If you loved the volume and excess of the eighties this dress will make you fall in love. It is very unusual in many aspects but once on the body it really looks wonderful. It is made from a black chiffon that has little silver strips of foil applied to the fabric in rows that run down the length of the dress. What is interesting is that some are applied on the top layer but most are applied underneath so they become muted and give the fabric depth and a sense of texture. The collar, cuffs and waist are defined by bands of silver glass tube beads, again applied in tightly spaced rows, The bodice is cut with a ton of volume that floats over a low drop waist. The sleeves are cut equally full and pouf from shoulder to cuff. From under the beaded band at the waist the skirt flows out to the floor and beyond to the trained back. To balance all of that fabric and the train, the back is scooped in a wide low curve to leave a bare expanse of skin. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a layer of black chiffon. It has no closures and is meant to slip over the head and sit low and loose on the body. The cuffs have loop & buttons to close.

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58.5" from waist to hem - train adds 11"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2825

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

There is just a certain cut and line of a seventies halter that once you find you look for variations of it endlessly. This is that dress. It is super chic and one of those easy to wear pieces that you can just throw into a suitcase and it works for day or night, and at the beach, the country, or the city, and you always feel like a million bucks in it. It is made out of a wash and wear cotton and that stripe gives it a fabulous feel. It's got a element of sexiness to it with that low bare back but still feels sweet at the same time. The front has a halter/bikini cut and ties around the back of the neck. This leaves the back virtually bare with the front is cut low and deep so you get a sexy expanse of skin. The skirt cascades to the floor in a widening sweep of fabric and I love how the stripes are set on an angle on the skirt. Excellent condition.

Unlined and ties to close at the back neck and zippers at the low back waist.

Bust: adjustable
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: Approx 15" from neck to bottom seam of 4" band at waist
Skirt: 42" from bottom band at waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D580

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 Hawaiian label Kamehameha was launched in 1936 and was named after King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian islands. They were famous for their brilliant tropical floral prints which they made for the tourist markets. They combined the feel and beauty of Hawaii with the looks popular on the mainline. The items were manufactured on the island and the prints done in-house.  They primarily used cotton for their designs and this dress is no exception. The fabric is that perfect crisp fifties cotton and it has been screened with a brilliant pattern of leaves on an abstract yellow backdrop. The bodice is fitted and cut so that it has shape and molds to the bust. I love the double front panels of fabric around the bust that allow for support but give the dress that interesting detailing. The waist is cinched and the skirt is very full below that. I have photoed it with a light crinoline for that full fifties cupcake effect but it can easily be worn in its own as well. The back is finished with a panel of elastic so the fit adjusts to the wearer. Excellent condition with one small note regarding the elastic to review below.

The dress is unlined and closes with a side metal zipper. Some small areas of the elastic back have loosened out a touch. I am being pretty picky. It is perfect otherwise.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2809

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 fabulous dress was definitely inspired by the work that Loris Azzaro was doing during this time period. At first glance you would almost think that it was one of his pieces. It has that same signature looped keyhole neckline that has a highly detailed embellished neckline just like his pieces did. This version is made from a fluid silver-grey jersey that drapes fantastically. The color perfectly off-sets the detail at the neck and it has a cool, chic feel to it. It is gathered up and around the bodice with all the pleat work used for the gathers converging into the center keyhole. The skirt cascade from just below the bus line to flow to the floor in yards of fabric. I love the neckline and it is absolutely the center piece of the dress. It curves up and around the neck and the straps are completely encrusted with faux pearls, densely set, glittering rhinestones and beads scattered in between. It is a fantastically sexy dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a matching color silky rayon and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. There is some light scuffing/grubbiness along the hem but nothing that detracts.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" 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.

Helen Rose was the chief costume designer at MGM and won two academy awards for her work. She also hold the distinctive honor of making both Grace Kelly and (one of) Elizabeth Taylor's wedding dresses. Her pieces are rare and they tend to be made on par with demi-couture pieces and her gowns especially are exceptionally beautiful

This dress is exceptional. This dress is made of a vivid pink silk that has a good weight to it - enough to hold the beautiful sculptural lines that the dress has. The bodice has been kept simple with a curved plunge at the front neckline. Under the bust are a series of simple gathers that highlight the bust line. A piping detail circles the waist with a pretty little bow finish at the front. The skirt is a study in line and cut. It glides over the hips and falls in an ever expanding column of silk until it reaches the floor. Soft pleats set into each side allow it to curve in and around like flower petals. At the back a panel of fabric runs down in a watteau cut from the neck to the floor. A magnificent finish that gives the dress its couture feel. Its final, perfect detail is the lining which is a pale, soft pink silk satin. You do not see this once the dress is on but knowing it is there is like a little secret only the person wearing it will know. A really outstanding piece. Excellent condition with one small note to review below/

Fully lined in a soft pink slipper silk satin and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. Inner waist stay that hooks into place. Fabulously constructed and finished by hand. There is one small area where the fabric shows the smallest bit of color change near the bottom hem at the side. I have priced it accordingly and it does not detract at all. 

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 44" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2274

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  give you curves and still feel fresh. This one is from Mildreds of Hawaii, on e of the several labels of this era catering to the tourist market. These sarong styled sun dresses were the dress of sex symbols of the day. I love the faux wrap sarong style skirting and the little bow that sits at the waist. Elastic panels run along each side of the bodice so the dress fits you perfectly and is extremely comfortable to wear. The bodice has hand stitched flat paneling detailing that curves in towards that bow at the side. The print is a pretty wash design in shades of blue and greens. 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.

The Hawaiian label Kamehameha was launched in 1936 and was named after King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian islands. They were famous for their brilliant tropical floral prints which they made for the tourist markets. They combined the feel and beauty of Hawaii with the current lines popular on the mainline. The items were manufactured on the island and the prints done in-house.  They primarily used cotton for their designs and this dress is no exception. The fabric is that crisp fifties cotton and it has been screened with a brilliant pattern of tropical leaves and flowers in blues and pops of deep pinks. The bodice is fitted and lined with a starched filler so that it has shape and molds to the bust. The waist is cinched with an attached blue sash whose colors match the piping details and straps of the dress The skirt is very full. I have photoed it without a crinoline but you would get a the full fifties cupcake effect if you decided to add one. As an added bonus, the straps each tie at the top of the shoulder, this allows for the perfect fit and also you can easily tuck these in and wear the dress strapless. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a white cotton and closes with a back metal zipper. The sash at the waist is attached at the front and ties at the back

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent:XS-SML

Item# DD2788

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

Bias cut, silk chiffon layers give this beautiful dress a light as a feather feel. Stella McCartney makes exquisite evening pieces and I love this one from the pre-fall 2008 collection. Pre-fall and pre-spring collections are always produced in smaller numbers and that makes the pieces from them them more valuable as vintage for the future. This dress was also a favorite on the red carpet that season and was seen on both Scarlett Johansson and Poppy Montgomery. It is made of a soft bottle green silk chiffon that is cut on the bias with a second inner layer in a matching silk. The lightness of the fabric and its bias cut allows it to drape and flow beautifully. It feels more like a column when the wearer is standing still but once you move you get a wonderful fullness. The way it is cut is very couture in feel and it has a definitive Madame Gres, classic Greek feel to it. The entire dress suspends from the tie at the single shoulder and the final effect is very romantic and feminine. I love the pleating through the bodice that extends down into the waist and then softly opens into the skirt. Excellent condition.

The skirt is fully lined in a second layer of matching colored silk chiffon that is also bias cut. The bodice is lined a a matching silk. It closes with a hidden side zipper and ties at the top of the one shoulder. It is tagged a modern 40 but McCartney pieces fit small so you should know your sizing in this label or make sure to check the measurements below

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2328

Runway reference photo credit: voguerunway.com 
Poppy Montgomery & Scarlett Johansson credit: coolspotters.com
Photoshoot Reference Photos: Photographed for creative purposes by Nikki Ormerod, Styling: Nadia Pizzimenti, Hair & Makeup: Ashley Readings, Model: Constance from Plutino Models.

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

Katharine Hamnett opened her own label in 1979 and became a star in the Britich fashion world. She has dressed countless celebrities and music people from Mick Jagger to Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, David Bowie, Bob Geldof and Minnie Driver. In 1984 she received the Designer of the year award from the British Fashion Council. This is a stunning and sexy little dress by her done in a deep blue and made of a cotton. It is gathered and ruched elaborately along all the seams through the bust. These travel the length of the dress to just past the hip where a little skirt flares out . The final result is a sexy little shape that hugs and follows your every curve but, at the same time it is completely easy and comfortable to wear because of the fabric choice. I love the little straps that curve up and over each shoulder - they are attached to the dress by buttons and can be removed to make the dress strapless if you wish. Excellent condition with one small note below.

Unlined and closes with a side metal and nylon zipper. The fabric can be hand washed and has been - there is a teeny slight feel of washed cotton to it. This is natural patina but I have priced it with this in mind. For me it just adds to the dress and its easy feel.

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2776

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 exception 1920s cape by Adair is utterly amazing and a true work of art. The Adair atelier was based in Paris and made beaded pieces to export into the American market. The pieces were based on the Haute Couture ateliers of the day and the work was done entirely by hand. They were one step away from being couture pieces themselves but did not have the official designation by the La Chambre syndicale de la haute couture. The cape is made from a luxurious deep red silk that drapes to perfection once on. The collar is gathered and padded with a ruffled top so it stands up and frames the neck and face. This closes with a simple series of flat hooks at the front. From there the cape falls to the knee area in a cascade of silk. Onto this is a dense pattern done in a variety of glass tube beads in black, white and a silver and these absolutely pop off the red silk. It is stunning. They add the perfect bit of weight so the cape hangs perfectly. It is an absolute treasure of a find and such a rarity to find a piece this old and in this condition considering it is entirely original and so many of the pieces you see at market at this level of condition have had restoration work done to them. Excellent antique condition.

Unlined and closes at the neck with three hook & eye. I do see a small amount of beads missing here and there and a thinning of the fabric across each shoulder where I suspect it was hung at some point during its life. Please review the photos. For an original piece that is now almost 100 years old I would rate this as excellent overall condition

Length: 46" from neck to hem

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C438

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 fun little piece is an absolute dream to wear and just begs to go out, have fun and dance the night away. It is cut to fit and hug your curves in a way that is extremely flattering and sexy. The shoulders are strong and padded (though you could easily remove the padding for a sifter look) and the back is scooped low so you get a bare expanse of skin. The elaborate fringing around the bottom hem gives it movement and a strong nod to the twenties that it is inspired by. More fringes circle each short sleeve. The surface of the black silk base of the dress is entirely covered in a dense covering of beads and sequins. The beads and sequins that cover the dress are all sewn on by hand. The colors used are bright and vibrant and I love how the fringes are all different colors that pick up the colors in the dress. It's fantastic and so amazing once on. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a silky black and closes with a back zipper. Padding in each shoulder that could easily be removed.

Wide set shoulders: 17"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length including fringes: 37" from neck to longest point of fringe on the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2761

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

Antony Price launched his label in 1979 and quickly became known as one of the more glamorous designer of the eighties. His work tended to have a mix of femininity and toughness that showed off the body and often had dramatic, over-the-top finishing touches. You see that here in this unusual little black dress with its elaborate ruching and fitted one shoulder silhouette. It is made of a black taffeta and all those ruched, hand done gathers are set on an angle. Even the zipper closure is set the follow the curve of the fabric and I am guessing that this might have been done so the girl wearing it could have the option to leave the zipper open so that it becomes its own design element. It has a slight bias cut feel because of the way the fabric is done and curves and wraps around your body once on. It is very sexy and fitted. The waist nips in and the skirt is cut slim and fitted. It is hard to really show off this dress on a mannequin but on a proper girl it is even more spectacular. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a curving set zipper as described above and shown in the photo. Appears unworn. handwritten M on the tag to denote size.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2758

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

In 1962 Capucci opened his first atelier in Paris and took the fashion world by storm. In 1968 he went back to his native Rome and opened his atelier there and by 1972 his work was presented in a museum in Rome at the Museum of Etruscan Art. A remarkable achievement for a living designer. He exhibited again in 1990 and in 2005 he founded the Roberto Capucci Foundation to preserve his numerous drawing and archives. His pieces tend to be highly architectural and the ones you see in exhibits border on not being wearable, so it is a treat to find a beautiful and highly wearable example of his work. From the late 1970s comes this fabulous little deep blue chiffon dress that is cut to flow and drape over the body. The neck is cut wide to give a glimpse of the upper shoulders and the sleeves flow from there in an expanse of volume and fullness above the buttoned wrist. The skirt has yards and yards of chiffon and flows to the floor in a pretty, light expanse of fabric. The back and bodice are especially pretty with their pin tuck lattice design that is detailed with a little clear bead where each pin tuck crosses over the other. It is lovely and a rare example of a hard to find designers work. Excellent condition

Fully lined except for the sleeves and closes with a back zipper on the interior fabric and snaps on the outer. Each cuff closes with a hidden snap under a silk covered button detail. Hand finished inside and hand applied beads.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2753

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 beautiful and unique piece is wonderful and a personal favorite. It is an incredible late twenties, early thirties gown that is made of a fine black silk chiffon with an inner silk lining and feels heavenly once on. It is entirely cut on the bias so has that incredible drape and movement that gowns from this period have. It is incredibly sexy and yet demure at the same time. There is something very feminine about this dress that really attracts the eye that is created by the large amount of fabric that drapes over the inner lining and that wonderful applique work that runs down the front. The front and back dip with a gentle scoop and I love the shirred detailing on each strap. Such a pretty little detail The waist is defined and it has a soft fabric tie belt to add shape if you wish. The skirt below the hip is very full over the inner layer and the effect of the semi-transparent silk chiffon over the more opaque under skirt is stunning. Running down the front from the top of the bodice to almost the knee is a vivid trailing vine of flowers made of patterned silk and padded underneath so it has a 3D effect. This is all hand set and the pop of color is fantastic. An incredible early gown, very rare and very special. Excellent condition with one note to review below.

Note the gown has a Fashion Originators Guild label and its manufacturer's label "Maurent Original". The Vintage Fashion Guild notes the following on the Fashion Originators Guild: "The Guild was an association of manufacturers and retailers who pledged to only deal in original creations. If a retailer failed to abide by the provisions of the Guild, they would be included on a “red-card” which listed all “non-co-operating retailers”. Other Guild members were then forbidden to deal with them." They operated between 1932 and 1941

The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes at the side with metal zipper. Hand work throughout. I see one old repair to the netting of the skirt near the hem and one pinhole. Where the repair is the outer layer of the skirt is slightly shorter then the inner layer. The top layer has so much fabric that once on it is hard to spot any of this but is noted for accuracy.

Bust: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD2737

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 label on this wonderful Pulitzer dress dates it to the early sixties and it is one of her very earliest labels. She began designing and making her dresses in 1960 and her label was set when Jackie Kennedy wore one of her dresses in Life Magazine. Her bright colored, happy little shifts were favorites of Hampton society girls and they have become classics. Her dresses are bright and fresh and the early ones always incorporated lace details. This one does just that with an applique of lace that runs around the neck and down the front on either side of the buttons. There is also a ring of lace on each sleeve. I love the rounded neckline and long sleeves. It buttons right to the hem and the skirt widens out as it nears that hem. The print on this one is fantastic - it is a happy yellow and green floral print set on a crisp white backdrop. It looks to have never been worm and is a fantastic piece that still feels fresh even after all these years. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the front with buttons. Each cuff buttons to close with two buttons.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2736

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

Fratini was a London-based fashion and costume designer whose label existed from 1964 into the eighties. Elizabeth Taylor chose a dress by Gina for her second marriage to Richard Burton in 1975 in Bostwana, Africa. She was also known for dressing Princess Diana, and Princess Anne wore a Fratini gown for her 21st birthday portrait. Fratini worked for Normal Norell and designed the Ossie Clark lingerie line in addition to her own label. Here we have a pretty little dress by her made of a lovely printed silk. This has that wonderful prairie vibe combined with that "school-marmish" feel of the seventies. The skirt is pleated into thousands of tiny knife pleats and that same technique is used on the ruffle that circles the collar. Each sleeve has a full huge circle of the same pleated silk for its cuff and the sleeves themselves pouf out above those. There is elastic through the waist and this allows you to pull the waist up and have a more midi dress or you can wear the skirt so it sits low on the hips for a more full length effect. The silk is light in weight and and a pretty floral print over it. Very pretty and airy feeling. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. Elastic through the waist. Each sleeve jas hidden set snaps to close. Tagged a vintage US8 and UK 10

Sleeves: 24.5" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 11.5-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 24.5" from natural neck to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2734

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