Christian Lacroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and his work was instantly adored and revered world wide. He defined an era and he was crowned the King of Couture. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His Haute Couture collections inn particular were always exotic lavish affairs. He drew his inspirations from across the decades and I doubt there was ever a more high glamour couturier. This jacket is very special and a stunning example of his work during this time period. It has all the signature Lacroix drama that you could ask for while still being refined and elegant. It comes to me from the original couture client and is immaculate. His true Haute Couture pieces are very special and rare. This one is particularly wonderful and slipping it on feels like magic. 

It is not until you put this jacket on that it really comes to life. It has a rich feel to it from the moment you slip it on. It seems unassuming on the hanger, and even on the dress form to a degree, but once on the body, the way it flares outward to the hip is perfection and you can tell it is a couture piece by feel alone. It is made from a textured black wool crepe and the high quality of the fabric is what allows it to retain and hold that shape. The sleeves are slightly cropped. The collar curves softly around the neck and then it is set wide on either side of the elaborate front. Running down the front is a panel of silk velvet that runs down either side and then there is a tightly spaced row of buttons placed on both sides. The buttons are magnificent and each is domed and made from metal done in a deep gunmetal grey-black. Each button is embossed with various configurations of black crystals. Because they are set so closely to each other you get a famous tactile feel along with an actual soft pretty sound as they softly click together when you move. It is quite wonderful. They are intentionally offset with one side having more buttons then the other for a whimsical touch. The back is equally spectacular with two extensive embroidered areas done down the centre. These layer a black lace with silk cording, embroidery work and 3D knotting and beading techniques. At the very bottom is a spray of three hand carved wood tassels covered in embroidery work that dangle down past the back hem. It is very difficult to full present black pieces and the jacket is even better in person. It has been sourced from the original couture client who recalls purchasing it around 1990. The hand written couture tape under the label reads 93789 and perhaps denotes the 1989 collection. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with as tries of Couture hook and eye down the front. The jacket has its proper Haute Couture label numbered 93789. All hand finished to couture standards. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Sourced from the original couture client 

Sleeves: 19.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 26" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3558

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 hit a cord with everyone. It is one of Stella's most worn dresses of that season and perhaps one of the most worn dresses of the year period. It was sold out world-wide as a result despite its $5000+ price tag. Edie Falco chose it as her Emmy's dress, saying of her choice; 'It was suggested to me and I immediately loved it. It's very comfortable and it's very easy.' Gwenyth wore it to the Grammys. Brooklyn Decker, Kira Miro & Tess Daly all wore it to their premieres. It landed on the cover of Femina Magazine and there are probably more photos I have yet to discover as well. Vogue said the collection was 'how women want to dress now.' 

The presentation of her evening wear collection that season was not the usual runway show. Instead McCartney used a 'flashmob' approach. Instead of a traditional catwalk show, she invited 100 people for dinner. She herself was was seated with Anna Wintour and Rihanna, with Kate Moss close by. Then during dinner models emerged unannounced and started to dance on the tables, hoisted into the air on chairs and generally had a blast. Shalom Harlow wore the twin of this dress for that presentation and for an appearance afterwards.

The dress is in pristine condition. It is made out of a stretch crepe that is very comfortable too wear. The front panel is a deep navy blue and the rest of the dress is a of white that has an almost putty color feel to it. The cut is so clever and instantly gives you shape by how the darker portion of the has been curved to give the illusion of a very tiny waist.  The back scoops in at the sides for a touch of a racer back feel, a silhouette that Stella loves to use in her work. A nude mesh panel wraps fromt he side and zips into place under the back of the dress. This lets the sides seem to be completely open and also serves a practical function in that it holds the dress firmly in place so that you can move as much as you wish. It comes with its original belt that has a curved gold toned plate that wraps around and cinches in the waist. The back skirt falls longer then the front and the skirt it cut on a slight curve as well. You can see the influence of Geoffrey Beene in a lot of her works as well and this feels like a very modern and chic interpretation of his work. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a blue silk through the front and a very silk through the back. The mesh wrap around zips to close and then the dress zippers to close over that with a hidden set zipper. The belt snaps into place and has three rows of snaps to adjust the length. The brand tag is gone but the interior tag is correct and the belt comes in its Stella McCartney drawstring dust bag. Tagged a size 40 and looked to have been worn very little if at all. The fabric has some stretch

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to front hem, 68" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3550

Reference Photos: (1-3) Shalom Harlow for Stella McCartney F/W 2012 Evening Collection.  /  (4) Shalom Harlow, Kate Moss & Amber Valetta for Stella McCartney F/W 2012 Evening Collection presentation.  /  (5) Brooklyn Decker in Stella McCartney for the "Battleship" Japan Premiere, 2012.  /  (6) Edie Falco in Stella McCartney at the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards.  /  (7) Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney at the 2012 Grammys.  /  (8) Alia Bhatt in Stella McCartney on the cover of Femina Magazine, January 2013.  /  (9) Tess Daly in Stella McCartney for the Strictly Come Dancing Premiere, 2012.  /  (10) Kira Miro in Stella McCartney for the GQ Men of the Year Awards, 2012.  /  (11) Model in Stella McCartney, credit 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 was the closing look of the Spring 2001 Haute Couture collection and there are countless photos of Yves with Laetitia Casta wearing the twin of this suit. It was coined the 'Just Married' suit and the background and inspiration for this collection is one of my favorite things that I have read to date about his collections as it has such a romantic twist to it. This was one of his final collections and to have come full circle and to have him look back to his very beginnings in fashion strikes a chord in my heart. This is perfectly explained in the 'Dior Catwalk book which states; "The spring/summer 2001 collection paid tribute to Parisian elegance, and above all to Christian Dior, Yves specified, in an interview to the newspaper France Soir, that 'this collection represents my memories of the time when I was working for Dior an was an adolescent'. He added; 'I was very inspired... I wanted to go back to the Paris couture of the 1950s'. Leslie Veyrat, who wrote the  notes for this collection in that book, references the suits in particular stating; "The day suits presented a fluid silhouette, heightened by strong shoulders, designed for a confodent and powerful woman.'  She goes on to mention this suit specifically; "White dresses were followed by a 'just married' dress modelled by Laetitia Casta, bag in hand, and looking as though ready to go on her honeymoon. The couturier presents her with a bouquet of lilies in the valley, Christian Dior's talisman flower. The end of the show was greeted by a standing ovation, a sign of the emotion generated by this collection of 105 designs that seem to be a farewell and epitomized the poetic quality of the couturiers collections." 

The suit is a marvel of construction and is in wonderful condition. It is sourced from the original couture client. Its simple appearance belies the masterful cut and tailoring that lies behind it. The jacket is tailored with a sleek cut that has some fullness around the upper body and a wonderfully wide, notched collar. Three pockets are top set on the front and the shoulders are padded. The silk mix fabric has enough weight that it holds the lines perfectly once it is on. It has its original belt to cinch in the waist and add shape. I love the flipped up cuffs on each sleeve. These are set that way and give it a little French nonchalance feel to the suit that is fantastic. The skirt is cut in a simple pencil shape. The waist is banded and the lines have been kept simple to accommodate the belting of the jacket over it. Once on, the suit transforms and you can see how beautiful the lines are from the runway photos I have included here for reference. His suits change the way we approach woman's wear and this particular one is a particularly wonderful example of how strong his tailoring and lines were. The added provenance of it being from one of his final collections, and the sweet story behind how it was presented on the runway, adds to its importance. This is truly a once in a life time find. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Both pieces are lined in a rich heavy cream silk. The jacket has a single hand carved button at the front and there is a little hidden snap that allows you too close the lapels so that you don't have to wear anything underneath it. The skirt has a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Two top set pockets on the breast of the jacket. The slip belt is stamped as being Haute Couture and the jacket has its proper Haute Couture label numbered 075986. All hand finished to couture standards. There is a smudge of a mark at the seams under the arms and perhaps the smallest hint of grubbiness to the edge of the skirt. It looks to have been worn very little 

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from neck to head 

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3548

Reference Photos: Laetitia Casta in the final look for the 2001 Haute Couture Yves Saint Laurent Runway Collection.  /  Last photo: S/S 2001 Haute Couture Collection as shown in the book “Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Catwalk” published by Yale University Press.

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 longer skirted version of this was presented as Look 38 of the Fall 2001 Haute Couture collection. For the runway it was shown with a full length evening skirt. My client ordered it with a more wearable pencil skirt length which gives it the added benefit of being able to be worn from day through to evening. The Fall 2001 collection was one of his final collections and to have a piece from this season is very special. Vogue noted that "Cocktail hour incorporated every possible variation on the tuxedo: There was a button-front dress, a smoking jacket that morphed into a full tulle skirt, and, naturally, an updated version of the masculine tux immortalized by Helmut Newton in the '70s." Yves play on the tuxedo and 'Le Smoking' suit is one of is most famous hallmarks  He first presented the now famous suit in 1966. His play on traditional menswear is lauded by many as 'having empowered women by giving them the option to wear clothes that were normally worn by men with influence and power'. 

I love the extra wide collar on this one. It is so bold and yet still elegant and refined in feel. There is nothing quite like slipping on a tailored piece of true haute Couture. It feels different somehow and the feeling is something you can only really experience for yourself. The construction is meticulous and it is in wonderful condition. It is sourced from the original couture client. These suits were all done in a play on a men's tux and then were shaped and tweaked by Yves to be immensely flattering on the female body. The cut is masterful and its simple appearance is produced by genius tailoring that is sharp and meticulous. The jacket is tailored with a sleek cut that follows the curves of the body. It is slightly cropped to sit just at the top of the hip. It has his signature matte satin tuxedo collar and on this one that line is exaggerated to cover almost the entire front of the bust area. Yves produced many versions of this suit over the years but what I find remarkable is that each version is distinct in how it closes at the front and the way that the collar is shaped. This one has a single faced, glossy jet button to close below that amazing collar. Two discreet pockets are top set on the hips and the shoulders are sharp and perfectly padded. The fabric that he chose is has a fine rubbing effect to it and it has enough weight that it holds the lines perfectly once it is on. The skirt is cut in a simple pencil shape. Once on, the suit transforms and you can see how beautiful the lines are from the runway photos and video that I have included here for reference. His suits change the way we approach woman's wear and any example of the Le Smoking version is particularly collectible. They are a particularly wonderful example of how strong his tailoring was and vision for a woman's place in the world. This is an important piece of fashion history from one of his final collections. Excellent condition

Both pieces are lined in a rich heavy black silk. The jacket has a single button at the front to close. The skirt has a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Two pockets on the jacket. All hand finished to couture standards. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. All Haute Couture tags present and it was sourced from the original couture client 

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem at the front, 22 at the back

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3559

Reference Photos: Diana Gärtner for Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2001 Haute Couture Runway Collection. Look 38.

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

Like the other suit I have today by Yves this one is also a Haute Couture piece. This one is documented and from the Fall 1996 collection. Supermodel Claudia Schiffer walked the runway in a pant version of it for that season. Having both reference photos and the video of that moment allows you to see the incredible tailoring and movement of the piece. For the runway it was shown with a pant. My client ordered it with a pencil skirt which gives it the benefit of being able to be worn day through to evening. Yves play on the tuxedo suit, most often called the 'Le Smoking' suit, is one of his most famous hallmarks. He first presented the now iconic suit in 1966. His play on traditional menswear is lauded by many as 'having empowered women by giving them the option to wear clothes that were normally worn by men with influence and power'. 

There is nothing quite like slipping on a meticulously tailored piece of true Haute Couture. It feels different somehow then any other experience and the feeling is unlike any other. The suit is a meticulously constructed and is in pristine condition. It is sourced from the original couture client. These played on the lines of a men's tux and then were shaped and tweaked by Yves to be immensely flattering on the female body. The cut is masterful and its simple appearance is produced by his genius tailoring that is sharp and meticulous. The jacket is tailored with a sleek cut that follows the curves of the body. It has his signature matte satin notched tuxedo collar. This one's collar slightly exaggerates the classic men's version of a classic tuxedo suit. Yves produced many versions the this suit over the years but what I find remarkable is that each version is distinct in how it closes at the front and the way that the collar is shaped. This version closes with a single button below that amazing collar. Three pockets are top set on the front and the shoulders are sharp. The traditional mens suiting fabric has enough weight that it holds the lines perfectly once it is on. I love the row of three glossy black buttons on the cuffs of each sleeve. These are set with working buttonholes and that bit of gloss to the ends of the cuffs is fantastic. The skirt is cut in a simple pencil shape. There are small discreet belt loops on the skirt and these are made out of crocodile.  Once on, the suit transforms. You can see how beautiful the lines are from the runway photos and video that I have included here for reference. His suits changed the way we approach woman's wear and any example of the Le Smoking version is particularly collectible. They are a particularly wonderful example of how strong his tailoring was and vision for a woman's place in the world. This is a rare and iconic piece of documented YSL Haute Couture. Excellent condition

Both pieces are lined in a rich heavy black silk. The jacket has a single button at the front to close. The skirt has a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Three pockets on the jacket. All hand finished to couture standards. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. There are no tags present. Sourced from the original couture client 

Jacket
Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27.5" from neck to head 

Skirt
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3557

Reference Photos: Claudia Schiffer for Fall 1996 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture 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.

The twin of this dress was showcased in a special presentation for the InStyle & "A Diamond is Forever" Sneak Peek at Red Carpet Fashion for the 2004 Awards Season. I have included photos from that so that you can see just how gorgeous this dress is once on. This is definitely one of the prettiest Oscar dresses I have ever had in the shop 

The dress is a dream. It is made out of a yellow printed silk chiffon that has a soft green fern print scattered across its surface. It has a soft rounded shape to the upper bodice and the silk is draped over the torso to fall down and around you in gentle draping that goes from the top of the bust to just below the hips. I love how it is scooped up at the middle and the skirt is set in and under the draped bodice. The skirt has a ton of volume to it that shows best when you move. It has four full sets of ruffled tiers that fall softly to the floor. The lightness of the silk causes the ruffles on the skirt to move with the slightest bit of air. When this is on and you are walking the effect that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. It is held in place by the straps that come up and out of the front bodice and wrap around and hook behind the beck. This is made out of the same silk as the dress. This strip of detailing is gathered in a ruffle and the edges are left raw. Then, set along the entire length of the ruffle are little hand made flowers. This extra little detail is fabulous and adds an extra element of romance and femininity. This is Oscar at his best and a tremendously beautiful dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition. 

The bodice and torso are lined in a matching deep yellow silk. The ruffles of the skirt are set on top of the same silk chiffon so you get a touch of transparency as they move. It closes with an inner zipper to close the built in boned inner support and then a second hidden set zipper over that to close the exterior dress. The straps hook to close behind the neck. Lightly boned through the inner bodice. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Hand finishes through out 

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
Length: 59" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5556

Reference Photos: Model wearing Oscar de la Renta for the InStyle & "A Diamond is Forever" Sneak Peek at Red Carpet Fashion for the 2004 Awards Season, January 2004.

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 exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work from the early 1990s. Finding true couture pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition and so well documented is a rarity and and I am very pleased to have this beautiful evening suit in the shop. The set comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. It was ordered from the runway collection as presented in 1994. It was shown on Helena Christensen on the runway with just the jacket and skirt. My client also ordered the matching silk top to go with it. Having the reference shots gives you a wonderful way to see the suit how it looks worn on its own and with the top under it as on my dress form. 

Each of the three pieces that make up this set is exquisite and would be an amazing vintage find on its own. The suit itself is true to the runway. The skirt is cut to hug the hips and then flares out in a wide 11" band of silk at the bottom hem. The silk has been folded into sharp pleats and then set into the skirt so that by the time they reach the hem they open and swirl and curve around you. The movement this creates is wonderful. Over this is that stunning jacket that is cut and tailored to perfection. The soft set shoulders have just a suggestion of padding. It falls from those shoulders and gently widens out and away from the body. This gives the detailing on the jacket an uninterrupted line to be displayed on. The hem of the jacket ends in a rounded curving edge and then under that is a panel of the same pleated silk that finishes the skirt. It layers over the top portion of the skirt and the tiered effect it creates is stunning. The detailing on the jacket is extensive and the pattern combines insets of black silk and silk velvet with hand beading. Glass tube beads are densely applied by hand around the insets and these run from the hem to just about the bust area and all the way around the jacket. Each sleeve is finished with the same treatment. It is insanely beautiful. My client also ordered the matching pleated silk taffeta top to go under the jacket and it is remarkable in its own right. When worn under the jacket it is cut so that the top two pleated tier and collar lie perfectly over the jacket's neckline. That top tier is cut at the back in a way so that it sits perfectly in place so that it can be worn like this. The front of the top has a high ruffled collar and then there are three tiers of silk set on a slight curve at the front. A velvet strop runs down the centre with glossy black dome buttons. These are set on the upper part of the top and then hidden snaps close the bottom part. Each cuff is finished with a pleated ruffle. You can wear everything together or mix and match any of the pieces with what you have in your wardrobe. This is a very special documented set and a fantastic way to add a piece of real Haute Couture to your closet. It is absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition

The top is unlined and the jacket and skirt are lined in a fine black silk. The skirt zips to close at the side and then hooks at the waist. The jacket closes with the glossy black dome buttons as seen and hand set silk loops. The top buttons to close and has hidden set snaps from where the buttons end to the bottom of the front. My client had the pleat that runs around the the of the jacket made so that it can be removed and worn without the ruffle which makes it even more versatile. Made with Haute Couture techniques and by hand. Hand done detailing on the jacket. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little 

Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to first hem, 32.5" to the end of the pleated hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3554

Reference Photos: Helena Christensen for the Fall 1994 Valentino Haute Couture 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.

The dress comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. It was ordered and made on the same time 1985 period as the crystal bow dress I am listing today. This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. Finding pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition is a rarity and I am very pleased to have this beautiful dress in the shop. 

This dress is divine. The lines of it are beautiful and as good as it looks on the dress form it is perfection on an actual body. Couture pieces are very difficult to truly show in a photo as they are meant to highlight and show off the body and only truly come to life when worn. The bodice of this dress is made from an inky black silk velvet. It is fitted and nipped in at the waist. One shoulder is left bare and the other is encased in a sheath of velvet. The sleeve is cut to the wrist and the shoulder is set to be high and capped with a pretty gathered seam set on an angle on both the front and the back. The shoulder pad underneath is hand formed so that it is rounded to flow and exaggerate the curve of the shoulder. The skirt is wonderful. It is set into the waist in a series of soft pleats that help to give it the fullness that you see. It is very full and cut with a nod to the skirts of the fifties. It is made from a gunmetal silk taffeta that has wide panels of velvet flocking fused to its surface. These wrap around the skirt in three bands starting just under the waist and ending just above the hem. The inner construction of the skirt is amazing. The outermost layer is backed in a silk organza and all of the seams are hand finished along their edges. Set inside the skirt is that startling emerald green silk taffeta underskirt that is built into the dress. It falls below the hips and then has a second ruffled piece nearer the hem for fullness. This is placed into the interior by hand and backed in silk. There is a wide strip of stiffened net running though the two inner hems. It is cut very full to give the skirt its shape and volume. Plus the unexpected flash of green when you move a certain way or sit is fantastic. It feels very tactile on to have all these skirt swirling around you as you move. It really is wonderful and an amazing example of his earlier Haute Couture work. Excellent condition. 

The bodice, skirt and underskirts are all lined and backed in silk. The sleeve is self backed. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and it closes with a hidden set metal zipper at the side and then has silk covered snaps and a secondary zipper on the side of the skirt. I have photoed this for you. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Hand made padding on the shoulder and light boning at the side of the bodice around the zipper. A fine metal zipper to close the end of the sleeve. Built in underskirt with stiffened inset at the edges as described above. 

Sleeve: 22.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem with 4.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3553

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 example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. The bow in particular was an important element of the collections that year and it is the highlight on this dress. We were able to find the runway photo of this look as worn by the beautiful Amalia Vairelli which shows you just how gorgeous the dress is once it is on an actual body. The dress comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition.

The dress is fairly simply in its cut and it is not until it is on the body that it really transforms. I love that the more you look at it, the more you begin to see the many couture details. At first glance the dress appears to be a skirt and jacket but this is all an illusion as it is all one piece. The inner part of the dress is a black silk crepe and this is cut to create the illusion of wearing a  simple scooped top and pencil skirt under a jacket. Over this he has used an inky black velvet that is cut to look like a sharply tailored jacket over an inner dress. It has bold shoulders and long sleeves. It swoops down at the front on a curve to the waist where it is caught up in a 3D crystal encrusted bow. The lower part of the 'jacket' then curves down and around the hips. This is Haute Couture under the masterful hand of Mr Valentino himself and is an exceptional example of earlier Valentino Couture. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in handset, very high quality black silk crepe. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques and it closes with a hidden set metal zipper at the back. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Hand made padding at each shoulder. Signature faceted jet buttons on each cuff and all the buttonholes work. The inner waist stay is smaller then the actual waist so if you needed the room you can just wear it without hooking the stay closed. 

Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks at 24"
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3552

Reference Photo: Amalia Vairelli for the Fall/Winter 1985-86 Valentino 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 twin of this dress was worn by Yasmin Warsame on the runway that season and you can see just how fabulous the dress moves. The key pieces from this collection, including this dress, were sold out or waitlisted around the globe despite their high price tags. Sarah Mower of Vogue said of the spring show: "In a season when India is inspiring so many collections, Etro—which uses a paisley print as its brand identity—is more entitled than most to roam the subcontinent. Sure enough, that's where the collection went, but via the seventies hippie route." This dress was mentioned specifically; "One of the standouts—which could make a lovely entrance at any party—was a long, flowing seventies-style dress with belled sleeves, detailed with pinwheel pleating in the Empire bodice."

This was Look 19 in the show and is truly fabulous. It is very flowing and beautiful and I would hazard to say that it is one of the stand out Etro pieces from any of their collections to date. It almost has the lines of an Ossie Clark and the print of a Zandra Rhodes. The top portion drapes over the bust and has a deep V at the front. The fabric has been gathered in and there is a topstitched pin tuck circle there that is quite wonderful and a unique detailing. Long attached ties sit on either some of the waist and they are long enough that you can leave them draped down the back or bring around to the front and wrap them around you. The skirt flows from under there in a pretty soft expanse of silk. There is a great deal of fabric in the skirt and this is what creates that wonderful movement as you move. At the back the dress closes with a tightly spaced row of silk covered buttons and loops. A tremendous amount of work and detailing. The sleeves are spectacular. each is cut extremely long so that once n they are caught up and the wrist the fabric over just drapes snapped flowers around the arm. The silk chiffon is a beautiful quality and light as a feather. Excellent condition.

The bodice and sleeves are unlined the skirt has an inner lining of an ivory silk. It closes At the back the dress closes with a tightly spaced row of silk covered buttons and loops. There is perhaps the slightest smudge under one arm near the seam but look to have been worn very little. Any yellow areas on the dress are lighting. In person the black part off the print is a true black and the white chiffon is white. The underskirt through the skirt has a touch of a cream color to it. Tagged a modern 44

Sleeves to the end of the actual cuff is 32" and then the extend from there. They do of course come up once on
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam and ties in with the ties
Inner hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to front hem, 46" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3551

Reference Photos: Yasmin Warsame for Etro Spring 2005, Look 19.

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 couture client had this stunning silk evening coat made for her. It is roughly based on the one that walked the runway but the detailing on the silk is far more delicate and intricate and combines elements from the suit that was also presented in that show. Since it was custom made for her it is a one off and the only one of its kind. It is an extraordinarily beautiful piece of Haute Couture that is also one of the most beautiful textiles that I have had in the shop. The workmanship is exquisite. 

The jacket is made from a fine silk brocade that has a slight sheen to its finish and a very rich and luxe feel. The color in person is far better then how my camera captured it. It has a touch more of a deep burnished gold feel to it and the flowers that are woven through the silk are a crisp white. Any change in color in the ohoptos is lighting. In person the jacket is absolutely pristine. What is truly remarkable about the jacket is that the designs has been carried flawlessly all around the coat and through to the interior. Inside it is an immaculately finished as it is on the outside. The only difference being that the print is not as extensive on lower half of the back portion as it is on the exterior and the sleeves have been finished in a high end silk. It has a simple cut with sleeves that are wide and set to just below the elbows. The shoulders are soft and the collar is small and neat, set to perfectly finish the top of the neckline. There is a single hand made button and silk loop at the top of the neck and below that are no other closures to break the line. It gently widens out as it nears the hem. The design is absolutely exquisite and it is one of the most beautiful textiles I have seen. Every inch of it represents the elegance and refinement that Valentino built his empire on. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of true Haute Couture by one of the preeminent ateliers in the world. Appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

The interior is finished in the same fine silk brocade as the exterior. The sleeves are lined in matching deep gold silk. All of the work is done by hand and finished to courier standards. Note that there is no label present but it was sourced from the original couture client who had it made for her. It is pristine and meant to fit loose through the body. 

Sleeves: 17"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist - hips: open
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C556

Reference Photos: F/W 2000 Haute Couture Valentino Runway. (Models: Erin O'Connor & Mini Anden)

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 had this dress made for her by Oscar in the early 1990s. It is absolutely divine even if it is no longer 100% perfect. It is made from a deep teal blue green silk chiffon and in person is a touch deeper in tone and even richer in feel. The dress has a decidedly Grecian goddess feel to it. The silk is a very fine, scarf weight silk that is very difficult to work with especially given the elaborate draping that has been done on this dress. It would have taken many hours  and a high degree of technical skill to drape that silk so perfectly into place. The dress is cut to flow beautifully around the body. The bodice is fitted with an elaborately draped and gathered front. The silk wraps around the waist and then angles up over each breast. A long panel of silk is attached so that it drapes dramatically over one shoulder and the cascades down towards the floor in an almost train like fashion. The skirt is made up of layers of silk that wrap and curve over each other. These layers are all cut on the bias so the dress really has the most spectacular movement when you move. It is simple and classic but has a high impact feel at the same time. Presents as excellent condition but does have some small flaws to note below

The bodice is lined in silk and three full layers of silk chiffon were used in the construction of the skirt. It closes with a back set zipper. Has a inner lightly boned silk bodice ad inner waist stay that hooks to close. Hand finishes. The dress has some flaws. There is a tiny nick on the back of the skirt, and minor fraying/thinning along and near the zipper. A couple of areas where the fabric has thinned or caught at some point on the shoulder panel and scuffing and the same thinning in a couple tiny spots near the hem. The zipper may have been moved at some point and there is minor shattering around the top edge near the arms. Each side of the bodice was taken in at some point. Please see the photo including the label and onward for all these points. It is perfectly sound otherwise

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice edge to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3547

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

Isaac Mizrahi presented his first collection through a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman's in 1987. By 1992 Chanel had bought a stake in the company and Isaac's name was everywhere. He was doing custom work for clients and Hollywood on top of his mainline. In 1995 Isaac was the subject of the movie 'Unzipped' based on his Fall 1994 collection. He is known as much for his personality as he was for his clothing. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized him with the Perry Ellis Award (now called the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award) in 1988 and the women's wear designer of the year award in 1989. He loved to experiment and would often change his aesthetics from season to season which was his ultimate downfall. After the fall 1998 show Chanel pulled its stake and the company folded. He did have a couple of subsequent come backs, but for collectors these early years are the most important pieces to find.

My client recalls having this made for her in 1998 which dates it to his final year. This set did not appear on any runway that season since it was a custom created piece just for her. One of the keystones of Mizrahi's work was that he used surprising fabrics in unexpected ways and that is displayed in this set. The top is made out of a double layer of stretch jersey that is the same nude jersey that you would normally see in lingerie. That doesn't feel all that avant garde for our modern world, but in 1998, to use lingerie fabric for outerwear would have been startling. The top is easy to wear and has the simple lines that he preferred. It is sleeveless with a slight ruffled effect around each arm. It zips up the back with a large exposed silver zipper and the edges are left raw cut. Over this is a floor length silk taffeta skirt. It has a lovely long line with pockets on each hip. At the waist it is detailed with a nude silk netting that is set around the waist in a three dimensional pin-tuck triangle design.  The one-off, rare set is gorgeous on an actual body and in person the textures of the fabrics really play off of each other. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

The top is a double layer of the nude jersey and the skirt is lined in a black silk organza. The top closes with the back exposed zipper that you see and the skirt closes with w zipper and hook & eye at the waist band. The top is tagged a S and the skirt a 4. Both pieces appear to have never been worn or worn very little. The top does have some stretch. The nude is a slightly different shade then how it photoed. Think the color of standard lingerie stretch nude fabric

Top
Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22"

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 48" from waist to hem with 2" turned under the hem. The ruffle extends an additional 1" up from the top seam at the waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3546

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

Philip Treacy was discovered by Isabella Blow in 1989. She was fundamental to introducing him to the fashion houses and Treacy quickly became known world wide. Vogue declared him as "perhaps the greatest living milliner", he was the first milliner in 80 years to be asked to exhibit during the Paris shows and his work is held in major museums worldwide. His work has graced the runways of Givenchy, Chanel and Valentino and earned him an OBE in 2007. I have three hats from my client who had each one made for her during the time period of 2001 -2006. Each comes with its original box and each is in perfect condition

This amazing hat one is a pale ivory color and it is made out of parasisal straw which is a fine natural straw woven from the fibres of the sisal plant, a type of agave. This straw is used in haute couture millinery because of its high quality and smooth weave and ability to take on color. Here he has hand blocked it onto a high crown that slants towards the front. The brim is wide and flat for extra drama. Wrapped around the base of the crown is a hand made wide ivory silk band. At one side towards the back there is a fluff of soft white feathers and then a spray of long ivory stiffened feathers that jaunt up and back. It is very hard to photo this color and the hat in person is even better than how it photoed. It is gorgeous in person. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a bespoke piece from one of the preeminent hat designers of this century. Excellent condition

Has an ivory silk inner band with a strip of ivory velvet at the inner front for comfort when wearing. Has its original box with its hat form inside. The hat appears to have never been worn. The box was what it was shipped in so it has some scuffs and two of the corners of the lid have been taped.

Item# A383

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

Philip Treacy was discovered by Isabella Blow in 1989. She was fundamental to introducing him to the fashion houses and Treacy quickly became known world wide. Vogue declared him as "perhaps the greatest living milliner", he was the first milliner in 80 years to be asked to exhibit during the Paris shows and his work is held in major museums worldwide. His work has graced the runways of Givenchy, Chanel and Valentino and earned him an OBE in 2007. I have three hats from my client who had each one made for her during the time period of 2001 -2006. Each comes with its original box and each is in perfect condition

This is an incredible topper hat that exemplifies the Haute Couture fantasy world that Treacy is best known for. The straw portion of the hat is a soft natural straw color. It is made out of parasisal straw which is a fine natural straw woven from the fibres of the sisal plant, a type of agave. This straw is used in haute couture millinery because of its high quality and smooth weave and ability to take on color. Here he has hand blocked it into a round shape that has a little bubble shape within that. This is then finished with a hand beaded round ball made of glossy black crystals and a long stiffened feather juts out from that. On the opposite side is a very large ivory silk flower and a spray of long black feathers. This is all set atop a head band so that you can adjust it on your head to best suit your face. It is incredible. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a bespoke piece from one of the preeminent hat designers of this century. Excellent condition

It slips on the head with a metal band and there is an attached comb to help secure it in place. A strip of ivory velvet at the inner front for comfort when wearing. Has its original box. The hat appears to have never been worn. The box was what it was shipped in so has some marks from the packing tape and minor scuffs. The box if very substantial and studded all around on top of having double clasp closures.

Item# A382

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

Philip Treacy was discovered by Isabella Blow in 1989. She was fundamental to introducing him to the fashion houses and Treacy quickly became known world wide. Vogue declared him as "perhaps the greatest living milliner", he was the first milliner in 80 years to be asked to exhibit during the Paris shows and his work is held in major museums worldwide. His work has graced the runways of Givenchy, Chanel and Valentino and earned him an OBE in 2007. I have three hats from my client who had each one made for her during the time period of 2001 -2006. Each comes with its original box and each is in perfect condition

This one is the softest possible pale pinkish color and it is made out of parasisal straw which is a fine natural straw woven from the fibres of the sisal plant, a type of agave. This straw is used in haute couture millinery because of its high quality and smooth weave and ability to take on color. Here he has hand blocked it into a high crown with a jaunty little curve and peak at the top. The brim is slightly asymmetrical and curved gently down to highlight the face. Wrapped around the base of the crown is a hand made straw band that has been hand dyed to a soft red. This wraps and then ties in a curling detail at the front. It is beautiful. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a bespoke piece from one of the preeminent hat designers of this century. Excellent condition

Lined in an ivory silk with a strip of ivory velvet at the inner front for comfort when wearing. Has its original box with its hat form inside. The hat appears to have never been worn. The box was what it was shipped in so has some marks from the packing tape, scuffs and a dent in a corner.

Item# A381

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