John Galliano was moved from Givenchy to Christian Dior in October of 1996 and stayed there until he was dismissed in February of 2011. The collection from about 2000 to 2011 are covered in full and I was able to spot the runway version of this dress in look 49 from Spring 2007. Women's Wear Daily said of the collection; "His spring message was concise: a smart, discreet suit for day and a beautifully draped dress for night." The collection is also noted as being highly successful at a retail level that season.

The dress is made from a feather light silk that has been dyed to the palest icy blue. The fabric and the way it is cut and draped allows it to hug the bust and then it balloons out in that massive volume that you get just a bit of a feel for on the dress form. On an actual body, once you start to move, the dress really billows and moves around you. The lightness and masterful draping of the fabric comes into play to give it the incredible, voluminous draping that you see. The dress is cut to fit and mold around the bust area on the interiors even though it appears from the outside to be simply draped over you. In reality there is a built in inner structure that hooks to close along the back inside and firmly keeps the dress and that extra low plunge in place. Over the bust area the fabric is pleated and hand placed draped. These eventually expands out into the skirt. The skirt has yards and yards of fabric in it and I love how it is draped around the sides for shape and volume. Once it is on, the innermost part of the skirt falls to the floor and just beyond, and it feels like it is a more true fitted skirt. It is hard to describe but once it is on, it just all falls into place perfectly and is unlike any other dress. It is really extraordinary and very beautiful. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The dress is unlined with a built in inner bodice that hooks to close with a series of lingerie hooks at the back. A panel of fabric snaps over this to hide the hooks and make it appear that there is no seam at the back once it is on. I see one tiny watermark and a small repair to the skirt. These are lost in the folds of the skirt and only seen if you lay it out flat and look for them. You might be able to get another inch or so out of the bust if you did not do up the inner hooks

Bust: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3405

Reference Photo: Spring 2007 Dior, Look 49. Model Kamila W.

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 extraordinary dress by Marc Bohan for Dior is very well documented. A version walked the catwalk that season worn by none other than Ines de la Fressange and it was also photoed for the August issue of L'Officiel.

The dress is made from a pale silver grey silk taffeta. This fabric choice allows it to keep its bold silhouette and hold the shape that you see on my photos and the reference photos. This is the kind of dress that you can see just how much of an influence this shape is still having on our current catwalks. I feel that I have seen all the elements of the dress re-done in one way or another over the last few seasons. The shoulders and sleeves are particularly wonderful. They are cut on a slight curve to follow the shape of the arm. Pleats are set all around the shoulder to give them the height and volume that you see. They then narrow down to the wrists. You can see the Victorian era influence on this dress but it still feels fresh and modern. The neckline is high and buttons at the back and the bodice skims over the bust to the waist. At the back there is an open slit that runs all the way from the buttons at the neck to the waist. This sexy little flash of skin is unexpected and I love the contrast this detail has with the high level of coverage the dress has everywhere else. The waist is seamed and the dress has its original wide matching sash in the same silk that you can tie and cinch in the waist even more. I have tied it at the back in the same large bow in the way it was shown in the editorial photo. The skirt skims over the hips to the floor. On either side of the waist a large ruffle starts to form and this curves over the hips and then towards the back where it creates a gorgeous trained effect. A small ruffle peeks out from under there and finishes the front hem. It is gorgeous and I love when a piece is this well documented. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper set at the waist and silk covered buttons and loops at the back of the neck. A silk covered button and loop at each wrist. The matching sash is original. Note that it was a little small on the mannequin in the waist area and the opening is not that wide at the lower back when it is on a girl that it fits properly. There are some watermarks on the hem. Please see the photo after the label shot and before the reference photos.

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: no true shoulder seams
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 46" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3406

Reference Photos: (1) Ines de la Fressange for Dior /  (2) Model in Christian Dior, L'Officiel, August 1981. Photographed by J-F du Sel des Monts.

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 coat is an early example of Christian Dior's work and I love its simplicity. It has the Christian Dior Original, New York label. This label would be considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. Pieces with this label where made for the American market to sell in the New York Salon. They were based on the runway designs and were constructed with the same high standard finishes that the true Haute Couture pieces incorporated. It is very well made and even better in person.

This coat is in exceptional condition and it looks like it was never been worn, or worn very little. It is cut with the volume and curves that defined the era. It is a wonderful example of the work Dior was doing in this time period and why they had such an influence in establishing the direction of design during this era. The lines of the coat are very simple. There is the very minimal amount of seaming done to achieve the shape that you see. It almost has a slouchy robe feel to it with a angle shaped collar that sits above the large buttons that run down the front. The shoulders are cut so that the curve and drop. The sleeves extend from there and are cut to just past the elbow. Through the body it is cut with a full curve that narrows slightly into the hem. I love the large front pockets that are top set and sit on each hip. The fabric is a highly textured matte silk or silk and wool mix that is unusual and quite charming. Inside there is a woven silk lining that has the look of the type of silk that would normally be used in men's suiting. It feels very modern and is pristine. It looks like it just stepped out of the showroom of the atelier. Excellent condition

Lined in a hand set black textured silk. It buttons to close at the front and has pockets on each hips with each pocket is lined in silk. The buttons have proper finished buttonholes. Hand finishes. The cut is meant to sit oversized and will fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 16" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C435

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

Yves Saint Laurent only created six Haute Couture collections for the House of Dior which makes the few garments found from those collections very special. The Fall 1958 season was his second collection for the house and this collection was presented to Princess Margaret and guests at Blenheim Palace. This coat is  from that season and is exceptionally well documented. It was the piece from the show that was used in the ad campaign that season and it also appears in the book 'Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960' one of a series of books celebrating the houses 70th anniversary. The design of the coat builds on the Trapeze line of his first collection for Dior. In the book it is noted as being a ‘Courbe line’ or curved line design. It is extraordinarily beautiful and a true piece of fashion history.

The coat is made from a navy blue silk satin and is cut with the volume that Yves brought to the collection that season. This would have be considered to have been a ‘Petite Theatre’, or more formal evening coat, during this time period. A neat rounded collar wraps in a curve around the neck and closes just off to the side to sit perfectly above the row of buttons that run down that side. Those buttons are one half of the double row of large silk covered buttons that finish the front of the coat. Under each is a perfectly made button hole and all the work is done by hand. Vertical seams run down each side of the buttons and are gracefully set on a slight curve. Pockets are hidden along their curve so that their lines seem unbroken. The back has more volume then the front and this fullness is created by an inverted pleat that opens from just under the back collar and extends down to the hem, opening as it goes. From the side, this treatment almost gives it a caped back feel. The silk used is of the highest possible quality and there is an almost sensual sensation when wearing the coat. It appears to have bee worn very little and is in outstanding condition. The original, numbered Haute Couture label is present and the coat is made entirely by hand to the standards demanded of Haute Couture. This is an exquisite example of Yves work during his early years at Dior and an outstanding piece of Haute Couture from one of the most important houses of our modern era. Excellent condition

Fully lined in hand set blue silk. It buttons to close at the front with silk covered buttons and has two hooks inside to secure in place. Hand done, proper button holes. Pockets are hidden at each hip along the seams. The coat looks to have been worn very little if it all. The coat is meant to fit slightly oversized so should fit a variety of sizes. It's Haute Couture tag is present, numbered and the coat is of course made to Haute Couture standards

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: open
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 38.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C434

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior ad, 1958.  /  (2-3) "Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960", pages 108-109, published by Assoulin.  /  (4-6) 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 gorgeous dress from the last years of Marc Bohan's grand career as head of Dior is from the Fall 1980 collection. In the book Dior; Catwalk, the notes on the fall collection state that the collection notes read that; "Bohan was inspired by 'Baroque fancies and pre-Raphaelite chinoiserie'." and that "the designer created 'sinuous and subble bias cut evening dresses pleated 'a la Fortuny". This dress has the added provenance of having been photoed on Michelle Monaghan before it was released from my archives.

This two piece dress from that Haute Couture collection has that pleating technique use in its constructed as mentioned above and it is very beautiful. The inner dress is a fine, almost weightless silk chiffon with a simple double layer of silk chiffon that has been used to create the bodice that skims over the torso. The waist of this inner piece is cut loose and easy for comfort. The skirt has an extraordinary three full layers of silk, layered over each other. The outer exterior layer is finely pleated in a series of perfectly done, 1/8th of an inch pleats, that circle all the way around. The edges are finished with tiniest of stitches that have all been done meticulously by hand. All of the interior work is by hand as well. Lying over this is a loose tunic feeling overlay that is made out of a fine, silk chiffon. Worked into the silk are hundreds of dots made from a feather soft silk velvet that has been fused to the base fabric. The sleeves are full and cut so that the widen out quite a bit as they near the ends. They are unlined so that you get a touch of transparency to them and the dot pattern is really highlighted. They each end in an angled V shape that pick up that same angular shaped panel that drapes down from the neckline. The neck is cut high and again this part is left unlined for just a glimpse of skin underneath. At the back is a large bow that snaps into place so that you can wear it on or off. I have shown this worn to the back but this set is so well made that you could easily turn it around and wear it to the front I think. The versatility of the two pieces is wonderful, you can wear them together or break them up and mix with other pieces. The tunic would look as equally chic over a slim black trouser and you can combine the inner piece with a sweater or other top. The tunic is just ling enough to wear on its own if you dare. Excellent condition with a minor note to review below

The inner dress is composed of two layers that are hand sewn together through the bodice and three silk layers through the skirt. It closes with a hand set side zipper with hidden snaps to cover the fabric over the zipper below the waist. There is a button at the back of the neck and an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The tunic slips on the wear with three hook & eye at the back of the neck. Lightly padded shoulders and the bow snaps into place. There has been some softening to the pleating of the skirt near the bottom. It would be possible to iron them back in with care.

Tunic
Sleeves: 25" to longest points
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 39" from neck to longest point of hem

Under Dress
Bust: 19" 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
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1717

Reference Photos: (1) Michelle Monaghan for Rhapsody Magazine by Jane + Jane (Boondock Agency). Stylist: Amanda Lee Shirreffs, Makeup: Ann Pala, Hair: Anne Morgan, Manicurist: Leanne Colley. Click here to see this entire shoot in our lookbooks >  /  (2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

I have held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the fur pieces being produced at this point in Christian Dior's history. I am no expert on furs but believe this it is some type of a sheepskin that has been brushed out. Perhaps a Shetland sheep or something of that ilk. You can see in areas where the undercoat is very curly. The color is a combination of creamy ivory mixed with a pale taupe that has an almost pink cast to it in some areas. It is a little bit paler in the photos then how it is in real life. The fur is very soft soft and very fluffy. It is done in rows of fur that are interspersed with rows of a golden colored grosgrain ribbon. The collar is big and oversized. It is cut in a classic coat style with a flared bottom. Fur hooks run down the front and pockets sit along the horizontal row on each hip. The sleeves are cut straight and full and the collar is a classic notched wide collar.  It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No splitting, issues or shedding. Excellent condition with a minor note below to review.

Fully lined in a deep taupe silk that is embroidered with the Christian Dior name throughout. It closes with the fur hooks down the front. Pockets on each hip. I see no bald spots or shedding, the pelts are supple and soft. There is slight wear at some of the common points - edges of the sleeves. the inner edge, but it is very minor. For a vintage fur from such an important designer, I still rate this as near excellent. The fur has no odd odor, is still supple and is stable with no signs of excessive shedding that would indicate that it is breaking down. 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C533

Reference Photos: (1) Models in Christian Dior fur coats, L'officiel Magazine, 1971.  /  (2) Christian Dior 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.

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed 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. Fur coats are final sale.

The Diorling label was introduced at the Christian Dior London boutique on Conduit Street in 1968. It was meant as a ready to wear label and to appeal to his younger clientelle primarily in London. The name came from the perfume of the same moniker that launched in 1963. The line was created and designed by Jorn Langberg, Artistic Director of Christian Dior London. Pieces under this label stopped being produced until 1973 so we have a definitive window to date the clothing with this label. The number on the label most likely denoted a custom order. It is an important part of Dior's history and pieces are held in museums around the world.

This coat is wonderful. It is made of a woven fabric that almost has the feel of a linen type fabric. This creates the wonderful black and white check design that covers the entire coat. In person this fabric choice gives the coat a richer feel and you get more of a sense of the texture it creates. The coat is cut neat and slim with a notched collar and lean sleeve. It closes down the front with ta row of large round matte black buttons. The waist comes in slightly for definition at the front while at the back the bottom panels are more flared fora  touch of volume. I love how the fabric at the back is set in the opposite direction to highlight this slight change in design. The overall effect is simple and neat with the attention given to the cut and line, allowing that amazing fabric to take center stage. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in a black silk. Pockets hidden on each hip. Closes with the large buttons down the front. Finished button holes. The label is numbered 8109. It appears to have not been worn much at all but there are some small faint storage spots. They are minimal but there upon close inspection . Please review the photos after the label shot

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C530

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 and jacket set that would be from when Marc Bohan was head of the Dior atelier. It is a beautiful and early example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period. This is the Christian Dior - New York label and is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. These where made for the American market based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that Haute Couture pieces incorporated.

This set is just spectacular. It has a simple, refined cut that is made glamorous by the wonderful fabric choice. The fabric is a beautiful wool silk that has a touch of weight to it so that the lines are perfectly held. It has a cream base with squares running over its surface. Each is a peach outline that then has a gold and peach medallion in its centers. In person the peach is brighter and better. The metallic gold lame thread is slight raised up from the fabric so it gives a touch of dimension besides the shine. These cover every square inch of the fabric. It is made of two pieces. The inner dress is a simple sheath that is cut so that is skims over the body and slightly flares out as it reaches the hem. It is sleeveless and the neckline is a simple scoop. It comes with a gold metal and rhinestone chain belt that slips through the loops that run around the low waist and then the belt hooks. The belt is real metal and has crystal detailing set along every 4 inches. I love how it ends in a gold tassel that dangels down under where it hooks. Over this is a little matching jacket that is sheer perfection in cut. It has a neat little collar and box cut. There are no closures and it is the perfect finish once it is popped over the dress. What I love about it is that when the dress is worn on its own it has that touch of a mod feel that the sixties were all about but once the jacket is on it has a very refined feel. Excellent condition with a small note below

Both pieces are lined in a heavy cream silk crepe with an additional silk chiffon interlining through the dress. The dress closes with a had set, hidden zipper at the back. The jacket slips on with no front closures. The belt hooks to close. There is a slight grubbiness to the lining of the inside back collar  of the jacket and one very minor nick out of the fabric on the jacket. Please see the photo after the label shot. . Otherwise the set appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finished and very well made to demi-couture standards.

Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3357

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 might be one of the most incredible vintage hats I have ever had in the shop. This is by Christian Dior and it is absolutely wonderful and so very unique. The base is a fine ivory felted wool and the crown of the hat is high and rounded. It  then curves softly down to a small brim. Over this is a wide banding of a gold metallic mesh fabric that curves around the base of the crown. Attached to that are hundreds of hand placed white feathers. Each of these feathers has been hand dipped in gold at their edges and then they have been carefully placed atop each other. The have all been placed in the same direction so that as the thickness of them is built up they softly curl over each other. Just the work to hand dip and then select the feathers based on the right size and shape would have taken hours and hours. The hat is soft but with a shaped crown and not so soft that it is floppy. It feels very chic and modern and is a remarkable example of the work that Dior was doing in this time period. Excellent condition

A wide taupe grosgrain ribbon in the interior. 21.5" inner circumference

Item# A371

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

I love this little hat by Christian Dior. It is just wonderfully made and so unique. I have seen a couple of version of this over the years in duller colors - a taupe and a olive green, but this is the only one I have come across in this wonderful red color. The brim is wide and bold with a touch a a slant that you can play with once it is on. I love the soft, 'fuzzy' chenille felt choice of fabric that gives it a fur feel. It has a wonderful patchwork of ribbons hand placed around the crown and onto the brim. The band is a pale dusty rose grosgrain ribbon that extend out the back into two ties that are each finished with the same ribbon. It is then top stitched over the ribbons all the way around the crown and brim. The hat is soft but with a shaped crown and not so soft that it is floppy. It feels very on point and modern. Excellent condition

Interior matched red grosgrain ribbon. 21" inner circumference

Item# A370

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 black dress from the Christian Dior label that showcases the restraint and elegance that the best of the brand's work has always displayed. The main dress under the cape is cut in one long and lean line. This simple sheath silhouette make it feel even longer then it already is. Everything about the cut is done to lengthen the girl wearing it and give her one long and beautiful line. The inner dress has no true sleeves, instead there is a pleated overlay that is attached around the neckline and falls over the dress. There are slits open along the sides that you can slip your arm through. I am going to post some shots of this dress on my Instagram feed that will show the dress worn as shown on the dress form, belted and with my arms fully inside the overlay. Each way gives the dress a very distinctive look and feel. The panels are pleated and made of a light fine silk. This gives it a lot of movement as you move underneath. I love that the hem of the overlay is set along an angle that curves up at the center front down at the sides and back. The body of the dress follows the body underneath in a way that the fabric just skims over you from shoulder to hem. The skirt falls from there to the floor in a column with a back slit to give you ease of walking and flash a little leg. It is simple and refined and has not a single unnecessary seam. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a zipper at the back. Appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Hand finishes. If you prefer to wear the top as a true cape over the arms, you could add hidden hooks or snaps to close the arm slits to make it more versatile. Tagged a US12, FR44

Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from shoulder to hem with a 23" slit up the center back from hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3298

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This was sold to me as a Christian Dior but I have never been able to fully verify this with 100% accuracy. It's been priced for what it is and if it does turn out to be a verifiable Dior then you have gotten an amazing bargain. Regardless of its heritage it is an incredibly striking dress.

This dress is all bombshell. It has the feel of the Old Hollywood siren to it and one could easily imagine any of the big movie starlets of the day wearing this out as part of their glamorous lives. The fabric is a deep burnished gold lame that has a stitched effect running over it that gives it a quilted 3D feel but in a very abstract kind of way as opposed to any geometric pattern you would normally see with a quilting technique applied. It is very light in weight and feels like a wisp of air once on the body. It is cut for maximum attention. The top is set with two halter triangle tops that have that wide cut to them from this era. This lets the tops of each halter sit on the outer edges of the shoulders, emphasizing the cinched in waist. On an actual body you can cinch it in even tighter to create more of an hourglass shape. It plunges down to meet the wide sash that wraps and ties around you. The back plunges in the same fashion to leave a large expanse of your back bare. The partially attached ties that wrap around the waist are very long so you can really play with how you style them. Under that the skirt falls in a narrow pencil shape with a small vent at the back to allow for walking. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk and closes with a painted back zipper. Partially attached ties at the waist that very ling and wrap and tie. Pockets on each hip. Hand finishes

Bust: to 18" 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: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 20" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E669

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

This top is the last of the Haute Couture pieces that have come to me directly from the daughter of the Haute Couture client who would have ordered it from the atelier. It has not been on the market prior to this. She shopped primarily with Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior and unfortunately the label was removed at some point. This is the only piece that her mother did not document as to which house it came from. I am leaning more towards YSL as it bears a remarkable resemblance to this one, that one we previously sold from this same collection.

Regardless of which house it originated from, it is absolutely exquisite. The top is entirely hand made as the parameters of Haute Couture define. The silk chiffon used is of the finest possible grade and you can feel the difference at first touch. I love the extensive embroidery and bead work that covers the exterior. The level of workmanship is extraordinary and it is certainly the work of the Lesage ateliers. It forms an intricate pattern over the silk chiffon that completely covers the majority of the top and the sleeves. The very bottom portion of the top is left as just the silk so that it does not get ruined when you tuck it onto your skirt or trousers. At the back the zipper extends past the lower hem in the manner that Couture pieces were finished during this time period. I cannot go on enough about the fine workmanship and sheer time that this would have taken to create. It is an absolute work of art and a stunning example of Haute Couture during this time period. Excellent condition with one small note below

Backed in a nude silk chiffon and closes down the back with a hand set zipper that extends beyond the hem in the traditional Haute Couture manner. Entirely hand done. Note that there is a slight texture change to the silk under each arm with minor discoloration. There is no evidence of it on the exterior and it was priced with this taken into account.

It is always a privilege to have true Haute Couture pieces pass through the shop. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special. You also get a lot for your money in many ways with vintage versions as the cost of current Haute Couture has skyrocketed.

Bust: 16.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S876

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 lovely little Christian Dior scarf is from the late 1970s, early 1980s, and it is very pretty. I love the mix of the stark black with that brilliant blue and the way the two colors are divided down the center. This give you a lovely effect once it is tied. It is made of a double layer of fine silk chiffon that has a slight texture to it. This fabric choice makes it extremely light and pliable so that you can easily tie it as you wish. Excellent condition

Christian Dior tag as shown. It is freshly cleaned and it looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Measures 45.5" x 17.5"

Item# A365

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 belt would be from the Marc Bohan days of the Dior atelier. I love the wideness of it and how this allows you to really get a cinched in look if you wish. The belt is made of a slightly textured white leather with a simple slip buckle at the front that makes it super easy to adjust in size. Attached to the belt all the way around are 3D, raised round gold medallions that have an intricate design etched onto each of them. It looks to have been worn very little and has only a light patina to it from natural aging and minimal use. Excellent condition

33.5" x 2.5" and the buckle is 2.25" across. It will accommodate up to about 31" and if the buckle is perfectly centered between the medallions it is a 27" waist. Era appropriate logo stamp.

Item# A350

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 set is from the same Haute Couture collection as the linen jacket I also have listed in the shop. It is also from the same private collection coming to me from the daughter of the original Couture client. The look for the 1981 season, according to the book, 'Dior, Catwalk' was easy, flowing styles .. "the dresses often have short puffed sleeves and are scattered with cheerful motifs....Bohan has created styles that not only uphold the honor of couture but can be worn comfortably as well"

The attention to detail shown in every stitch is breathtaking. It is entirely done by hand and the silks used are of the highest possible grade and are as fine and light as a feather. The top is done in a silk chiffon that has a ribbon finish to it that adds pretty texture. It floats over the torso for an easy fit. It is unlined, which makes it semi-transparent. It has a finish of pleats that run down the front for a pretty detail. This makes the floral pattern that covers the silk even more interesting as it peaks through and over the pleats. The sleeves are short and puffed as the collection was noted as having. The skirt is a neat pencil and falls in a column of perfectly cut silk. The same pretty floral pattern is continued over the silk of the skirt and it feels just a touch deeper in tone since the fabric there is opaque. The skirt wraps over itself and hooks & snaps to close. There are even pockets on each hip. It is truly a wonderful example of Couture during this time period and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. Excellent condition with one minor note below.

The skirt wraps and hooks and snaps to close. It is hand lined in an ivory silk. The bodice is unlined and closes down the front with the buttons and then snaps nearer to the bottom. You could move the hooks and snaps at the waist of the skirt to adjust the fit a bit up or down as required. There is one very faint spot on the tip of the collar of the top. I photoed it and you can review that photo after the label shot. The color in person is a pure ivory with no yellowing to the fabric - any you see in the photos is from the lighting only. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. Proper Haute Couture label present in the top. Numbered 13660

Top
Slightly inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust-Hem: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from top of bodice to waist

Skirt:
Waist: 12.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3194

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 wonderful little piece merges a top with a jacket perfectly and is a beautiful example of Ferre's work during his time as Creative Director for Dior. The twin of this piece walked the runway and I have included the video of the piece in its debut as well as a still capturing it on the catwalk. The tag is numbered which for the boutique line label usually denotes a custom order or an order by an established client during this time period.

A cornerstone of Ferre's work was his ability to mix textures and fabrics so flawlessly that they created one seamless piece that you could not imagine being made any other way. Here he utilizes four distinct fabrications to make this gorgeous little jacket. The sleeves are cut to be very full and billow above the cuffs. On each cuff there is a filigree silver metal button, a signature of this particular collection. The sleeves are made from a fine silk organza and the execution of each is flawless. I particularly love how they are pleated across each upper shoulder. The back is a raw silk finished with a touch of sheen. The front is made of silk cord that is knotted and swirled. Finishing it off is waxed cord that is set as tassels all along the lower edge. It is remarkable, extremely well made and my client says that it was never worn. Excellent condition.

The front panels are lined in a silk chiffon and the back in a black silk. The sleeves are left unlined. It has no closures at the front. Each cuff buttons to close. The tag is numbered 49407

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 15.5 " from neck to hem at the back, 20" at the front

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S851

Reference Photos: From the Christian Dior S/S 1994 Runway Show Video (below).

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 little dress and jacket set bears the Christian Dior New London label, making it a beautiful and early example of the Dior labels history. This is from the Spring of 1961, an important year in Dior's history as this would have been Marc Bohan's first collection for the house. The collection was called 'The Slim Look', and was noted as being a 'simple, young and streamlined style - his modern take on the New Look'. You can see a striking similarity to the design in the examples shown here from the Haute Couture collection from that same year. This set is from the Modele Original line which would have been custom made based on the Haute Couture presentation and special ordered through Harrods in this case. It is numbered and was made with many of the same high standard finishes that the Haute Couture pieces incorporated.

Bohan's inspiration for Spring 1961 was the 1920s. He underplayed the bust and dropped the waistline. Skirts had a slight flare and the jackets were soft and slouchy. It was a huge commercial success and a critical one as well. Here was have a set is made up of two pieces, an inner, sleeveless, dress with a soft cut jacket. Both pieces are made of a beautiful coarsely woven linen and silk mix that is just heavy enough to hold the shape but without adding any bulk or excess weight. In person the pink color is even richer and deeper then how it has photoed and is quite lovely. The cut of both pieces are wonderful. The dress is cut in a long sheath that gently flares out as it nears the hem. Slits are set on each side of the skirt so you get a bit of extra movement when you walk. It is sleeveless which is perfect for the warmer months and the waist is cut loose and easy. The front has a bibbed panel set over the inner dress. The detailing on it is remarkable - even though it is attached each of those buttons and button holes is 100% functional - though they serve no purpose in being so other then to have made the piece 100% properly. The neckline is a simple and collarless. The matching colored jacket sits over the dress and it too is kept simple but with immaculate seaming and top stitching creating the only detailing. It has no closures and is meant to sit softly on the body with little structure. It is beautiful and a remarkable example of his work during this pivotal collection for the house. Excellent overall condition with some minor notes below.

Both pieces are lined - the dress in a matching silk organza and the jacket in a hand set ivory silk. The dress closes with a back hand set painted metal zipper and the jacket has no closures. Hand finished throughout with silk covered seams in areas. The pockets on the jacket are functional. The pink color is deeper and much much better then how it photoed. Please note the following - the inner silk organza of the dress has some small tears and parts of it are missing through the upper bodice. It does not affect wearing it in anyway and rather then remove it I prefer to send as found. The jacket shows mild discoloration around the arms which does not go through - please review the photo provided after the shot of the label. There is the slightest grubbiness to the arms on the dress but very very minor and they would not photo even.

Jacket
Sleeves: 17.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3188

Reference Photos: (1) Model in Dior, Vogue, March 1961.  /  (2) Dior Haute Couture Presentation, Spring 1961.  /  (3) Dior 1961. Quotes from the book Dior Catwalk 

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 gorgeous little dress may not be as flashy as some pieces I have had on the site but it is absolute perfection if you are looking for a dress that will never feel inappropriate and still with a touch of detailing. It is made of a fine black silk that has the feel of a lightweight wool so it has structure and shape. It is cut to skim over the body. Yes, it does give shape but in that perfect way that feels classic. This is the type of dress that you may imagine Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle wearing in our modern world. Little cap sleeves give a touch of coverage to the upper arm and the waist is set slight above the natural waist line for the most flattering fit. The front neckline is scooped and detailed with a thick white silk cording that is hand placed and curved into a intricate pattern. I love that you can see a glimpse of skin through the cording. The fabric label on this one is hand written and the tag is numbered. This usually denotes a custom order or an order by an established client. It is extremely well made and my client says that it was never worn. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back set zipper. Tagged a vintage 38. Numbered tag reads 28343. Light padding in each shoulder

Shoulders: padding extends slightly beyond natural shoulder and the seams are slightly dropped at 16"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3182

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 fabulous little dress from the Miss Dior label. It is made out of printed nylon jersey makes it very easy to wear and care for. This is a dress that can go from beach to cocktails to dancing. The fabric reminds me a bit of high end swimsuit fabric but is lighter. It will wear amazingly and you can literally roll it in a ball in your suitcase and wear it with a quick steam as soon as you arrive to where you are going. The front is cut with a scooped halter bodice with straps that curve up and behind your neck. The bodice is defined and made from two layers of the same fabric for a little support and to make it opaque. This sits above a high set waistline. The skirt sweeps out from there in a gentle A-line. It's fabulous and it's Miss Dior. Excellent condition.

The bodice is a double layer of the same nylon jersey and the skirt is unlined. Slips on and buttons to close at the back of the halter neck. The fabric does have stretch it will fit from a 0-2 maybe up to a smaller busted 6

Bust: 13-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3168

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 Spring 1996 collection as worn by Shalom Harlow for the runway show. It was actually the closing look of the show. Shalom also wore one for its appearance in Vogue Magazine. If that provenance was not enough, I lent this exact dress to stylist Penney Lovell who fitted it for Emily Deschanel's appearance at the 91st Academy Awards this year. Emily walked the red carpet in the dress. It is am amazing piece of fashion history and the dress is stunning.

The dress is a beautiful example of Ferre's work during his time as Creative Director for Dior. It was the highlight of the show for that season and was chosen to close the presentation. The dress is fitted through the bodice with a neckline that curves down in a slight scoop. This version as little straps that the dress is suspended from but if you prefer the strapless look of the runway you could easily tuck them in or remove them as the neckline is cut the same as the runway dress. There is now waist seam to break the line of the dress. All of the foundation work to hold the dress in place is done and hidden inside. On the exterior the dress curves down front he neckline in an unbroken line, curving in at the waist and then curving out and over the hips. Pockets sit on each hip and each is still tacked shut. The skirts flare out dramatically with a bit of a Spanish Flamenco feel and there is an elaborate set of built in underskirts to help achieve the flare and volume you see. These are made with a netted silk with lace finished edges and there are layers of the ruffles attached at the end of the inner hems. The skirt is cut shorter at the front and then flares out dramatically at the back. Emily is quite tall so on her the skirts lifted off of the ground but in a girl who is not quite as tall you would get a more trained effect. Note that the back of the dress curves around with a slight drop. On the shot of Emily from the back you can see that it is finished with a more V cut, this was a temp alter where the back was folded over and tacked as it suited Emily better that way. It was un-tacked and re-cleaned since the Oscar's and there is no evidence that it was ever down any longer other then the photo. Excellent condition 

Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to front hem, 60" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3155

Reference Photos: (1-4) Emily Deschanel at the 91st Academy Awards, Styled by Penny Lovell / (5) Shalom Harlow for Vogue, 1996 / (6) Dior SS 1996 Runway (7) Christian Dior Runway video, The Fashion Channel

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 exceptional dress is by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior and it is a wonderful example of his work during this time period. It is not perfect but I believe its flaws could be reinforced. Please make sure to read the entire description and review the provided photos before purchasing. Its an exceptional piece and offered at a dramatically discounted price as a result of its small flaws.

It was in the late 1960s that Bohan was doing these wonderful metallic detailed dresses for Dior and the results were stupendous. The red silk chiffon base is as light as a feather and there are literally yards and yards of fabric used to make this dress. Woven through the silk is a winding flower and vine design that is entirely made form a gold lurex thread which gives the dress its metallic finish. The gold is used from neck to hem and catches the light as you move. The neckline is high and the bodice is set above a empire waist that is detailed with a wide red silk ribbon that is attached and hooks to close at the back. This is balanced by long sleeves that has a bit of volume to it above the cuffs. The skirt is fabulous and has a tremendous amount of fabric it, falling to the floor from under the red ribbon. It also has a extremely large shawl scarf piece that is made form the same fabric and I think you could easily use some of the fabric from that to reinforce the flaws. The flaws are as follows. There is stress and small tears to the fabric at the seams under each arm and near the seams. I see some very small starts of this near the seam of the top of the shoulder. There are a couple of large areas on the fabric of the skirt that also show small tears and weakening. Please review all photos provided that are shown after the label shot and read any extra details concerning condition below. Otherwise it is in great condition and presents very well

The skirt is fully lined in a red silk with the sleeves left unlined. It closes with a back painted metal & nylon zipper and hook & eye just above the zipper of the low back. The ribbon belt hooks to close. Each sleeve buttons to close and one button is missing. Hand finishes. Please read above concerning weak areas of the fabric. There may be additional teeny tiny areas I missed. The scarf could be used to reinforce the weak areas or even to recreate and replace them as it is huge. This would easily be priced for $3500 if perfect so is a tremendous bargain for the person willing to put in a little work on it. It is sold as a final sale

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam of inner lining
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Shawl: 94" x 43"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3151

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 held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the fur pieces being produced at this point in Dior's history. I am no expert on furs but believe this it is mink. The color is a rich deep chocolate that is so dark that at first glance it almost appears to be a black. The fur is supple and soft and very shiny. It is applied on to the coat in series of matching rectangles that each measure approx 5" x 7" and you get a bit of a border where each fur piece meets another. This gives the coat an added bit of texture and a subtle pattern. It is cut in an almost trench coat style with a more structured, flared bottom to it then a soft trench would have. Big, unusual silver buttons run in a double row down the front. Slanted slit pockets sit on each hip and and it has its original matching tie belt that you can cinch to give the coat shape. The sleeves are cut straight and full and the collar is a classic notched wide collar.  It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No splitting, issues or shedding. Excellent condition with a minor note below to review.

Fully lined in a black silky satin and closes with the buttons down the front and has an attached tie inside. Slip pockets on each hip and one hidden along the inside edge at the front. Matching tie belt. I see no bald spots or shedding, the pelts are supple, soft and shiny. there is slight wear at some of the common points - edges of the sleeves. the inner edge, but it is very minor. For a vintage fur from such an important designer, I still rate this as near excellent. The fur has no odd odor, is still supple and is stable with no signs of excessive shedding that would indicate that it is breaking down. 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C484

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.

The Colifichets boutique was found on the ground floor of the Dior Haute Couture atelier at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. It allowed Dior to expand his clientele beyond his Haute Couture clients. The pieces were still made in house and to demi-couture standards. I found reference to the boutique as early as 1949 in article giving the history of when Dior conceived his first lipstick. That idea was conceived as a sort of limited-edition 'gift with purchase', and was sent to the most loyal clients of his Colifichet boutique as a Christmas present that year. This is a beautiful example of the workmanship coming out of the boutique. It is not perfect but still a very rare and important piece of Dior's early history.

The dress is made from a rich ivory silk that holds the shape well. The bodice is cut with a high V at the front and the back gently scoops to leave the upper back bare. The waist is set high just below the shaped and formed bodice and the skirt is cut to angle out as it nears the hem. The bodice has an intricate design done in a combination of crystal rhinestones, dangling drops, and faux pearls. The edges of the bodice are densely covered and all the edges are finished with dangling teardrops. Every piece is hand set and applied and you can clearly see the hand done work on the back of the fabric. The interior is fully finished with a boned and cupped inner corset that hooks to close independently under the exterior zipper.

The dress is far from perfect and is suitable for the collector as is, or for someone who would be willing to take on a restoration project. I note the following flaws: faint discoloration and staining scattered over the skirt. These might be lightened out by a specialist. They are faint and if you don't mind small flaws these could be considered negligible. On the bodice there are some missing tear drops and beads here and there. Not very many and a repositioning of some of the other beads and crystals would resolve this. Inside, some of the metal stays that create the boning are poking through at the ends of this silk pockets. Again a minor issue to resolve. The interior of the inner corset is otherwise very clean and unaffected. The real flaw is the staining under each arm. The arms would have to be re-cut. The good news is that the marks do not go terrible deep into the dress from under the arms so should be doable without completely compromising the dress. I have chosen to sell it as found for two reasons. One, the collector may wish it to be in its original, as found  state regardless of the flaws, and two, for the girl buying to potentially wear, it makes more sense to have the repairs done to fit her specifically.

It is fully lined in an ivory silk and part of the lining has its own hook and eye closure. The exterior silk closes with a back, painted metal sipper. The  inner corset closes with hook and eye. The tag is numbered. Please make sure to fully read the above paragraph before purchasing. This gown is sold as a final sale and as found

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam, removing the inner corset might give you another inch or two. The cups would fit up to a B I think
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam, removing the inner corset might give you another inch or two
12 to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to lowest part of empire waist
Skirt: 41" from lowest part of empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS to maybe a XS if inner corset was removed or altered

Item# DD3089

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