The early little black dresses that Ceil Chapman made on the late 40s and early 50s are some of the best examples of her work out there. This piece is quite fabulous with its mix of inky black velvet and ivory silk matte satin. I hope that the girl that decides to make it hers will truly love and cherish it. These early Chapman pieces are very hard to come by and you can see the masterful seaming techniques she employed in this piece. The ivory silk on the bodice inset bodice is sharply pleated across the waist and in the offset notch of the bust. I love how she has set this detailing off center so it looks like the wearer is wrapped into the dress. The skirt is cut slim and long to just past the knee. At the back two black velvet panels drape down the skirt on either side of the center. These are finished with a backing of the same ivory silk used on the bodice so that you get the perfect, unexpected, flash of ivory as you move. An extraordinary piece that is highly collectible. Excellent condition with one minor note below

Fully lined in a combination of an ivory rayon backing the bodice and a black silk through the reminder of the dress. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and is boned through the bodice. There is perhaps an area or two where the velvet's pile is not laying the same way as the rest but this is normal on a velvet dress of this age so more a sign of normal patina then a flaw but still mentioned for accuracy.

Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 46" from shoulder to hem with the back hem about an inch longer and the panels extending about 2" past that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3103

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 have this same dress in a brown version that is also currently available in the shop. If you want to see it in that color option, please click here to pop directly to that listing.

Geoffrey Beene's evening wear rarely misses the mark.  It always has this combination of elegance and sexiness with great details and workmanship that makes you feel that you are really wearing something special. Here we have a beautiful and very sexy silk chiffon bias cut gown with a fabulous squared off back cut out that leaves the back left bare. On this one the color combination begins with a nude underlay that is then topped with a layer of a deep green and finished with a deep blue. This creates that unique color that you see and gives the dress a really unusual tone and depth. Depending on the light and how the fabric is sitting the color seems to change before your eyes. It is quite unusual. The bodice has a wide band at the waist and on this version that band is left simple and clean. The arms are full near the body - they begin from the top of that waist band and then narrow as they reach each cuff. The skirt swings out from the waist and there is literally yards and yards of fabric in it - if you twirl it is a full circle. The neck scoops at the front but the back is left completely bare - that bit of sexiness I mentioned above. It is just absolutely stunning. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silk crepe, it closes with a low back, hand set zipper. Each sleeve has hidden snaps at the wrist. Hand finishes

Sleeves: 27" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to top waist seam, band is 4.25"
Skirt: 42" from bottom waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3094

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

This is a beautiful dress from the Christian Dior label that showcases the restraint and elegance the best of the brands work has always displayed. It is cut to supermodel length and the lines make it feel even longer. Everything about the cut is done to lengthen the girl wearing it and give her one long and beautiful line. The shoulders are slightly squared off, but not in an exaggerated way. The sleeves are long and lean. The body of the dress follows the body underneath in a way that the fabric just skims over you from shoulder to hem. The waist is brought in just a touch and this is done with vertical seaming so that there is no line to break the fabric across the waist. The skirt falls from there to the floor in a column. It buttons down one side and the buttons are set on a slight curve that gives the dress a respectful nod to the early days of the house. These completely open so you could actually wear this is a layered piece if you wished. It is simple and refined and has not a single unnecessary seam. The original tags are still attached. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep blue silk and closes with the buttons down the front. Original tags attached and appears to have never been worn. Tagged a modern 40

Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3096

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 fall 2008 collection was called 'The Girl Who Lived in a Tree'. My client bought it in that time period and though it is not a piece shown on the runway you can see the same bird and woodland animal references within the silk brocade it is made from. The 2008 collection was inspired by a combination of McQueen's trip to India and a 600 year old elm in his garden and this dress certainly has that element. The birds adorning Look 23 from the runway collection is especially close to the pattern of the birds in this dress. The V&A says of this collection:

McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2008 collection centred on a fairytale narrative devised by McQueen about a girl who descends from a tree to marry a prince and then become a queen. It was inspired by a 600-year-old elm tree in the garden of the designer’s Sussex home. At the centre of the set stood a giant tree swathed in fabric, inspired by Bulgarian artist Christo, who is renowned for wrapping buildings with material.

The dress is astounding and the work of a master tailor. Rarely does one see this level of workmanship in ready to wear. The fabric is a beautiful silk brocade with a forest of animals romping over its surface. The cut is pure McQueen with a high neckline that is made from numerous, tightly spaced seams that curve and create the ruffled effect that frames the neckline in a graceful swoop of fabric. The sleeves are high and curved under with just a touch of volume.  At the front the bodice is fitted and buttons. I have shown it completely buttoned so you can get the full effect of the intended shape and line but you could wear it more open to show a touch of skin. This fitted upper shoulder, neck and front bodice perfectly balance the enormous volume of fabric that curves out from the waist and then curves in at the hem. At the back this curve originates just under the shoulder with those beautiful seams running down the upper back and then opening to create that amazing silhouette. It is a work of art from one of the great creators of our time. Excellent condition with one note below to review on the interior seams. Appears unworn otherwise.

Fully lined in olive colored silk and closes at the front neck with buttons. There is stress to the inner seam construction that runs under the tag at the back but this of course does not effect the exterior. I have taken a shot of it so you can see the seams all the way down the interior - they are still sound so have been left exactly as found. Tagged a McQueen 40 and otherwise appears unworn.  The cut will allow for a variety of sizes as long as the bust fits.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2858

Reference photo: Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 for Vogue Runway, Look 23, Model Georgina Stojilkovic

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

This is an interesting dress for several reasons. 2013 marked Oscar's 50th year and of course, we know that we lost him in 2014 making this one of his final collections. It is also the only collection that he had John Galliano come in to work with him on as Galliano made his way back into the fashion world. At the time rumours were swirling that Galliano was being tested to take over the house but that of course did not transpire and thought it was acknowledged that he had worked on the collection he did not make an appearance during the runway presentation. Nicole Phelps said of this collection for her Vogue review: "Oscar de la Renta made headlines last month when he invited John Galliano to be a designer-in-residence at his studio for three weeks. It wasn't long after the news broke that people began wondering if the disgraced former Dior designer would be working on de la Renta's Fall collection. We got our answer tonight. De la Renta came out for his bow, as he always does, but Galliano was in the building. When his PR chief was asked if Galliano had worked on the collection, she demurred, saying, "Well, he is backstage." There was that, and then there were the clothes themselves. Certain looks seemed very much to bear the Englishman's hand, especially the opening jackets with their draped necklines and flaring hips; there was something of Dior's classic Bar silhouette in them."

The dress is made out of a purple silk and is cut with an almost sculptural line and the bodice is shaped to curve over the body to create an hour glass shape. The front and back plunge into a quite low V and the shoulders are cut wide so that the waist appears even smaller.  The fabric is gathered and draped from the rounded shoulders and down into the nipped in waist. Below the waist the hips flare out beautifully. The skirt is set under the top and flows to the floor. It hugs the hips and flares out as it reaches the hem for one final beautiful curve. At the back it flares out and is cut a little longer for a slight trained effect. from the side this creates another set of curves from tip to bottom. No matter what angle you see the dress at all your curves are shown off to the maximum. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a purple silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Tagged a modern ODLR 10 but please check measurements as it is cut smaller. It appears to have never been worn. This was priced well over $10,000  new

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to top seam on waist + 2.75" band
Skirt: 45" from lower seam at waist to front hem, 50" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2855

Reference Photos: (1) A/W 2013 Oscar De La Renta, Look 43. Model: Codie Young.  /  (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.

This is Oscar at his best and really showcases some of signature design details. When the twin of this dress walked the runway in the fall of 2004 Janet Ozzard of Vogue said of the collection: "Fabulous handiwork; rich, spicy colors; shapes cut to flatter. These are Oscar de la Renta’s calling cards, and his socialite-packed front row is testament to the designer’s mastery of the opulent-meets-elegant genre. For fall, de la Renta played up the curves. ... De la Renta’s evening looks, all garnished with Fred Leighton jewels, hit a series of luxurious highs. A Balenciaga-esque cascade of satin poured down the back of a strict, fitted satin sheath, while a dramatic black-tulle bustier was paired with a swinging beaded skirt. And for those with a fairy-tale ball in their future, any of the designer’s star-spangled tulle gowns will be just the ticket."

The dress is made from a rich black silk taffeta and is almost sculptural in its execution. The neckline scoops at the front and scoops even low at the back to leave an expanse of skin. It curves over your torso in an hourglass shape that is fitted to below the hip. A wide panel of black feathers circles around you just below the butt and miraculously only highlights your curves rather then add unwanted ones. The skirt falls in a full bell below that, complete with built in underskirts that give it that fantastic curve and shape that you see. Another wide swath of feathers finish the bottom hem. As you move the feathers move and this is a stunning contrast to the otherwise structured shape. My favorite detail is the two pockets that sit on each hip. Each is finished with a sweet little silk satin bow that is absolutely, perfectly Oscar. It is magnificent and was well over $10,000 at retail new. Appears unworn. Excellent condition

Fully lined in silk with extensive underskirts in the lower skirt as mentioned above. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. Tagged a US6. Appears unworn.

Bust: to 18" 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
Length: 60" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SMl-MED

Item# DD2878

Reference Photo: F/W 2004 Oscar de la Renta Collection, Look 49. Model: Nicole Trunfio.

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs, fur trimmed & feather pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. 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 rather then sit in a cold storage unit. All fur coats, fur trimmed & feather pieces are final sale

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

For Resort 2009, Karl Lagerfeld had the models seem to walk on water as they worked their way over a curving runway built over the pool at the Raleigh Hotel in South Beach, Miami. Laird Borrelli-Persson reviewed the collection for Vogue and said of it: "The clothes themselves, though, nodded to an entirely different era. The 74-look collection mixed rock 'n' roll with seventies swing and high glamour, all rendered with Lagerfeld's forward-minded attitude. Models with Brian Jones-inspired hair looked as smart in smokings as they did in seventies-style full-legged light-wash jeans, tie-dyed logo tees, and haute hippie headbands. These are sure to be in high demand among the easy-living types who make the rounds of tony beachside resorts, but it wasn't all just sun and fun. A series of elaborately beaded dresses with clear or smoky plastic insets were examples of pure urban sophistication, just as the few goddess dresses were exemplars of restraint. ..."This kind of production speaks to the importance of the [Resort] market and signals how commercially viable it is," said Saks' Ron Frasch. Perhaps only Lagerfeld, though, can make the whole enterprise seem like so much fun."

The dress was Look 48 on the runway and I have also included a reference photo of Selma Blair so you can see just how spectacular the fit of this dress is once on. This is Karl at his best and has a level of fantasy to it that gives it the feel of Haute Couture. The lace that covers the dress is spectular and I love that is has been layered over two semi-transparent layers of black and an inner nude - this gives the lace more depth and allows the pattern to really show despite its dark color. Vertical sections of lace are places between horizontal bands that are placed to shape and mold the body underneath. The shoulder and neckline has a padding under the lace and this gives them an almost warrior feel. I love the ay it frames the neck and face. The same padding treatment is used at the hem and it only heightens the hourglass effect that the rest of the dress has. This is the kind of Chanel that dreams are made of. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a semi-transparent black and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Immaculate construction. It appears to have never been worn. Tagged a Chanel 38

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from natural neck to waist
Skirt: 25.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2872

Reference Photos: Resort 2009 Chanel, Look 48. Model: Bobbi Wiens.  /  Selma Blair at the Dark Glamour Book Signing Event, September 16 2008.

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

On the 2008 Resort runway for Chanel this was shown in a longer, graphic black and white, but was produced in this shorter all-black version. Diane Kruger later wore the twin of the version I have here to the Chanel Haute Couture collection, giving us a fabulous reference of how amazing this looks on a real girl. It is made from a stretch bandage fabric in black with different finishes used for each part of the dress. The bodice is made from strips of the fabric woven into a basket weave pattern. Straps button into place so you can change how they sit if you wish. Through the waist the pattern is set vertically and the knit has just a touch of transparency to it for a hint of sexiness. The skirt swings out from this beautifully fitted shape in a a "faux" pleat - the lines that give the illusion of pleats are actually worked directly into the knit. It's fabulous and absolutely gorgeous on.

Nicole Phelps of Vogue said of this collection in her review: "The spectacle Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel staged on Friday night at a Los Angeles airfield was so audacious, so over-the-top, it elicited a standing ovation before the first model hit the people mover. The designer, who took over Grand Central station in New York last May and commandeered a fleet of buses in Paris the year before that, chose a Santa Monica plane hangar for this year's resort extravaganza...."Airports and flying have become a nightmare," Lagerfeld had said backstage a few minutes earlier. "L.A. is about the dream of private jets and beautiful cars and glamour. Cruise collections are about the dream of freedom." 

Unlined and tagged a Chanel 36. It still has the plastic that held the hang tag through the label and has never been worn. The fabric is meant to stretch and hug the body.

Bust: 13.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 10-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45.5" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2871

Reference Photos: Resort 2008 Chanel, Look 10. Model: Irina Lazareanu.  /  Diane Kruger attending the Chanel Haute Couture Show in Paris, January 22, 2008.

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 Valli at his best and is a stunning achievement in cut and concept. The dress is a superb example of high end workmanship and design. It is made from a very high end silk in a deep blue. Through the silk is a secondary patter woven in black thread that gives it texture and detailing. The dress is cut to fit the body. So much so that the skirt is cut with no vent making it an extreme fit right to just past the knee much like the true wiggle dresses of the 1950s. The bodice is sleeveless and has his signature straight cut neckline at the front and a deep plunging V at the back. That deep back is cut with a slight curve that follows the lines of the torso and leave s a beautiful expanse of  bare skin showing. The waist in cinched and the hip slightly accented with pleat work that add to the hourglass figure the dress creates. The border of the lower hem is truly wonderful with a dense covering of black, prong set crystals adorning the surface all the way around. Just wonderful and appears to have never been worn. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk crepe chiffon and closes with a hidden set low zipper. Tagged a Valli 42/S. Note that the skirt has no vent and the bottom of the hem measures 16.5" flat from seam to seam

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2864

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 2006 Chanel collection by Karl Lagerfeld was well received. Sarah Mower of Vogue said this in her review:

"Karl Lagerfeld's ability to stretch the template of Chanel this way and that according to the moment never ceases. This season, the block-heeled sixties spectator boot he first showed for couture gave him the starting point to design upward into a young and leggy look...Though it was mainly black, with touches of white, cream, and dull pink, Lagerfeld's collection didn't come off as one of the season's solemn pronouncements on sobriety and restraint. Instead, he worked texture, sparkle, and girlishness into surfaces and styling: He used satin ribbons and bows for hair bands and bodices, raw edgings on hems, and gemstones and crystals set in big brooches or as bejeweled necklines set into evening dresses....For evening, Lagerfeld checked off more points of the season, from exaggerated puff-sleeves to sixties Edie-ish baby dolls and various renderings of chiffon dresses layered over trousers. Cute and young was the general impression, but—no surprise—Lagerfeld also ensured that classic Chanel's all-encompassing sweep remained firmly in the mind's eye."

Here we have Look 9 from the runway and this dress illustrates Karl's meticulous tailoring skills. It is made from a light black silk stretch silk and cut with immaculate seaming so that it fits every curve. On the runway it was belted and worn with a high boot. It is that little black dress that every girl needs in her closet and its simple and classic lines transcend season and era to make it a forever piece. The simplicity will allow you to wear it in a multitude of styling possibilities. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black stretch silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a 36. The fabric has some stretch

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2851

Reference Photo: Chanel F/W 2006 Runway, Look 9. (Model: Daria Werbowy)

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 2006 Chanel collection by Karl Lagerfeld was well received. Sarah Mower of Vogue said this in her review:

"Karl Lagerfeld's ability to stretch the template of Chanel this way and that according to the moment never ceases. This season, the block-heeled sixties spectator boot he first showed for couture gave him the starting point to design upward into a young and leggy look...Though it was mainly black, with touches of white, cream, and dull pink, Lagerfeld's collection didn't come off as one of the season's solemn pronouncements on sobriety and restraint. Instead, he worked texture, sparkle, and girlishness into surfaces and styling: He used satin ribbons and bows for hair bands and bodices, raw edgings on hems, and gemstones and crystals set in big brooches or as bejeweled necklines set into evening dresses....For evening, Lagerfeld checked off more points of the season, from exaggerated puff-sleeves to sixties Edie-ish baby dolls and various renderings of chiffon dresses layered over trousers. Cute and young was the general impression, but—no surprise—Lagerfeld also ensured that classic Chanel's all-encompassing sweep remained firmly in the mind's eye."

Here we have Look 46 from the runway and this is the embodiment of the look of the show. It is a semi-sheer, almst weightless black silk chiffon baby doll. On the runway it was layered over a fitted back stretch mini and the shoulder left to slouch off on one side. The ruffles at the neck and hem are left with a raw feel and the meticulous pintuck pleat work on the front and back are wonderful. Its semi-sheerness allows for a multitude of styling and the possibilities for how you wear it are endless. Excellent condition

Unlined and semi-cheer. Slips on to wear with no closures. Size tag removed. Chanel logo in metal sewn at the front right above the ruffle. Appears to have been worn very little if at all. The open cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes

Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2849

Reference Photo: Chanel F/W 2006 Runway, Look 46. (Model: Dewi Driegen)

Reference Video Below: Carly Rae Jepsen on Jimmy Fallon.

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 walked the spring runway for 2004 just after its twin in pink. The pink version is of course theone made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker in the 6th season of Sex in the City. Both versions were sold out world wide as girls chose the color that suited them best. It has truly become one of the most iconic dresses that Sarah's character wore and I am very pleased to have one for you. The cut is exquisite with a sleeveless bodice and long dropped waist cut that is curved and fitted to the body. The skirt is a masterpiece and you will remember the beautiful fullness and movement it had. Extended curving pleats circle the waist to give it volume. At the back these are set at the end of inverted pleats that extend from the lower back which gives the back of the skirt even more flare and volume. Incredibly this is all achieved with no extra crinolines underneath - it is simply mastery in cut. A wonderful and iconic piece. Excellent condition

The bodice and upper portion of the skirt is lined in a matching covored silk. It closes with a back zipper. Tagged a US 6 and appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 41" from natural neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2842

Reference Photos: S/S 2004 Runway Show, Look 52 (Model: Liya Kebede)  /  Sarah Jessica Parker (as Carrie Bradshaw) in Sex and the City, Season 6 Epiode 14.

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