed.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to bottom of the band at waist
Skirt: 43" from bottom of the band at waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E632

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 this Frank Usher tucked away for a long time because it is so amazing it was hard to let go. If it does not sell quickly it might just disappear back into my archives so count yourself forewarned. It is really amazing. It drapes to the floor in a slinky column of jersey that is gathered all along the center front. This makes it so forgiving on the body and flattering. The fabric choice really drapes and moves wonderfully. It's a definite statement maker with that brilliant orange-coral color and has a Grecian goddess feel to it. It is cut on the bias so falls and drapes to follow your every curve. The skirt is long and lean and glides into the halter top that wraps around the neck. You can cross the ties over themselves or wear it with more of a V at the neck. Those ties are miles long and fall almost to the hem at the back which gives the back its own drama. Add to that a low scooped back that leave your back bare and it is a knock-out. The fabric is almost a swimsuit jersey so is washable, travels exceptionally well and won't wrinkle. I love it. It's all old Hollywood meets Madame Gres meets an ancient Grecian goddess and it is fabulous. Excellent condition

Made from a double layer of the jersey. It slips on the wear with a low back zipper and an enclosed elastic that wraps around the waist and hooks. The halter ties at the back of the neck. Tagged a vintage UK38/US12. The fabric has stretch so it will fit a range of sizes. I have given the comfortable range of stretch when measured flat below.

Bust: variable since it has no true side seams and has stretch
Waist: 13.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner layer hips: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: somewhat adjustable but approx 56-58" from neck to hem it will vary a little depending on how you tie it at the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2774

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

A romantic dress with it's matching cape overlay has no label but is very well made and it was surely a designer piece. With no tag present it is  of course being sold as an anonymous piece so it is a tremendous bargain. the chiffon has huge blossoms screened over its surface and these are done in a pretty combination of coral and red. The inner dress is cut very simple with a scooped neckline at both the back and the front. It is suspended from two thin straps made of the same fabric and these curve over each shoulder. From there the dress cascades to the floor in a loose and easy cut that is very easy and forgiving. It simple flows in a widening silhouette to the ground, and there are yards and yard of chiffon that make up the body and lower portion of the dress.This creates a fantastically romantic and floating effect as the silk floats over the inner lining to give the dress the feel of airiness and lightness. Over this sits the matching long cape that is cut to the full length of the dress in the back and to the waist at the front. Amazing. Excellent condition

Fully lined in nude stretch jersey. The cape is unlined. The dress closes with a back painted metal zipper and the cape has a button closure at the back of the neck.Hand finishes. Everything under the top seam of the dress is pretty flexible so I have included that seam measurement below as it is the only part of the dress that has no give

Dress
Top of seam that sits under the arms (no give): 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Actual Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 59" from shoulder strap to hem

Cape
Length: 59" top to bottom

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E625

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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 beautiful silk chiffon jumpsuit by the American couturier James Galanos and really showcases just how great he was at working with fine, light silk chiffon. Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer whose label was formally made a true Haute Couture atelier, he certainly produced clothing with many of the hallmarks that define couture, thus giving him the status as being known as one of the "American Couturiers". I consider mos of his pieces demi-couture for that very reason. I love the coral and taupe print that completely covers the jumpsuit and its contrasting coral-red lining that peeks out at the cuffs and those fantastic cut legs. The silk chiffon fabric that he chose to use is wonderful and the lightness and airy feeling it creates is the perfect balance to the bold print. It moves beautifully once on and really gives the otherwise tailored jumpsuit a sensual and luxurious feel. The top is cut with a simple scoop neckline and long sleeves that each end in a double ruffle of silk. The waist is nipped in and you could add a belt to create even more shape. The pants are amazing. Each is cut wide and full so that if you are standing still it appears that you are wearing a maxi skirt. When you move you realize that each is slit almost the the top of the thigh and the fabric wraps over. Standing they look solid, but when you move they give a flash of skin. They, like the ruffle on the cuffs are lined in a second layer of red so that contrast is there as well. It is fabulous. Excellent condition.

Fully lined  in a red silk chiffon and hand finished edges. The top buttons to close at the back and with a zipper under that below the waist. Appears unworn. Also after photoing this I feel like perhaps the buttons could also be worn at the front. I think you can wear it either way making it that much more versatile.

Sleeves: 26.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Inseam: 36"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2759

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 exceptional Mollie Parnis dress was showcased on Beverly Johnson for Vogue in 1973 and I am very pleased to have it in the shop. It is cut to follow and skim over the body with a beautiful one shoulder silhouette. I especially love the strong coral red that dress is done in. It is the kind of color that flatters many skin tones and makes a strong statement despite the simple lines. The dress cascades from that single shoulder in a swooping column of fabric. The shoulder that is present is cut wide to slight sit over the cap of your shoulder while the other side is left bare. It zips up at the side of the inner column dress but there is a layer of jersey that sits over this that is caught up under the arm and set slight towards the back so you have a little extra detail there and the fabric falls in soft drapes. This setting of the closure more toward the back also allowed the dip that is created to be set even lower then it could have been if it was set under the arm like usual and this gives you a sexy expanse of skin. It is truly a gorgeous piece. Excellent condition.

All the layers are made of the same jersey with the inner dress made of a double layer of it and the outer exterior layer draping over that. The inner dress closes with a painted metal zipper. and the outer layer closes with hook & eye. I see a couple of teeny pinholes near the hem but nothing detracts and the fabric is strong and stable. Hand rolled edge. The fabric does have some stretch

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: to 60" from top of shoulder to hem but will come up some as its bias cut

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2708

Reference Photo: Beverley Johnson in Mollie Parnis for Vogue, December 1973. Photographed by Kourken Pakchanian.

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

Normal Norell begain his career working for Hattie Carnegie and then in 1941 partnered with Anthony Traina and his work from then until 1958 appears under the Traina-Norell label. Between 1958 and up to 1960 items appeared under his name only and then in 1960 he officially launched his own label. This dress is an early example of his work from this time period. He was a master tailor and his earlier work explores shape and volume. In February 1958, another version of his "Bubble Dress" appeared in Harper's Bazaar on Dovima whose cape gave it the dramatic shape. This version builds on that shape but puts all the volume into the skirt which allows the top to be bare and sexy for balance.

The finish is incredible and it is very well tailored, beautifully constructed and made from the best possible silk that you could acquire at the time - in fact, his pickiness about using only the best fabrics became a signature move on Norell's part that carried through his career. The soft watercolor floral design is a work of art on its own and the pink and pastel coral hues are flattering on almost every skin tone. Every line is a study in thought and detail and used to contrast and build on the rest of the design. The cups of the halter top are formed and shaped and the back left bare. The waist is set high and is nipped in with a wide hand placed panel of fabric that gives the illusion of the tiniest possible waist. The skirt has an immense amount of fabric and is caught up underneath with tulle and the way it is cut creating that dramatic pouf. I have styled it for maximum volume but it can also be worn without that much volume if you wished (though why?). It also came with its original wide, matching silk stole for a touch of coverage if you wish. Really a remarkable and stunning Norell dress and a piece of fashion history. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Constructed with multiple layers of the same exterior silk and a white inside that serves as lining and support for the structure. It closes with hidden hook and eye on the interior corseting and a hidden painted metal zipper under the waist line. The sash at the waist goes over the closures and hooks into place under the bow detailing at the front for an unbroken line. Inner tulle through the skirt and extremely fine construction. Hand finished and the silk is of extremely high quality and a very luxurious weight.

Dress
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of bust to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Shawl
60" x 17"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2653

Reference Photos: Dovima wearing a dress with cape by Norman Norell for Harper's Bazaar, February 1958.

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 superb and early example of the brilliant Marimekko textiles that were made into simple clothing that went with the Marimekko lifestyle brand. The Marimekko company was founded in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia and they quickly became known for making pieces of boldly printed fabric. The label on this dress dates it to the late 1960s and it is very unusual and striking in its cut. It is cut slim through the shoulders and then expands with a massive amount of volume from there. The sleeves mimic this with a narrow shoulder and then end in a wide cut sleeve. Both the hem of the dress and the sleeves are cut in gentle curves with the front portions of each significantly shorter then the back. The effect if these giant curves against the sharp angular print is genius. It is an amazing piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. Tagged a 36 but please check measurements as the cut is generous. Hidden pockets on each hip. Note the shoulders are narrow but if those fit the rest of the dress is open and generous.

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 51" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2651

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 fabulous little runway piece from Altuzarra is not a vintage piece yet, but with the star power of a girl like Rihanna wearing a version of the same print it will definitely be on the collector wish list of the future. It was look 28 from the Spring 2015 show and the production on it was limited so not a dress you saw everywhere and a little harder to find then most. Vogue.com's review of the show noted "His spring collection was focused, realistic, sensitive, and, in its final passages, romantically beautiful in a way he’s never quite attempted before." This version stays true to what walked the runway and is so pretty and romantic. Made of a light scarf weight silk it simply slip over the head and buttons and ties in place. Literally a take on the nineties slip dress it is as light as wearing its lingerie counterpart. Ties sit at each shoulder to adjust the fit and the back scoops ultra low and closes with a combination of ties and pearl buttons at the base of that bare expanse of skin. I love the bands of crossed threads that piece the sections together and glimpse of skin this allows to show through. It is really a gorgeous dress that still has a lovely vintage feel. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with ties and buttons as described above. Slips over the head. Tagged a modern size 40IT but with a generous cut. Please check the measurements below or know your size in this label.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43.5" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2599

Reference Photos: S/S 2015 Altuzarra, Look 28 (vogue.com)  /  Rihanna (with Kim Kardashian West) at the Roc Nation Pre-GRAMMY Brunch 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 is an amazing suit numbered demi-couture by Givenchy that epitomizes everything the eighties stood for. The fabric is absolutely stunning and it is what takes center stage on this piece. The suit is constructed from a metallic silk brocade done in a brilliant coral color with beautiful baroque medallions in a mix of green. blue and gold. It has a wonderful and strong cut with defined shoulders and a sleek cut that follows the body to just over the hips. Large, domed gold metal buttons close the jacket down the front and the jacket and cuffs have an elaborate gold cord edging. It has its original matching belt that cinches int he jacket and plays up all the other proportions. The dress underneath is sleek and sexy with a high collar and no sleeves. It is cut in a simple sheath and falls in a lean pencil cut to below the knee. If worn alone you can belt it to add that extra shape as I have shown. Really a wonderful set with hand finishes and you just cannot beat that color. Excellent, unworn condition.

Both pieces are fully lined in a high quality coral silk. The jacket closes with the gold toned metal buttons as shown and the dress closes with  back painted metal and nylon zipper.

Dress
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2584

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

Vogue Runway's said of this show: .".... in sharp contrast to the austerity of her Fall show, this one had pretty draped-back dresses in camel color-blocked with pastels; cheeky scarf-print bikini briefs with ties at the hips, worn with neon-bright button-downs; and eye candy in the form of little duffel bags in colorful florals that matched the models' ankle-tie sandals. The bow was a recurring motif, appearing at the neckline and elbows of an asymmetrically draped black top, at the hem of narrow underskirts, and at the back of float-y, vaguely 1920's-ish wallpaper-print dresses. The cumulative effect was appealingly unstudied. Call it Prada's antidote for trying fashion times."

This is a fantastic little dress that is similar to the other I have listed but with a different, more form fitting cut. Both are covered with one of the prettiest prints from Prada that I have seen. Again this one is slightly different version from Look #25 that walked runway, but it is done in the same colorway and the cut of this dress is the most form fitting of all. Prada often delivers to stores several versions of the runway dress and I often think that the after versions are better as they have the added benefit of feedback from the buyers. The dress is constructed from a gorgeous, feather light cotton voile, whose slight transparency give the dress a layer of texture and depth over the inner white silk lining. The bodice is kept simple with a scooped neck and no sleeves. The waist nips in and the skirt has a long fitted pencil cut detailed with a white panel worked into the print at the back. This makes it very flattering and gives the wearer a beautiful long, lean line. It is beautifully cut and constructed. A wonderful little frock that you can just slip on and instantly feel pretty in. Excellent condition

Fully lined in white silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper and grosgrain ribbon ties at the back of the neck. Tagged a Prada 42. Please know your size in Prada and check the measurements given as Prada runs small.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 25.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2528

Reference runway photo: VogueRunway.com, Model: Julia Hafstrom

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 fantastic little dress with one of the prettiest prints from Prada that I have seen. It is slightly different version from Look #25 that walked runway, but is done in the same colorway and I actually love the cut of this dress better. Prada often delivers to stores several versions of the runway dress and I often think that the after versions are better as they have the added benefit of feedback from the buyers. The dress is constructed from a gorgeous, feather light cotton voile, whose slight transparency give the dress a layer of texture and depth over the inner white silk lining. The bodice is crossed and scooped low and each shoulder cut wide to give it a real fifties flare and feel - a theme that often runs through Miuccia's work. I love how the skirt cascades out from the waist and has fine, hand set pleats over the hip. This makes it very flattering and gives the wearer a beautiful long, lean line. It is beautifully cut and constructed. A wonderful little frock that you can just slip on and instantly feel pretty in. Excellent condition

Vogue Runway's said of this show: .".... in sharp contrast to the austerity of her Fall show, this one had pretty draped-back dresses in camel color-blocked with pastels; cheeky scarf-print bikini briefs with ties at the hips, worn with neon-bright button-downs; and eye candy in the form of little duffel bags in colorful florals that matched the models' ankle-tie sandals. The bow was a recurring motif, appearing at the neckline and elbows of an asymmetrically draped black top, at the hem of narrow underskirts, and at the back of float-y, vaguely 1920's-ish wallpaper-print dresses. The cumulative effect was appealingly unstudied. Call it Prada's antidote for trying fashion times."

Fully lined in white silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a Prada 42. Please know your size in Prada and check the measurements given as Prada runs small.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2308

Reference runway photo: VogueRunway.com, Model: Julia Hafstrom

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

George Stavropoulos was an amazing designer and to find his early work is already fabulous but to find a piece done at this level is just a treat. This gown is really museum worthy. His clients, who included Elizabeth Taylor and opera singer Maria Calla, adored and cherished him for his ability to create stunning evening wear. His hallmark pieces were simple but with a masters attention to cut. He shunned overt ornamentation and instead focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. This is an amazing example of what he could create following that simple guideline. His pieces are almost always entirely hand made and most are made to demi-couture standards giving you incredible value for your money.

This stunning dress with its matching capelet and mile-long sash is incredible. I love the lightness and airiness created by the chiffon and the brilliance of that perfect summer coral (in person it is a true coral - the photos don't quite capture the tone of the color - its better in person). The fabric is cut on the bias and there are yards and yards used to make this little beauty. Incredibly, there are four full layers of silk used in the skirt alone! The bodice is cut simply with a rounded, scooped front and another scoop at the back that is cut lower for a little extra bit of skin to show. The waist is seamed so that is is very flattering without being overtly fitted - if you want to add more definition you can cinch on the sash around your waist. That spectacular full skirt then flows beautifully to the floor from there. The little cape that comes with it, sits on the shoulders, buttoning to either the back or front depending on how you want to wear it - and adds a pretty detail and flowing feel to the dress. The sash is very ling and you can wear it a multitude of ways and even substitute the capelet out and wear it around the neck for a bit of a different look to the dress. It is very pretty and fresh feeling - a girl will dance the entire night away in a dress like this. Excellent condition

Comprised of multiple layers of the same coral silk chiffon. Closes with a back, hidden set, painted zipper. The capelet is unlined and buttons at the neck. I see one teeny bit of darkening to the fabric about mid thigh on one side. The volume of fabric efficiently hide it and it does not detract. Bias cut so there is some play in the listed measurements - we have listed to the max they will go

Dress
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Capelet
Length: 14.5" from top to bottom

Sash/Scarf
120" x 30"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2488

Reference Photos: Shot for creative purposes by Nicole Ormerod  /  Stylist: Nadia Pizzimenti  /  Hair & Makeup:  Jodi Urichuk  /  models: Riley Young & Viktoria Light.

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 from a small collection of flapper cloche hats from the 1920s that have been stored and cared for so well that they appear fresh and new. It is amazing ot see items that are almost 100 years old look like they are fresh off the shelf. This one is made of silk in two tones of a soft peach and pastel coral. On the front is a wonderful cord applique of flowers with beaded details interspersed. Silk lined and internally labeled "Gearhart Hats". Excellent condition

I see no flaws. The lining was coming loose in several areas so I had it stitched back into place otherwise the hat is exactly as found.

Inner circumference: 20"

Item# A266

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 little dress has a sexy but simple cut that works fabulously once on. The front has a twisted halter detail with an open cut out below that. From just under the cut out it flows to the floor in a column of bias cut nylon jersey. An almost scandalous slit runs up the front and shows miles of leg. Kloss was genius at choosing extremely high quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. I love the feather print - these are the most rare and if you love this one you might also want to take a peek at the other version I have (click here to see that one). The interesting thing about John Kloss for Circa pieces are that they were originally intended as lingerie pieces. This makes the vast majority of piece that one finds too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dresses now. But every once in a while you find a fabulous little exceptions like this. Kloss was an Ossie Clark contemporary and I love how you can see that same British sense of sexiness during this time period in his pieces. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. Tagged a vintage Kloss for Circa Medium but please check measurements. At some point the tag was cut and has been stitched back together. Edges are finished with his signature cross stitch. the fabric does have some stretch so the size range is slightly more variable then usual.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under Bust: 14-16"
Natural Waist: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2455

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

Galanos was such a genius and when one finds such an exemplary example of his work like this it is a true joy. I have dated this dress to 1961 based on the famous Gordon Parks photo of Gloria Vanderbilt. In it she wears a version of a similar dress with the same treatment to the hem. The construction on this particular Galanos dress is just divine. It is made of layers of a pretty peach colored silk chiffon anchored by a strip of cafe au lait silk at the bottom hem. The silk chosen is as light as a feather and is a difficult fabric to work with under any circumstance but Galanos takes it a step farther and made the entire dress this intricate pleated construction that is just a work of art. The silk is cut it on the bias and then sharply knife pleated in ling vertical lines - even the sleeves have been pleated. The top is cut to sit loose and easy with the waist cinched in with a wide ribbed leather belt. That pleated layer sits over an inner silk one and this really gives the dress an interesting texture and depth and makes for a pretty flounce when you sit or twirl. The sleeves are stupendous - each is cut very wide and full and offer a dramatic finish tot he dress. Very feminine and very pretty. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in the same peach colored silk chiffon and closes with a double back, painted metal zippers - one that closes the interior layer and a second that is cleverly hidden under the pleats. Each cuff has elastic. Hand finishes throughout. The belt shows some minor wear - light scuffing here and there but is otherwise in excellent condition. I see two tiny smudges on the back shoulder that do not distract but are mentioned for accuracy. The color has more of a pop and brightness to it in a person. The photos do not do this amazing piece justice at all

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining at hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2431

Reference Photos: (1) Vulkan Magazine, March 29 2016. (Photographer/Art Director: Michael Kai Young.  Fashion Director: Georgia Groom.  Hair & Makeup: Robert Weir @ Judy Inc.  Models: Erin Forster @ Elmer Olsen/Andrew Podolio @ Elite Toronto/Want Management.) / (2) Outtake from the same shoot.  /  Gloria Vanderbilt in James Galanos, 1961, by Gordon Parks.

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

Annacat is a label that is very hard to find and rare. When you do find one and it is as sexy and delicious as this one is you really feel like celebrating. In its day, Annacat piece were featured often in editorials for Vogue UK and Harper's. The label was a heavy favorite of the fashion insiders at the time and worn by the "it girls" and rock stars of the day. This full length maxi dress is an amazing example of the best of what they were producing and why there were wait lists to get your hands on their dresses back then. The bodice is gathered along the center halter piece that ties up and around the back of the neck. Then, each side of the bodice extends into a long fabric tie that you wrap and tie around the waist or tie at the back and leave trailing down. This design leaves the back completely open and bare so it is insanely sexy. The waist nips in with the front halter extending into a wide panel right down the front - it almost acts like a huge pendant or neck piece. The skirt has yards and yards of fabric and it moves wonderfully as it is all cut on the bias. The silk is a good weight and a delicious burnt amber color. It is a very rare and very fabulous vintage piece that still feels shockingly modern and sexy. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper at the back waist. The front extends on either side and ties in the back and then the halter buttons at the back of the neck

Bust: variable as it ties
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1618

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

There is just a certain cut and line of a seventies halter that once you find you look for variations of it endlessly. This is that dress. It is super chic and one of those easy to wear pieces that you can just throw into a suitcase and it works for day or night and at the beach, the country or the city and you always feel like a million bucks in it. The nylon jersey means you can wash and wear it and it is virtually wrinkle free. It's got a element of sexiness too it with that low bare back but with a bit of a bohemian vibe thrown in. The front is cut high up around the neck line and curves around with plunging sides. This leaves the back virtually bare and it is cut low and deep so you get a sexy expanse of skin. The supermodel length skirt cascades to the floor in a widening sweep of jersey and there are yards and yards of fabric in there. The fact that the print is an explosion of bright, almost neon, tropical blooms is just bonus. Excellent condition.

It has a double layer of the jersey through the halter and the skirt is unlined. It hooks to close at the back neck and zippers at the low back waist.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# E589

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 woman behind the DeWeese label designed the swimsuits worn in the Miss America pageant for a number of years and was the head designer at Catalina for 12 years. This beginning in swimwear shows in this dress since it is made of high end swimsuit fabric. This fabric wears amazingly - you can literally roll it in a ball in your suitcase and wear it as soon as you arrive to where you are going. It can get wet, it won't wrinkle and its sexy as hell. It also takes color extremely well which is evidenced in the vivid print that covers every inch of the dress. A halter style bodice sits above a high empire waistline and the skirt falls to the floor in a widening A-line. The interior has a built n bra that is molded and very much like the swimsuits of the era. I love the little box that sits under the chest. It's fabulous and a great example of her work during This time period. Excellent condition!

Unlined and slips over the head. The seam under the bust has a bit of elastic stretch to it. The halter ties at the back of the neck. Full cupped built in bra with elastic that goes around the back. In person the coral parts of the print pop much more.

Bust: cups look to be a B-C
Seam under bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2297

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

Once in a while a dress comes along that is so radically different from most that it makes you happy to just look at it. This fantastic little find easily falls into the category. The skirt is a good weight silk brocade shot through with gold metallic and has a beautiful patchwork feel print in mustards and corals. It has not underskirt but is set into the waist with a series of soft gathers so it has a natural volume. The bodice is stunning - hand made silk voile petals have been layered and hand placed to curve up and over the bust with a structured interior to hold it perfectly in place. They have an almost semi-translucent feel to them which is a beautiful contrast against the metallic of the skirt. Very unique and very chic. Excellent condition with some small imperfections to the interior bodice - please read below.

Fully interlined in a cream silk and has a deep hem. The bodice is lined in silk and boned. There is some mild shattering along the edges of the interior silk but nothing that can be seen from the exterior or that keeps it from being wearable. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. The piped and padded tie belt is attached and ties at the front. It was photoed with no additional underskirts. Note that it was too small to fully zip at the back on my mannequin - it will of course close properly on the correct sized girl

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# E576

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