Randolph Duke made his formal evening wear debut during fall 1997 and immediately gained a steadfast following and was dressing stars like Hilary Swank, Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone and Celine Dion for major red carpet events. His shows from Fall 2000 onward are well documented and this dress is not in them making it Spring 2000 or earlier. Angie Harmon wore a similar dress on the red carpet in 2000. The dress bears its original sample label making it either the piece that would have been shown on the runway or the showroom sample that buyers would have seen to buy this design for the upcoming season. If Duke was known for his ability to showcase a woman's body, then this dress takes that to the extreme. It has a barely there feel to it. It plunges almost to the waist at the front. The slit created by the wrapped over effect on the skirt is just shy of being scandalous, under that front draped knot the dress is held together with just a few tacks, and the back is left equally as bare. The fabric is a clinging red crepe jersey and it slinks over the body and drapes into place, moving like liquid with your body. It's simplicity and bareness hide a high level of technical skill that keeps the dress all perfectly in place where it should be. It is quite beautiful and a rare example of his work made even rare by being the original sample. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Perhaps the slightest of grubbiness to the hem but I am being really picky. Bias cut so will accommodate a variety of figures. Mainly hand made

Bust: no true side seams and should fit most busts
Inner waist stay: adjust from a 23" to a 26"
Hips: should fit most hips as it not truly closed at the front
Length: 69" from top of shoulder to the back hem, the slit at the front adjusts with movement

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3016

Reference Photos: Angie Harmon in Randolph Duke at the 2000 Emmy Awards on September 10, 2000.

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

Valentino knows how to cut a dress to perfectly flatter a woman's body. Few designers can come close to the masterful techniques he perfected over the decades of his prolific career. This is a wonderful example of his work and I love that it has been done in his classic Valentino red color. It has that feeling of simplicity that the nineties epitomized and yet, still feels modern and fresh. It is cut to drape perfectly over the body, skimming over your curves to flatter and fit perfectly. The color is absolutely fantastic - the perfect clear red that flatters most skin tones. I think it is even better in person then how it has photoed. If you know Valentino's work, then you know the exact shade this red is in person. The top is cut to be sleeveless and angles in towards the higher cut neckline. There is a slit that runs down the front seam for the most subtle glimpse of skin. All of the seam work through the body is done vertically so there is no line across at any point to break the eye. It subtly flares out at it reached the hem and the hem itself is finished with two layers of ruffles that circle around to the back. The back hem is cut longer then the front  so you get a slight bit of a trained effect there. It is just stunning on the body. Excellent condition with one small note below.

Fully lined in a red silk satin. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Hand finishes. Tagged a Valentino 10. The fabric does have some give. There are some very minor marks on the back ruffled hem that you would never notice once on (photoed). The original price tag is still on the dress and was $3275 even back then.

Bust: 18-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from shoulder to front hem, 63" to longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3015

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

Janice Wainwright launched her own label in 1970 and continued designing into the 1980s. Her work in the late 1970s and 1980s simplified in terms of embellishments and embroidery but she still used amazing fabrics and the better of her later pieces, like this one, explored drape and bias cuts. This dress is made from a beautiful red silk that has a dot pattern worked directly into the silk. The dots seems to be fused onto the silk and each has the slightest but of a 'fringe'; around the outsides. This gives them a bit of a 3D quality and adds to the texture of the dress. The construction is very interesting. It is all bias cut with a strong nod to 1930s lingerie in how it is cut. It floats over the body with a deep plunge at both the front and back. You see the classic angled seams of the thirties through the waist and in how the skirt is attached. This allows it to flow over the body and never feel very tight but still highlight every curve. It ties to close at the top of each shoulder and I would bet that you could figure out different ways to tie and wear it. It is beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a red silk chiffon that is also bias cut. It slips on the wear and ties at the stop of each shoulder. The bias cut allows it to fit a range of sizes and it could easily be altered for the perfect fit on a smaller frame. It is tagged a vintage UK12, US10, FR40, IT44

Bust: from 16-24" flat across with no true side seams due to the side plunge
Waist to hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from top of shoulder to longest point of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL

Item# DD3014

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 wonderful 1950s dress is made from a very fine, high end Asian silk. Woven through the silk is a beautiful design of feathers that have been done in a red thread. Also woven directly into the silk are medallions that are scattered over the surface and around the feather design. Along the inner seams the fabric has the markings of the fabric maker which is in interesting detail and depicts its higher end origins. The red is much better in person then how the camera has captured it. The color is richer and has more depth to it. The cut of the dress is very pretty and unusual. The bodice has a low V with is sent in soft gathers along the band of the waist. The waist is nipped in and then the skirt is set below that and it has a very unusual cut. The inner base of the skirt is a more pencil skirt shape at the front, but the back is shaped almost like a bustle back skirt and has pleat work that give it some volume there. Then there is a second panel of fabric at the front that lies over the inner skirt. This panel gives it that rounded, volume that you see in the photos. It  is attached at the waist and curves around the sides towards the back. It is so clever and unusual. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a combination of an ivory silk organza and a black silk. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. Hand finished and beautifully made. The fabric is marked along the inner seams. The skirt has ribbon edged, hand finishes

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E642

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

True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. This, like several other of the Haute Couture pieces in the shop at the moment are from one of my clients whose mother purchased the majority of her Couture pieces between 1973 to the mid and late seventies.

The dress is made of two layers - an inner silk dress that acts as the lining, and the outer layer that is made from a semi-transparent silk chiffon. The silk chiffon used on the outer layer is especially fine and it has a beautiful red floral design screened onto the black with a secondary print suggesting an exotic animal print. The straps of the inner dress are made of that same fabric as is the matching belt that cinches in the waist. When the two pieces are layered over each other the result is wonderful. The outer dress gives the dress a very light and airy feel that is very feminine. The dress is so well made that I could not decide which way it sat better so photoed it with the buttons down the front and also turned around and with the buttons running down the back. The neckline is collarless and simply ties with that row of silk covered buttons starting below a bit of an opening. The bodice is cut to sit looser over the inner slip and the sleeves are full, poufing up above their buttoned cuffs. The skirt is a masterpiece of soft pleat work all the way around the hips. Each is done by hand, with masterful technique and spaced apart perfectly. These give the skirt it's flounced feel. The matching silk fabric belt hook and ties into place to cinch in the waist. As good as it is on the dress form, it will be even better on a real girl's body. Entirely made by hand with the Haute Couture tag and numbered tape behind present on the interior dress. Excellent condition

The exterior dress is unlined and closes with a tie at the neck and silk covered buttons. It has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The interior dress act as the lining and closes with a handset side painted metal zip. Matching original belt. Finished to Haute Couture standards. Haute Couture label present with interior tape number 54878. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Outer Dress
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Inner Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3010

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

Koos Van den Akker started his career as an apprenticeship with Christian Dior in the late 1950s. This early exposure to Haute Couture shows in pieces like this. This particular dress is exceptional and a real testament to his beginnings in the world of couture. He was a designer that started from the fabric, allowing it to influence the final design. Here he uses the semi-transparency of the beads on a fine netted lace to shape and mold the body underneath. The lace used is a combination of a red and black. Hand sewn onto the black portions of the lace are thousands of tiny black sequins. These are set into place to follow the pattern of the lace and they cover the dress from shoulder to hem. Covering the red parts of the design are tiny seed beads, again hand applied by the thousands to the lace net below. The combination of beads and sequins catch the light wonderfully when you move. The dress itself is fitted through the body and the sleeves are set so that the the shoulders are left bare. The dress is lined in a layer of fine black silk that gives you coverage through the body but leaves the upper neckline and sleeves semi-transparent. The semi-transparency is also used in the deep V in the back and for the last couple of inches of the hem. The workmanship is very fine and the is truly exquisite in person. Excellent condition

Lined in black silk and closes with a hidden set painted metal and nylon zipper. Fully boned through the torso for support.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from top of shoulder (where it sits off shoulder) to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2305

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 known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and although his atelier was never formally designated as Haute Couture by the French, he certainly produced clothing that met the parameters of couture and he is often referred to  as one of the great American couturiers. This set was custom made, and is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser. Betsy appeared on several Vogue covers in the 1950s and it was during that time period time period that she met Galanos. They were friends for over 60 years. She collected, and wore Galanos, her entire life and was his friend and muse. He once told her husband ‘I would rather have Betsy wear my clothes than any other woman’. She was a constant presence on the International Best Dressed List and and was added to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in the early 1970s.

The set is cut to a length befitting a model and it made of a beautifully printed, light weight silk chiffon that is combined with a metallic red lace. The silk has a romantic feeling, watercolor print covering its surface that gives the effect of oversized, abstract flowers. The pants are made of two layers of silk and weigh mere ounces. They are cut long and wide with an elastic waist that makes them easy to wear. The top portion layers over the pants and is also made of two layers of silk through the skirt. Each side is slit open right up to the lace top. This layered effect gives it lots of volume and movement and creates a light, floating effect when you walk. The bodice is made of two panels of lace, one making the back and the other the front, and these are connected along each side. He has cut them so that the sides plunge quite low for a bit of skin to show. It is almost scandalous. The lace is particularly beautiful with its metallic finish. I love how it is layered over a nude inner silk lining so that from a distance you look like you are wearing nothing underneath it. The entire top dress layer is suspended by four tiny silk straps that curve over the shoulder. The contrast between the silk and the metallic lace and the boldness of the colors is wonderful. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

The pants are made of two layers of silk chiffon and close with a back painted zipper. They have elastic at the waist. The over dress is lined with a nude silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is constructed from two layers of the silk chiffon. The overlay closes on one side with hidden fabric covered snaps. There are a couple of small repairs and light snags near the hem of the overlay that are minor and do not detract. This is a one-off, unlabelled custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate. There is a little bit of play in the measurements because of the cut and elastic waist so it will fit a range of sizes. Its more on the larger size then the smaller.

Over dress
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from shoulder to hem

Pants
Elastic waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Pant: 45" from waist to hem
Inseam: 32" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2278

Reference Photos: 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.

The book 'Ossie Clark, 1964-1974' by Judith Watts, has a coat pictured in it from the 1971 collection with the same slightly off-set buttoned front that this suit has. The label on the suit is his couture/custom made label and this is certainly the only version of this particular suit that I have seen. I love the shade of red. It is one that is flattering to most skin tones and has such impact despite the relative simplicity of the design. The suit is two pieces, a light weight top that is shaped more along the lines of a jacket, and a pair of trousers. The pants are flat fronted with minimal seaming and cut to be fitted and sit high and slim around the waist and hips. The legs widen out as they near the hem and that cut gives the effect of an extra long leg. The jacket is cut to skim over the body and lands just below the hips. It buttons entirely up the front and by the time is reaches the wide set collar the buttons sit just under one side so the entire row of buttons is set just off the center point. Angled, top set, flap pockets sit on each hip and the collar is elongated and pointed - a signature Ossie collar. The fabric choice utilizes another of his favored signatures - it's a moss crepe that drapes and sits wonderfully. Presents as excellent condition overall with some minor notes to review below.

Unlined with the jacket buttoning up the front and the pants zipping. There is some slight fading across each shoulder that I have photoed. It is priced accordingly. Tagged an vintage Ossie UK 12 but of course go by the actual measurements. It is cut small.

Jacket
Sleeves: "22
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from top of bodice to waist

Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3003

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 even better on a real body. It is made of a fluid scarf weight silk in a gorgeous red that has just a hint of a coral tone to it. The fabric has a secondary print of little triangles and flowers woven directly through the silk and then that is covered with a combination of oversized white dots and smaller blue & yellow dots. Long panels of the same  silk fabric wrap around the waist, tie and then flow down each hip. Each ends just above the hemline and this gives the skirt a really unusual effect and adds an interesting volume to each side without adding bulk. One of the side ties is attached along the side of the waist and the other is not attached at all. I am not 100% sure if originally both were meant to be attached and it will be sent as found. I think that having one free and loose gives you more styling options so prefer it that way myself. The skirt has a faux wrap effect so that when you move or sit you will get a sexy glimpse of bare leg showing. The top is strapless and lightly boned inside for support and shape. I love that this leaves your shoulders and arms bare. It has a very chic but sexy feel in that perfect Valentino way. Excellent condition

Fully lined in the same silk as the exterior but without the dots on the inner lining. Closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper at the back. Light boning trough the bodice and an Inner waist stay that hooks to close. Hand finished throughout with excellent construction.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from top waist seam, included 3: band at the waist to longest point of the hem at the back. The front curves up slightly

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3002

Reference Photos: (1) Iman for the Valentino ad campaign shot by Horst, 1983.  /  (2) Vibeke Knudsen in Valentino by Giampaolo Barbier, Vogue Italia, 1983

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

For the April issue of Vogue in 1973, Lauren Hutton was photographed in similar jersey dress by Bill Blass. Hers was a black one, but this one has been done in that perfect blue red that Blass did so wonderfully. This is an early Bill Blass piece. By 1973 he was only three years into running his own company after buying Maurice Rentner Ltd in 1970 and re-labelling it under his own name.

The choice of a silk jersey gives the dress a wonderful drape. It also keeps it remarkably light in weight so it is very comfortable to wear. There is a definite Grecian feel to it created by the long piped tie, made from the same fabric as the dress, that you can wrap around the upper body, and even over the hips if you wished. The neckline is high and the bodice is seamed horizontally so that you don't get a bunching up of the fabric once you tie the ties over it. The waist is defined by a seam and the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of jersey. I love the sleeves in particular. Each is cut extra long and with a tremendous fullness at the cuff. This gives them a bit of an Old Hollywood feel and creates a subtle glamour. It will fully zip up at the back - it is just a little small on my dress form. Excellent condition overall with one small note to review below.

Unlined and closes with a back set zipper. The waist stay inside the waist closes with hook & eye. Elastic at the end of each cuff. The ties can be tied as you wish. There is a faint watermark at the hem and it has photoed darker then it even in in real life. Once on this does not detract at all. Hand finished, rolled edges. The red has a more blue undertone in person. The fabric has stretch but the waist measurement is firm

Sleeves: 28"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist:  to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2991

Reference Photo: Lauren Hutton in Bill Blass. Photo by Richard Avedon. Vogue US, April 1973.

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

This Valentino is from 1984-85 season and is particularly lovely with its intricate construction and mix of fabric and print. I have had a one shoulder version of this dress in the shop in the past, but I think I love this backless version a little more if only for the pure drama created in that moment when you first turn around. I have included several reference photos of other similar gowns from that season as well.

The skirt is made from a red silk taffeta in his signature shade of red, and the cut is full. The fabric choice allows for this fullness and shape and it has additional underskirts built in to add to its volume. The uppermost underskirt is made of a silk net and is finished with a full 13" hem of the same printed silk that the bodice is constructed from. This peeks out from under the top red silk layer anytime you lift the outer skirt up, or when you sit and brings a perfect, unexpected harmony between the skirt and top. The bodice  itself is wonderful in both its construction and shape. A printed silk chiffon is hand draped into tiny soft pleats so the entire bodice is gathered and ruched. These mold and curve over the body in a way that feels sculptural and shape the waist and hips. The upper shoulders are capped straight across and have structural, buy light, padding underneath to hold their intended shape. The back is magnificent with a deep curving scoop that leave the back bare. I love how he has extended and curved that scoop right to the outer sides so that you have as much skin showing as possible but without compromising the structural quality of the bodice and its ability to shape the body. Overall excellent condition with a note to review below.

The top is lined in a black silk and the skirt has a net and silk trimmed underskirt as described above. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Structural padding in the shoulders. The exterior skirt layers of the skirt has some slight discoloration here and there. It is fairly faint and with all the fabric and volume you do not notice it when on but it is apparent if you lay it flat and look for it.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 24" from neck to dropped waist
Skirt: 37" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2751

Reference Photos: (1) Evening dress with draped bodice in pink silk jersey and matching silk skirt from Valentino haute couture Fall/Winter 1984-85 collection. Photo by Mark Arbeit captured in Rome's via Condotti.  /  (2) Valentino 1984 evening gown, illustration by Tony Viramontes.  /  (3) Model wearing Valentino, Vogue US, October 1984. Photo by Richard Avedon.

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 wonderful red silk chiffon Halston dress is a beautiful example of his work during this time period. He was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the very minimum of seaming. His pieces that were bias cut, like this one, almost seem shapeless off the hanger and it is only when they are slipped on that they drape and settle into place the way they were intended. They seem simple but are not. A similar dress in cut was photoed for Vogue in 1974 and that reference photo is included here.

This dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his. The color is a beautiful clear red that is flattering on most skin tones. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The cut through the body is extremely loose and easy, there is elastic at the waist but it is there as almost an afterthought as it does not cinch in the waist at all. It is more there to give the piece the slightest of shape and add to the soft gathers. The neckline is deep and even deeper if you leave the hidden snaps open. There are attached ties above the slit front of the neck and the collar is a double layer of flounced silk ruffles. Each sleeve is soft and full and these end with a ruffle finish. The skirt is full and open. The matching silk sash can be worn wrapped around the waist to add shape. You could also wear it wrapped turban style or at the neck. If the sash is not worn the dress has a more full, caftan feel and will land between mid-calf and ankle length depending on your height. If cinched at the waist, the length pulls up more to land between knee and calf. Excellent overall condition with a note to review below

The body and skirt of the dress are constructed from two layers of bias cut silk chiffon. The sleeves and shoulders are unlined. It is entirely bias cut and just slips over the head to wear. Ties at the neck and a very wide elastic at the waist. Each cuff is finished with elastic above the ruffled ends. The sash is original. Hand finished. Note that there are some marks on the front skirt toward the side closer to the hem. The volume and cut effectively hide these once on but they are there. I photoed them for your reference. The easy cut will allow it to fit a full range of sizes

Sleeves: approx  23"
Shoulders: no defined shoulder seams
Bust: to 22-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: to 20" from top of bodice to dropped waist
Skirt: 35" from dropped waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL

Item# DD2992

Reference Photo: (1) Model wearing Halston. Photo by Richard Avedon. Vogue US, December 1974.  /  (2) 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.

This Hanae Mori dress is stunning with its wonderful color combination that effortlessly combines her love of fabric and print. It is full length, easy to wear and  constructed from feather light silk chiffon. The colors are beautiful, mixing a deep red with blues along with pops of white and navy. The dress is constructed from two layers of silk chiffon with a custom designed pattern that covers the surface of the exterior layer. This gives the dress an airy light feel as it floats over the body. I love the huge stylized print that covers the surface of the dress. The sleeves are long and left unlined with slits at the cuffs that add to the airy and light feel they have. The nod to a caftan in the cut make it easy to wear and flattering to a variety of figures. Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent whose label was admitted as an official Haute Couture atelier. Her sense of color and line are impeccable and you can see that in this wonderful example of her work. You can wear this loose and easy as shown, or add a belt it to create more shape. Excellent condition.

The dress is  made of three layers, the printed, top silk chiffon layer, a middle solid silk chiffon layer and an inner silk lining. The sleeves are left unlined. It closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper that attaches the two inner layers. The outer layer of silk closes with a row of her signature tiny, silk covered snaps. The neckline is finished with a padded piping that extends and ties at the back. Hand finished. Tagged a vintage 6

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2694

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

In 1952, Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season, he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called “Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique”. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf-Goodman stores and was eventually available at other retailers as well. The line was high end and extremely well made and made to appeal yo his non-couture clients. It continued until 1992.

This dress is from that line and the color combination is striking. It combines a bright, true red with a vivid royal blue for a bold contrast. It is entirely made of a textured silk chiffon and the contrast and impact is created solely by the mixing of the draped panels and those two opposing colors. It is not a dress for a wallflower. The cut has a Grecian feel to it and it is very light in weight so moves wonderfully once on. I love how the curves of the dress work in combination with each other to make the design beautiful to look at no matter what angle you see it from. The skirt flows to the floor with two layers of the red bias silk chiffon set over an inner silk lining. This gives it beautiful flow and a feeling of lightness and airiness. A panel of blue silk wraps around the waist and ties off to one side to trail down and contrast against the red. The bodice of the dress is cut to follow your curves and the hand placed, gathered chiffon is draped down and across the waist and bust to create a flattering line. Again you have that contrast in color with the panels switching from red to blue. The top panel on the bust is blue and this has a panel of silk attached at one side that drapes up and over the shoulder. This then falls like a long angel sleeve over the arm and to the floor. This dress really moves wonderfully when on and is quite beautiful and striking. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a red silk through the skirt and a blue silk through the bodice. It closes with a side set painted metal and nylon zipper. Hand finishes. Tagged a vintage 40

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to inner waist seam
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2983

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

Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and was instantly adored and revered. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always an exotic, lavish affair and his inspirations spanned the decades with their eccentric, exotic glamour. His atelier closed in 2009. This dress is from the Spring 2003 collection. I love that for production they went with this stunning color rather then the graphic black and white that it was shown in for the presentation that season.

This dress is wonderful with its bias cut that hearkens back to the Old Hollywood days of high glamour. It is made entirely from a fine, bias cut silk. The color combination is gorgeous, with a deep raspberry red mixed with pink. Part of the pattern has large dots that curve over the surface and highlight the cut of the dress. The fine, curved seaming done on the dress is a nod to the type of costumes being worn by starlets of the 1930s and designers working with bias cut fabrics like Madame Gres and Madeleine Vionnet. It really has that same feel once on but the graphic dot print in those vibrant colors gives it a modern touch. The bias cut and curved set seams allow the dress to both hug the body and still move with you so it is extremely light and comfortable when on. The bodice is hand draped across the bust with one side cut to sit a little higher. The dress is suspended from a tiny strap on the side that dips down, while the higher set side curves up into a wider strap. At the back it is the wider strap that dips low down the back to leave an expanse of skin while the thinner strap acts to anchor the fabric higher on the back on that side. It is cut to curve around your body, skimming over the waist and flowing softly into the long skirt. The construction of the skirt is remarkable. High slits sit on either side of the front panel of the skirt for a peek of your legs. At the back of the skirt, there is an extra panel of silk set over the inner skirt. This panel cascades down the back and extends into an offset train of silk to one side, perfectly balanced by the wider strap. It is absolutely beautiful and a dream to wear. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching pink, textured silk chiffon and closes with a hidden, side set zipper. Tagged a size 42. Finished to demi-couture standards. The bias cut will allow it to fit a larger range of sizes, though if you are small busted and a smaller frame you will almost be sure to have to adjust the straps to fit perfectly. Note the color on the mannequin is closest to the true color.

Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from shoulder to front hem, 73" to end of train at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2803

Reference Photos: (1) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is also wearing a 1920s Reversible Cape (sold), (2) Christian Lacroix Spring 2003, Look 5.

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 Bill Blass dress Is a persona favorite. It is easy to wear but once on, it makes a huge impact with its gold lurex stripes. It is made from a deep burgundy colored silk chiffon. This fabric choice makes it extremely light in weight and adds to the ease of it once on. It really feels like it weighs nothing once you have it on the body. Woven though the silk are stripes that are made from a gold lurex thread. These curve over the dress and sash and are set into the silk in three different densities. This play with the stripes weight and width give the dress texture and visual interest. On the bodice the striped are set horizontally and are the widest of the three. On the skirt they are set vertically and the gold thread is set in skinny rows onto the silk so you get more of the color of the silk showing. On the sash, the stripes of gold and stripes of silk are of equal size. The dress slips on and the top is cut loose with a wide boat neck. The waist is cut wide and loose bu the belt cinch it in so it is easy to fit almost any size. The skirt flows to the floor under that. It is really gorgeous. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

The top is unlined and the skirt is lined in second layer of chiffon. It closes with a low set back painted metal zipper and buttons from the waist to the neck above that. Each sleeve has elastic at its cuff. The sash tie is very long so you can wrap and style it numerous ways. You could even wrap it and use it as a headscarf if you wished. There is a little bit of distress to the corners of the seams on either side of the neck as photoed

Sleeves: 23" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2798

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Click here to see the blog post >

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

This beautiful dress is by Bill Blass and is magnificent. It is most likely from the time period from about 1974 to 1978 based on other examples of his work that are similar during that time period. The dress has elements of his work that he would touch on continuously over the coming decades and really shows how sophisticated and glamorous he could be. The silk chiffon he used for the base is feather light and has a fine gold lurex thread set into it to create vertical stripes. On the skirt, these lines has a scattering of sequins, applied by hand that run up their lengths. These catch the light beautifully and add another dimension to the dress. The color is unusual and there is a subtle leaf print that is very faint and light in the red at the top of the dress and gradually deepens and takes over the red until it graduates to a chocolate color around the hem. The dress has a nod to the 1930s in its cut but he has exaggerated some elements to keep it modern. The bodice crosses over itself and there is a silk chiffon inset under the semi-sheer exterior layer of silk. The sleeves come out from the bodice and each widens as it nears the cuff. The cuffs are both finished with an 18" band of sable fur that gives them weight and helps to hold the wide bell shape. A brown silk ties cinches the waist and the skirt has a slit up the front to balance the plunge. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a brown silk chiffon inner, attached slip. It closes with a back painted metal set zipper. An inner waist stay inside hooks to close. Hand finished and hand set sequins.All hand finished to demi-couture standards. The cuffs have the slightest of wear to the edges but are soft and supple.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2800

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 wonderful dress made from a batik print cotton. The print is a wonderful mix of pinks and reds that really pop. The print is hand screened onto a crisp cotton. The pattern would have had to have been all pre-planned out prior to cutting so that the design exactly follows the cut and lines of the dress. This technique uses extra fabric and is often too cost prohibitive to do properly on modern day garments any more. The dresses plunges low at the front with a crossed over effect and the sleeves are kept long as a balance. The skirt flows out from the waist and it is cut quite full in order to show off the pretty print on the fabric. The front of the skirt is left open with a high slit that runs up the center. This gives you the versatility to wear this over a capri, a full pant or shorts if you wanted more skin to show. The wide belt is densely covered in hand applied beads to add a touch of glitz to the whole thing and it cinches in the waist for added shape. A wonderful piece of vintage. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back metal zipper. The belt closes with hook and eye that could be adjusted or moved to get the perfect fit.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1300

Reference Photos: Amanda Lee Shirreffs for her weekly 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 wonderful Ossie dress features a mix of two of Celia Birtwell's prints. A pretty floral design is mixed with her iconic pineapple print that runs over the entire dress. Both are screened onto a crepe chiffon, a fabric choice that holds the color exceptionally well so it still feels crisp. In the book 'Celia Birtwell', Ceila notes that the pineapple print was: "influenced by '30s day dresses. I like ladylike, small prints, ones worn by women of a certain age." The influence of the thirties is also evident in the cut of the dress. It is cut on the bias and this give the fabric the room to move and drape as Ossie wished. When it is on the body the bias cut gives the dress movement and allows it to move with you. The skirt is constructed from two tiers of fabric that are layered over each other. Each tier flares out to give it a swing feel. I love the contrast of the prints together too. The dress skims up and over the waist, ending at a high set triangle of the opposite print that anchors the plunging bodice. Each shoulder has a keyhole of bare skin exposed with a tie at the top of the shoulder. Adjusting these ties allows you to decide how low on the shoulder it will sit. The back is left entirely open along a long slit that simply ties to close in two places. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

The inner skirt acts as the lining there and the cups of the bodice are lined in a red silky rayon. It slips on to wear and closes with ties at the shoulders and two more at the back. There are some small tears to the lining of the bodice that do not go through to the exterior. I have photoed the area. All are stable and you see nothing once on. Tagged a vintage Ossie UK 14

Sleeves: approx 15"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from neck to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1315

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

Rachel Zoe wore a dress from this same collection when she debuted her windows for Tiffany. Her version had a full sleeve but this version is more of a cocktail dress with a simple sleeveless bandeau style bodice and a strap that wraps up and around the neck. I love the gathered design that is created by the bands that circle the dress from top to bottom. The ones around the bodice are the same fine knit fabric as the base and the ones that circle the skirt are made from his signature chenille. Inside, it has a built in inner bodice so there is no need for foundation garments. I love the deep burgundy color. Excellent condition.

Unlined through the body with a fully lined and finished inner corset at the bust area that is boned and has built in cups. This inner corset closes with its own separate zipper. The exterior dress closes with a side zipper that lies over the inner corset zipper. The very bottom hem feels slightly padded and each of the horizontal strip has an internal elastic built into it. The original retail on this dress was well over $5000. All the measurements have some stretch if needed except for the length and bust (unless you remove the corset).

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner corset waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx15" from top of neck strap to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1900

Rachel Zoe pictured in an Azzedine Alaia dress for the unveiling of her Tiffany windows.

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 hooded red and black cape is wonderful. It is by Yves Saint Laurent and is a beautiful and easy to wear piece that will fit virtually any size. It dates to the late 1970s, maybe to mid-1980s and is very representative of the work he was doing during this time period starting with his famous "Russian" collection of 76-77. The cut is very simple - the back is one large panel and then there are two panels that fall across the shoulder and down the front. It has one single hook at the neck and simply falls into place. I love the attached black velvet hood that really makes it feel dramatic. The fabric is a red wool that has an almost felted look to it. The hood is black velvet and the inside is also lined in black for a gorgeous contrast. It looks to have been worn very little if at all and is the type of item that you can throw over almost anything. Excellent condition

Lined in a black silky rayon satin just at the base of the neck with the rest of the cape unlined. Closes with a single hook and eye at the neck. Tagged a 38 but really could be worn by any size

Length: 49" neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C468

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 perhaps one of the most recognized and well documented pieces of vintage to have ever existed. Rarely have I seen pieces come up for sale in this condition. It also retains its original 'modesty' panel under the front lacing of the jacket that is almost never present as girls took them out and threw them away. In an article from Look-In Fashion Model Annual, 1971, from which one of the reference photos was taken, the writer said this of the Mr Freedom boutique: "It's a remarkable shop. The price tags are cardboard fried eggs. Inside, a huge fly eight or nine feet long slowly flaps it's wings just above your head and further inside a chest-high model of a shoe looms large in metallic mauve. There's an armchair made to look like a huge set of false teeth and furniture the shape and colour of liquorice all-sorts. There are beautiful Mr Freedom-clad assistants and a wide-grinning Teddy boy called 'arold. Not to mention the clothes. Mr Freedom stocks an ever changing shopful of vivid, original fashions, each one more outrageous than the last and each quite different. There are fashions from the thirties and forties. There are drape jackets and blue suede shoes from the Teddy boy era, and shorts and sling back shoes fit for fifties film stars, enamel brooches, sneakers, platform shoes, sailor suits, and a whole host of incredible clothes that could have only come from the seventies. And all the time new ideas bring new clothes. Mr Freedom doesn't follow fashion, he leads"

Both the pants and jacket are made of a combination of red and black velvet. The set is a play on the traditional "baseball suit" with patch appliques at both elbows, on the pant legs and butt area to mimic that uniform. The pants are fitted around the hip with a button front detail. The legs are cut with a slight flare that ends at the cuffed hems. The jacket is also meant to be fitted and its cropped so you get an expanse of skin showing between the pants and jacket. It does up the front with thick, bright yellow laces. The laces can also be tied with the laces ending at the top or the bottom and it seems from the many reference photos that it was done both ways. Truly a rare and fine piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

Both pieces are unlined. The pants close at the front with a button fly and the jacket laces to close as shown. There are very slight 'crease' marks in the velvet at the parts that sit over a joint but this is a natural effect of time and normal wear and I don't feel it takes away at all from the rating of excellent. The patina adds to the vintage heritage of such a rare set. Tagged a British vintage 12 but please check the listed measurements.

Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 16.5" from top of bodice to waist

Pants
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 31.5" from top of bodice to waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2611

Reference Photos: (1) Baseball Jacket from the V&A archives that was on display for Cecil Beaton's 1971 exhibition "Fashion: An anthology".  /  (2) Olivia Newton John, 1970s.  /  (3) Katy Manning, c. 1971.  /  (4) Frederika Elizabeth Mary Lambert-Laughton wears a Mr. Freedom Baseball Suit for Look-In Fashion Model Annual, 1971  /  (5) Mr. Freedom Outfits, 1970s.  /  (6) Harold The Ted with fellow shop assistants in the entrance to Mr. Freedom, 22 Kensington Church Street, Summer 1971. Photo by Bob Hall.  / (7) Models posing inside Mr. Freedom.  /  (8) Clockwise from top left: Olivia Newton John with Cliff Richard, 1971 / Cover of the book "Mr Freedom. Tommy Roberts: British Design Hero" by Paul Gorman. /  Photographer unknown, 1971 / Model in The Telegraph Magazine, April 1971.

Video Below: Middle of the Road performing on Top of the Pops, 1971.

This garment is in cleaned, as found condition, was steamed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This jumpsuit along with the Patrick Kelly dress just listed, were listed in the shop previously before they were pulled and lent out for  the "Politics of Fashion" 2014 -2015 Exhibit at the Toronto Design Exchange. They have been in my archive since and I am now releasing both. Both are from 1989 and the museum dated this one for the exhibit.

This has always been a favorite piece and for me exemplifies Patrick Kelly and his work. Patrick Kelly was known for his wit and quirky designs and this particular piece is one of the more unique pieces that I have seen. I feel like it is a play on the  famous 'banana' set he did in celebration of Josephine Baker. It has those sale lines but this time is a play on the West. The contrast of the extremely fitted body suit with the drama of the red bandana's circling the hips is wonderful. The volume this creates and the sexiness and sass when you move is fabulous. I love the extra little detail he used in securing each of them to the jumpsuit underneath. Every bandana is attached with an acrylic heart shaped button. A signature of his. The actual jumpsuit is made from a ribbed stretch jersey. The front is slightly scooped at the neck and at the back it has a similar scoop that is cut far deeper. Each leg is cropped to end just below the knee. It is a rare piece from a great American designer. Museum quality and highly collectible. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has lots of stretch so will fit a variety of sizes.

Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 42" from shoulder seam to bottom hem
Inseam: 18"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2960

Reference Photos:  from the "Politics of Fashion" 2014-2015 Exhibit at the Toronto Design Exchange.

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