Jean Bates designed under the name Jean Varon in 1959 and quickly became a favorite of the British fashion sect. In 1965 one of his dresses was chosen as the 'Dress of the Year' and donated to the Fashion Museum in Bath, the same museum who held a retrospective of his work in 2006. Here he has done a brilliant little dress that is heavily influenced by the love for all things Art Deco during this time period. If it was not such a tiny sized piece I would have it ion my own closet forever. The base color is a creamy ivory and onto that is that gorgeous print in soft peaches and taupe. The dress has a high collar and sleek bodice with a domed gold button at the top of the neck and a second one at the waist. In between the two it is slit open so you get a tiny flash of skin peeking through. The sleeves are capped and the skirt cascades to the floor. I love the black and white striped cord that separates the pattern pieces of the bodice and also circles and defines the waist. The print is cleverly placed to make a girl look super model tall and curved at the same time. Subtle pleats shape the skirt. It is even better on person. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a low front painted metal zipper at the waist. It buttons just above that and then at the front neck. It is open between the two buttons. It is very tiny - a true size 0 or maybe even less unless you are very tiny through the bust and rib cage.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: approx 15" flat across with no true defined side seam
Empire waist: 16" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from neck to empire waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3063

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

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Pierre Balmain began his career at Molyneux where he worked part-time until 1936. After a brief stint serving he moved to the house of Lucian Lelong. He eventually made the leap to independence and is first show was held on October 12th, 1945 at his salon in rue Francois 1er.

This caftan dress is a beautiful example of the work being produced for the RTW label during this time period. The silk  that the dress is made out of is a fine, printed Thai silk. In the 1960s some of the best silks to be found on the planet was coming out of Thailand. The colors are still as bright and true as they would have been the day it was made. The dress has the easy to wear cut of a caftan with it wide sleeves and generous cut through the body. The sleeves are cut shorter and then widen out as they near their cuff. The cuffs are detailed with rows of slightly padded top stitching to add structure and texture. That same padded quilting technique is used to detail the collar and neckline at the front where a series of silk covered buttons and loops allow you to button it up for a high neck or leave open for a bit of skin to show. The print is brilliant and that wonderful floral print has been done using bright primary colors to cover the entire dress top to bottom. Excellent overall condition with one item to note in the condition description below.

Fully lined in a white silk and closes down the front with silk covered buttons and loops. There is a tiny break on the fabric and a light smudge on the top bodice - please see the photo provided. Once on, the color and pattern make this a non-issue but it is mentioned for accuracy. Pockets along the hips. Hand finishes

Sleeves: approx 15"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2852

Reference Photo by Erin Leydon.

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

I love this dress by Thierry Mugler with its sculptural bodice that gives it a sense of high drama. That is in direct contrast to the white cotton pique that it is made of and it is this contrast that makes the dress so fabulous. It is also a wonderful summer piece that still feels fresh and of this season despite its vintage heritage. The bodice is fitted and sculpted with that fabulous curving cut out at its edge. It has interior boning to help mold it to your frame and the waist is cinched in. The skirt below is cut in an asymmetrical line at its hem that has the front center point dipping lower then the sides or back do. It is also extremely full with yards and yards of fabric in it and the sweep extends beyond that of a full circle skirt. The fabric is a chic little waffle weave pique cotton and its a quirky little play on the summer dress that is very flattering. Excellent condition with a tiny note below.

Lined through the bodice with the same fabric and boned for support. It closes with a series of  snaps up the back. Pockets on each hip. There is the slightest tiniest hint of yellowing to the fabric that is a from natural aging. It does not really affect the dress but mentioned for accuracy.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 10" from top of bodice to waist, with the one curve extending higher up
Skirt: 30" from waist to side and back hem. dips to 36" at the longest point of tyhe front hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3021

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

From the Spring 2015 Runway collection, this Valentino dress is wonderful. Both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were designing for that house at the time and taking the atelier to new places. Vogue said of the collection that season, remarking specifically to the seaside themed dresses: "The collection was poetic, graceful, and beautiful. Chiuri and Piccioli touched on many of Italy's patrimonies, from its antiquities all the way down to its kitsch... the designers lavished special attention on the seaside, printing some gowns with starfish and snails, and embroidering others with shells, sailing ships, and underwater creatures like the Portuguese man-of-war....as always, it was the workmanship that astounded, be it extravagantly done, as the feather-embroidered numbers were, or more naively wrought, like those sea creatures. "In this moment when everything is synthetic, digital, and flat, you need something more human. To dream, you need to feel something, not just to see," said Piccioli."

The dress is stunning and weighs mere ounces. It is a silk chiffon that is entirely cut on the bias so that flows and moved beautifully over the body. The coral design that runs over it has been done in soft neutrals to play against the pale ivory silk. It is almost weightless and yet constructed so that it drapes on the body perfectly. The skirt is to the floor and has yards of fabric in it. Two layers of chiffon are under the top layer so it gives it a very floating effect when you move. The waist is cinched and the back scooped low for a bare expanse of skin to show, broken only by the silk covered elastic band that runs across the scoop to hold it perfectly in place. If you prefer it to be completely open you could easily remove this so you get more of the effect of the editorial reference photo included here. The top is stunning with its classical one shoulder design that leaves the other shoulder bare. The bodice is cut to sit loose and draped. It is beautiful. Excellent condition

 Fully lined in an ivory colored silk chiffon cut on the bias. The skirt has an extra layer of silk through it so is made up of three full layers in total. It closes with a Low back, hidden set zipper. The strap that goes across the back is attached on one side and hooks to close on the other with a row of four hook & eye. The shoulder ties into place with long attached ties. Inner waist stay and size US8

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of bodice to waist and can be adjusted
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3022

Reference Photos: (1) Valentino S/S 2015, Look 68. Model: Irina Liss.  /  (2) Photo by Mario Testino, Vogue US, Feb 2015.  /  (3-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is wearing a Magnetic Midnight X Shrimpton Couture 'Stardust' Headpiece - available on the site here >

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

Laura Ashley was a Welsh fashion designer who started making Victorian style, printed headscarves in 1953 with fabric she printed herself at her kitchen table. By 1961, she and her husband had opened their first shop, and by 1966 started to make the dresses she became known for. This dress is from a little later in their timeline and the date was verified by a follower on my Instagram who wore a pink version in 1985 to their prom.

It has that nostalgic feel to it that all the best of her work has. It is an interesting combination of a more formal silhouette but the fabric it is made from is a cotton. This gives it an interesting mix. The dress is strapless with a fitted and boned bodice that is finished with a small ruffled that runs around its upper edge. It dips into a sharp V at the front waist and then under that is one of the most fabulous skirts I have seen. I have styled it over a light crinoline but it has room to be far fuller even then how it looks and even with no crinoline the sheer volume of fabric gives it a wonderful fullness. It is made up of two layers, the inner layer that is a solid white cotton with a deep ruffle hem hidden under the top layer and then over that is a second layer of cotton. That top layer has that same ruffled edge finish as the bodice dies and is gathered up into little lifts all the way around the skirt. Each lift is finished with a tied bow and another bow ties just above that. This would make a gorgeous summer party dress, or even a wedding dress for someone not looking for a traditional gown. Excellent condition 

The bodice is lined in the same fabric and boned for support. It closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The white is crisp and true.

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD3023

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

Heart-breakingly beautiful, this silk chiffon Hanae Mori gown is a rare example of her true Haute Couture work. The dress just an absolute work of art from the Spring 2000 collection. It is an interesting example of how the client is really the driving force behind what they buy. The dress is an adaptation of look seven from the runway and uses a print from the Fall 1990 collection. I have included a reference photo of both the 2000 runway dress and the 1990 one as they were presented.  It has her signature east meets west feel and it is an honor to have a piece of her couture work in the shop. Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York Runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

The dress features one of her custom designed prints, depicting a forest of trees rising up along the side of a mountain. She has screened this onto the top layer of the skirt that is made from a feather light silk chiffon. The inner layer of the skirt is made from a fine silk twill and this is also screened with that same design. The layering of the two fabrics gives the print depth and a touch of the surreal as they move over each other. Interspersed here and there over the silk are her signature butterflies. These are screened onto the silk with such a light touch that they seem almost ghostly as they flit randomly over the silk. The bodice is highly structured in contrast and uses different shades of grey silk to add to the contrast of the layers. Here the silk is hand pleated and gathered into soft folds that shape and mold the upper body. The dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and over each shoulder. At the back, the silk flows out into a soft train. A matching shawl of the same silk chiffon is screened with more of that beautiful art work. Inside the dress is her proper Haute Couture label and it's numbered couture tape underneath. Excellent condition with a tiny note to review below

Fully lined in a hand set cream silk. It has a fully built in inner boned bodice that closes with its own independent zipper. A second, hidden set zipper closes the exterior. The top silk chiffon layer of the skirt hides the zipper below the waist with fabric covered snaps. Inner waist stay. Hand finished to couture standards. Haute Couture tape #C 1109 5.4.2000. There is the very faintest of tiny marks to the silk just below the waist line with the tiniest of pulls to the fabric here and there. A small bit if scuffing to the inner lining of the train. All extremely minor and when on it appears unworn.

Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to shortest point of front hem, 59" to the back hem
Shawl: 36" x 124"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3020

Reference Photo: (1) Hanae Mori F/W 1990 Haute Couture Collection.  /  (2) Hanae Mori S/S 2000 Haute Couture Collection. (3-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is wearing a Magnetic Midnight X Shrimpton Couture 'Shooting Stars' Headpiece - available on the site here >

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 Antique French white cotton dress that is made of the finest, lightest cotton in a crisp white. This is a beautiful example of antique lingerie that is pretty enough to wear now as a proper dress. It is constructed from a of a soft, draped, finely woven cotton batiste in a pristine white. The cut is kept simple with a high set bodice and capped sleeves. The edges of the neckline, the waist seam and the sleeves are finished with flat layered pleat detailing. The skirt flows to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem.  Another layer of that same flat pleat detail sits at the hem and a few inches about the hem as ell. The skirt has an incredible amount of fabric in it. The back buttons to close and there is a sweet, and unexpected crocheted flower detail at the hem that just seem to be there to add a special hidden flourish that only the owner would have known existed. It is a wonderful example of the time period and with the proper undergarments would make a wonderful, proper dress to be worm out in our modern times. Overall excellent, original condition with a small note below to review

Unlined and buttons at the back. The buttons and the snap at the waist appear to be vintage but more modern then the time period of the dress originally so were replacements at some point. There is a small storage mark near the hem (photoed) and one stable, thinned area also near the he (photoed). Otherwise in remarkable antique condition.

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.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to front hem, 42 to the bacl hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D594

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

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This is a pretty, more recent dress by designer Michelle Mason that is easy to wear and flattering on most body types and skin tones. It is made out of a fluid, nude tone silk, that is cut on the bias so that it drapes ad skims over the body. It has a one shoulder silhouette and the side that has the sleeve is cut to pouf out above the cuff. The hem falls in an asymmetrical line and has a high slit that runs up one side. Very pretty and easy to wear. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching bias cut silk. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a modern size 6. The easy, bias cut will allow it to fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeve: 25"
Bust: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist to hip: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem, 37" to the shortest part

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2955

Reference Photos: fwrd.com

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

This wonderful gown with its exquisitely beaded bodice and attached cape is a numbered Haute Couture pieces designed by Pierre Balmain. It would have been  made entirely by hand at the Paris atelier. The cut of the piece is stunning in its simplicity and yet it has high impact. It is made out of an 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. This is mixed with real metal gold thread used to outline the design created with the beads. It is also used to create a gold and ivory braiding that gives impact to the neckline and runs down the front and back. This is most likely the work of Lesage and it is exquisite. Onto this is a cape made of the same ivory silk chiffon. It ties at the front neck and also snaps into place, with these snaps hidden under the inside collar of the neckline. This ensures it stays perfectly in place no matter how you move, stand or sit. There are endless couture level details 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. It is a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition with some 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 but it does not deter and given the age and provenance I do not feel this rates it as less then excellent. Both pieces have their numbered tag present under the main label is there and both bear the same number of 764027. Hand finished. It closes with a back, hand set, 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 this was taken into consideration when it was priced but these are all minor and it is a stunning and Museum quality piece of Haute Couture

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.

This wonderful Oscar de la Renta gown is red carpet worthy and would even be a potential wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice. It is in immaculate condition and is covered with a dense application of muted gold  sequins in various sizes. These are set onto the entire dress from the top  of the shoulder to the hem. Running around the the neckline is a denser edging of beads. There is also a scattering of pearls there. The dress itself is made up of three layers. There is an inner ivory silk layer that is then topped by a layer of silk tulle net. The very outer layer is made of an ivory silk net that has all of the sequins, pearls and beads applied to it. They edges of the tulle along the neckline and openings for your arm are left with a deliberate raw finish for a pretty finishing detail. This same raw detailing is done at the hem. The sequins that cover the dress vary slightly in size and in their color. The effect of the light when it catches the sequins is divine and the dress seems to glow from within. It is extremely well made and very beautiful. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a cream silk and constructed from three layers as described above. It closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. Tagged a size 12 but please check actual measurements below.

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from shoulder to front hem, 60" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2777

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

Take an EXTRA 20% OFF this item with code EXTRA20 at checkout!

This pretty little dress is made from a light beige cotton with a floral print that runs over its entire surface. These were all the rage in the late 1960s and into the 1970s and this example id an exceptionally pretty one. The neckline is square off and accented with a touch of lace. That same lace runs down the front panels and is used to edge those amazing sleeves. The sleeves are truly spectacular with an immense amount of fabric used to create each huge circle drop. The skirt is full length and has a gorgeous little riffled hem. It simply pops on and ties at the back with the attached ties secured to each side of the waist. It is wonderful. Great over all condition with one note below

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal & nylon zipper. Ties at the waist. Note that there is a slight darkening to the fabric under the arms - I have provided photos. It does not show when on at all and is barely noticeable. Priced with this in mind and actually less then what I paid for it as I did not notice that when I purchased! A steal

Sleeves: 33.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D587

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

Yves did a series of these oversized dresses that fell off the shoulder and into that great expanse of volume for the 1979 Haute Couture show and then that silhouette trickled down in the Rive Gauche collection. that season and the next. This one is an unusual example of the look in that it is made out of a light and airy cotton voile rather then his usual silk taffeta's and chiffon that you see more often. The dress is cut to be very oversized and has a built in elastic binding that hooks either over or under the bust depending on how it works on you. This is suspended from the inner shoulder of the dress and is what keeps it from literally falling off of you. The elastic in the shoulder does seem to be partially gone in some places so I think this one hangs perhaps a bit more off then shoulder then originally intended but I have chosen to leave it as all original and sell it for less then what I would normally price it for. The sleeves are long and full and each has an elastic gathered cuff that has the same floral print. The body is very full with the back trailing down longer then at the front. The hem is finished with a wide ruffle that has that beautiful floral print. So pretty and volume seems to be once again in fashion so it feels very relevant yet again. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below.

The body of the dress is lined in a white silk chiffon with the sleeves left unlined. It slips over the head to wear with an inner elastic that hooks in place to keep it on the body. Parts of the elastic through the neckline has given way. It can be worn as is. I see a slight yellowing to the inside edges of the elastic collar but this is only apparent inside - the outside part that you actually see show no discoloration

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust-hips: open
Inner elastic: measures 22" from hook end to hook end and will easily stretch to 34"
Front Length: 42.5" from neck to hem
Back Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2923

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 always so pleased to have a Helena Barbieri piece come into the shop as they are a rare label to find and each is very special. Her specialty was formal wear and her signatures included embellishment mixed with decadent details. You would be hard pressed to find modern counterparts as finely done and constructed as far as the workmanship and detailing in one of her gowns. This one is absolutely beautiful and could easily be used as a wedding gown for the bride looking for an alternative to a modern gown. The fabric is a rich, luxurious silk satin, in a champagne color that has just the slightest undertone of pink to it. Onto this is a hand applied design that runs over the strapless bodice, under the band at the waist and runs down and across the skirt. The design is made of floral lace cut outs that have hand applied sequins added with little clusters of prong set rhinestone crystals to form each flower's center. The skirt is cut on a slight A-line with a little more fabric at the back between two long inverted pleats so you get a suggestion of a train. An extravagant bow sits at the base of the low back and drapes softly down to just above the knee. The construction of this dress is impeccable. It is drop dead gorgeous. Excellent overall condition with a small note to review below.

Unlined with pinked seams and boning through the bodice. The applique work and finishes are all hand done. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. The bow hooks into place. The interior of the bow has built in tulle to give it a touch of fullness. There is a tiny bit of foxing/storage marks on the bow that get lost in the folds once it is on. Some slight scuffing/small marks to the silk satin here and there that is a natural occurrence with this type of fabric over time. All minor.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 6" from top of bodice to seam under waist band
Length: 45" from seam under waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2553

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

Donald Brooks started his boutique line in 1971, but he closed his business in 1973 giving us a small range in order to date this piece. The coat does double duty as it can be worn at two different lengths. It does this by having the bottom hem attach by a zipper and series of snaps cleverly set so that once zipped together it seems seamless both inside and out. When the bottom panel is in place it is supermodel long and the bottom panel of fur has the pelts set horizontally to contrast the vertical lines above it. Once this panel is removed the coat falls to just past the knee. The shape is simple and easy but it does have weight to it due to the sheer volume of fur.  Love the huge collar. I believe this to be coyote but am not a fur expert. This one is not 100% perfect but presents as excellent overall. Please review condition notes below

Fully lined in a brown silky rayon. There is a fur hook present along the edge but is it the only one I see and the corresponding loop seems to be missing. There is a button high up behind the collar but no corresponding loop. The buyer would have to wear as is or have new hooks added to where they prefer them to be. There is a small amount of wear evident along the edges of the cuffs and at the front edge just under the collar. There is also a thinning to the pelt along the back bottom - please review the photos of each area. Priced accordingly and sold as is. Hidden pickets on each hip.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 17"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from neck to 1st hem, 59" to second when panel is added on.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C455

I have a small collection of historically important, designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting over the course of this year and next. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go and refrain from any further buys from here on in.

This garment is in clean, as found condition. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The Nina Ricci Haute Couture house was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and became one of the pre-eminent couture ateliers in the world. IIn 1954, Jules-François Crahay, Madame Ricci’s design assistant, succeeded her as Artistic Director. The house’s style became structured; the signature curves of its silhouette elongated. Designer Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay in 1964. Throughout the following three decades, his Haute Couture vision celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.

This coat came out of an estate of an extremely wealthy woman who was a regular couture client during the 1960s. For the 1965 collection Gérard Pipart debuted the side button closure that featured large button closures off to one side, a cloth version of which was photoed on Jean Shrimpton for Harper's Bazaar that year. I also found a reference photo for a similar all fur version. This version is a wonderful combination of the two. The exterior is a quilted silk in an ivory color and the fabric is especially beautiful. That 3D puff effect is not created by the stitching around the patterns that you normally see but by different weights of thread woven into the fabric to create the design. Inside it is lined a a thick sheepskin that makes it warm and cozy. The design of the coat itself is simple with structured lines. The front wraps over itself and buttons with that one large silk covered button near the arm. The edges are detailed with a thick padded piping that runs along the front, around the hem and circles the end of each sleeve. Pockets lie along the seam on each side. It is immaculate in its construction and an absolutely stunning coat. A beautiful example of how refined true Haute Couture can be. Excellent condition with one note to review below.

The entire coat is lined in sheepskin. It closes with the button at the front and there is a button and loop to hold it perfectly in pace on the interior as well. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. I see no flaws and it appears to have been worn very little. Pockets along the seam. I see a small amount of fraying to the fabric around the back collar but it is stable and does not deter.

Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam and gently widens out
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C454

Reference photos: Jean Shrimpton in Nina Ricci for Harper's Bazaar 1965, Avedon; Brigitte Bauer in Nina Ricci for Vogue 1965, William Klien. Historical info on the house verbatim from the Nina Ricci website.

I have a small collection of historically important, designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting over the course of this year and next. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go and refrain from any further buys from here on in.

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

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This fun little jumpsuit by the American couturier James Galanos really showcases his more playful side. I love the bright red and white dot print that completely covers the jumpsuit from shoulder to hem. The silk fabric that he chose to use is light and easy to wear creating the perfect balance to the bold print. It moves beautifully once on and has a nice tailored feel that keeps the print from being to much. The top is cut with a simple scoop neckline at the front and a deeper, low scoop at the back. The waist is just a suggestion created by vertical seaming and you could add a belt to create even more shape. The pants are amazing. Each is cut wide and straight so that you get a really long lean line and each ends in a little turned up cuff. It is fabulous. Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer whose label was formally made a true Haute Couture atelier, he certainly produced clothing with many of the hallmarks that define couture, thus giving him the status as being known as one of the "American Couturiers". I consider most of his pieces demi-couture for that very reason. Excellent overall condition with one note to review below

Fully lined  in a white silk with hand finished edges. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. There is the lightest of discoloration along the edge of the inner arms that shows more so on the inside. It is perfectly fine once on. Please review the photos provided.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Inseam: 33" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2889

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

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This coat is really a wonderful piece that focuses on the cut and fabric to convey the beauty of it. The fabric is a weighty cream silk brocade that has a horizontal "ribbing" from top to bottom that is  created by metallic gold threads. This creates a striping effect and gives the coat a subtle shimmer from head to toe. The cut is simple and is cut almost on a column with a slight flaring out as it nears the hem. The back is pure drama and feels like it is almost cut on  a curve that creates the volume that you see.  The fabric choice gives it a sculptural feel. It is absolutely incredible. The sleeves follow that same slight widening as they reach their hem. It closes with one single button at the front. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a heavy weight cream satin. One button closes it at the neck. The fabric has a good solid weight to it but once on is perfectly distributed. No pockets. Appears unworn. The open cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes as long as the shoulders work.

Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C453

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 Spring 2017 Etro collection was one of the strongest the house had in recent years. The key pieces, including this dress, were sold out or waitlisted around the globe despite their high price tags. The original ticket cost on this dress was a cool $3790 before taxes and it is incredibly well made. Luke Leitch of Vogue said of the spring show: "This season, Veronica Etro returned again to that anchor, the house paisley, around which to alchemize a wonderfully rich portmanteau that should seriously tempt new members. Although Edith Sitwell starred on Etro’s mood board, it was Talitha Getty’s footprint that seemed strongest, stamped on looks that played roughly textured leather and bead-trimmed caftans, ponchos, and cloaks against silk maxis, mid-length dresses, jumpsuits, and pants. A monochromatic opening saw interplays of stripes and paisley that sometimes seemed touched by the geometry of Art Deco....This was a lovely exercise in eclecticism given life by that paisley palm seed."

This was Look 2 in the show and is fabulous. I actually own the other version of this dress (Look 12) and can attest to how wonderful it is on. The top portion drapes over the bust and has a deep V at both the front and back. A tie at the back neck holds it in place so you feel very secure in it despite the deep V. I love the tassels that finish these ties - you can leave them draped down the back or bring around to the front as a little built in "necklace". From under the bust to just above the hip you have a top stitched, more structured corsetting effect that cinched you in and give the dress shape. It is a little bit big on the mannequin so I included my own photo so you can see how this shapes you. The skirt flows from under there in a pretty soft expanse of silk. The silk is a beautiful quality twill and this version feels even more versatile then the color version as you have no limits to what you can pair it with color wise. Unworn. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a low hidden set zipper and ties at the back neck. Unworn. Tagged a modern 44

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: variable
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from natural neck to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2868

Reference Photos: Etro S/S 2017, Look 2. Model: Vanessa Moody.  /  Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. (See more on Instagram)

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 interesting thing about John Kloss for Circa pieces are that they were originally intended as lingerie pieces. This makes the vast majority of piece that one finds too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dresses now. But every once in a while you find a fabulous little exceptions like this one ins a deep ivory color. John Kloss was a contemporary of Ossie Clark and I love how you can see that same British sense of sexiness in his pieces. This gown has a simple but sexy cut that really shows off the body once on. The front plunges to the waist seam and then buttons to the hem from there. The skirt is long and flows to the floor in a column of bias cut nylon jersey. Kloss was genius at choosing extremely high quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. Excellent condition.

Double lined through the bodice  in the same fabric and unlined through the skirt. and buttons down the front to wear. Tagged a vintage Kloss for Circa Petite but please check measurements.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2835

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

Annacat is a label that is very hard to find and rare. When you do find one and it is as sexy and delicious as this one is you really feel like celebrating. In its day, Annacat pieces were often featured in editorials for Vogue UK and Harper's. The label was a heavy favorite of the fashion insiders at the time and worn by the "it girls" and rock stars of the day. This full length maxi dress is an amazing example of the best of what they were producing and why there were wait lists to get your hands on their dresses back then. The bodice is gathered along the center halter piece that ties up and around the back of the neck. Then, each side of the bodice extends into a long fabric tie that you wrap and tie around the waist or tie at the back and leave trailing down. This design leaves the back completely open and bare so it is insanely sexy. The waist nips in with the front halter extending into a wide panel right down the front - it almost acts like a huge pendant or neck piece. The skirt has yards and yards of fabric and it moves wonderfully as it is all cut on the bias. It is made of a cotton fabric that is wash and wear and I love the pretty floral pattern that covers the surface. It is a very rare and very fabulous vintage piece that still feels shockingly modern and sexy. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper at the back waist. The front extends on either side and ties in the back and then the halter buttons at the back of the neck. Also if you love this one you may want to see this one as well - its the twin in cut but made of silk.

Bust: variable as it ties
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2824

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 label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco & Nature inspired designs that she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.

This dress is a beauty and really a museum worthy piece. Her caftans and dresses by her during this time period and of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. The base of the dress is a cream chiffon. The construction is very interesting. It has a more fitted interior dress that has a straight sleek cut and this inner dress is made form a silky rayon until it nears the hem. It them changes to the chiffon that is extensively embroidered as you see in the photos. Floating over this is an attached caftan that is loose and full. The 'sleeves' of this outer layer  have her signature embroidery runs extensively down each of them and across the back. The front is cut very low with a series of loop and buttons that you can close or leave open for more of a plunging feel. It is beautiful and would even make a fabulous wedding choice for a bohemian bride. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk rayon and closes with a side painted metal & nylon zipper on the interior dress. Fabric covered front buttons on the plunging neckline

Interior bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Exterior caftan: 58" X 44"
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2823

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