The Western world in the twenties and thirties had a great fascination with all things oriental and places in the Far East began to export pieces made specifically for the tourist market. These pieces combined classic design elements of the Asian culture with a slight western twist to the cut and colors. These little silk jackets where among the most prized of the era and this one is a beautiful example of the period. It is made of a pretty pastel hued green silk that is woven through with a secondary thread to create the design that you see over the outer surface. The inside is a brilliant red silk that offers high contrast every time you get a peak of the interior. This is a lovely example of the textiles being produced during this time period. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a brilliant red silk. It has no closures. It appears to have been worn very little if at all

Sleeves: approx 14.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 19.5" flat across
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S854

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 absolutely love Josefa caftans. The are like owning a piece of wearable art as each was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. This one is a classic design based on a sleeved, caftan dress silhouette. The cotton is crisp and fresh feeling still and has been hand dyed to a beautiful deep teal color. It has hand placed ribbon detailing and a sprinkling of embroidery work. The ribbon work defines the neckline, cuffs and hem. It also runs down the tie belt that you can use to cinch in the waist for added shape. There are hand done embroidery details at the neckline and a tiny dot of it that anchors the back of each cuff. I love the one random flower that has been embroidered onto the front skirt. The deep teal green and the soft gold toned ribbon perfectly compliment each other. It is cut to sit slightly more fitted through the bodice and then flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut to do the same and widen out as they near the cuffs.   Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back, painted metal zipper. Has its original matching tie belt. The fabric has natural variations in it. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. The color in person is slightly deeper and even better I think. The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3180

Reference Photo: (1) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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

Each Josefa labeled piece was hand made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies. They made fabulous little caftans that are amazing pieces of art-to-wear.  They look and feel like it could have been worn by Talitha Getty or any of the other jet-set girls that really pushed the Bohemian movement forward in their day. It is an easy to wear piece that you can wear to the beach, all through a day of exploring or as an evening piece with a change of accessories. The design is based on a classic sleeved, caftan dress silhouette that pairs a finely woven, brilliantly hand dyed cotton with with hand done embroidery work. The embroidery details the entire neckline and is also down around each cuff. I love the mix of green and that dusty pink and how the embroidery works sets both off wonderfully. It is cut to be slightly more fitted through the top and then flares out dramatically as it nears the hem. Each sleeve mimics this flaring out shape. and ends with wide cuffs. This one is not perfect but the flaws are cosmetic only. If you don't mind that your vintage is not 100% then this is a delightful find.

Unlined and slips on to wear with a row of buttons across the top of each shoulder. The fabric has natural variations in it. All throughout the pink panels there are light foxing marks and I see some variations in the green as well. Please review the shot after the label photo to see the worst of it. It is strong and wearable otherwise and too pretty not to be given a chance to be loved again by someone who is OK with things not being 100% perfect. It is also priced dramatically lower then it would be normally. Note that in person the colors are slightly deeper then how they photoed and the loose cut should work on a variety of sizes

Sleeves: approx 20"
Shoulders: no defined seam but approx 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3178

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 Ungaro top has a gorgeous design in the way that it wraps to close. The entire front of the top crosses over itself to button along the side seam with a series of tightly spaced buttons and loops. Inside it buttons into place to ensure that it sits perfectly. Along the edge of that cross over front, the fabric has been flat pleated to give a nice contrast to the elaborate print that covers the silk. The sleeves are cut in a modified version of the traditional 'Leg of Mutton' sleeve where the sleeve is very wide and full on the upper part of it and then tapers down as it nears the wrist. The top is made from a scarf weight silk that has a gorgeous print covering its entire surface. The body of the top is cut loose and easy as it falls from the padded shoulders. I love the high collar that is designed to stand up to frame the neck. This one came with a matching long silk tie in the same fabric that you can use around the neck like I have, or even as a belt to cinch in the waist. It's all drama and high eighties glamour. Excellent condition.

Unlined and buttons at the side and has one button inside. Each cuff zips to close. Strongly padded shoulders and matching silk tie. It would be an easy job to move the inner button to get the perfect fit as needed. The loose cut should fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15.5" to ends of padding which extend slightly beyond natural shoulder
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S840

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 killer jacket with incredible lines from the Fall 2014 Isabel Marant runway. It was shown worn open in the show but it is even better closed and tied in my opinion. When worn closed you really get a sense of that incredible flaring at the hip and the tie belt gives it shape. The very bottom edge of the hip flare has an almost raw finish. The shoulders are rounded and high, with interior padding to hold that wonderful, rounded shape. Each sleeves ends in a wide flipped up cuff. It buttons at the front and the buttons are hidden under the front edges. The belt cinches the jacket's waist in. To huge front pockets are the perfect finish and each has an opening from both the top of the pocket and also from their outer sides so you can tuck your hands in if you wish. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with the buttons down the front, Has its original tie belt. Extra button present and looks unworn. Padded shoulders. Tagged a modern 36 but cut generously

Sleeves: approx 26" but you can adjust the cuffs
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust-lower seam above hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: to 26" from neck to longest point of the front hem, 24" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S838

Reference photo: Isabel Marant Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show, Look 10, Model: Magdalena Frackowiak

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 brown 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.

Geoffrey Beene's evening wear rarely misses the mark.  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 squared off back cut out that leaves the back left bare. On this one the color combination begins with a nude underlay that is then topped with a layer of a deep green and finished with a deep blue. This creates that unique color that you see and gives the dress a really unusual tone and depth. Depending on the light and how the fabric is sitting the color seems to change before your eyes. It is quite unusual. The bodice has a wide band at the waist and on this version that band is left simple and clean. The arms are full near the body - they begin from the top of that 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 scoops at 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. 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: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to top waist seam, band is 4.25"
Skirt: 42" from bottom waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3094

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 early Louis Feraud pieces are highly collectible and in their day they were sought after. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans. During the sixties and early seventies the Feraud label was known world wide for piece that incorporated vibrant prints and gorgeous graphic designs. This full length maxi dress is a striking example of just that. The jersey is of the wash and wear variety and this fabric choice beautifully holds the color.. The design is as vibrant as the day it was screened on. I love how the design is done to cover the body completely but the jersey fabric still drapes and clings to every curve so it is still insanely sexy. That bright design highlights the cut of the dress from neck to hem. I love the mix of the print and the unexpected pops of color worked in with the blue and green. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with buttons and fabric loops at the back neck as well as a painted metal side set zipper. Each wrist buttons to close. The fabric is a light weight jersey so it will have a bit of stretch from the listed measurements.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3095

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 rare Jeff Banks scarf weight, silk top that is very light in weight and it feels like nothing once on. The base color is a gorgeous deep green and that is then covered with soft pastel flowers that have pops of a soft coral and lemon worked into the design. Each cuff buttons to close on a wide cuff and above those the sleeves are done with a huge balloon finish above the wrist. The cut is slim and sexy and the collar has a slightly more subtle version of his signature, long dog ear shape. It is amazing. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with his signature double button front. Three buttons at each wrist

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S829

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

This dress is wonderful and the cut of it is a little unique compared to those you usually find in this time period. It is made from a printed silk in a gorgeous shade of green. On to this is a print done in shades of pink and yellow depicting tiny little knights on horseback, lances in hand. These cavort over the entire dress for wonderful little pops of color. The colors are still crisp and true. The design of the dress itself is stunning and unique. The bodice is cut to skim over the body and has a chic little collar and capped sleeves that are cuffed. The waist nips in with a soft bow detailing on one side and the fabric is gathered in and up towards this detail. I love hoe the belt slips through an opening in behind the bow. Below that the skirt is cut in a long lean line and sits slightly asymmetrical due to the gathers on the one side. This emphasizes the feminine curves of the dress perfectly. Excellent condition with one note to review below concerning the belt.

Unlined and closes with a mid-back set metal zipper and buttons down the front. Some natural, very slight patina tot he buttons and the fabric covering the belt buckle shows some wear as photoed. Slightly different shade of green in person - better then how it photoed.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D597

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

Jean Desses became a designated Haute Couture house under the official Chambre Syndicate de la Haute Couture in 1937. In 1949 he began a ready-to-wear line to broaden his client base. However, his career was fairly short lived and by 1960 the couture portion of his business was closed, followed by the closure of the ready-to-wear line five years later. When he expanded his atelier to serve the overseas market in the late 1950s, he was among the small elite group of designers that sold to the American power house department stores - Bergdorf Goodman's in this case - and gave then the right to produce his designs in America. The fabrics and design were the same as what was being produced in his atelier in France, but the construction of the actual pieces was done by couture level seamstresses in America. This elaborate system had already been established by Dior and was a clever way to get around the severe import taxation of the time period. Jean Desses kept a strict eye on what was produced and where pieces went and this caused a severe limitation on the quantities produced. The RTW line for the American market was also made to order, piece by piece, making it truer to demi-couture.

The dress has the elegant lines that you associate with the best of Jean Desses' work. The fabric used to construct the dress is a green silk satin that seems to glow with its own inner light. The color is a beautiful deep moss green. Fused onto the silk base are flowers done in a plush, soft velvet that add texture and depth to the fabric. The cut has a sense of contained sexuality, nothing overt, but cut to follow and highlight every curve. It has a deep V neckline at the front and the back is an even deep plunge with the inner bodice acting as a partial modesty panel. Just under the V at the front it is gathered and detailed with a small piping of fabric that gives the illusion of holding the gathers  there in place. It also gives a subtle nod to a Grecian aesthetic, a signature touch of Jean Desses' work. The waist nips in and below that the skirt is beautifully constructed. The inner skirt is fitted with a top panel of fabric lying over that inner skirt that is secure at the waist and then wraps and ties at the back in am almost apron feeling finish. There are lots of fabulous detailing and high end finishes to this dress like an inner built in bodice and weighting at the back hem. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

The inner bodice lining and the inner front panel of the underskirt are made of a green silky rayon. The exterior fabrics are interlined in a pale green silk organza. It closes with a painted metal side zipper and the over-skirt is part attached and then ties at the back. Hand finishes and ribbon edged seam. Light boning through the bodice and inner waist stay that closes with hook and eye. Made to demi-couture standards.

Interior Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist stay: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Exterior waist if stay left open: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 19" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1901

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

Arnold Scaasi did exquisite work and as time passes I feel his designs are coming to be appreciated by a new audience. He apprenticed for Paquin before moving ot New York and working for Charles James. He launched a ready to wear label in 1956 but 1964 launched a couture salon and scaled back everything else to concentrate  on made-to-order. He cut and created his designs to extremely high standards and the workmanship is fabulous. This skirt is from those early days of his couture salon and is both innovative and exquisite. The fabric is wonderful. It is a cotton patchwork with multiple floral designs making up the squares. The fabric has been cut so that it is set on an angle so that you get that diamond pattern. The flowers are all stitched along their edges so the skirt has a subtle bit of a quilted texture. White lace ribbon is hand set along the lines that separate each square. It has a high set, corset feeling waist that cinches in the waistline severely and then rises above that in a beautiful curved and sculpted line. The skirt widens out as it nears the hem with soft pleats set on either hip just below the waist to help give it the volume and shape you see. It's glorious. Excellent condition.

Fully self- lined in a cream silk and hand finished. It closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper and a series of hook & eye at the waist. The waist banding has backing to give it additional shape and support.

Hips: to 21"" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of waist to hem, the front rises an additional 5"aboce the waist at the front

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S818

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

Besides its Haute Couture origins, this Emanuel Ungaro set has the added modern provenance of being worn to Madonna's birthday party in Italy by stylist B. Akerlund. It has also been photoed for creative purposes with all those reference photos included here. 

A brilliant mix of bright, primary colors have been used to create this wonderful couture skirt and top set. Both pieces are made from high quality silks that have subtly different weights and finishes to them. The top is more of a soft draped silk, while the skirt is made from a silk taffeta to give it more shape and volume. The finishes on the silk also are different and become a part of the design itself. The top has a subtle floral design woven into the silk and the skirt has dots. The top is a deep red silk cut loose and easy with billowing sleeves that button at each cuff. The front plunging keyhole is edged and highlighted with gold cord and has inset bands of silk. The green taffeta skirt has a cinched and banded waist done in a bright yellow silk. It  extends out into extra long, attached ties that are wrapped and tied around the waist. On the skirt there is an attached front panel of fabric in a play on an apron,  that has a beautiful painted scene. Perhaps inspired by Paul Gauguin? The contrast of the jeweled colors and the painted panel on the skirt give it a wonderfully couture folk art feel. Excellent condition with one small item to note below.

The skirt is backed in a white, fine silk organza and closes at the waist with a zipper and flat hook and eye at the waist. The top is unlined and slips over the head. Both pieces are completely made and finished by hand as per the standard of haute couture. The top is labeled and the skirt has the interior cross stitch that couture pieces of this time period have to indicate the front. There is an area of very slight discoloration on the back of the skirt skirt and a water mark that falls under the apron that you do not see when it is on. One small smudge on the sleeve. All photoed

Shoulders: no defined seam
Sleeves: 26"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Length: 25" from neck to waist

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1181

Reference photos: (1-3) Photographed for creative purposes by Nikki Ormerod, Styling: Nadia Pizzimenti, Hair & Makeup: Ashley Readings, Model: Constance from Plutino Models. (4-6) B. Akerlund and Madonna from B's instagram account.

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 Malcolm Starr is stunning. The fabric hits you right off - it is a beautiful metallic brocade with a slightly raised pattern in gold running over its surface that has a touch of dimension to it so you really get an amazing play on light. The color is equally unusual with its pale lime green base that has that gold shot through it so it becomes neither of those two colors but something unique unto itself. The dress is cut with a baby doll silhouette at the top and a full length maxi skirt that widens out with a wonderful sweep as it nears the floor. The waist line is high and sits just under the V of the neckline. The neckline does not plunge quite into the empire waist but could if you wished. there is currently a little extra panel of fabric there that could easily be removed if you wanted the full plunge effect. Just under that sits a jeweled gold bar and rings that attach to the piping at the waist. These are encrusted with rhinestones so add a little extra glitz and also emphasizes the cut. The sleeves are long and each is cut to pouf out slightly above the notched cuffs. Here too sits a rhinestone encrusted extra bit of bling on the button. The detail I love the most are those fabulous full length pleats that sit on other side of the hip that add length and volume to the skirt. The fact that a hidden pocket that goes right through to the other side, almost like a muff would, is just an extra bonus. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pale lime silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The front metal plate is inlaid with rhinestones and I see no missing stones. A long front pocket under the front middle panel. Rhinestone encrusted buttons at each cuff. Hand finished.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2975

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 was made by Mildreds of Hawaii, one of the several labels of this era coming out of Hawaii that catered 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. Elastic panels run along each side of the bodice so the dress adjusts to fits you perfectly. This also makes it very comfortable to wear as it move with you. The bodice has a hand stitched, gathered detailing of fabric that curves around towards that bow at the side for a flattering line. The print is a pretty wash of colors in tropical themed shades of blue, green and sunset yellows. It is very pretty and very flattering on. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a white cotton and the skirt is unlined. Boning in the bust area and elastic panel on each side. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Made of a soft cotton

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2789

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 caftan dress was made in 1975 and was one of the dresses that I lent from my archives for the 2015 exhibit "Thea Porter 70s Bohemian Chic" at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, curated by Laura McLaws Helms. The mix of textiles used in the construction of this caftan was specifically noted upon on the display card that accompanied this dress in the exhibit. The card stated: Abaya, c. 1975, Designed by Thea Porter. Additional notes from Louise Fennell on Thea’s ingenious mixing of fabrics stated: ‘She’d often just put different bits of material on the floor and looked at them, and moved them about a bit; tried different things with different things – sometimes you thought, “Ooo, really??” but it always worked brilliantly.’

Of all of Thea's pieces, her caftans have come to represent Thea's work like no other piece of her clothing that she designed. Elizabeth Taylor was a huge fan and collector. By the end of her life she had amassed a large collection that was auctioned off through Christie's in 2011. Most of the caftans in that auction fetched well over the $20,000USD mark. Barbara Bach was photoed in a similar one for the cover of the Sunday Telegraph in 1977 and that photo has become an iconic representation of the era. Each of Thea’s caftans ere made by hand and no two are alike. This one appears to have never been worn and looks and feels like it is straight off a shop rack.

Thecaftan is very beautiful and is made from a combination of mix of green fabrics. Metallic shot velvets on silk chiffon are mixed with panels of silk brocades. Thea was known to hunt antique stores and markets during her extensive travels and use what she found in her designs. I think that some of these panels are some of her found antique fabrics. The wide metallic brocade ribbon that borders the main front panel feels like it could be a bit of older ribbon rescued and re-purposed. The caftan is unlined and once it is on you realize that all the side panels of chiffon and velvet fused chiffon are semi-transparent. This see-through quality makes is very sexy despite the full coverage it has. The main front and back panel of brocade has a slightly stiff feel to it still since it has not been worn expect for my photos in it and when it was in a mannequin in the exhibit. This fabric will soften as you wear it. A chiffon tie loops though skits hidden on either side of the front panel to add some shape. If you decide not to tie it the slits are done along the seam and are not apparent. A very special piece, worthy of its Museum exhibited provenance. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. Has a matching chiffon fabric sash that you can slip through slits at the front to add shape. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little 

WIdth: 59" side to side
Length: 53.5" neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2966

Reference Photos: (1-2) From the Thea Porter 70s Bohemian Chic Exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum.  /  (3-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.  /  (5) Barbara Bach, in Thea Porter, photographed by David James for The Telegraph Sunday Magazine, April 3, 1977.  /  (6) Elizabeth Taylor's collection of caftans,  Christie’s auction house, New York, 2011.

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

Mollie Parnis began designing in 1933 and from a simple beginning built a multi-dollar business. She was known for dressing First Ladies and her designs were worn by First Ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Betty Ford. Her Boutique label launched in 1970 and both that and her couture line continued until she shuttered the doors of her business in 1984.

It is hard not to love such a strong statement piece. Dresses with these over-the-top, elaborate sleeves are always a favorite and this one is wonderful. Despite that drama created by the sleeves, the almost weightless silk used keeps it light and easy feeling. The silk used for the dress is beautiful. It is a brilliant green with a ribbon finish. This technique to the silk, combined with the pops of pinks and purples used in the pattern, is really eye catching. The sleeves are easily the star of the show on this dress. Each is a dramatic panel of fabric that flows down from the shoulders. They are 38" in length to the longest points. The way they move and flow when you move is just incredible. The bodice has a high neck and is more fitted. A skirt that will finished just above the ankles on most is the perfect balance. The contrast between the colors and the beautiful cut, mixed with the volume of the sleeves is fabulous. Presents as excellent condition with notes to review below.

The bodice and skirt are fully lined in a matching green silk and the sleeves are unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. I see a very faint water stain on the bust and a teeny area of thinning to the fabric just above the waist. Both are photoed. There is the lightest of fading to the very edge of the silk under one arm. The color and pattern make these all virtually unnoticeable once on and I have taken these into consideration when pricing.

Shoulders: 15"
Sleeves: 17.5" from shoulder to edge with a 28" drop from top to bottom
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2090

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 La Mendola label is highly collectible and sought after. The duo behind the label met in Rome in 1960 and started their business making dresses and selling them piece by piece. In 1967 they opened a shop and women like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth that were buying and even wait listing for pieces as they were produced. Here we have  an early piece by them that is made form a beautiful, light wool knit jersey. It is cut into a loose and easy shape that flows out from the shoulder to almost caftan proportions. The design is a beautiful mix of blues and green with pal pops of a soft lavender. It has a simple cut with an undefined waist, a scooped neckline and long bell cut sleeves. I love how it covers the body completely and how the fabric drapes and skims over your curves so it is still sexy. It is also a larger size so very wearable. It really has a lot of fabric through the skirt and in person you get more of a feel of volume when you move. You could easily  belt and cinch in the waist for more shape. The length is supermodel long at 64" from shoulder to hem. It is an amazing piece. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The bias cut stretch fabric and forgiving design of the dress will allow it to work on a range of sizes. I have given the measurements at a comfortable stretch lying flat but the fabric does have stretch beyond them a touch even

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 24-27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL

Item# DD2949

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

The Pucci butterfly print is one of my favorites. He designed and drew all of these early designs and this one in particular feels like you are wearing a piece of art. The combination of print and color is wonderful and instantly recognizable as being a Pucci. The base color is a yellow-green tone. Onto that is a beautiful butterfly print done primarily in purples mixed with shots of other colors. I love the use of his signature, contrasting borders that define and anchor the waist and hem. The dress is made from a light, scarf weight silk that makes it very easy to wear and it feels lovely and light once on. It is cut in a simple column that gently flares as it nears the hem. This simple cut allows that beautiful butterfly print to shine. A wonderful example of the more sophisticated side of Pucci. Excellent condition with a small note below to review.

Fully lined in a neutral silk and closes at the back with a hand set, hidden set zipper. The fabric is signed throughout. I see two tiny storage spots on the front of the dress. These are both extremely minor. Tagged a Pucci size 8

Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2529

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

Elinor Simmons designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972 and you can see her handiwork in this classic Starr piece with its almost sculptural lines and elaborate bead, sequin and rhinestone work. The dress itself has a simple A-line cut with capped sleeves and a high scooped neck. The upper portion of the shoulders and sleeves are finished in a silk organza that is the same color as the more shaped silk used through the body. Onto that is absolutely beautiful hand done detailing that runs across the neck and on each sleeve. The bead work and rhinestones here really catch the light and it is quite beautiful. The bodice skims over the torso with darling little capped sleeves and a high set waist line. The skirt comes out from under the seam at the waist in a widening curve of fabric and I love the fullness of it. The silk used has a almost polished cotton finish to it but with a touch more texture. The fabric choice really holds the shape of the dress beautifully and the color is wonderful. I love that it has pockets hidden away at the inset seams that run down the front. It is really a lovely dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pale green silk and closes with a low painted back metal zipper. It is open between the zipper adn the hook at the neck It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Note that color is a little more of a 'celery' then how it photoed. The elaborate rhinestone, sequins and beads on the upper bodice are all set by hand.

Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 27.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2927

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

It is always wonderful to have a true piece of Haute Couture and this Chanel suit is to absolutely beautiful. It has the added binus of being a documented piece as its near twin is held in The Met Museums collection and I would hazard to say that our version is even prettier and the buttons on ours makes it that much more special (see the final reference photo provided). The current cost of a Chanel Haute couture suit is in the tens of thousands of dollars so the investment in a vintage version is not only smart but a prudent use of your dollars.

This beautiful suit has all of its proper Chanel Haute Couture labels and numbered tapes and it has all of the hallmarks of the Chanel suit present. The chain at the inner hem, the vertically stitched inner quilt effect used during this time period and the fine, inner workmanship, all done entirely by hand. It is constructed from a classic Chanel boucle that upon close inspection is actually a mix of a green, blue, coral and purple wool. all woven and thatched together. The proprietary boucle Chanel uses gives the fabric structure and stability one way and a slight bias cut effect the other. This is what creates that perfect fit that Chanel suits have. The fabric has the movement to really sculpt to the wearer and yet retains the shape and cut at the same time. The skirt falls to just below the knee with a slight flared cut and exactly spaced pleats at the front with a more sleek shape at the back. The jacket is classic Chanel with the two low set signature pockets at the front, each highlight with a floral shaped button. These buttons that sit there, down the front and at each cuff are very special in themselves. Each is hand made and constructed by hand wrapping the wire to form the camellias that you see. The matching top is equally as beautiful with an intricate pleated front, French cuffs button with those same wonderful buttons and the silk it is made out of exactly matches the inner silk lining of the jacket. Everything about it is special to the last detail. The suit is in excellent condition and the top has some issues so please review the full condition notes below

Both the skirt and jacket are fully lined in a hand set green silk. The jacket closes with hand woven brass wire flower buttons and the skirt closes with a zipper. Both the jacket and skirt have vertical quilting seams. The jacket has a brass chain at its inner hem. The top closes at the front with hidden set buttons and is entirely hand made. Each cuff on the top has french set buttons that match the jacket. There is very minor discoloration at the inner seam under one arm of the jacket. The top shows more noticeable damage under each arm and I see some small storage spots here and there as well. The set is priced based on the jacket and skirt only. The top is being included for free so that the set is historically accurate. It could be worn if the jacket was kept on and the fabric is sound and odor free. The entire set was specialty cleaned (as is everything of course). Each piece is numbered under the Couture label in sequence 53422, 53423, 53424

Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Shirt
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2928

Reference Photo: Chanel F/W 1976-77 Suit, The MET Collection.

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

What a chic and pretty spring coat by the Lee Parker Originals label. The bright lime green color is fantastic and the cut is really special. It is like an instant pop of spring. It is cut on a pretty A-line swing that widens out from the more fitted shoulder and bust. The collar is kept neat and simple while little round green buttons adorn the front from the neck to the waist for a pretty finish. Under that row of buttons the coat has no closures and that helps to give it the lovely movement it has once one. The entire lower portion of the coat is set in wide pleats and these give it the prettiest look. It is just darling. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a green silky rayon and buttons to close at the front from the waist seam to the neck. No pockets along the front seams. Note that any yellow tone you see in the photos is just the light - it is slightly more a pastel lime then shown in real life and the color is entirely even. It is open though the waist but smaller fitting through the shoulders

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML, maybe a medium if you are narrow through the shoulders

Item# C462

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

Antony Price launched his self-named label in 1979 and quickly became know as one of the more glamorous designer of the eighties. His work tended to have a mix of femininity, high glamour and edginess. His designs showed off the body and often had dramatic, over-the-top finishing touches. You see an example of that on this dress from his Fall 1989 collection with its two large bow details that sit on the back of each draped shoulder. On the runway they were stiffened to heighten their drama but for retail the bows are softer and drape beautifully. The front of the bodice is cut low and wide across the neck. From there the velvet curves around the shoulder and and each shoulder is tied into a bow of matching velvet. You can wear these at the top of the shoulder, have them pushed down to drape and fall towards the back and have them act as a weight and show more skin there. Or, you can choose to not wear them at all for a more traditional feeling line. The back edge of the neckline is finished in elastic so it sits properly no matter where you decide to place the bows. The fabric is a deep bottle green cotton velvet whose color seems to be illuminated from within. The waist nips in and the skirt is cut to be slim and fitted. It is hard to really show off this dress on a mannequin to its full advantage but on a proper girl it is even more spectacular. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Appears unworn. Note that the provided reference photos are taken from the runway footage. Apologies for their low quality. You can see the dress in the video at about the 14:00 mark

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from top of middle back to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2706

Reference Photos: Stills from the video of the Antony Price A/W 1989 Runway 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.

The bias cut combined with silk chiffon layers are what give this dress its Greek Goddess feel. Stella McCartney makes exquisite evening pieces and I love this one from the pre-fall 2008 collection. Pre-fall and pre-spring collections are always produced in smaller numbers and harder to acquire. This dress was a favorite on the red carpet in the 2008 season and was seen on both Scarlett Johansson and Poppy Montgomery. The dress is made of a green silk chiffon in a soft hue. It is cut on the bias with a second layer in a matching silk acting as its lining. The fabric choice allow it to drape beautifully on the body. It is long and sleek while you stand but once you move you get a wonderful fullness in the skirt. The way it is cut is very couture in feel and it has a definitive Madame Gres reference feel to it. The entire dress is suspended from the tie at the shoulder. I love the pleating through the bodice that extends down into the waist and then softly opens into the skirt. Excellent condition.

The skirt is fully lined in a second layer of matching colored silk chiffon that is also bias cut. The bodice is lined a a matching silk. It closes with a hidden side zipper and ties at the top of the one shoulder. It is tagged a modern 40 but McCartney pieces fit small so you should know your sizing in this label or make sure to check the measurements below

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2328

Runway reference photo credit: voguerunway.com 
Poppy Montgomery & Scarlett Johansson credit: coolspotters.com
Photoshoot Reference Photos: Photographed for creative purposes by Nikki Ormerod, Styling: Nadia Pizzimenti, Hair & Makeup: Ashley Readings, Model: Constance from Plutino Models.

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