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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3063

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

The Sorelle Fontana label was started by three sisters in 1943. They prodiuced high end Alta Moda Couture and quickly beacame a favorite of the jet set with stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey hepburn, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedt Onanssis among their clientelle. They were an integral part of establishing the high end "Made in Italy" tradition still known to this day and were one of the forefronts of the tradition of the independent Italian couturier.

This dress is is a spectacular example of the couture work being produced by the Sorelle Fontana atelier during this time period. Rarely do such fine examples of their work from this time period, with this level of glamour, come to market anymore. The cut is simple but dramatic. It is cut in a supermodel long sheath that was made to hug every curve but without clinging. Rather it creates a long lean silhouette that suggests the body underneath and gives the illusion of height. The neckline is cut simply at the front and the back with just the a shallow scoop. The base fabric is a stretch knit  and this glides over the bust and waist. The hips are cut with a slight curve to follow the curve of the body and the skirt falls to the floor from there. The entire dress is densely covered with hand placed iridescent blue sequins. These are so heavily applied that they overlap each other and cover the entire surface. Worked in among the sequins are a looped design that gives the dress a secondary pattern. Over this are hundreds of hand done beaded tassels that follow those curving bead detailing. Each of these dangle a full four inches off the dress and are finished with two faux pearls. The effect that these create whenever you move is jaw dropping. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a blue silk and closes with a back metal zipper. There is another good 5" turned up inside the hem if you need more length. All the sequins, pearls and beads are completely hand sewn into place. It weighs several pounds. There are some minor repairs to the inside lining near the inner hem but of course these are not seen when on. The stretch knit base will allow for a range of sizes. You could probably get a bit more then even the greater range below.

Bust: 17-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3060

Reference photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C476

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD790

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3055

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD3023

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

This wonderful dress was obvioulsy inspired by the work that Loris Azzaro was doing during this time period. At first glance you would almost think that it was that jeweled collar dress of his that became one of his signature pieces. It has that same looped keyhole neckline that has a highly detailed embellishment onto it like his pieces did. This slightly simpler version is made from a fluid silver-grey jersey that drapes fantastically. The color perfectly off-sets the detailing at the neck. It is gathered up and around the bodice with the gathers there converging into the center keyhole. The upper shoulders and back are left bare. The skirt cascade from just below the bust line to flow to the floor, gently widening out as it nears the hem. The neckline is of course, the center piece of the dress. It curves up and around the neck and the straps are completely encrusted with densely set faux pearls, rhinestones and beads. Presents as excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in a matching grey silky rayon and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. There is some light scuffing/grubbiness along the hem and the occasional very faint mark on the jersey. A couple of beads missing near the hook and eye of the halter (photoed). Nothing that detracts when on but present when laid out flat and inspected.

Bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 11" from neck to empire waist
Skirt: approx 49" from empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2386

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

Koos Van den Akker started his career as an apprenticeship with Christian Dior in the late 1950s. This early exposure to Haute Couture shows in pieces like this. This particular dress is exceptional and a real testament to his beginnings in the world of couture. He was a designer that started from the fabric, allowing it to influence the final design. Here he uses the semi-transparency of the beads on a fine netted lace to shape and mold the body underneath. The lace used is a combination of a red and black. Hand sewn onto the black portions of the lace are thousands of tiny black sequins. These are set into place to follow the pattern of the lace and they cover the dress from shoulder to hem. Covering the red parts of the design are tiny seed beads, again hand applied by the thousands to the lace net below. The combination of beads and sequins catch the light wonderfully when you move. The dress itself is fitted through the body and the sleeves are set so that the the shoulders are left bare. The dress is lined in a layer of fine black silk that gives you coverage through the body but leaves the upper neckline and sleeves semi-transparent. The semi-transparency is also used in the deep V in the back and for the last couple of inches of the hem. The workmanship is very fine and the is truly exquisite in person. Excellent condition

Lined in black silk and closes with a hidden set painted metal and nylon zipper. Fully boned through the torso for support.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from top of shoulder (where it sits off shoulder) to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2305

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 find. It is an early seventies scarf or bandanna dress made of a light cotton mix fabric and has a beautiful deep navy print in a variety of stylized little flowers, dots and striped. It is made from several printed layers and each has a distinctive print for contrast. The bodice has a cute little triangle of fabric at the neckline on the back and front. The sides scoop super low into the high waist and it ties at the top of each shoulder. There are also ties that run through just under the bust that you tie to adjust for the perfect fit. The skirt below has two layers, with the top layer giving contrast and its pointed finish really gives it that bandana scarf feel. The fabric used is light and fine so it feels easy to wear once on the body. The print and the way it is mixes all the different patterns is wonderful and I love the way it contrasts the round circular prints with the more angular diamond feeling ones. It's the perfect piece that can easily go from the beach to day wear to night with a change of styling. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. Ties at the top of each shoulder. There are also ties that run through just under the bust that you tie at each side to adjust for the perfect fit. If you are small busted you could wear this as a MED.

Bust: open at each side
Underbust has inner ties: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam and will tie as small as needed
Natural waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 14" from top of shoulder to high waist but can be adjusted with the ties
Skirt: 47" from high waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2979

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 more recent dress from a new label called Zazi Vintage. It was founded by Jeanne de Kroon and their website best described what they do: " ZAZI is a luxury fashion label with a focus on sustainability and women's economic and social independence. Working with both vintage and organic materials, the aim is to give new life to traditional vintage and also create new pieces in partnership with women and artisans worldwide. Our collections pay fair wages, fund girls’ education, and support local artisans."

This is a dress, a style they call the Madhu, is from one of their earliest launches and is made from a vintage silk Ikat in blue and gold. The fabric is sourced from the Fergana region of Uzbekistan and each piece is handmade by the seamstresses from IPHD in Bhikamkor (rural Rajasthan). It slips over the head with a notched neckline that you can button if you prefer a higher neck. The sleeves work wonderfully pushed up so that the poufed part of them is really emphasized. The waist is banded and has attached ties so you can cinch it in once on. The hem line is cut on a curve to meet a slit at one side. It is very pretty and easy to wear. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head. Attached ties can adjust the waist in. Note that there are no side or back closures so take that into account that you will need extra room to get it on, hence the size category it is placed under. Hand made and in unworn condition. This style in a comparable silk currently retails for 890 euros.

Sleeves: 23"
Inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to top of waist band
Skirt: 43" from top of 3" waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2974

Reference Photos: (1-2) Photos by Tasya Kudryk.  /  (3) Jennifer Gilmore in Zazi Vintage by Shannon May Powell. (all from @zazi.vintage). All details on the dress sourced form their website

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

These little 1950s Hawaiian dresses are wonderful and are cut to give you curves. They have such a classic silhouette that they still feel fresh even after 50+ years. This one is was made by Mildreds of Hawaii, one of the several labels of this era coming out of Hawaii that catered directly to the thriving tourist market of that era. These sarong styled sun dresses were worn by Hollywood starlets and girls bought them in droves to emulate their favorite stars. I love the sarong style skirting with its attached illusion of a wrap skirt complete with a little tie of fabric that sits at the side of waist. Elastic panels run along each side of the bodice so the dress adjusts to fits you perfectly. This also makes it very comfortable to wear as it move with you. The bodice has a hand stitched, gathered detailing of fabric that curves around towards that bow at the side for a flattering line. The print is a pretty wash of colors in tropical themed shades of blue, green and sunset yellows. It is very pretty and very flattering on. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a white cotton and the skirt is unlined. Boning in the bust area and elastic panel on each side. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Made of a soft cotton

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2789

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

Roland Klein studied in Paris at the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture before joining Dior in 1960 under Yves Saint Laurent. In 1962 he left Dior to work as an assistant to Karl Lagerfeld at Jean Patou. He then did a stint at Marcel Fenez, eventually becoming the managing director. It wasn't until 1979 that he launched his own label where he was known for designing for Diana, Princess of Wales. His work is built on that solid background and I love finding his earlier pieces like this fabulous sequin dress. the cut is kept simple so that the impact of the glossy black sequins can take center stage. It is strapless and the base of the dress is elasticized so that it is like wearing a tube top. This sits above a sleek little skirt that is midi length which perfectly shows off a strong shoe. I love how the sequins are placed on horizontal rows across the top and vertically down the skirt.  It is an easy to wear dress with maximum impact. Excellent condition

Slips on the wear with elastic all through the top. Note that the very top widens as it nears the top and will best suit someone large busted or will require adjustment. Unlined through the bust and lined through the skirt in a black silky rayon. If you needed more room int he hips you could remove or expand the lining as the outer layer has the same stretch as the top

Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 31" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2957

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2955

Reference Photos: fwrd.com

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

Vogue's May Singer said of the Spring 2015 Rodarte show: "The show marked a real return to form for Laura and Kate Mulleavy: Playing off aquatic themes, specifically the observation of tidal pools, they progressed more or less organically from terrifically commercial looks to ones that expressed just the kind of artful madness that people crave from their brand. By the time you arrived at the net mermaid dresses clotted with embroidery, you were back under the Rodarte spell. The tidal pool inspiration made a good channel for the Mulleavys' Miss Havisham-esque hoarder streak—mimicking the way flotsam and jetsam collect in eddies, they embellished their dresses not with restraint, exactly, but with a sense of formal specificity. There was a painterly aspect to their patchwork frocks, the heavy embroidery a kind of impasto, revealing the hand."

This is one of those net dresses that was referred to specifically in that review as was Look 31 in the presentation. It was made available through special order through Moda Operandi and the original price tag on in pre-tax was $9175. It is made from a combination of purple paillettes on a copper lame, Pink looped paillettes on a pink copper lame and a gold lame that is then covered with silk net, tulle and embroidery. Blue beads give the feel of sea coral and a swatch of netting trails down one side. This dress if any from the show typified the the tidal pool inspiration and it feels like a fantasy dress that gives you the feel of the ocean and all things related. The dress is made by hand and all the embroidery work and paillettes are placed by hand. It is modern American couture. I love the duality of the dress with its patchwork feel and clash of textures. Once on it skims over the body with a V at both the front and back. The waist is a suggestion and the netting trailing down one side is extremely clever. It looks to have never been worn and is a phenomenal and hard to find runway example of the Rodarte sisters work. Excellent condition.

The inner lame base is self backed and it closes with a side set zipper. You can see hand work on the interior. Tagged a modern 6. Appears to have never been worn. The bias cut of the fabric will allow it to fit a range of sizes

Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of shoulder to longest points of the hem with another 12-13" extending past the longest points of the by the netting

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2953

Reference Photo: S/S 2015 Rodarte, Look 31. Model: Model: Xiao Wen Ju.

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

Anthony Muto launched his Marita label in 1971 with a focus on affordable evening wear with a relaxed sportswear feel. He did not believe in 'throwaway' clothing and the items for this line were well made and meant to last. Jersey is a notoriously difficult fabric to work with and on this dress he uses its fluidity and drape as an asset. The color choice also adds to the impact and I love the bright pink of it. The fabric is slinky and sensual and the cut is extremely flattering once on the body. The halter  is suspended by two tiny straps and there are two very long panels attached along the top bodice. These cross over each other and then wrap around the bodice. You can then wrap them around the waist, wrapping either once or twice, so that the ties hang in either the front or the back. I love the low dipping back and slight fullness through the skirt. The color and cut are very flattering on a wide range of skin tones and bodies. This is an easy to wear and flattering dress. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined though the skirt and a double layer of the same jersey through the bodice. It closes with a low back zipper. The attached ties are meant to wrap around the body and tie. The fabric has a bit of stretch. Pockets along the seams of the skirt

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2942

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 man behind the Mr Dino label was actually Max Cohen and he is interesting for two things specifically. He actually invented machine that was used to screen the print onto the fabric of his pieces, and he himself designed every print that you will ever see on one of his garments. This set is quite wonderful with its simple but graphic print. It is made from two pieces and both are made out of his signature, washable jersey fabric that is easy to wear, pack and travel with. The top is actually a full body suit with a low set leg that snaps into place. The sleeves are long and the neckline cut wide so you get a glimpse of collarbone. The skirt is long, cut straight and has a slit up one side. A matching, wide fabric tie cinched in at the waist. I love the bold pink and black print that covers all three pieces and how the design and the color are used to showcase the different parts. Added points for being able to wear the pieces together or separate. Excellent condition

Both pieces are unlined. The top snaps to close at the bottom and the skirt has an elastic through the waist. All the pieces appear to have never been worn. Washable fabric. The fabric has stretch

Top
Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 17"
Bust: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: qpprox 30" from top of shoulder to inner bottom

Skirt
Waist: 13.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of bodice to waist
Slit: 16" from hem to top of slit
Tie belt: 64 x 3.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2943

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

Murray Arbeid was a British fashion designer who specialized in floor-sweeping, show-stopping evening gowns. He was best known for dressing Princess Diana and Shirley Bassey. He once joked that "if there were a Nobel Prize for creations in taffeta, he would have won it." in 1987 he told the Chicago Tribune "I specialise in occasion ready-to-wear couture - that means the clothes are off-the-rack but of couture quality - for cocktails and evening". This dress is from 1986 and is a variation on the dress he designed for Princess Diana. Her dress was made for a private dinner given by former King Constantine of Hellenes at Claridges in 1986.  It was then worn by the Princess at the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden in December 1987, and again in Paris in 1988.The Princess Diana dress sold at auction for $48,300. A version in this same black and silver was also worn by Shirley Bassey at the 1987 Royal Variety Performance and she wore that dress for a 1986 publicity card as well.

The dress is gorgeous and made from a black silk organza that has a scattering of silver stars in various sizes covering it from top to bottom. The stars catch the light beautifully and I love that they range from tiny little ones to larger. It really gives the feel of the night sky. The bodice is fitted and shaped with low cups and it is fitted slim through the waist. It dips down at both the front and back. Each shoulder is finished with two wonderful, tremendous bows that are set to butt up against each other so they lift up and out beautifully. They sit slightly off shoulder and the final effect is wonderful. The skirt is equally as wonderful and is cut very full with multiple layers of tulle and silk built in underneath so that the shape is perfectly retained.It is gorgeous and very well made. Excellent condition with a small note regarding the interior to review in the condition notes below.

Fully lined with multiple skirts and tulle in the skirt. Boning through the bodice and it closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. There is some fading to burgundy of the fabric on the interior only but is perfectly sound and stable.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips at lining: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2938

Reference photos: (1-2) Princess Diana, 1986.  /  (3) Shirley Bassey Publicity photo.  /  (4-5) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is wearing a Magnetic Midnight X Shrimpton Couture 'Star Light' Headpiece - available on the site here >

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

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What a chic and pretty spring coat by the Lee Parker Originals label. The bright lime green color is fantastic and the cut is really special. It is like an instant pop of spring. It is cut on a pretty A-line swing that widens out from the more fitted shoulder and bust. The collar is kept neat and simple while little round green buttons adorn the front from the neck to the waist for a pretty finish. Under that row of buttons the coat has no closures and that helps to give it the lovely movement it has once one. The entire lower portion of the coat is set in wide pleats and these give it the prettiest look. It is just darling. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a green silky rayon and buttons to close at the front from the waist seam to the neck. No pockets along the front seams. Note that any yellow tone you see in the photos is just the light - it is slightly more a pastel lime then shown in real life and the color is entirely even. It is open though the waist but smaller fitting through the shoulders

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML, maybe a medium if you are narrow through the shoulders

Item# C462

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

Pat Sandler was an American design that worked through the 1960s and 70s. He launched his label in the early 1960s after a stint with the Leonard Sunshine label. The label was well followed and was often used for editorial work during the time period, most notably on Lauren Hutton on several occasions. He was known for his more opulent pieces that featured bead work or gold lame thread like this dress does.

The dress is wonderful with its combination of all that gold thread woven through a backdrop of raspberry tones with pops of golden yellows. The gold that covers the fabric is incredible - I often see gold used over silk but this dress has its own distinct floral pattern woven from the gold that really gives it a beautiful added texture and design. The gold covered the dress from top to bottom and makes such an impact that you almost don't realize the added dimension created by a series of flat pleats that make up the bodice and waist. The top it is cut with a high neck and the sleeves are long and pouf out slightly above each cuff. The waist cinches in and is detailed and highlight by a band of fabric above and below it. The skirt is set into the waist with a series of soft pleats and these open to give the fullness that you see as the skirt sweeps to the ground. It is an absolutely gorgeous piece. Excellent condition.

Fully lined and a black silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each cuff closes with a hidden set fabric covered snap. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Note that it was too small around the waist on my mannequin and does of course do up properly at the back when on the right sized girl.

Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at the interior lining: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to bottom waist band
Skirt: 41" from bottom waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2918

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

Iradj Moini is a renowned designer of couture jewelry with work and/or exhibited in several museums around the world including, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre Museum. This is a particularly beautiful piece that blends fresh water pearls with citrine, semi-precious stones and mother of pearl. Eight full strands of pearls circle the neck and meet at the huge brass clasp. This is a Iradj signature and the clasp on this piece is especially beautiful. It is adorned with stones, crystals and mother of pearl to form a beautiful spray of large flowers. The clasp slides into itself to close and the necklace is signed. Excellent condition.

Measures 16" from end to end and the clasp is approx 2.5" x 1.75"

Item# A333

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 had this same dress in a black and yellow color combination in the past and this one has even more impact I think. This printed dress is by the Maurice label, a company who was a contemporary of labels like Pucci and Leonard in the seventies. Maurice used the same type of print work in his pieces but on a more affordable synthetic jersey rather then the silk jerseys used by those other labels.  This also makes his dresses very easy to care for as they are easy to care for and wear extremely well. The jersey was still of high quality too so you really get a lot of bang for your buck with this label. I love the nod to the kimono and caftans of the day in the cut of this dress. The bodice is cut so that it crosses over itself creating a nice V neck. The waist nips in and has a wide contrasting print band that circles the waist for definition. The same wrapped effect that the bodice has is carried over to the skirt with the print used to highlight the cut of the dress. The skirt opens along the wrapeed edge so you get a bit of leg showing when you walk or sit. The impact of those two vivid colors set against each other is fabulous and I love the wide straight cut of the sleeves. The style is versatile too - style it for day with flats or paired with heels for evening events. It will work year-round and travels extraordinarily well. I love it. Excellent overall condition with one note below to review.

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted nylon and metal zipper. The fabric is signed throughout the design. There is a spot on one sleeve, I have photoed it for you.

Sleeves: approx 20
Shoulders: no true seam as the shoulders are dropped
Bust: variable as there are no true side seams
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to top of waist band + 4" band
Skirt: 39" from bottom of waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2895

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2868

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

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