In the 1960s Pierre Cardin produced a series of modernistic animal pendants. They were huge and made out of a silver toned metal. Each has a with a good, decent feeling weight to them and each hangs suspended from the same chunky silver chain. There is at least a half dozen animals in the collection and this is one of two that I currently have in the shop. I love the 'space age' aesthetic they have, a signature of his work during this era. This one features an elephant and the pendant is both massive and dramatic. It is a perfect statement piece that you can wear with anything. It is signed at the back. Excellent condition

The elephant measures 4.5" across at the widest point and is 5.5" top to bottom including the large loop clasp that attaches it to the chain. The chain is 21" end to end and has a clasp closure that allows you to adjust the length.

Item# A344

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 Oscar de La Renta boutique label appeared from 1967 and this dress is most likely from the 1968 collection based on the evening coat reference that I found within The Met's permanent collection. The print is similar in feel and fabrication and it makes sense based on the label that dress has inside.

The dress has a that wonderful hostess gown/ caftan feel that was so prevalent during this time period. I have had one other in the shop a long long time ago and I was very pleased to find another as it is a beautiful piece and very representative of his work during this time period. The fabric is quite exceptional with a wonderful woven effect that forms the pattern that you see. The colors are a mix of a coral toned taupe, an ivory and a gold, and all three have a metallic glint to them. The fabric itself is just heavy enough to hold that sweeping shape as it nears the hem but still feel very light and wearable when on. Each cuff is ringed with a light colored mink cuff. If you are opposed to wearing fur it would be a simple task to un-tack them from the sleeves and wear it without the cuffs. The sleeves are properly finished underneath the cuffs and removing them would be done regularly anyway whenever it was cleaned over the years. The front buttons are decorative only but the quality of the piece really shines here as each loop does work with the button underneath - just the fabric behind it is seamed and closed. Pockets hidden along each hip are the perfect finish. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a hand set nude silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each cuff is ringed with mink that could easily be removed if you wish to wear it without. The sleeves are properly finished underneath. The cut is generous and will be more of a caftan feel on a smaller frame so will fit a range. Larger sizes should double check the shoulders. There is a good 4" hem turned up if you wanted more length

Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL

Item# DD3064

Reference Photo: 1968 Oscar de la Renta Evening Coat from The Met Collection.

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

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.

This dress is from the Resort 2016 collection from the house of Valentino. During this time period both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were acting Creative Directors. It was photoed on Gigi Hadid for the December issue of Vogue that year. as well. Vogue's Nicole Phelps reviewed the collection and said in part:

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli's design signature by now is familiar. Their simple, covered-up, almost prim silhouettes act like a canvas for the embroidery and beadwork of the Roman house's atelier.... Resort found them scaling back not an inch on the detailing, yet the effect was more folksy than flamboyant. ...The workmanship is close to couture, but Chiuri and Piccioli very much intend their pieces to be worn every day. "We were thinking about freedom, and Diana Vreeland's famous quote, 'The eye has to travel,'" Piccioli said.... Beyond the exquisite beadwork, the loveliest pieces were the subtlest: softly pleated dresses both short and long patchworked from different prints and laces. They'll weigh next to nothing in a carry-on; the lucky girl who wears one will win best dressed no matter her location.

This dress is exactly one of those patchwork creations mentioned above and it is gorgeous. It is made from a combination of netting, silks, wool, printed cottons and lacework. All of which are masterfully mixed into the stunning patchwork design that you see. I love that the back is open with crossed straps in a deep coral orange. It adds an unexpected touch to the dress. The sleeves are long and left unlined so you get a touch of transparency through the mix of fabrics. The skirt is maxi length and widens out as it nears the floor. The mix of fabric here help it to hold its shape wonderfully. This is new with all original tags and has not been worn. Excellent condition

The front bodice and skirt are lined in a nude silk. The straps that go across the back button into place with hidden set buttons. It sips to close at the back waist. Tagged a 46 bit Valentino is cut small so please check actual listed measurements. Original tags. 

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3062

Reference Photos: (1) Look 60, Resort 2016 Valentino.  /  (2) Gigi Hadid & Domhall Gleeson photographed by Mario Testino for Vogue, December 2015.

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 twin of this dress was photoed for Vogue Italia in 1975 which giving us the exact date on it. Having that as a reference photo has the added bonus of giving you an idea of how great it is on a real body. It is made out of a light and airy silk cotton voile and this choice of fabric gives the print a pretty washed feel and slight transparency. The dress is cut to flow over the body in a loose and easy fashion. It sits, suspended from the shoulder, with elastic running all through the neckline. This allows you to wear it on or off the shoulder. The sleeves are long and full and each has an elastic gathering so they balloon up over the cuff. The body is very full with the hem is finished with a wide ruffle that has that same beautiful floral print as the rest of the dress. It is so pretty and volume seems to be once again in fashion so it feels very relevant yet again. You can easily add a belt to give it more shape and a totally different feel. Excellent condition.

The body of the dress is lined in a nude silk chiffon and the sleeves are unlined. It slips over the head to wear with elastic through the neckline. Tagged a 38 but will fit virtually any size

Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: variable
Bust: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem and once on it will fall to full lengthas its worn off shoulder

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD3060

Reference Photo: Marie Helvin and Susan Moncur in YSL. Photo by David Bailey, Vogue Italia, January 1975.

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

In its heyday the Gene Shelley of California label was highly sought after. The label was doing some of the best of the early sequinned vintage pieces that you could find anywhere on the planet. All of the sequin work that covers this dress was done by hand in Hong Kong on American manufactured knit. The company would send the fabric to be hand sequinned and beaded. After that was done the fabric would be sent back to California where the dresses were made. At the time, Hong Kong was doing the best sequin and bead work in the world outside of the specialty ateliers in Paris.

All of Gene Shelley's dresses start with the labels signature stretch knit fabric, this one is a beautiful pale baby blue that perfectly sets off the silver. Onto this are thousands and thousands of tightly spaced sequins. Each sequin has been meticulously applied by hand into its set place. Every inch of the fabric is covered with sequins and the dress glimmers in even the lowest of light. Set in among the silver sequins are big faceted blue paste crystals. These circle the neckline and upper shoulders like a built in piece of jewellery. Each crystal has been is hand sewn into place and they are large enough that they each have a 3D effect. Tiny blue glass seed beads outline the larger ones. More of these circle the ends of each sleeve and I love how the sleeves widen out. A slit up one side of the skirt is the perfect, final finish. The dimension and texture created from the result of all of this hand work is wonderful. The dress itself is immensely flattering with its figure hugging shape. The knit base makes it very comfortable to wear as it conforms to your curves. The knit is set on the bias so it shapes and molds to your figure once on.  Excellent condition.

The base is a baby blue stretch knit and the dress closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. The sequins are all applied by hand and I see no bare spots. The measurements are taken flat and shows the comfortable range of each spot. The stretch will allow for a variety of sizes and the dress will fall to approx mid-calf on most

Sleeves: 18" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17.5-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3059

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

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he continued as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house closed is couture atelier. This gown is from the Spring 2000 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway defile sample presented and worn on the runway, Look 16. This particular collection is very poorly documented and I have included reference photos of a similar gown using comparable techniques from the Fall collection of the season before so that you can get a sense of how it sits on the body.

I love when I have any Haute Couture piece in the shop and to have the actual runway sample is always wonderful as it truly represents the designer's vision. The dress is even more stunning in person and the photos really can't do the impact that the head to toe silver mesh and sequins justice. In person the entire dress shimmers and seems like some kind of fantastical second skin as it flows over the body. It has the slightest hint of transparency to it which is very sexy and adds to the allure of the gown. The fabric is an actual silver metal mesh with hundreds of thousands of silver sequins hand applied to cover every inch. It is cut with a classic one shoulder silhouette from which the dress flows down and over the body to highlight every curve. It is cut long and with a slight train that add to the illusion of height. The bodice curves up and over one shoulder and then the mesh acts like a bias cut fabric on the body and hugs and moves with you as you move. Onto the dress are hand applied, ivory dyed horsehair detailing that cure around the body and create a Haute Couture fantasy. The dress is a masterpiece  with its beautiful lines and flowing cut. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with hidden set back zipper.  Hand work throughout. Unlabeled. This is the actual runway sample worn on the presentation. The fabric gives it the flexibility of a bias cut so has a bit more range of sizing them a more structured piece would have. It weighs several pounds because of the metal mesh used.

Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 63" from top of shoulder to the front hem, approx 69 to the back hem including the train to the very longest point

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3058

Reference Photos: F/W 1999 Haute Couture Jean Louis Scherrer Runway Collection.

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

This seventies coat is unusual in that it has its own little carrying case hidden away inside a pocket in the form of a zipped pouch. It's label indicates that this was a patented design and it would have been made for the girl on the go and traveling.  The leopard print has been applied to a soft jersey and the inner lining is a lightweight fabric that is probably slightly water repellent. The leopard print acts like a neutral in that you can pair it with pretty much anything and any color. It closes with a double row of buttons down the front and ties around the waist for added shape. I love the notched collar and its trench coat styling. It flares out as it reaches the hem and has front, angled flap pockets. The zip pouch double as the inside of one of those pockets. You just pull it out and voila - the travel pouch is revealed, It is quite clever. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a light taupe nylon. It closes with buttons at the front as see. Attached zip pouch inside one pocket

Sleeve: approx 24"
Shoulder: approx 15-16"
Bust: 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C476

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 sixties cape may have no label but it is still quite wonderful. It is very well made and nothing beats a great cape. They are so versatile. The leopard print has been applied to a plush, soft velveteen and this really gives the print depth and texture. It also gives the cape just enough weight so that the lines are held perfectly when it is on but doesn't make it feel heavy or unwieldy. The leopard print acts like a neutral in that you can pair it with pretty much anything and any color and the fact that it is a cape makes it able to top just about anything. It closes with a row of buttons that are set offside down the front and it has an optional tie that goes around the waist and over the front panel only, leaving the back free and full. It gives is some added shape and really adds to the overall design. I love the high collar and glossy domed buttons. It flares out as it reaches the hem and has two pockets set onto the very front panel for the perfect finish, It is quite fabulous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon. It closes with buttons at the front as see. Hand finished throughout. It will fit pretty much any size

Shoulder: no defined seams
Length: 32" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C475

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 Adele Simpson coat is rather exceptional. It is very well made and has a real richness to it. The leopard print has been applied to a high quality velveteen and the inner lining is a heavy ivory silk. This gives the coat some weight, but just enough that it has that feeling of a very well made piece, rather then making it feel heavy or unwieldy. The leopard print acts like a neutral in that you can pair it with pretty much anything and any color. It closes with a double row of buttons down the front and ties around the waist for added shape. I love the notched collar and nod to a trench coat detailing at the cuffs. It flares out as it reaches the hem and has a back vent for comfort and ease when you walk. Big front flap pockets are the perfect finish, It is quite fabulous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk. It closes with buttons at the front as see. Hand finished throughout.

Sleeve: 21.5"
Shoulder: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C474

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 wonderful soft, black felt Yves Saint Laurent hat that still feels fresh and relevant. The base of the hat is top stitched with multiple rows of top stitches that go all the way around. Larger set stitches follow the piped detailing that runs over the top of the hat. Stitches also detail those two fabulous little pieces that come off the hat at the top. The top of the hat is rounded in a bowler style and set high. The edge of the brim is finished with another double rows of top stitches and it curls up slightly on one side. Appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

21" circumference and finished with the signature blue grosgrain ribbon of this time period.

Item# A341

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

Halston began his career as a milliner. In 1959 he was made head milliner for Bergdorf Goodman's and became a sensation. His hats were featured heavily in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and he gained international notoriety when Jacqueline Kennedy wore his pillbox hat that she wore to the Presidential inauguration. He stayed at Bergdorf's until mid-January 1968 and pieces from this time period are exceedingly rare and this is one of the very few with this label inside that I have seen come to market.

The hat is one of his quirkier pieces and bears a striking resemblance to the part of the Halston hat that we can see, photoed by David Bailey for Vogue in 1965. It is made out of a black velvet with stiffened net inside to hold the shape. It has beautiful rounded curves that play on a beanie shape but with more structure and form. The top is detailed with a flat velvet covered disc that is circled with faux fur. The faux fur shows some flattening from age but is otherwise fine. That little disc sits atop a 'stalk' that enables it to bobble and move as you do. A quirky and unusual little detail. Halston believed that a hat was a "covering which is supposed to make you glamorous, exciting, and more interesting than anyone else". This has all that and more in spades. Excellent condition

20.5" circumference. Hand block and made completely by hand. Attached interior combs and finished with interior horsehair netting and grosgrain ribbon.

Item# A342

Reference Photo: Model in Halston Hat. Photo by David Bailey. Vogue, September 1965.

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 hat is darling with its shaped and formed high peaked crown and small brim. It is meant to sit high on the head and worm at a slight tilt as was the fashion of the day. An attached elastic, original to the hat can be worn beneath the chin or caught below a chignon at the back to keep it in place. It is made from a black felt and is in beautiful condition for its age. Its simplicity makes it feel surprisingly modern even now. Excellent condition

21" in circumference. Hand blocked with grosgrain ribbon finish

Item# A342

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 top of the peaked bust line to the bottom of the layered chiffon hem, this red Rose Taft chiffon dress is wonderful. The color has just a hint of coral to the red and it is constructed with several layers of chiffon over the inner base, giving the fabric the feel of depth and richness. The skirt is set into the waist to suggest that it has been wrapped around the body like a Grecian toga. The gathers sweep up on one side to give a curve at the waist while the bodice is a combination of soft pleats with a formed foundation inside. The exterior of that bodice has soft, hand placed pleating and these are stitched into place to add volume and shape. A sweeping panel of chiffon starts just off the center of the front waist and then curves up and over the shoulder to trail to the floor. It extends past the hem of the dress to give it a slight trained effect. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a a matching red silky rayon. The bodice is boned. The chiffon used appears to be a synthetic. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes

Bust: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice length: approx 14" from shoulder to waist
Skirt length: 43" from waist seam to the bottom of the hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD790

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

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he continued as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house closed is couture atelier. This gown is from the Fall 2001 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway defile sample presented and worn on the runway, Look 7.

I love when I have any Haute Couture piece in the shop and to have the actual runway sample is even that much more amazing. The dress is glorious and nether the photos on the mannequin or the runway photos really do it justice. In person the impact of the layering of the red silk gazaar panels that are hand set to overlap and cover the entire dress from bodice to train give it far more depth and texture then even the photos can convey. It also moves wonderfully and is very sexy. The main body of the dress is cut above the knee and then the dress forms and flows around this. Trailing out and behind you is a massive train of fabric that has an almost organic feel to it with its ever increasing sized patches of red covering its surface. The bodice peaks up on one side and is highly corseted and structured inside to firmly hold the dress onto the body and give you shape. The skirt is a masterpiece  with its beautiful lines and flowing cut. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with two zippers, one on the inner highly structured, formed, boned and shaped corset and the second on the outer layer of the dress. The skirt is lined in a red taffeta. Hand work throughout. The hand written runway sample tag is present. There is some deepening of the color/ marks on some of the squares of silk that make up the train and general grubbiness. Nothing that detracts once the gown is on. Otherwise it is immaculate. It is Couture runway model size tiny - probably closest to a true zero

Bust: 15-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner dress length: 26" from top of bodice to hem NOT including panels that go over the edge of the dress a bit above and blow the actual inner structure
Length including train to the very longest point:  Approx 92" from top of bodice to final tip of the train

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3054

Reference Photos: F/W 2001 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Show.

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

The Bellville Sassoon label was founded in 1953 by Belinda Bellville but did not officially take on the Bellville Sassoon label until 1970 when David Sassoon, who had been with the company since 1958, took over most of the designing. The label became internationally known when Princess Diana began wearing pieces quite extensively. Countless other celebrities wore the label as well such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hephburn, and Madonna. Sassoon's version of the label ran from 1970 -1983.

The dress is wonderful with its classic and flattering one shoulder silhouette. The bodice is fitted and the waist nips in. Its accented by layers of ruffles created from the same silk organza fabric layered over the body of the dress. These pretty ruffles sweep across the bodice and up and over the shoulder, following the slant of the neckline. There are three layers of fabric that make up the ruffles there and this is mimicked on the hem. On the hem the ruffles are set farther apart to balance the length of the skirt above and these too sweep up following the curve of the hem up the slit along the side o the leg. The skirt flares out gently as it nears that gorgeous ruffles hem and the slit up the side shows a little flash of leg when you move. It is beautifully made and so pretty in person. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a red tissue silk and closes at the side with a metal and nylon zipper. Hand finishes. Tagged a vintage UK 10 and appears to have never been worn

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to longest point of the hem, 21" from the waist to the top of the slit at the one side of the skirt.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3055

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 Western world in the twenties and thirties had a great fascination with all things oriental and places in the Far East began to export pieces made specifically for the tourist market. These pieces combined classic design elements of the Asian culture with a slight western twist to the cut and colors. The embroidered and brocade jackets where among the most prized and this one is a stunning example. It is made of a deep burgundy woven silk that is woven through with a gold metallic thread to create the design that covers the entire outer surface. The inside is a solid burgundy silk and it is entirely hand finished. A lovely example of the textiles being produced during this time period. Overall excellent condition with some patina notes to review below

Fully lined in a burgundy silk. It has one hook and eye at the neck and no other closures below that. Pockets on each hip. Hand finished. Note that the piping along all the edges show some wear and patina which only serves to add to its antique feel

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S819

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

Oscar De la Renta began a partnership with the fashion house of Jane Derby in 1965. Jane Derby died shortly after and in 1966 the first labels that bore only the Oscar de la Renta appeared. This label that had Oscar de la Renta for Jane Derby was the label used in those first early years according to the research done by Kent university. That gives us a precise window in which to date this dress and also means it is from the very beginning of his career - prior to Jane Derby he was working under and for other labels but not doing his own accredited design work. The dress is amazing and I am besotted with it. It is the second time I have had a version in the shop, the first time being a blue and silver dot fabric. This time around the dress is a pretty and feminine soft pink silk satin. I love the shape and the simple cut that although it may be simple, the elements used are so fabulous that it ends up being a piece that could still hold its own today. The fabric is sublime and the perfect shade of baby pink. It contrasts wonderfully with the heavily embellished silver accented neckline, waist and hem. The neckline is cut onto a deep V at the from that plunges right down to the embellished waist. A wide band of silver lurex cording, faux pearls and large crystal rhinestones follow the V of the neck and then circle and wrap around the waist. Oscar also embellished the entire hem with this same silver detailing. The photos do not come close to doing it justice - it is even more spectacular in person. Excellent condition with one small note below to review

Fully lined in a blue silk and closes with a side painted metal zipper and hooks to close at the top of one shoulder. Hand finishes. Note that it has a square of fabric that was originally tacked into the base of the V for extra modesty. The original owner removed it but kept it. It will be sent with the dress. There is a small pen mark on the fabric just above the embellishments on one side and a touch of discoloration to the interior lining at the back under the neck. It does not go through to the exterior fabric

Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3052

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

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

This Malcolm Starr silk chiffon gown is wonderful. The unusual color combination of that soft pink combined with a soft pale yellow is brilliant and the two colors really compliment each other. The dress has a simple and classic cut - it is a simple sheath with a seamed, easy waist line and a long skirt that cascades to the floor. It is sleeveless with a scooped front and slightly lower scoop at the back. The bodice is cut to draping softly over the bodice with an inner foundation that leaves the upper shoulder area covered only in one layer of the silk chiffon. The waist is seamed but cut loose and generously and the skirt cascades to the floor in a column of silk under that, slightly widening out as it nears the hem. The chiffon has a pretty abstract pattern screened onto it in soft lilacs and pinks on an pale yellow. Onto this and following parts of the pattern glass tube beads, paillettes and crystals with a more dense embellishment circling the waist. All are hand applied. The effect is beautiful. This beading is done from shoulder to hem and gives the gown an added bit of high glamour while still keeping that soft, feminine feel. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a yellow silk. It closes with a painted back metal zipper. Hand applied bead-work and finished.

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3054

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 combination of fabric and texture in this Oscar de la Renta dress is wonderful. The result is so pretty and romantic.. The bodice of the dress is purple silk chiffon that has a fine gold lurex thread worked through  it, done in a floral design that accents the print there. This gives the upper part of the dress a subtle shimmer. The bodice is cut to skim over the torso with a high scooped neckline. The sleeves are capped and cut with just a bit of volume. The waist is seamed but cut fairly loose and there is a netted sash that came with the dress that you can use to cinch it in for more shape. Below that the skirt falls to the ground and widens out as it nears its hem. The added space this gives the skirt shows off the print that covers the lower skirt. Onto the skirt is a floral garden print that has the appearance of being hand painted onto the silk. Fused velvet is used are to give some of the flowers in the print a touch of a 3D quality to them and adds yet another texture. Hidden pocks set along each hip are the final perfect touch on this beautiful dress. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

The dress is lined in a nude silk, with the sleeves left unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal & nylon zipper. There is a purple net sash that came with the dress. Each cuff snaps to close. The skirt appears to be hand dyed and the color along one seam is the tiniest touch lighter. I think this is a natural occurence of the silk and technique used. I have photoed it for accuracy bit think its irrelevalnt

Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2819

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

This is an incredible dress by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior from the 1978 Fall Haute Couture collection. It is very dramatic with extra long, extended and trained sleeves. Gowns like this really define the fantasy nature of Haute Couture. It has both the dated and numbered couture label from the atelier and  the original hand written tag from Neiman Marcus where it would have been ordered through directly from the atelier in France. That tag identifies it as being Look #54 from the runway and with an original price of $7,975 which converts to $29,434.97 in modern dollars. A sum that would still be well below the price in a modern day couture garment. I have also included editorial reference photos from that year as it was widely documented

The dress is made of a vivid blue, liquid feeling silk satin, reminiscent of the silks used in the 1930s. The fabric drapes exceptionally well, feels almost weightless once on and holds the vibrancy of the color exceptionally well. The neckline is cut square and highlighted with a wide band of the same fabric that is top stitched for contrast. The dress flows from there to the floor in a bias cut column of silk with no defined waist. The sleeves are attached to the top part of the shoulder and they then drape over the arm with the inner edges left open to create a caped effect.  Little open loops lie along the edge near your hands and along the bottom. These allow you to slip a finger through to control the placement of the sleeve if you do not wish them to hang down so much. You can see that in one of the reference photos they have draped the sleeves s an option. The full length of each sleeves from the shoulder to hem is approximately 7 1/2 feet so you have a lot of fabric to play with and style. It is an incredible piece of fashion history. It present as in good condition but does have some notes below to review.

Fully lined through the body in a blue tissue silk and closes with hidden set painted metal zipper at the side and a series of hook & eye just above that. Hand finished to Haute Couture standards. The fabric shows some slight areas of fading and slight discoloration throughout and there is a small area under each arm that shows discoloration (this does not show when on because of the cut of the sleeves) and also yellowing to the fabric here and there, most noticeably at the back. I have photoed the largest area which is about 1/4 the way up the back from the hem. Some darkening/storage marks to the sleeves that are minor. Sold as found

Sleeves: 87" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from waist to hem (sleeves add 28" to length)
Slit at the side: 31" from hem to top of slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2566

Reference Photos: (1) Dior, 1978. Photo by Patrick Bertrand. Hair by Carita.  /  (2) L'Officiel n.645, 1978. Photo by Michel Picard.

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 woman behind the Maggy Rouff label was Maggy Besançon de Wagner and she started her own label in 1928 after a working at the Haute Couture house of Drecoll. The Maggy Rouf house joined the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris in 1929 and continued to produce Haute Couture until 1965. Maggy gained early recognition by designing for the some of the Hollywood starlets of the day like Theda Barra, Pola Negri, and Greta Garbo. I found a photo of a garment from 1963 that has a similar, if not the same, fabric treatment from the 1963 collection. 

This is a chic and deceptively simple dress from Maggy Rouff's Haute Couture atelier. The work is exceptional throughout and it is in immaculate condition. It is made of a pale blue silk that is topped by a pale metallic blue net. Onto the net are hand dyed ribbons that are coiled and formed into flowers that are strewn across the surface of the dress. These also have a very slight metallic finish to them and change in color along their lengths from a pale blue to a dark blue. Each is hand placed and set with the slightly curled edges facing up and away form the dress so that the flowers have a 3D feel. It is cut in a long column that skims over the bust and waist and then the skirt flares out as it nears the hem. The shape is created through vertical seaming that curves in from the waist and shapes the dress. The interior is a combination of net and silk and the hem is weighted all the way around. It is a dress made to last a lifetime with classic lines will forever remain in style. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in silk and closes with a fine painted metal zipper at the side. Completely hand made and finished to Haute Couture standards. Weighted hem

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52.5" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2743

Reference photo: Model in a Maggy Rouf gown, 1963. (credits unknown)

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

This wonderful strapless dress from Lanvin has a pretty and unusual design. It is made form a black silk that has enough weight to hold the shape intended. The bodice is strapless and lightly boned for structure. It has a high peaked front that sits over an inner structure to hold you in place. This peaked bust line scoops down at its center and is held in place by a small knot of silk so that the bodice has the look of a bow wrapped around you. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out from there. The skirt is quite interesting as it is actually made from two layers. There is an inner fitted pencil skirt that is a combination of a black silky rayon lining around the hips and then the bottom of that inner skirt is the same silk as the rest of the dress. Over this is a much fuller skirt that is shaped and cut to have the perfect amount of volume. It is very pretty.. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in black silky rayon and closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is lightly boned. A single layer of tulle sits at the hip between the two layers of the skirt for added shaping. There is the tiniest bit of shininess from over pressing to the back zipper area and some seaming but very minimal.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to bottom of top hem, 26" to bottom of inner hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3045

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

My client was a couture client of Ungaro's during this time period and this was one of her few RTW purchases. You can clearly see the reference to the longer version that walked the couture runway that was worn by Iman. I love the shorter version equally as much and the craftsmanship on it is wonderful.

The dress is one of the best Ungaro pieces I have come across. It feels shockingly modern and you can clearly see where many of the modern day designers have gotten their inspiration from the past few seasons. It is made out of a black silk satin that is trimmed in a black lace. Onto that lace are hand applied sequins that give it the perfect little shot of glitz. The shoulders are exaggerated and padded and the sleeves below have tremendous volume until they reach the cuffs. Each cuff is a full XX" ling and are fitted to the arm with a row of metallic thread knot buttons to close. The dress wraps and snaps into place and I love how the lace is set around the waist to draw the eye on and make it appear smaller. The dress is lined but only tot he upper portion of the lace at the hem so that it has a touch of transparency.  Its fabulous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a combination of snaps and hook and eye at the waist. The cuffs button to close. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Padding at each shoulder

Sleeves: 28.5"
Shoulders: 16" but padded and over-sized
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist stat: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3046

Reference Photo: (1) Iman for F/W 1988 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture. / (2-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon

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