This coat is extraordinary. It bears the Eisa label, originally launched by Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917. The name came from the shortening of his mother's maiden name. During the Spanish Civil war the label briefly closed but then re-opened in 1939 until it was closed permanently in 1968. Cristóbal himself oversaw this line and items were made to couture standards. Based on the cocoon silhouette and the work he was doing in that time period this coat dates to approx the late 1950s, early 1960s. Cristobal Balenciaga was known for his fine tailoring and sculptural approach to design. The restrained and refined lines of this coat showcase exactly that aesthetic. Even Dior himself declared Balenciaga as 'the Master of us all' and Balenciaga's impact on fashion cannot be underestimated. He passed away in 1968 so any time I acquire a piece that pre-dates his death, I am especially thrilled.

The coat bears that elusive Eisa label and would have been made by hand n the atelier. It is extremely well made as one would expect. Cristobal was known for doing fitting with clients himself, from the initial muslin stage all the way through to the final fittings. This coat, having been constructed during the years he was alive, means that it would be one of those a garments that were fitted by him. It is cut with the volume and curving cocoon silhouette that defined the era. I love how the buttons run almost right to the bottom hem. This in itself is unusual and a clue to who designed it without even seeing the inner label. It does up right to the collar. When it is completely close the collar is a small and neat circle around the neck that wraps over itself. When it is unbuttoned it softens and becomes more pointed and feels larger. A clever little design detail. The seams are cut gracefully on a vertical line and kept to the absolute minimum. The cut of the coat is simple, yet extremely beautiful. The subtlety of the seams is fabulous in person. The shoulders  are dropped and curved. The arms cut tot just below the elbow. Volume is built in through the body. These are all classic elements of his iconic cocoon or egg coat. Front pockets are hidden along the seams that runs down the front. The fabric is a wonderful element all on its own in this coat. It is a nubby textured wool that has been dyed to a brilliant and striking orange with a hand dyed silk lining to match. The color alone makes it brilliant. It still feels insanely modern and is a rare and collectible piece of mid-century couture. Excellent condition

Lined in hand set orange silk taffeta. It buttons to close and has pockets on each hips. Each pocket is lined in silk. Proper button holes and hand finished. The easy cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx. 21"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C510

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

As soon as I set my eyes on this dress I knew I had seen it before and after some extensive hunting I found the photo that it had triggered a memory of. A version of this dress was photoed by Irving Penn for the September issue of Vogue in 1967. That dress was by Geoffrey Beene but in a different color way and a version with a higher neckline. They are otherwise identical and the fabric is as good in this color as it is in that shot. Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. This is a wonderful and very early example of his work.

I barely feel the need to describe this dress to you as Vogue description is utter perfection. The text in the editorial states the dress as being a "new cloth of glow... a printed matelasse with clear lacquer colors webbed with silver threads for the beautiful evening proportion of a small covered top and the widest sweep of skirt." Matelasse is French for 'quilted' or 'cushioned' and in usage with fabric, refers to quilted textiles. It is meant to mimic the style of hand-stitched Marseilles type quilts made in France. This gives the dress a slight dimensional quality. The silver thread runs over the fabric for the slightest glint of a metallic feel. The upper bodice is meant to be fitted and the sleeves are long and slim. The skirt sweeps out with the volume created by the fabric choice that helps to hold the shape and by the way it is set in around the waist. Like the reference photo, this version also has pockets hidden along each hip. It is absolutely wonderful in person and I think even better then how it photoed. I am so pleased to have found documentation of this rare and wonderful piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a silk taffeta in a pale peach color It closes with a back, painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a good 4.5" of fabric turned up at the hem if you need more length and 2/5" turned up under each sleeve. Pockets along the seam on the hip

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips" open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3171

Reference photo: Photographed by Irving Penn, Vogue US September 1967

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 color of it. It is the kind of color that flatters almost any skin tone and helps the dress make a strong statement despite the simple lines of it. The dress cascades from that single shoulder in a swooping column of fabric. One side of the dress is cut wide to slight sit over the cap of your own shoulder while the other side is left bare. It zips up at the side of the inner part of the dress and then over that is a layer of jersey that is caught up under the arm and ties. It is set slightly towards the back and falls in soft drapes down the side of the dress. I love how this creates a low dip off of he side of the back just like how you see it sit in the reference photo. It is truly a gorgeous piece. Excellent condition.

All the layers are made of the same jersey. The inner dress is made of a double layer and then the outer exterior layer drapes over that. The inner dress closes with a painted metal zipper and the outer layer closes with hook & eye and ties at the side. I see a couple of teeny pinholes near the hem but nothing detracts and the fabric is strong and stable. Hand rolled edges. 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.

Chiffon layers edged in prong set rhinestones give this pretty coral dress a shot of high glamour. The bodice curves over the bust and the chiffon there is set between the banding at the waist and the banding that follows the neckline in vertical pleats. This adds both detailing and texture. The banding is also detailed with a scattering of prong set rhinestones. The skirt swoops to the floor below the bodice and there is actually quite a bit of fabric that has been used in its construction. It is all cut on the bias though so it feels more like a column when the wearer is standing still and only displays its wonderful fullness once you move. An angled panel of fabric wraps around the skirt for extra fullness and to perfectly balance out the one shoulder of the bodice. This panel is also detailed with rhinestones along its edge. The perfect final detail is a bow that sits on top of the shoulder and is made of the same combination of chiffon and rhinestones. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching silky rayon. The chiffon this one is made of is a synthetic so will wear very well. 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 of a softer 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 that it was hard to let go. It is really amazing. It drapes to the floor in a slinky column of jersey that is gathered all along the center front. This gathering detail makes it very forgiving on the body and very flattering. The fabric is a jersey that is almost like a bathing suit jersey and it is a choice that allows it to drape and move 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 every curve. The skirt is long and lean and glides to the floor. Above that, the top is cut to angle towards the center with ties extending out that cross over each other and then wrap around the neck. You can also 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 wash and wear and will pack & travels exceptionally well. I love it. Excellent condition

Made from a double layer of the jersey. It slips on to wear with a low back zipper and an enclosed elastic that wraps around the waist and then 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.

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.

The 1940s feel to this dress is distinctive and it was this feature that allowed me to find the date of the collection. We tracked down a photo of Karl with a model in 1974 wearing a dress from that years collection that has that same 1940s feel to it that as we see on this example. The date also matches what I was told about the purchase date by the original owner. It is these collections during the years between 1969 and 1975 that we still see heavily influence the modern bohemian feel of Chloe today. Examples of his work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds.

At first glance you would think this is a dress straight off the 1940s runway. It has that same cut and feel and even the silk used has that feel of the early crepe silks. You can see the more modern touches (for 1974 that is) with the black lace that edges the sleeves and finishes the hemline. In person it is even better then how it photoed as you can really get lost in that gorgeous print of dragonflies, flowers and butterflies that cover the entire surface. The cut is classic forties in feel with a loose and easy fitting bodice whose cap sleeves are en extension of the fabric used for the bodice itself. So there are no seams there to break the line or disrupt the pattern. The skirt under that falls just past the knee and is also cut to be loose and easy. At the hips on either side sit bows that combine a matching printed fabric with a coral silk that add detail and a touch of volume there. The dress is made from a  fine black silk that has  that wonderful design screened over it surface in a way that give it the appearance that it was hand painted. It came with its matching fabric tie that you can use to cinch in the waist or tie around the neck. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back, hidden set  painted metal& nylon zipper. Has its matching tie belt. Hand finishes throughout

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 30.5" from waist to hem
Tie: 45" x 2.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3050

Reference Photo: Karl Lagerfeld and a model for Chloé Spring/Summer 1974 Fashion Show.

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 really spectacular piece by Pauline Trigere that is one of her best documented pieces. It was photoed for Vogue in 1966 by Henry Clark while on location in Turkey. The fashion details in that issue described this piece: "High waisted drift of sun printed chiffon with a toga-scarf, and its own little body stocking to wear underneath. By Trigere of Staron silk". This editorial is instantly recognizable and it is a pleasure to have this piece in the shop. 

When you look at the photos from Vogue at first glance, especially the published one, you think this is a dress. However it is actually an extremely wide cut legged jumpsuit. It is also surprising in how it is constructed - it seems to lie half way between a dress and a half jumpsuit. Looking at the photos again the model appears to be wearing a nude halter underneath in the shots. There is a built in body suit inside and you can see that on the mannequin it is sitting too low. If you are short through the body it might come up just to, or over your bust line, otherwise you would wear it as a high waisted full pant. A long panel of fabric is attached at the front. This can be swooped up and over one shoulder. Again, referring to the shoot photos you can see that this is what they did. It  is constructed from layers of a printed silk chiffon that combine pink, pale mint and tangerine The silk used is almost weightless. It flows to the floor and when on you can barely tell that it is indeed pants as they are so wide and full. The front panel extends down past the hem and I have just scooped it up and over one shoulder. It is a very unusual design and will take some styling but it is a rare and historically documented piece. I purchased this years ago I and was told it came from a models closet so suspect that it might just be the actual piece used in this shoot. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition with one small note below.

Has an attached crepe bodysuit in a nude color. This zips up the back with a painted metal zipper. The silk over this snaps in place to close. Hand finished. Has a hand numbered tag inside #159. Slight wear to the fabric on the inside band of the waist where it hooks to close. 

Top band of waist/Underbust: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips of inner body suit: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length of inner suit: 23.5" from top of band to inner seams
Pant length: 45" from top of band to hem with a 4.5" turned up interior hem
The front attached fabric panel is 56" long from where it is inset to the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED depending on how how you wear it

Item# DD2996

(1) Editha Dussler in Pauline Trigere, from the editorial Eastward to Eden, Vogue, December 1966. Shot by Henry Clarke. (2) Outtake from that same shoot.

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 similar dress in yellow was photoed in 1965 and the dress with its beautiful, almost iridescent peach is even prettier in my opinion. Marc Bohan was only a couple of years into his tenure as head of Dior and the 1965 collection was a study in line and cut. He designed a gown called the "Eloise" that year that has a similar cut and apron technique used in the skirt, it is the obvious that this dress is descended from that. I have included photos of both dresses as reference.

The first thing about this dress that you are drawn to is the color. It is an amazing shade of peach and the camera does not quite capture the slightly iridescent quality that the silk adds to its impact. In person it is gorgeous and the color is richer and has more depth. The dress is immaculately constructed. For example, the edge of each inner seam is painstakingly wrapped in a thin banding of silk chiffon. The work to do this with such a finicky fabric would have taken hours to complete just this one detail and it is a detail that is unseen. The dress has a almost sculptural feel to its shape. The bodice is sleeveless and has a softly scooped neck. It is cut and fitted to skim over the body by perfectly placed seaming. The skirt is deceptive as it appears to be a simple cut but it is actually constructed in layers.  There is an inner fitted skirt that has two slit pockets that sit on each hip. Over this inner layer are two attached panels, one that sits over the front of the skirt and the other that sits over the back. The best way to describe it is like an attached apron that leaves the sides open on either side to see the inner skirt. It is exquisite. Excellent condition with a note to review below concerning the inner lining.

The dress is fully lined in a white silk chiffon on both the inner dress and under the skirt overlays. The inner silk bodice is lined in a silk crepe. It closes at the back with a painted metal, hand set zipper. There is a second hand set metal zipper that closes the inner waist and bodice. Hook and eye are hidden to close the band set at the waist. All the edges of the inner seams are finished with a silk chiffon edging. Some of the inner lining is splitting horizontally here and there as the fabric used was so fine and delicate. I have chose to leave it as found rather then having it removed. It is all original and is stable and wearable as is and of course you do not see the lining when it is on. It appears to have not been worn or worn very little otherwise. The label is numbered denoting its demi-couture status.

Bust: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD953

Reference photo: (1) Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, 1965.  /  (2-3) from the book Dior, Marc Bohan 1961-1989 by Assouline.

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

This was designed when Youssef Rizkallah headed the company so would have been made between the years of 1969 and 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favorites and in particular his pieces that utilize quilting and patchwork are truly iconic. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. The fabric used is unusual in that it feels like a light wool. It is not a fabric that you see a lot of for this line but it holds the shape and color beautifully. The bodice skims over the torso with darling little capped sleeves that are each finished with a little bow. The  waist line is defined with a seam and set a little higher then the natural waist for just a hint of an empire feel. The neck is scooped and the pattern places on the bodice to highlight the shape and curve of the dress. The skirt cascades to the floor in a widening swath of fabric and the combination of fabric and the quilting detail helps to give it the shape that you see. A decorative row of buttons runs down the front for added detailing. The colors used are wonderful and the dress has a glamorous and exotic feel. I love that it has pockets hidden away along the seams of the skirt. It is really a lovely dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a purple silky rayon through the bodice and self-backed through the skirt. It closes with a painted back metal zipper. The buttons down the front are decorative only. I see a tiny bit of discoloration on the interior lining of the bodice but the exterior is pristine.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" 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: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2947

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

Earlier this week I listed a Bill Tice that I own the twin of and I have to confess that I also own a twin of this one. I wear it endlessly - most often without the jacket. It is super sexy with that low demi-cup halter bodice and little bare keyhole just under the center front. The straps are tiny and curve up and around your shoulders and its cut so it feel like the back sits slightly off the body. It is made of a peach jersey that is meant to mimic a silk. It feels amazing on and has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of set you can throw into your suit case and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach some far off destination and be perfectly ready to go. The inner dress is long and slim with pleats running down its length and a pretty print that slowly turn more of a pale green as it nears the hem. The jacket has that same print treatment and just slips on ans ties at the neck. There is a high slit up one leg of the dress that shows when you walk or sit. I love the flat piping detail that runs across the bust. Excellent condition.

Unlined and both pieces slip on. Ties at the top of the neck of the jacket. The easy fit allows it work on a variety of sizes as long as the bust fits.

Jacket
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 12.5"
Bust: open
Waist: open
Length: 19.5" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 55" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2941

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 gown is made from a polished cotton which is an unusual choice for an evening piece. That, combined with the amount of details put into it, gives it a very special feel and I adore it. The fabric is very pretty with a floral palette that is made up of a combination of pink and coral flowers on an abstract taupe and white backdrop. The pattern is done to give it the feeling of a watercolor and this pretty effect just adds to its allure. The skirt is very full and cut so that it sits slightly longer and fuller at the back. Extra fabric is gathered just under the mid-back to give it that pretty fullness. Under the skirt is an attached crinoline made of a yellow, ruffle edged tulle for fullness and the skirt itself is lined with dressmakers paper so that it holds and keeps its shape. At the front there are angled, flat pleats that are set to work in and up towards the center waist so that you get shape without bulk. To highlight the waist there is a wide mustard colored silk satin sash that wraps around the waist. At the back, this sash is set in a large half bow and then the ends trails almost to the floor in two wide panels. The bust is suspended from the shoulders with teeny straps that curve down and into the low back. It is finished internally with boning for added structure. It is elaborately finished with curving trails of sequins, prong set rhinestones and the most amazing 3D floral appliques made of the same floral fabric. It is wonderful and with all those 1950s details that makes pieces from this time period so very special. Excellent condition.

The skirt and waist are backed with dressmakers paper. The bodice has an additional partial lining of a cream silky rayon and is boned. There is an inner attached tulle net skirt that ties to close behind the zipper at the waist. The bow is attached and hooks and snaps into place. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from shoulder to slight empire waist
Skirt: 42" from slight empire waist to front hem, 53" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E497

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 the twin of this in the shop before but the first was a little smaller then this one is. It is from earlier in his career and I love the statement making combination of that classic 1960s orange and yellow color palette with the starkness of the black. The top part of the jumpsuit is cut like a little button down shirt with pointed, notched collar and short sleeves. The print is set in the highlight the cut. A row of black, decorative buttons trails down the front and I love how the pattern is used to create the illusion of 'cuffs' on each sleeve. The bottom is a pant that has wide panels of fabric wrapped over each wide cut leg so that depending on how you stand it appears to be a full length skirt. Each outer side of each leg has a sexy slit that is cut to just past the knee for a little flash of skin Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silky cotton mix and closes with a hand set, back painted zipper. The buttons at the front are decorative only.

Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem
Inseam: 30"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2822

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 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 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 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

Reference: Image from Bloomingdales lingerie catalogue, 1976, shot by Guy Bourdin.

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.

I have this same dress in a green & blue version that is also currently available in the shop. If you want to see it in that color option, please click here to pop directly to that listing.

I particularly love the work of Geoffrey Beene, especially his evening wear. It always has this combination of elegance and sexiness with great details and workmanship that makes you feel that you are really wearing something special. Here we have a beautiful and very sexy silk chiffon bias cut gown with a fabulous square cut out back. The color of the dress is very unusual. The color has been achieved by layering a deep brown semi-sheer chiffon over an inner vivid orange layer of chiffon over a nude lining. This combination makes the final resulting color a deep burnt pumpkin. It also gives the fabric a depth and texture that seems to change in different lights and also changes when the fabric move over each other as you move. The bodice has a wide band at the waist that has an attached tie that wraps and snaps into place and then ties at the front. The arms are cut to be fuller near the body. They begin from the top of the waist band and then narrow as they reach each cuff. The skirt swings out from the waist and there is literally yards and yards of fabric in it - if you twirl it is a full circle. The neck is cut in a wide scoop across the front but the back is left completely bare - that bit of sexiness I mentioned above. It is just absolutely stunning. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silk crepe, it closes with a low back, hand set zipper and the attached waist tie snaps into place around the waist and then ties and snaps at the front. Each sleeve has hidden snaps at the wrist. Hand finishes

Sleeves: 27" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from top of bodice to lower waist band, with the included band being approx 4.25"
Skirt: 42" from the bottom of the waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2146

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

Such a sexy outfit and yet because of the colors still manages to feel fresh and girlie. The dress is made of a fine silk jersey that has those amazing tropical colors screened onto it in a overlapping leaf print. It is strapless and insanely short and the fabric is gathered along each side to create a soft ruched feel. The top and bottom hem are anchored by a flat hem with a matching print. And in the back, panels of fabric that are attached along each hip tie to create shape. It has its original super short cropped "jacket" that ties in the front to balance out the back tie. The fabric is also signed throughout. So perfect! Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined in a pale nude colored tissue silk and it closes with a side zipper. The jacket is unlined and ties to close.

Dress
Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam, with room for up to a B cup in front
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from top of bodice to hem

Bolero
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: approx 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 11" from neck to longest point at the front hem, the back middle is only 3"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1824

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