This collection marked the first prêt-à-porter collection after John Galliano's departure. After being heavily criticized for the couture collection that proceeded this, Bill Gaytten "headed back to ground zero, the archives where the Dior legacy rests untroubled by the wayward to-and-fro-ing of topical vagaries" according to Vogue magazine. A longer version of this dress walk the runway for look 45 of the show. It was meant to have the feel of the famous Grace Kelly dress but with a wrapped more intricate bodice to give it a modern touch. I think it was perhaps the best piece of the show and it's an interesting piece of Dior history as well. It is very beautiful

The version that walked the show was to the ground. Distressed depending on your height will fall between mid calf and ankle. It makes the dress that much more wearable and versatile. The dress is made out of a fine ivory coloured silk chiffon that has a touch of beige to it. The bodice is stunning. The silk chiffon already has a texture that runs through it and then the bodice plays on this by wrapping and twisting the silk to give it even more texture. It dips into a V at the front with an added panel that comes up and over the shoulder to close the low plunge. On the opposite shoulder there's a cut out that extends into a separate panel all the way down the back. The back is left open for an expensive skin to show and those little glimpses of skin between the cut outs and panels is exquisite. It has a touch of sexiness to it but in a very refined elegant way. The waist wraps for shape and is detailed by a black 'ribbon' that is completely covered with a black glass tube beads. This adds a stark contrast to the dress and brings in the waist as well as being very pretty. The skirt falls from under that and is extremely full. There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt. When you stand still you get an idea that it flares out but if you twirl it would give you the feel of a full circle skirt. The lightness of the fabric allows it to move with your slightest movement. You can see that in the runway video and the movement this dress has. I love it. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition with one minor note below.

Fully lined in a ivory silk chiffon and closes at the side with a series of chiffon covered buttons and loops. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. I see one tiny pull in the fabric on the back shoulder. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged a FR36 GB8 IT40 US4

Bust: approx 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with one side having so true side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to top of waist band, waist band approx 6"
Skirt: approx 36" from bottom of waist band to hem
Total length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent:  XS-SML

Item# DD4252

Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2012 Christian Dior Runway, Look 45.

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

This is an absolutely beautiful wedding dress by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin from his 2013 collection. He did several variations of this dress and I've included a few of them because I think that it gives you an idea of how the dress will look like on the body. It is stunning and doesn't feel like your typical wedding gown. As good as it looks on my dress form it is even better on an actual body that give it shape. It is a really beautiful dress.

The dress is gorgeous and I love creamy ivory colour of it. The dress is made from a fine silk detailed with ivory coloured silk ribbon. The bodice is strapless dress skins over the body from there to the hem. At the back it is gathered up in that elaborate ruffle detailing. This gathering brings the dress in slightly under the hips and gives it a pretty interesting shape as it falls around you. The ruffles are tremendously beautiful. They are set down the back where they trail down past the hips. They are elaborate and caught up with stitching to hold them in place. The top of the bodice is detailed with a silk grosgrain ribbon that wraps around the upper edge. This goes all the way around you and you tie it into a bow at the center of the back as the perfect topper to top the cascade of ruffles. To create the shape over the body is made from horizontal panels that are set on top of each other from the top of the bodice is all the way to the hem. Each panel is top stitched at its bottom edge and overlaps the one under it. The edges are finished with his signature slightly raw feeling edge on these and the ruffles. The fabric has a slight texture running over it and is just thick enough to hold the shape that you see. It is so pretty. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

The top has a lightly boned corset to help hold the dress in place and shape you. There is an attached  waist stay to also help. The inner bodice is lined in an ivory silk and the skirt is unlined. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper between the ruffles at the back. There is an attached ribbon that extends out from the neckline of the bodice that you tie into place at the back. It appears to be unworn but there is some very minor grubbiness here and there and a small area of spots that I have photoed. All minor. Please see the photo after the label shot. The color is slightly richer and creamier  in person. If you needed more or less room in the waist it would be easy to expand or take in the inner corset. Tagged a modern 40

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist stay: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from strapless bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4251

Reference Photos: (1) 2013 Lanvin Blanche Collection.  /  (2-5) Lanvin Wedding Dresses, credits unknown.

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

This particular design from the Halston IV line is one of my favorites besides the one shoulder dresses I find for you. The design is so simple but at the same time it has so much impact with its bare and sexy feel created by the plunging front and sides. It is an incredible piece that you can wear over and over and style it in a zillion ways depending on what you pair with it. I have included some reference photos from the main Halston line that shows where the design for this dress originated. I have also included photos of Martha Hunt and Emmy Rossum who both have worn the twin of this dress from my archives. I love having these photos because it lets you see just how fabulous this dress is on.

This is a dress that is insanely sexy and bare feeling yet the ivory colour of it keeps it feeling fresh with a touch of innocence to it. It somehow manages to walk that line in that very Halston kind of way. The dress is made of a wash and wear cream coloured jersey. It has amazing drape and it feels easy-to-wear once on the body. The bodice has a halter style front that plunges right to the waist. It has an opening that you slip your head through and then a panel of the same fabric drapes over the back. Long ties extend out from each side of the panel and you use these to wrap it into place and tie it at the front. At the back this leaves a gap between the bottom of the panel and the waist for a little flash of skin. The sides are also left open and bare to the waist. Despite its bareness it is cleverly cut so that when you have it on it stays in place. The ties snatch in the waist as much as you want and the skirt falls from there. There is a lot of fabric in the skirt and this gives a tremendous movement when you move. The dress has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece that you can throw into your suitcase and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach your destination and be instantly ready to go. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and slips on to wear. There is elastic through the waist and it ties into place as described above. This makes it very easy to fit and it should fit a range of sizes. If you don't like how it dips in the back and leaves that space you could easily tighten the elastic more or tie it in a way so it doesn't do that. I see perhaps the faintest a bit of darkening here and there in the skirt. This is only seen when it's laid out flat. There's so much fabric that I really just mentioning to be very picky. The easy cut and elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Bust: no true side seems but each triangle covers up to13.5" flat across
Waist: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam and you use the tie to belt to cinch it in
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem and the back extends down couple inches lower

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4250

Reference Photos: (1) Emmy Rossum in Halston for Harper's Bazaar US.  /  (2) Martha Hunt in Halston.  /  (3) Spring 1973 Halston Runway.  /  (4-6) Spring 1977 Halston Runway.

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 beauty is from the mid 2000s and I believe is was from one of the 2016 collections. For both the resort and spring collections he worked extensively with laces and created pieces similar to this one. This would be a piece that was produced for retail only as it was not shown on the runway. It has all of the feel of Tisci era with its use of stark white with a camisole feel and lace edging. He excelled in this body skimming feel without being extremely fitted. It is a spectacular dress and has never been worn so it is in pristine condition. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

The first thing you notice about the dress is that almost weightless. It is made out of a feather light cotton guauze that gives it this light as air effect. It is cut in a long lean column that widens out as it nears the hem. The collar is edged in two beautiful panels of lace stacked on top of each other. The lace has been lightly gathered to create a slight ruffle effect as it circles your neck. The dress skims over your bust, waist and hips from there and the dress comes with its original inner white silk slip. The slip is short so that you get the feel of full transparency over the legs. Having the top layer of fabric have that touch of transparency also gives it a bit of depth while having the short slip underneath makes it wearable. On the bodice there are more lace panels that are set on an angular pattern that run down the front of the dress and then wrap around to the back. From there to the hem you have sections of horizontal pleats made out of the same fabric interspersed  with more panels of lace. Each sleeve is finished off with yet another wide panel of the lace for the prettiest romantic finish. A high slit runs up the back for a flash of leg. It is an absolutely beautiful dress. It has never been worn and still has its original Givenchy hang tag. Excellent condition

The slip acts as the lining and it slips over the head to wear. The outer dress closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. Tagged a modern Givenchy 38. Original hang tag is still attached and it has never been worn

Wait: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to waist
Slit: 27" from hem up

Slip
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33.5" from top of shoulder hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4221

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 Oscar de la Renta dress is gorgeous. The Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection was amazing and this was one of the star looks of the show. His wedding pieces range from about $10000-$20,000 USD with the more elaborate ones like this tending to be in the upper range of that. Oscar launched his first bridal collection in October of 2002 and his wedding pieces have been worn by some of the most famous women in the world. He once said 'In the same manner that she fell in love with that man, I hope she's going to fall in love with that dress.' Countless brides have done just that. This gown is absolutely beautiful and if you are a bride looking for that very full princess feel then this is the ultimate dress for that. It literally takes your breathe away when you see and hold it in person.

The skirt of the dress is magnificent. It is made from many yards of multiple layers of a white tulle silk netting. The strapless bodice above that is a slightly more ivory colour and it is stunning. It is completely covered with tiers of lace and little scalloped silk chiffon rows. I took close ups of the work done there for you to see. The edges of the lace are embroidered and there are tiny curvy rows of ivory iridescent sequins mixed in. If that wasn't enough there are also little rhinestones set in rows over the bodice. The top curves in a pretty sweetheart neckline and it has a full built in hidden corset inside the bodice so you don't have to worry about additional underpinnings. The bust is strapless and fitted across the bodice. It is cut to follow your curves and there are built in hidden cups inside to lift the breasts. It tightly hugs the bodice and then nips in at the waist. The waist is detailed with elaborate appliquéd 'belt' that is made from various faux pearls, silver tube beads and glass cut rhinestones in different shapes. For the runway presentation it was shown with a simple sash and I believe that this was a custom add on. The skirt is extremely full and that beautiful volume would float all around you. There are 12 layers of tulle in the skirt and many of the inner ones have a double hem finish at the bottom. Under all of that there is a silk taffeta inner skirt in a deeper ivory. If you look closely you can see that under the top two layers of tulle the skirt has been gathered up all around in little drapes. This gives it this depth in fullness that is incredible. It's a subtle detail that you can see through those top layers of skirts that is just absolutely genius. I did not add any additional crinolines to the dress for these photos. It has enough built in layers in the  skirt already that it falls on its own perfectly. Every angle that you look at this dress from gives you drama and gorgeousness. It is cut longer at the back so that it flows out behind you when you walk. If you wanted even more of a real princes gown feel I think you could have the inner layers starched and you would get even more volume. I love the bareness of the shoulders the strapless silhouette gives you. It is the perfect balance to that full on princess skirt. It is a very stunning gown and is a beautiful example of Oscar's work. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The bodice is boned with padded inner cups for structure and support. The dress closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Multiple layers of built in tulle and skirting as described above. The hem of the inner skirt is grubby and some of the very inner layers of tulle have some marks at their hems and i see the very occasional small tear near the hem. You see none of these once on. It otherwise looks to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged an ODLR 8 but seems to be cut small

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam if inner hook is closed 13" if left unhooked or the hooks moved
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to front hem, 50" to inner back hem and 5*" to the ends of the tulle at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML maybe a smaller MED

Item# DD4222

Reference Photos: (1-4) Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection, Look 5.  /  (5) Emma Watson in Oscar de la Renta at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, July 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.

This gorgeous dress is not 100% perfect but it's still very wearable and its flaws are not as noticeable once on the body. This was a piece that was produced in limited quantities for retail and was not shown on the runway. I know the date because one of my followers on instagram bought the twin of this dress in December 2012 for her own wedding. The original retail on this dress was over $20,000. The dress is completely wearable and gorgeous. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

The colour of the dress is a beautiful soft ivory. The base is a fine silk tulle netting that has panels of lace overlaid onto it and that run in horizontal rows down the length of the dress. The collar is set wide and is trimmed with two layers of silk chiffon. The upper bodice and sleeves are made from a netting that has little dots of embroidery mixed with beads. This same beaded technique is used on the double ruffled hem that circles the entire lower skirt. The other dress is meant to skim over you and widen out as it nears the ham. The back skirt falls slightly longer than the front and there's a bit of extra fabric at the back so you get the softer suggestion of a train. The body of the dress is completely covered with alternating layers of the lace mixed with tiny little rows of ivory iridescent sequins. These are all set horizontally and wrap around the entire dress. The top layer of the dress has a transparent quality to it and to make the dress wearable it is then lined in three layers of ivory silk chiffon. It is absolute beautiful. Overall excellent condition but please read the additional condition note below

It's flaw is an area of discolouration that runs down the side of the bodice on the right. If not for this discolouration the dress would have be rated as having been never worn. But I do want to be clear that it is there. I have taken both photos of it from all sides so you can see the extent of the discoloration and you can see those following the label shot. I did clean it and my cleaners said that if they were more aggressive they could probably get the discolouration out of the lace however the sequins themselves have been discolored. You could have those replaced. I think because of where it's placed you could also get clever with a sash and bow tacked into place on the side that would completely cover the discoloration. If not for this area the dress would appear to have never been worn. I have listed it for exactly what I paid for it excluding any of my cleaning costs and other costs I incur. Without the area of discolouration it would probably be double or more its price

Fully lined in three layers of silk chiffon. It has an inner corset that's zips to close and an outer hidden side zipper. Each cuff zips to close. The inner zipper is broken. It appears to have never been worn bit please read the additional description notes above. Tagged a modern Valentino 10. Sold as is and final sale.

Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem, 65" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4223

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

Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how gorgeous and dramatic her work could get.

This is a spectacular two piece set in a ivory silk. It is an early example of Vicky Tiel's talent and ability to work and tailor a pieces while working with very fine fabrics. I love the versatility of having the two pieces. It means that you can mix and match them with existing pieces. The colour of the set lends itself to be a great piece for a potential court or more casual wedding or any other great event. Both pieces very light in weight and the silk is very fine. The skirt is a masterpiece. It is banded at the waist and then there are two tiers of fabric under that. The top tier is completely and meticulously pleated with tiny precise knife pleats. At just about the knee the second panel creates a more ruffled feel to the hem. The pleats on the bottom tier open out as they near the hem. The skirt has a lot of fabric and can be worn with or without a crinoline. I have photoed it both ways so you can see the fullness you can achieve. The jacket has a strong nod to the Victorian era with those amazing puffed shoulders. Each shoulder is very full at the top and then narrows down to the wrist. The waist is nipped in and below that is a feminine little hip peplum. The collar is neat and rounded and it closes with a series of silk covered buttons down the front. It is just a gorgeous little set. Excellent condition with a small note below.

Both pieces are unlined. The jacket closes with silk covered buttons down the front and the skirt closes with a side zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist. Light padding in each shoulder. Hand finished throughout. I see one mark on the skirt and a very tiny one on the top. Please see the two photos after the label shot. It is slightly creamier in colour in person.

Top
Neck: 16" around
Shoulders: 15" across
Sleeves: 25" long
Bust: to 18" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 13" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 21" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side to side
Hips: open
Length: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4211

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 fabric used for the lower portion of this dress matches the Fall 2000 couture ruffled Chanel coat that I have in the shop and both pieces are from the same client. That said, I do not believe that they were purchased as a formal set because the numbered tags on each do not fall in sequential order like they normally would if that was the case. However, if you look at the runway photo for that look, you can see the similarities to the piece that was shown underneath the ruffle coat on the runway. There is a similarity in the top portion of the dress to Look 34 and we believe that this was a custom made piece whose fabric was chosen to give the option of wearing with the coat. True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. It is a beautiful example of the work that Karl was doing for Chanel during this time period and how a couture client could work with Karl to get the look that best suited her and her lifestyle.

This is a beautiful and chic shifts that can easily be styled to work for day or as an evening peace. The skirt is made from a rich black silk and it is immaculately tailored. The cut is very simple. It falls from an easy cut waist and then skims over the hips and narrows in slightly to the hem. Panels of silk are set vertically to create the shape of the skirt and the tailoring is immaculate. I love the slash pockets that are set low on the hip. Attach to the skirt is a sleeveless top that is made from precisely spaced knife pleats all the way around. The fabric has a slightly open woven look and feels like it is a mix of linen and silk. This gives it a slight touch of transparency over the inner lining. The effect is lightness and a touch of volume but without it being too transparent to wear. A softer panel of the silk runs from the top of the waist band and appears to circle back and behind the neck and then comes down and loops in under the bottom of the band at the waist. I just is a little unexpected detail. That soft collar also hides a rather low plunge for a bit of sexiness. The back of the neck is gathered and closes with three hand made fabric covered buttons. The top buttons to close below that but the buttons are all hidden under a pleat so that the line does not appear broken in any way. Is a stunning piece. Excellent condition

The top is hand lined in the same fabric as the exterior and the skirt is hand lined in a black silk. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Appropriate Haute Couture label and numbered tape present. It is completely made by hand.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.2" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to top band at the waist
Skirt: 25" from top band at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4202

Reference Photos: Fall Chanel 2000 Couture Runway, Looks 20 & 34.

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 Capriccio label was founded in 1987 and they quickly grew in popularity. During the late 1980s and early 1990s they were the brand to wear and they were known for their historically based designs with the added volume and excess of the eighties. Some of the Capriccio stores had an in-store area where you could get custom pieces in silks and based on the rest of the pieces from the estate I have been working through lately this may be one of those. It is incredible and it would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. It is just so spectacular. 

This is actually a set and I love that about it because it makes it that much more versatile. You can wear it together for the full on effect or mix and match either with simpler pieces from your wardrobe for an entirely different feel. I also think there is the possibility that the top could be worn as an ultra-mini depending on how it sits on you. Both pieces are made out of a tea stain feeling coloured silk organza. This fabric choice helps to keep the volume and shape that you see. It also keeps both pieces extremely light in weight. The top is spectacular. It is cut so that it skims down and past the hips and has a back and front draped panel at the center that extends down over the skirt. It is shaped through the waist by the way that the fabric is formed and gathered into the middle. Pin tuck detailing runs from the collar to that panel on both the front and back. Elaborate floral appliqué work adorns the entire front and details part of the back. The collar is high and the top is cut to skim over the bust. The sleeves pouf out dramatically and are caught up with a little clusters of lace appliqué and beadwork. This gives them that extreme full volume feel but they still have a sense of  shape and detail. The lower portion of the sleeves are gathered all along the lower arm to the wrist. Each is then finished with appliqué work all the way down. The skirt below that has incredible volume and fullness. It is cut to be more fitted over the top of the hips and then opens out to that incredible volume that you see. When laid out flat the lower portion under the hips is a full circle skirt. Depending on your height it will be full length or fall to just about the ankle. The amount of detailing on this piece is fantastic. This may not be a piece for everyone but on the right person this is going to be unbelievably spectacular. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

The top is made from a double layer of the organza and the skirt has an inner cream silky rayon lining. The top slips over the head to wear with pearl buttons at the back of the neck and on each cuff. The skirt closes with a zipper and flat hook and eye at the waist. Rolled padding on the very edge of the inner shoulder to help support the volume. The top is tagged a size small and the skirt a medium. You could get a little more room on the neck by moving the buttons probably up to 1/2-3/4" depending on where you place them.

Top
Sleeves: 23"
Slightly extended shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to longest point at the front and approx 28" to the sides.
Neck: 15" around

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4198

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

This is an interesting dress because a version of it was shown on the runway for Fall 1972 but this one seems to be even more elaborate than the runway one. And it is usually the opposite of that in many cases. I like to think that the woman that bought this saw the one on the runway and then worked with George to make this one even more dramatic and spectacular. George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there and that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. A vintage Stavropoulos dress is an incredible thing to own and this is one of the best ones I have ever seen.

This dress is drop dead gorgeous and I think it's even better in person. The dress is made out of a ivory coloured silk organza that is heavily embroidered with a leaf pattern. Those silk 'leafs' have been embroidered over the entire dress to highlight the cut. Part of the design are actually individual embroidered leafs that have been appliqued and embroidered into place. It is stunning to see in person. The silk is feather light and I love the airy feeling that this creates. This light feeling is highlighted even more all of those little embroidered pieces. On the skirt they are set so they are scattered lightly over the upper skirt and become denser as they reach the hem. Along the hem are these curving inset panels. They are attached to the dress but the design is finished to follow the jagged edge of the embroidered leafs. I love this double layer of texture this gives around the actual hem and then above it on parts of the dress. The skirt is very full. I have photoed it with nothing underneath but there is enough room that you could add a crinoline underneath  and get a very full look if you wanted. The lightness and fullness mean that when you move the dress will move with you and the effect is gorgeous. The neckline is beautiful. It is squared off on both sides and the applique work is set to go inwards around the neck and slightly up the sides of your neck. It also frames the opening at the front and the back. The bodice is layered over an inner dress that the skirt is attached to. This gives it the look and feel of two pieces but it is actually one dress. It also exaggerates that gradual widening that you see happening from the bust all the way down to the hem. At the same time it also allowed him to do another spectacular edging where that jagged edge is picked up and tied into how it's done at the hem. The last perfect touch are those magnificent sleeves. Each one falls from a rounded soft shoulder and is cut with tremendous volume. They have a huge and elaborate pouf to them. Each of them ends in an elaborate cuff with the same detailing applique that the other edges have. They are the perfect finish to this high fantasy gown. The workmanship is incredible and it is absolutely beautiful. This is a fabric that is notoriously difficult to work with and it shows just what a genius he was by the way that he was able to make it sit so beautifully. The majority of work is all done by hand and it would have taken many hours of work to create this dress in this way. This is a dress that must be on a body to really come to life. As good as it looks here it is nothing compared to it on and moving. This would make an extraordinary wedding gown for the bride looking for something unique. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in an ivory silk that has a stiffened inner hem to help hold the volume. It closes with a zipper on the inner dress and then the outer dress snaps into place over that with hidden set silk covered snaps. The inner seams are finished by hand to couture standards. The colour in person is softer and even prettier then how it photoed. The camera gives it more shadow than it has in person on the embroidered parts. It is a touch creamier in real life. This is cut generously underneath the top added bodice but the skimming design will work on a smaller frame as well and could easily be altered if needed

Sleeves: approx 21"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Inner bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to inner waist
Skirt: 44" from inner waist to longest points of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4200

Reference Photo: Fall 1972 Stavropoulos Runway.

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

This is an incredible dress with its matching stole lands somewhere in that time period between the end of Christian's reign, Yves Saint Laurent's time there, and Marc Bohan's appointment as the was head of the Dior atelier. The closest I have found was a 1958 piece by Yves and I have added that reference photo here for nothing else but to give you an idea of what it will look like on the body. Regardless of under whose directorship it falls, it is a beautiful and early example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period. This is the Christian Dior - New York label and is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. These where made for the American market based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that Haute Couture pieces incorporated. This would be an incredible dress for any collector and it might even make an amazing dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. It is seriously beautiful

This is a dress that makes you draw in your breath the first time that you see it. The dress is made out of a very high end ivory silk that feels like it has some weight to it. It's not so heavy that is unwearable it just is that fantastic earlier silk that has a richness to it that is hard to replicate in modern fabrics. The dress is strapless and the bodice is simple and perfect. It is boned and shaped but that is all hidden inside. This hidden interior shaping allows it to perfectly mold to your shape. The waist is seamed and nips in. The dress falls to the floor from there and here is where it really gets incredible. The upper portion of the skirt is the same silk as the bodice so you get this sleek feel from the waist to just about the knee. Below that the silk has been sewn into horizontal ribbing. Each individual section of ribbing has interior padding inside of it so that they stand out for an incredible 3-D feel. This gives it this incredible texture. Besides being a beautiful design detail it also weights the fabric so that it holds the shape once the dress is on you. These are techniques that you often see in older couture pieces that you just don't see as often anymore in modern design. Inside, the dress is lined in silk and silk organza and it is almost completely finished by hand. There's also a wide inner waist stay that hooks to close and acts as an inner support so that the dress stays perfectly in place once on. The dress comes with its original matching stole. The stole is finished with the flat silk on one side and the same puffed ribbing technique on the other. These were worn to cover the shoulders and act as a evening wrap against cooler nights. It is wonderful to have this original extra piece still with this dress. The stole is also an exact match to the bottom of the skirt so in theory you could also add all or part of it the bottom if you needed more length. The colour is a touch richer feeling in person than how it photoed. Incredible in person. There are endless couture level details put into this one and the workmanship throughout is perfectly and meticulously done. It is an amazing example of the fine workmanship and attention to detail of this time period and it is a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

The dress is fully interlined in an ivory silk organza and then lined again with an ivory silk. Hand set hidden and exposed boning in the bodice. A wide waist stay hooks to close. Hand finished to demi-couture standard throughout. It closes with a hand set, back zipper. I see a tiny repair on the inner lining of the bodice above the center boning.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with a A-B cup
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from to waist
Skirt: 41" from top of bodice to hem
Stole: 14.5" wide x 60"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4160

Reference Photo: A model poses for the presentation of the first Yves Saint-Laurent's Dior collection, 04 February 1958, Avenue Montaigne in Paris.

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

When hunting for the provenance of this dress we found a great shot of its twin on Moran Atias when she wore it to the Cannes film festival in 2007. I love that I have this so you can see how great it is on the body. The dress also has the significance of being from one Mr. Valentino' final few years before he retired. It is incredibly beautiful and it would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

This ivory silk chiffon and lace dress is stunning on the body. This combination of those two fabric allow it to drape beautifully over the body and highlight your every curve in a very flattering way. The fabric also have a slight stretch that allow the dress to show off your curves while still feeling wildly comfortable once on. The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The front and back of the bodice curves across you to leave the other shoulder bare and exposed. All of the edges follow the natural pattern of the lace and this adds to the feminine feel that it gives. The lace is backed with more silk chiffon so even though the lace has a bit of transparency you are fully covered. It is just tremendously beautiful. The lace is set over the waist in angled panels that work the way down the dress. In between the lace are silk chiffon panels. They are set in a way that emphasizes your curves and give height. The workmanship is exquisite where they meet. It skims over the waist and hips and then falls to the floor in a beautiful drape of lace at the bottom skirting. Both fabrics are light and soft and there are additional layers of chiffon underneath so that it feels amazing against the skin. It is cut supermodel long in length. The back is cut slightly longer then the front so you get this pretty sweep of fabric behind you. It is incredible and I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with two inner layers of silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set side half zipper and then has another one mid-back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The fabric does have some stretch. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat.

Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from top of the shoulder to front hem 66" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4118

Reference Photos: Moran Atias, wearing Valentino, at Cannes Film Festival, 2007.

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 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites. This dress is exceptional and I was very excited to have it come into the shop. It would be red carpet worthy and it would also be an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. It already has the something blue built in. And of course it could also be worn to any non wedding event too. 

I love this dress. The color combination is fabulous together and the two different silks that he used are the highest quality. Galanos excelled at silks and silk chiffon and this dress is a testament to that. It is very difficult to work with these fabrics and have them sit properly. The skirt is really where you see his genius. It is made out of four layers of an ivory silk chiffon with each layer stacked perfectly over the one beneath it. Then on top of those is a fifth printed floral layer. This final outer layer has a touch of texture to it that makes it incredibly beautiful. The layers are attached at the side seams and around the waist so that the hem and shallow slits at the sides can benefit from the full movement created by all the layers. This is what gives the dress movement when you move while still keeping it light as air. Along each side of the skirt is a panel of a liquid finish silk satin. This is a clever way to help the skirt hold its shape and give it weight so that when you move it always sits right. The side panels are actually extensions that run down from the bodice. The top is a simple affair that covers you at the front and leaves the back completely bare. It is gathered in soft horizontal folds across the bust and then those gathers tighten and curve down low at each side. Instead of wrapping around you to the back they drop and extend into those side skirt panels that you see. It is incredible. Tiny straps curve up and over your shoulders and then drop all the way down your back to the waist to hold the dress in place. The inside of the bodice is lightly boned and then lined with what feels like several layers of silk and structure so that you can wear it with nothing underneath. To finish the look he then added this spectacular and huge flower print on both the front and back of the skirt. This bold blue flower covers almost the entire skirt and makes sch a beautiful statement. It is like wearing a piece of art. It would also have had to have been all planned out prior to construction and the silk used for it done separately so that the flowers fell in the exact right position. As with most silk chiffon pieces it really will only truly come to life when on an actually body. It is beautifully made and feather light. Gorgeous. Excellent condition with a small note below.

The multiple layers of silk in the skirt serve as the lining. It closes with a low back hand set zipper. Hand rolled edges and hand finishes throughout. Light boning through the bodice. There is the very faint mark on the side panel of the skirt and some small ones near the hem of the inner lining. Please see the last two photos after the label shot. Slightly more ivory in person then how it photoed.

Bust: the total width of the bust across is about 16" and there is no back
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the strap to the waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4064

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

This is a beautiful dress from the Christian Dior label that showcases the restraint and elegance the best of the brands work has always displayed. I have had this exact dress in the shop before but in black and it is amazing how gorgeous the ivory version also is. John Galliano went from Givenchy to Dior in October of 1996 and stayed there until he was dismissed in February of 2011. During John Galliano's years at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing dresses in the house's history. His work is always beautifully cut and this one is no exception. It has that minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and it is stunning. This was a piece that was produced in limited quantities for retail. The main line runway pieces that season where based on his own couture work and then the actual production pieces included a group of more refined and elegant pieces like this one. It is always interesting to see how John translated his over the top runway collections into elegant, wearable and yet still glamorous pieces. It is a beauty and really might just be a perfect cream coloured dress. 

I love everything about this dress. The way the buttons are laid out onto it with that curved lined off-set down the front make it feel longer then it is. Everything about the cut is done to lengthen the girl wearing it and give her one long and beautiful line. The shoulders are slightly squared off, but not in an exaggerated way and they are not padded. The sleeves are long and simple. The body of the dress is cut to skim over you from shoulder to hem. The waist is brought in just a touch and this is done with vertical seaming so that there is no line to break the fabric across the waist. The skirt falls from there to the floor in a column widening out just a touch as it nears the hem. It buttons down the one side and the buttons are set on a slight curve that give the dress a respectful nod to the early days of the house and the work of Christian. All of the buttons are functional and the entire dress will completely open so you could wear this is a layered piece over other pieces if you wished. The dress doe not have a single unnecessary seam. It really shows how sometimes absolute minimalism is best. Even with its simplicity it would still be a dress that is red carpet worthy or would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any other event too. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with the fabric covered buttons down the front. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a FR38 US6 IT42 GB10

Sleeves: 23.25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 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: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4063

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 instantly recognizable as an Alexander McQueen piece. And it is an incredibly interesting piece when you fully delve into its history. This was a part of the McQueen wedding dress line for the Spring of 2012. By that date the label was under the direction of Sarah Burton. However this dress is a ivory lace version of the dress that Lee designed for the 2007 runway for Look 20. I have seen the twin of this dress for sale at more then double my price and mislabeled as being a 2007 original. But it is not. It was produced in 2012 as an updated dress made wedding appropriate and was based on the 2007 dress that I have included here. The 2007 collection was titled "Sarabrande" and the Alexander McQueen website stated this of that collection:The inspiration is Handelís Sarabande of the title is a majestic and elegant dance - the portraits of Goya, the turn of the century exotic and socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati and garden flowers. As always, there is a melancholic undertone: faded flowers are trapped in chiffon and lace, ruffled skirts constructed out of tiers of delicate petals and prints are botanical brightly coloured birds and blooms, scattering swallows and winding stems of leaves. Show pieces include a dress made entirely out of frozen flowers. Tailoring is this time more fluid than it has been and clothing indebted to horsemanship is worn with finely worked, oversized pirate shirts. McQueen's idealisation of the feminine form continues with an exaggerated hour-glass silhouette.' So the dress is an original Alexander McQueen design but one that was executed after his death. The connection to Lee makes it very interesting and the dress is exceptionally beautiful.

The dress is stunning and even though it is meant to be a wedding dress I think that his work transcends any box assigned to it. As stunning a piece it would make for a bride it would also be spectacular for the events surrounding a wedding weekend or as a gala / event piece. The dress is very fitted through the bodice and waist with a fully built in corset whose boning acts as a secondary design element. You can just see it peaking though the lace over the bust and bodice and the curves and complex pattern iff the boning makes for an interesting detail in itself. The breasts are formed and cupped and and the skirt falls to about the knee, depending on your height, at the front. The sleeves are to the elbow and made from a single layer of that stunning lace. It is set to sit off the shoulder and the runway version in black really gives you an idea of fit. On the runway I think they added a hip peplum or tulle under the back and sides to create a more bustle effect. On this one the train falls in a more graceful and soft feeling down the sides and then down the back to slightly train behind you. If you loved the look of the runway it would be easy to have something made to support the fabric underneath and recreate that look. It is an incredible dress and though it does look pretty on my dress form it is no where near as gorgeous as it will be on an actual body. Excellent condition with one minor note below. 

The bodice has a full complexly boned corset and cups and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The lace snaps into place over the top portion of the zipper and just above it. The skirt is fully lined in an ivory silk. This was never worn but there is a small yellowing spot on the back of the lace above the zipper that happened during storage. It is on the underside of the lace that snaps to close so once it is snapped into place the lace above it hides it completely. I have added three photos after the label shots to show this. The first is the mark on the lining, the second to show that it peaks out on the lace just slightly and the third shows it snapped close with the other side over it completely hiding the mark. The corset does have some stretch. Tagged a 42

Sleeves: 12.5"
Bust: approx 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with a B-C cup
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the bottom of the corset/top of the hips: 16-17.5"
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top of natural shoulder to bottom seam of the corset
Skirt: 38" from top of natural shoulder to front hem, 64" to the longest point of the back 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3907

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2007 Alexander McQueen Runway. Look 20 worn by Camila Finn.  /  (4) Cate Blanchett in Black Lace Alexander McQueen at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards

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

John Galliano was moved from Givenchy to Christian Dior in October of 1996 and stayed there until he was dismissed in February of 2011. This dress is from the Fall 2007 collection and was a piece that was produced in limited quantities for retail. In the runway we can see similar beadwork and the design used on the upper part of the dress referenced  in look 26 in an shorter orange version. A shorter version in black with a slightly different bodice was also worn by Penelope Cruz when she attended the 2008 Cruise collection show. I have included photos of both of these examples here as it is always interesting to see the progression and variations on a theme that a designer chooses to do.

Vogue raved about the collection saying in part: "If you're getting into the forties this season (and that's definitely one way to go), John Galliano is the man to fulfill those latent Joan Crawford urges, no holds barred. His ready-to-wear collection for Christian Dior was virtually a camp-fabulous Hollywood spectacular—like a pumped-up 2007 remake of The Women (Cukor, 1939; ever a fashion favorite), but this time played out in full glorious purple, pistachio, electric blue, and fuchsia, rather than black and white.' This is one of my favourite Dior dresses that I have had in the shop to date and it is even better on person and on an actual body.

As with many Galliano piece this dress is entirely cut on the bias and it is meant to be on an actual body and not a mere dress form. As good as it looks on the form once on an actual body it will only be better. The dress is made from a rich looking champagne coloured silk satin that in certain light has a slight silver undertone to it. The fabric and the way it is cut and draped allows it to hug the body but without being tight. It skims over the body and highlights every curve yet is very comfortable and easy to move in. Once on an actual body and you start to move in it the dress moves with you. The dress molds itself around the bust and plunges at the front into the squared off neckline. A wide panel of fabric runs down the centre of the body to the bottom of the torso. All of the fabric on either side of that center strip is gathered and hand draped into and under the panel in big soft folds. Then he embellished it with little silver flat metal sequins meant to suggest tiny leaves, hand sewn tube beads and prong set glass crystal rhinestones. These catch the light and add even more glamour to the dress. As the draped silk of the dress nears the bottom of that center panel is starts to open up more into looser folds and eventually falls and expands out into the skirt. The skirt has yards and yards of fabric in it and I love how it is draped around the sides of the hips for shape and volume. It gives you this insane hourglass feel. At the back the fabric is lightly gathered into the zipper so it is fitted on the back and then it falls out to the skirt with a series of panels built into the back for added volume. It then extends out to a short train at the back for the perfect finish. It is one of the most beautiful and glamorous dresses I have ever had in the shop. It is red carpet worthy and would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined with a fine ivory tissue silk. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Tagged a US 8 but cut very small

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to front hem, 64" to the lowest point of the back hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3875

Reference Photos: (1-2) Dior Runway Show in Prague showcasing Fall 2007 RTW/Resort 2008 pieces. Dress shown worn by Miss World 2006 Tatana Kucharova.  /  (3) Fall 2007 Christian Dior Runway, Look 26. Model: Patricia Schmid.  /  (4-6) Penelope Cruz at the 2008 Dior Cruise Collection Presentation.

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