This wonderful little dress had a label when I acquired it many years ago but has lost it along the way somehow. It is not perfect which is why I have had it tucked away all this time. However, it is too pretty to not give it a chance at a second life and if you are creative and can find a way to restore it, or are just OK to wear something not perfect that this is an incredible high quality dress for the price point. The dress is made out of a very high quality silk and the entire thing has been meticulously knife pleated. The bodice has a deep V at both the front and back and even the side panels that wrap around the bust under this and show on each side have been pleated. The bodice panels go down and into a wide band at the waist where the pleats have been places the other way for a bit of visual impact. Below that the pleated skirt flares out with lots of movement. It is gorgeous but make sore to review the photos and read the full description below. 

Unlined and closes with a side set painted metal zipper. Hand finishes throughout to demi-couture standards. The fabric itself is strong and sturdy and has no issues but there is a spot on one side of the bodice and there are also watermarks that run up along the skirt. Please review the last two photos.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to top of waist band
Waist band: 5"
Skirt: 27" from bottom of the waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E669

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 lovely wedding gown by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin that we found reference to in a blog from 2012. The gown is just gorgeous and I love that is is not a traditional white but rather used a combination of a soft blush nude silk at the top and the skirt is an almost soft pastel ivory grey. The top is a fine silk in that soft pinky nude that is suspended from the shoulders with straps that have been detailed with pearls and crystals. These are set on a fine silk netting for a romantic and delicate feel. At the back they trail down past the edge of the top for a pretty touch. The waist is detailed with a wide silk grosgrain ribbon and this extends around to the back where it becomes a large bow that has long ties that fall almost to the hem of the back skirt. The skirt is amazing and very full. The front falls in a sleek column that gains more width as it nears the hem. The back is gathered in large pleats and all of the volume you see is from the way the skirt is cut and gathered combined with the fabric that was used. I did not add any additional crinolines under this for the photos, though if wanted it to be even fuller you easily could wear on underneath. The back is trained and has the most beautiful lines as it trails out and back. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

The top is a double layer of the silk and the skirt is unlined. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper at the back. The attached ribbon at the waist can be tied as you wish. It appears to be unworn but there is some scuffing and grubbiness to the back hem, most likely from being stored on a rack. I photoed the worst spot that is on the very end of the train. It may come out with additional cleaning or could be shortened slightly to eliminate. Note the colors have a slightly more pink/blush undertone then how it photoed. The colors are better in person and softer

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 50" from waist to front hem, 65" from waist to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3297

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. 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 - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

This dress has the most unusual and wonderful fabric treatment that has been applied onto its surface. Hundreds and hundreds of little embroidered white triangles of fabric have been applied to the dress to cover it from shoulder to hem. These are sewn onto a fine white silk netting and then that is layered over an inner, more ivory toned, silk crepe. This play on tone give it more depth and visual interest. The triangles are set onto the fabric so that parts of the points flutter off the fabric, giving them a 3D quality. The actual dress under that amazing applique work is quite structured. The bodice has slim sleeves that taper in from the shoulder as they reach the ends, and the neckline is cut wide and squared off at the front. The shoulders have very light padding and they are set so they have a bit of high capped feel to them. At the back it is slightly scooped. The dress follows the body with has vertical seaming that bring it on at the waist a touch and then it falls to the floor. A high back vent is the perfect finish and gives a glimpse of leg. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk crepe and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Very well finished. In person it has a touch more of an ivory tone to the base.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3282

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

I am very pleased to begin presenting a collection of Bill Blass pieces from a woman who was a close personal friend of Mr. Blass for many years. Many of these pieces were custom made or tweaked specifically for her and all of them are in exquisite condition, having been stored and cared for properly over the years. These are rare and hard to find example of his work from the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Some may be the only version of its kind that were made. The family would also like it to be known that their portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to charity. 

The crepe fabric on this late seventies, early eighties dress is the perfect choice for it to fall and drape perfectly once on the body. The fabric has just enough weight so that the drape down the front is perfectly executed, but it is still light enough to feel extremely comfortable once on the body. The simple yet dramatic cut has that nod back to the glamour days of Hollywood that you see in his best pieces. The interior of the bodice is has a concealed inner separate panel that is lightly boned and meant to hug and support the bust so you can go completely bare underneath. Straps made from the  same fabric extends from the center of the bust and curve up and around the neck. From the center bust the dress drapes down and around you, curving up at the front allowing for an unexpected flash of leg when you move and down to a longer length at the back. This then tops a second layer of fabric so that the dress falls to a full maxi length. A slit runs up the front so that you get a flash of leg when you move. It is simple, sexy and perfect. Excellent condition with one minor note below.

The bust has a full built in foundation that is lightly boned and closes with its own front set zipper. The exterior layer of the dress closes with a front hidden set zippers that is set along the front middle seam, disappearing under the draping once on. Hand finishes. The ends of the ties are weighted and hand finished. I see one tiny storage mark on one hip. Please see the photo after the label shot. It also comes with a matching cowl like scarf pie that is not pictured but will be sent with the dress

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner bodice at waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: approx 60" from neck to hem
Front slit: 21" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3277

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This wonderful gown with its exquisitely beaded bodice and attached cape is a numbered Haute Couture piece designed by Pierre Balmain. Both pieces would have been  made entirely by hand at the Paris atelier and the bead work done by Lesage. We found a similar gown from that same Couture collection that was featured in Harper's Bazaar that year It is an extraordinary example of the work being done during this time period of the label's history and is very beautiful.

The impact that this gown has cannot be denied. You instantly get the feel of Ancient Greece and yet is has a touch of modernity to it as well. It dress is made out of a very fine ivory silk chiffon. The neckline is high and the skirt flows to the floor with two layers of of silk chiffon over an interior silk skirt. The bodice is covered with hand placed glass tube beads that is most likely the workmanship of the famed Lesage ateliers. Eash bead has been carefully placed by hand and then they are mixed with a real metal gold thread that has been used to outline the design created with the beads. More of that same metallic thread is used to create a gold and ivory braiding that runs down the front and back and highlight the neckline. The cape detail on this one is unusual and really what makes it extra special. This cape is made of that same high end ivory silk chiffon. It ties at the front neck but it also is secured to the shoulders so that it stays perfectly in place no matter how you move, stand or sit. It is attached by tiny snaps, hidden under the inside collar of the neckline. 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 Haute Couture. and it is a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

The dress is fully lined in an ivory through the bodice and innermost skirt. The skirt has two layers of silk over the inner lining. There may be the occasional loose or missing bead or thread. Both pieces have their numbered tag present under the main label and both bear the same number of 764027. Hand finished. It closes with a hand set, back painted metal zipper. I see one tiny yellowed spot on one tie and a pinpoint of a spot on the cape. There are two teeny smudges on the lower portion of the skirt. None of these detract - I am just being super picky. There is a slight darkening to the silk around the waist under the seam. I have photoed it all the way around and you can see that after the photos of the Couture label.

Bust: 17" 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: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Cape: 57"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2945

Reference Photo: Gleb Derujinsky in Pierre Balmain, Harper's Bazaar, April 1961.

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". 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 - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used for the skirt. This is mixed with a low waist top that is constructed out of a ivory embroidered lace. To highlight the pattern that runs through the lace little iridescent clear beads have been hand set and scattered over it. The silk layers that make up the skirt are all cut on the bias and this gives it lovely movement. The bodice is sleeved and the neckline cut wide across with very light padding in the shoulders for shape. The back is cut into a V so you get a bit of skin showing there. The top layer of the bodice is made of an embroidered cut work lace done in a creamy ivory. Note that in person it is far more a true ivory that the deeper color it has photoed as. The waist has no defined seam and skims over to a the upper hips with gathers on either side. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Very well finished. In person it is a true ivory. The photos have given it a bit of a taupe feel and it is not that deep a color in person.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to longest points of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3254

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a gorgeous and absolutely huge Yves Saint Laurent silk scarf from the late 1970s, early 1980s that mixes a pretty and bright red rose design on an ivory silk. The print also has pops of green and taupe to highlight the design. I love the fine fringe edging to the scarf that adds a pretty and feminine finish. It is made of a fine silk that is extremely light and pliable - it is the same weight and feel as a fine Hermes piece. It is super light weight despite its size. This will allow you to wear it for many purposes, as a scarf, a shawl, a sarong, a head wrap, or anything else you can dream up style wise.

The YSL logo is screened directly onto the silk. There is one small pinhead mark and a small stain. It has been priced slightly less then its counterparts as a result.  Please review the two photos after the photo of the label. It is freshly cleaned and it looks to have been worn very little if at all other then the two areas noted.

Measures 53" x 53"

Item# A360

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This great little top is fabricated from what looks to be a cotton that has a fine ribbing worked into the fabric that you can see best in the shot of the label. The color is the palest soft green that is so soft that in some lights it looks to be more of a white. The collar and front are piped in a red and the seams around the sides of the body and over the shoulders are finished in a green piping. The loose and easy cut are signature YSL and I love that this classic shape is mixed with this unusual fabric choice. This particular silhouette makes you instantly think of Yves and the seventies. The sleeves are incredible - each is very, very full above the single button cuff. The cut through the body is generous and it buttons to close down the front. I love it. Excellent condition with one note below to review

Unlined and buttons at the front. There is a single button at each cuff. The loose and generous cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. There is one tiny mark on the upper back as shown in the shot after the label photo.

Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S867

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". 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 - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used under the top layer of netted lace used in its construction. Working in this type of fabric is already difficult and this would have taken many hours of work to execute the making of this dress by hand. The silk layers underneath are all cut on the bias and this gives it a lovely movement and makes it very comfortable to wear once on the body. The dress is suspended from the single shoulder and falls from there with a loose and billowy effect as it widens out to the hem. The top layer of the dress is made of a netted ivory with a lace feeling pattern that runs over that. This is then detailed with gold thread that gives the dress a slight touch of sparkles. Once the dress gets past the bust it widens out to be quite full by the time it reaches the hem so that when you move you get an unexpected bit of volume. it is also gathered up at the side toward the back and this gives it a little extra volume there, shows off the layers underneath the top layer and also helps to create that asymmetrical hem. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon under the top lace and net layer and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper set off side at the back. Has four full layers of silk chiffon under the top netting layer under the skirt

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3107

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

Giorgio Sant' Angelo launched his label in 1966. He was a designer for whom the fabric was always the start point and worked closely with his fabric mills in developing new textiles and he also often developed his own prints. It was said the he 'he ornamented the body and made fantasy wearable'. He was the winner of two Coty Awards, the first in 1968 and the second in 1970, and two Council of Fashion Designers of America honors.

Sant' Angelo often cited various native and ethnic cultures as the inspiration for his collections and you can see that he has given this dress a touch of that homage through the bead work that adorns the dress. The dress has absolutely beautiful lines. The bodice is a halter cut with a deep front plunge. It curves up and behind the neck where it hooks into place. Along the edges it is beaded in a combination of bright coral, neon yellow and turquoise. Additionally, there are prong set rhinestones that are set all through every inch of the beading. The beads are laid out in rows along the edge. The waist curves slightly up to meet the plunge and then it too is extensively beaded. Here we see beautiful motifs worked through the band in a wider and more complicated beaded pattern. The skirt falls from there and is cut very long. It is slit high up the front and the edges are again completely beaded. These adds color to the stark ivory back drop and also define the cut of the dress. Attached to the top of each shoulder is a long silk chiffon scarf. These can be worn fully at the back for a more caped effect but I love them draped over the shoulder. When worn this way they feel like magical sleeves that extend all the way to the hem of the dress. At the bottom each is affixed with a strip of a fine orange silk and then hand stitched over that are two hand-dipped silk ribbons. The process to create the dipped silk gives them a slight ombre, watercolor effect. They pick up all of the colors used in the dress and bring a pretty romantic feel to the gown that it would not have otherwise. It is just pure genius. It is extremely beautiful and its extensive hand finishes let us know that this is one of his custom, couture pieces. Excellent condition with a tiny note to review below

Fully lined in a fine, hand set ivory silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. It hooks to close at the back of the neck. Hand work throughout. The beads and ribbons on the scarf sleeves are all hand applied. There is some slight grubbiness/yellowing to the silk on the interior of the halter neck and a couple of beads missing near the edges of the back neck closure. I photoed the area and it can be seen after the label photo.

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 14" from top of bodice to top waist seam
Waist band: 3"
Skirt: 43" from the boom of the waist band to hem
Front slit: 25" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3220

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

Harvey Berin opened his self-named label in 1921 and by the 1940s his label was considered to be a leader in American fashion. The pieces were actually designed by Karen Stark, his wife's sister, though it is said that all designs had to meet with Berin's approval before going into production. The dresses were made with high end finishes and were often based on the Parisian couture designs of the season. By 1952 Stark had won a Coty award. This dress is one of the best I have seen from the label and is extraordinary.

The dress is absolutely wonderful and could easily stand side by side with any of the couture dresses being produced in this time frame. The base fabric is a pale ivory with just the barest touch of blush to it. It then has a beautiful floral and leaf pattern worked into the silk that is made from a nude toned netting. The weave of the netting varies and these variations become a layer of the design itself. Over these fabrics the dress has been densely beaded with thousands and thousands of little white glass seed beads. These are applied by hand in a dense scattering cover over the main silk part. More beads are worked into dense ropes that follow the edges of each leave and flower. More beads are used to make up the inner design of the flowers and leaves. The heavy profusion of beads makes the dress feel that is has a good solid couture feeling weight to it. The cut is kept simple to off-set that amazing design. The straps are cut wide and curve over each shoulder. The bust is fitted with a sweetheart neckline at the front and a simple scoop at the back. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out to be very full under that. I put a light crinoline under it for the photos and I think you could go even fuller if you wished. In person the dress has far more impact and beauty then the photos could ever convey. You will honestly be floored when you see it in person. The color is a more true ivory-nude and the dress has more depth and a 3D effect in real life. It is wonderful and would perhaps even make a fabulous wedding dress for the bride looking for something non-traditional. Excellent condition with a couple of tiny items to note below.

Fully lined in a pale pink silk and closes with a side set painted metal zipper. There is a teeny tiny area of the slightest of darkening to the fabric under one arm and a couple of tiny storage spots. Nothing that I feel detracts in any way. I have photoed the areas and you can see then after the shot of the label. Hand finished throughout. There is a 4.5" hem turned up and it appears that someone has turned it up at some point already and this prior shortening takes up about 2.5" of the total

Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3218

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a wonderful dress from the fifties that is beautifully feminine and romantic in feel. It is so rare to find these really outstanding fifties pieces any more and I am extra appreciative when they come into the shop. The fabric that has been used for the base is a lightweight soft cotton mix. It is almost surprising to see such a light and supple fabric used for a structured dress like this. It is all the work on the inside that give it the lines that you see. The skirt is cut to be very full. It has a built in underskirt that is made of a starched/stiffened muslin that is then finished with a layer of tulle along the bottom for volume. I then photoed it with an additional crinoline underneath of that layer so you can get a true sense of the volume that is there. You could even go fuller if you wished. If you chose to wear it with no crinoline you would still get a lot of volume and movement. The structure through the bodice comes from the extensive ribbon embellishment. This has been hand applied onto the fabric so that is completely covers the bodice to the waist and then tapers off into pretty tendrils as it trails down and over the skirt. The ribbon on all of these places panels has been shaped and made by hand out of an ivory crinkle ribbon and then the panels hand sewn into place onto the dress. Ivory silk cord is stitched around the tendrils of the skirt so they have a more finished feel. The applique work runs over the full front and back of the dress and add a beautiful 3D element to it. The waist is nipped in and the bodice is sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline at the front and a dipped back. This is a really outstanding example of the work being done during this time period. Overall excellent condition with some very minor notes to review below.

The bodice is lined with the same blue fabric as the exterior and the skirt has a built in skirt as described above. The dress closes with a side metal zipper. Note in person the blue is slightly more a true baby blue and the ribbon has a slightly more ivory tone to it and it not a true stark white. There is a very slight storage spot on  the ribbon on the top of one shoulder (see the very last ohoto) and perhaps some slight grubbiness to the ribbon along the edges here and there but this is more a cause from time and natural patina. I am being extremely picky. The hand work in the dress is easily seen from the back. The crinoline used in the styling is not include.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46" from top of shoulder hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E661

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

Anna Molinari and husband Gianpaolo Tarabini launched the Blumarine label in 1977 out of Capri and had their first catwalk show in 1980. By the 1990s they had opened  their first stand alone shop. For the Autumn-Winter show of 2000-2001, they launched the special 'ultra-luxe cardigan', a unique one-off item with diamonds and pearls embroidered on the handcuffs, which became famous all over the world. This jacket an extension of that first ultra-lux cardigan idea and comes from just a couple of  seasons later. My client originally paid just under $5000 for this when it was first issued.

The jacket is extraordinary. It is covered extensively in heavy, real metal discs, silver metal sequins and silver rings that are all hand applied onto the jacket. Carved squares and triangle beads that look to be mother of pearl are set in and among the silver. Fragments of shells created a 3D border around the pocket areas and everything is set on a ivory silk brocade. This gives the jacket a warm ivory tone and picks up the ivory and richness of the MOP and shells. The silver is muted and I love that there are little red tube beads interspersed though the design for the tiniest pop of color and even some prong set rhinestones in the mix. It hooks to close at the neck, highlighting the densely embellished collar, and then is open down the front under that. The cut has been kept simple so that the embellishment can take center stage. The sleeves are cut long and straight and the jacket is also cut straight and loose through the body. Big pockets sit on each hip and these have also been completely covered. It is heavy, but once on it feel perfectly balanced. I love how the bottom edge has the metal sequins trickling down over the silk underneath instead of ending in a solid finish of silver. It is just one more elaborate and special detail on a piece that is already ever so special. It is wonderful and far better in person then how it photoed. The overall feel is richer and more luminescent then how the camera could ever capture it. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a cotton muslin and closes with one hook at the neck. There may be the occasional metal sequin missing but nothing that leaves an super noticeable bare spot. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The pockets has been hand tacked . Hand work throughout. The easy loose cut and drop shoulder design will allow it to fit a range of sizes. Tagged an IT40

Sleeves: 18" from dropped shoulder seam
Dropped shoulders: 18"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 35" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C508

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This gorgeous twenties dress combines a rich, golden tone ivory silk velvet with an inset panel of silk chiffon in the same rich color. The front panel where the silk chiffon is inlaid, has been heavily embellished with beads and faux pearls. The execution of the design is very well done and it is quite beautiful. I love the way the back panel of the dress is set so that it falls in one single long line. This is created by having the back set over the inner structure of the dress and simply hooking into place once on. The velvet then wraps around the body to the front with bead work at the waist holding the velvet perfectly in place. The hand work involved in the front design would have taken hours and hours to finish. There is a wide and elaborate band of beading at the center low waist and from that hang a long, double sided, multi strand beaded tassel. These drop right to the hem of the dress and create wonderful movement. Behind this, the silk chiffon has an elaborate, trailing design of little flowers. These are all hand done and made from glass beads, pearls and rhinestones. The dress is cut in a classic flapper tube shape with a long body with no defined waist. The silk velvet top layer sits over an inner dress that gives it some hidden structure, This inner dress is no longer perfect all along where it closes underneath the back panel but this cannot be seen at all once it is on. It could perhaps still be worn as is very carefully, or the inner part could be replaced, or even removed altogether. I love all the romantic touches and feel that this could potentially be a beautiful wedding piece for a girl looking for a more twenties feeling wedding dress. The exterior is in absolutely remarkable antique condition. It is incredibly beautiful and entirely made by hand. An amazing collector piece and beautiful example of the time period. It is far far better in person then how it photoed - more rich feeling and has a softer, more romantic feel in person as well.  Excellent overall antique condition.

Has an elaborate inner dress comprised of silk netting, tissue silk and silk chiffon. The dress slips on to wear with no closures from the waist seam down. It has a series of snaps and hooks from the waist up.  The fabric at the back of the inner bodice has deteriorated badly. I have taken a photo of it on the mannequin and if you turn the layers inside out its even more shredded on one inner layer then how this looks. That said it is very sound still as the netting is there and that is strong. The structure is all there. I see one small tear to the chiffon but it is stable and not readily apparent when in due to the placement and the many layers of chiffon. There is the occasional weak spot to the silk chiffon that lines the outer silk velvet but again the velvet itself is remarkably strong and stable. There may be other areas of weakness here and there as well but I don't see any readily apparent ones. The bead and jet beads seem to be entirely present with perhaps the occasional one missing in that front design. Even with these small defects the dress is remarkably sound and shockingly beautiful. It is almost 100 years old and is considered to be in museum quality condition.

Inner bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45 from shoulder  to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Item# E659

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

Richard Blackwell launched his label in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 (or up to $10,000 in the modern terms). He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. I love finding his pieces and this dress is wonderful. The cut of this dress is kept fairly simple so that the bead work on it can shine. The front is cut with a high, straight across cut neckline and then the back is scooped. Through the body it is cut in more of a sheath silhouette. The dress skims over the torso and glides in for just a touch of shape at the waist. The skirt below that is also kept fairly simple with a slim cut pencil shape. Over the entire dress is a looping design that is made entirely of rows of gold & silver beads that were hand placed and set to create the design that you see. They have a slight raised 3D effect and give the otherwise simple dress a shot of glamour. It also gives it a bit of a showgirl feel I think and I love the final effect as it adds a touch of glitz but without being too flashy. Excellent condition with one small note below to review. 

Fully lined through the body in an ivory colored silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The embellishments are hand placed and sewn. There is the slightest touch of yellowing to the fabric at the middle of the back. Please see the photo provided of that area after the shot of the label. Hand finished throughout

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38.5" from top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3208

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This was Look 38 on the runway for the Fall of 2007. At this period in time, Oscar was still alive and the Creative head of his self named label which means this would be one of his designs. Nicole Phelps of Vogue said of this collection; 't could've been a movie, so picture-perfect was Oscar de la Renta's take on the good life. From beginning to end, and day to night, the collection sparkled.' Indeed the entire collection that season was embellished and detailed with glitz. This dress was a stand out and has an interesting mix of feeling perfectly feminine and proper, while the extensive matte pewter bead work gives it an almost armor feel.

The dress is superbly constructed and feels high end form the first glance. The base fabric is a textured ivory boucle that has just enough weight to it that it feels luxurious but is not too heavy to wear comfortably. Onto this is an extensive design made of square matte silver sequin beads, mixed with matching crystals in a variety of sizes and and large pailettes that are all hand placed and applied to the dress. These circle the neck where they are set on little triangles and have rhinestones scattered in the design as well. Around each sleeve is a wide band of the square sequins with bead work detailing each sleeve further. Two wide bands of embellishment circle the hem. Around the waist is the most extensive beading of all and these are also detailed with large square sequins and more beads. It is quite striking and dramatic and yet still retains that classic elegance that the best of Oscar's work has. The dress is new and has never been worn. It still has all of its retail tags attached. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. The dress has all of its original tags attached and has never been worn. Tagged a US 4 but seems generous in its cut so p,ease know your size in ODLR or make sure to check the measurements below.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3207

Reference Photo: (1) Oscar de la Renta Fall 2007 Runway, Look 38. Model: Caroline Trentini

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

In 2007 it was Matthew Williamson that was the Creative Head for Pucci and this particular dress was a stand out that season. Vogue's review of the collection said in part: "It's for the kind of young and ravey party girls who look to Zoe for tips, ideal for being papped in from beach to nightclub, Ibiza to Bali, Saint-Tropez to South Beach....As you'd expect from a British designer who's made it his business to hang with It girls, Williamson treated Pucci to a dose of what's going on in the London club scene...He took Pucci archive prints and punched them up into the brightest turquoise, aqua, peach, purple, orange, and electric blue, styling them with mirrored cutout wedges, sixties enamel disc pendants and giant cuffs"

This was Look 15 on the Runway show and it feels as fresh now as it did then. Williamson's time at Pucci may have been short, but there were definitely stand out pieces from that period of Pucci's history and this dress is definitely one of them. On the runway a silver collar was styled with it and  layered over the neckline - an easy trick to duplicate if you loved that more sixties feel. The sixties influence is readily apparent in this dress. That halter is the exact cut of pieces of original Pucci I have had and sold. Williamson took that archival cut and then made it shorter and covered the surface with sequins. It is also elaborately beaded with 3D detailing in twisted ropes of pink and green. The beading is set as a giant medallion at the front and details the neck, hem and sides. Big stones are set in the design and the closer you get the more you fall in love. The ivory, iridescent sequins that cover every other inch of the surface catch the light beautifully. The dress ties around the neck and is easy to wear through the body as it is fairly straight in its cut with just the suggestion of indentation at the waist. The dress is new and has never been worn. It still has all of its retail tags attached. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in a white silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. All original tags attached and was never worn. Tagged a US 8, IT 42, UK10

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3206

Reference Photos: (1) Emilio Pucci Spring 2007 Runway, Look 15. Model: Sasha Pivovarova.  /  (2) Karmen Cass for Emilio Pucci Spring 2007 by Inez & Vinoodh.

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a slightly less intricate version of the Look 20 jacket that Carmen Kass wore on the Spring 2002 runway. Vogue's review of the collection said in part 'Versace's collection could have been designed specifically for Lopez and her fellow members of the red-hot diva society.' This was specifically noted since the then newlywed Lopez showed up to attend this show and caused a bit of a stir.

I love this jacket and I think it is even better in person. It was a touch too small on my dress form so is not sitting exactly how I would have liked it to. You also don't get the sense of movement from the fringe that runs down the front that you do when you see it on and in person. The leather used is butter soft and the fringes are equally as light and soft. This gives them tremendous movement and in person they act more like a fabric then leather. The jacket is cut long through the body just like ton the runway. It nips in slightly at the waist and the shoulders are structured but sift with no extra padding. I love the braided leather cord detail woven through the edge of the collar, cuffs and around the hem. It has hidden hooks to close it down the front and pockets on each hip. It is fabulous. Excellent condition

Unlined through the body and closes with hidden hooks down the front. There is a partial lining set through the upper shoulder and into the sleeves. The leather is butter soft and light in weight. Pockets on each hip. The color is person has a touch of a 'putty' feel to it. Sold in clean, as found condition

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C506

Reference Photo: S/S 2002 Versace Runway, Look 20. Model: Carmen Kass.

This garment is sold in clean, as found condition ad has been thoroughly checked over before shipping

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

Fine examples of Irish crochet lace are always highly sought after and this one is exceptional. The jacket has its own innate weight to it and you can instantly tell that you are wearing something that was meticulously made by hand. The shape of the jacket is created by the lace making process, not cut out of a piece of cloth. In other words, it was shaped as it was made, stitch by stitch, with the end result firmly in mind from the first stitch. This one is very elaborate with a multitude of shapes and designs scattered through the pattern. Much of the workmanship is done with a 3D feel and these differences in height throughout the lace give it a beautiful texture. It is cut fuller through the back, perhaps to leave room for a bustle, or it may even have been a maternity jacket, or a morning coat. These types of pieces, morning coats especially, were often cut looser and meant to be thrown on over a more elaborate morning dress where the outfit was fitted at bust but then flared out down from there. They were pieces that women did not have to wear corsets under and the jacket over top helped to hide this fact. The jacket also has the most remarkable sleeves. Each is cut with a wide flare that mimics the shape through the body and each ends in a longer pointed end. All of the edges follow the pattern of the lace. I have included several detail shots and none can come close to how gorgeous this is in real life. It is truly a work of hand made art. It is an extraordinary piece of fashion history and a testament to the level of textiles from this time period. Excellent condition with a very minor mote below

Unlined and has no closures. There may be a tiny area here and there where the tape has darkened slightly and the very very occasional broken thread, but nothing that is any more than natural patina over the many years since is was made. The loose and easy cut will fit a range of sizes.

It is 51" from the point of one sleeve to the point of the other
Bust: approx to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 29" from neck to longest point of back hem
The hem of the jacket is a full 105" inches from edge to edge

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S861

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated wil love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a truly spectacular turn of the century top that is in remarkable condition for its age. It is made out of very fine and light handkerchief linen that has just a touch of transparency to it. The neckline is very high and even has little looping wires inset at each side to assist it in standing up straight around the neck. Running across the shoulders is a panel of fine embroidery work. This runs down each sleeve with long slim panels of open work embroidery running the length of each sleeve, set onto the sleeve at the top and underneath. The front is an elaborate design that features 3D embroidery work. Here again we see those hand made lace insets running the length of the top to the waist at both the front and back. I have included lots of details shots. A pretty little split peplum hovers over the hip. The top buttons down the back with a series of tiny little buttons. It is pretty close to perfect. Excellent condition with a very minor note to review below

It is unlined and buttons down the back to the waist. Wire is set through the sides of the neck for support as described above. Three of the tiny snaps at the neck only have 1/2 of their snap. It is still very white in color and appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Note the neck is very slim cut - you could perhaps add buttons and loops to expand it if needed. 

Neck: 11" around the neck
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to longest point of the front bottom point, 20" at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S860

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

When I look at this top I am instantly reminded of the type of silk you would choose to make a men's tie out of. It is very light in weight and has that same feeling that you would see in a Hermes tie. It has lot of 'men's' detailing to like the extra button up on the cuff opening and the turned down collar and button down feel of it. It all adds up to make it feel like an instant classic. I also love the chic neutral feel it has. Style wise, it has a simple, pointed collar  and buttons down the front. Each cuff has a two buttons on the actual cuff and then another to close the opening above. The sleeves are cut so they have a bit of a pouf over the wrist. Made of a gorgeous, fine grade silk. Excellent condition

The top is unlined and closes with buttons down the front. Each sleeve buttons to close with two size choices and there is an extra button higher up the cuff as well. Generous in cut so should fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: approx 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S859

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