I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walk the runway for the Fall 1994 Givenchy Haute Couture collection and this is that actual runway sample.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy.
- I love that the reference photos are in colour so that you can see just how gorgeous this actual dress is once on the body.
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric is exceptional. It is a red woven silk that has a black glitter pattern applied directly onto the fabric. The black glitter swirls over the dress and is like an exaggerated line drawing that has been hand drawn over the dress. It is a wonderful way to add detail without overwhelming the cut and lines of the piece.
- The front scoops down into a curved V and a black velvet bow sits at the base of the V for the perfect added detail. From there it skims over the bust, curves in at the waist and then curves back out to the top of the hip. All of the shape is created through vertical panels pieced perfectly together.
- The skirt is set into the seam that runs across the top of the hips. The volume that you see is created by the way that it is constructed. It's pleated on the outside and inside. There are several layers of the same fabric done in stacked rose to help support the exaggerated fullness around the top of the hip. From there the skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful outward line. There are many yards of fabric in the skirt and it's volume perfectly balances the fullness through the shoulders.
- The sleeves are extraordinary. They are slightly capped above the shoulder line and they widen out around the shoulder. From there they narrow down to the their ends where there are four hand covered buttons in the same fabric and a zipper to close the wrist.
- Every line of the dress is exquisite and it is a remarkably elegant and beautiful piece of Couture.
- The dress is fully lined in a handset red silk through the bodice and a red silk organza through the skirt. It closes with a back set zipper and there is a zipper at each wrist as described above. Light padding in each shoulder. I see evidence that the back seams were let out. This would be very easy to bring back in if you needed to. There is slight fading to the fabric along the top edges of the shoulder and near the edge of the hem. This is a direct consequence of this type of fabric and I have seen it many times on pieces this age. Please see the photos after the label shot. The dress does not have its main label but has its original Couture sample tag in place.
- There is no size tag present since it is Haute Couture so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent overall condition
Sleeves: 26" and are 16" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 20" from top of shoulder to seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to front hem, 63" to the back hem with 4.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5464
Reference Photos: Fall 1994 Givenchy Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Alexandre Vauthier
Phenomenal Fall 2011 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Runway Look Hand Beaded Red Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this extraordinary dress walked the Fall 2011 Vauthier Haute Couture runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexandre Vauthier
- Alexandre Vauthier launched his label in 2009. He started his fashion career in 1993 working for Thierry Mugler as an intern and working his way up to assistant designer to Mugler himself. In 1997 he joined Jean Paul Gaultier where he in charge of the Couture collections for the following eight years.
- He left in 2008 to open his own couture atelier showing his first collection in 2009. From 2011 to 2014 the label was a designated guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de haute couture and since December 2014 he has been a full Couture member. Vauthier departed the label in 2025 it was acquired by Revolve marking the end of the Couture division.
- This is the actual piece that was shown on the runway and may very well be the only one in existence. I love that we have both the runway reference photos and video. You can see how fantastically it moves and looks once on the body.
- The dress is made from a red silk chiffon that has an extensive and very dense application of red bead work hand applied onto it.
- Every line of the dress has been precisely cut and patterned so that it falls perfectly in the lines that he intended it to be shaped in.
- The shoulders are soft and extend into long cut sleeves that are also completely and densely beaded to match the body of the dress. In the runway photo the shoulders look slightly more shaped than the dress in person to me and I think that they may have added temporary padding to style it for the show. Adding your own is a decision that could be made once you have it in hand and try it on.
- The dress is cut to skim over the body and highlight it everywhere. The sleeves are cut a little extra long so that once on the arm they bunch up a touch. There is a cut out. opening that is left under each arm. I have photoed that so that you can see. This was probably done not only as a design choice but to allow movement and not have to worry about the bead work being constricted.
- The neckline is scooped and the dress is shaped to come in at the waist and then curves back out and around the hips so that it skims perfectly over the body.
- The beadwork that sits over the sleeves and body of the dress has been done and a little sections that curve around each other and catch the light differently as you move. You can see in the video how this creates an almost flame like feel over you.
- The skirt is absolutely amazing. As the beads run down over the hips to join into the skirt they become these long flame like ribbons of bead work that extend into varying lengths down and into the skirt. The effect is absolutely beautiful and perfectly picks up on the way the beads were executed through the body of the dress.
- Under the beadwork, the skirt is made out of a red silk chiffon that is very light and weight. It curves slightly up at the front and then extends out into two angled points at the back which again feels like an extension of the flame motif that the dress has.
- You can see on the runway that once very bright lights hit the skirt, it has a sense of transparency to it. That is quite extraordinary and done to highlight the bead work and add a bit of sexiness to the dress despite it full coverage. At the back it trails out past the hem to float around you as you walk.
- The dress is amazing on the body and it is just a beautiful and very sexy dress and an extraordinary little piece of true Haute Couture fashion history.
- The upper portion of the dress is lined in a silk chiffon through the body and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and each cuff closes with a hidden set zipper. This is the actual dress that was worn on the runway and is completely made by hand. It is the original runway sample dress. The beads have been hand sewn so closely to the edges of the zipper that you do have to take care when zipping and unzipping the dress as they can catch and you can see a little bit of catching of thread and perhaps the very occasional missing bead here and there along that edge. I am being pretty picky. This was done to give the illusion that the dress has no opening. Inside the silk chiffon that was used to line the dress is very delicate and there have been some repairs made. This was probably done after the runway show to strengthen parts of the inner lining and can be typical of runway samples. I also see a touch of a mark on one arm on the inner lining, a small tear and some repairs to the silk of the lining. None of this shows through but is mentioned for accuracy and is photoed after the label shot. Some of the seam work is handed basted and this adds to the feel that this is the original sample because that is often how you see runway samples finished.
- There is no size tag present because it is Haute couture sample so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 28" and they are 9.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-16.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 90" from neck to the very longest point at the back hem and the shortest point at the front fall to 49"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5463
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2011 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
fabrice
Rare Fall 1981 Fabrice Simon Couture Hand Painted Red & Gold Skirt & Top Dress Set
I Have a Question
- This stunning and rare dress set is from the Fall 1981 Fabrice collection.
- It was made by Haitian born designer Fabrice Simon.
- Simons launched his label in 1976 making this an extremely early example of his work and showcases how his early work especially was centred around hand, painted fabrics. He trained as a textile designer originally and pieces like this showcase his love of textiles beautifully.
- Fabrice was a Coty award recipient and one of the preeminent black designers during this time period and pieces by him are extremely difficult to find. Especially at the level that this one is at. It is a very important and collectible piece of Black fashion history.
- The dress is especially iconic because it has two remarkable tie-ins. One with supermodel Pat Cleveland, who wore the twin of the top, and the second with Cicely Tyson who was photographed wearing a version of this set.
- His clothes were worn by some of entertainments most famous names - Kathleen Turner, Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston, who wore one of his dresses to the 1988 Grammy's. The top supermodels of the time like Iman, Beverly Johnson, Christy Brinkley and Jerry Hall were all fans.
- When worn together it does look like a dress but it is a set of two pieces.
- Both pieces are made out of a beautiful light in weight red silk that has a metallic gold design covering its surface. The the gold portion of the fabric have all been painted on by hand and this is where we see Fabrice background as a trained textile designer.
- The top is a remarkable piece of fashion that transcends into art
- Both the front and the back dipped into a V and it buttons down the front with a series of round gold metal ball buttons that slip through red silk loops. There was a little gap left between each button with how it's laid out so you would get a tiny glimpse of skin between each button.
- The top is edged in a metallic gold cord that has a black band twisted around it. This little pop of black and gold contrasts beautifully with the painted fabric and adds a little extra bit of detail.
- The front dips down into a point, and while it has seamed to follow the curve of the body it is soft without boning so very comfortable to wear
- Curving up and around the the shoulders are three rows of silk that has been gathered to form the phenomenal volume and detail that you see. These are stacked beside each other with silk between each row, so they cover the full sides of the top on both the back in front. They are finished in hand edged jagged points and the way they have been set onto the top creates the incredible volume and density that you see in the photos. They add an exuberance to the outfit that is hard to describe until you see it in person. It is just extraordinary.
- The skirt is as fabulous as the top. It is banded around the waist so that you have shape and then it falls very full around you to the hem.
- There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt and it's sheer amount of fabric allows that gorgeous hand painted print to be shown off to the maximum. To achieve the fullness that it has all of the silk has been tightly gathered in and around the waist and then expands outward.
- I love that the skirt has pockets. It is the perfect bit of unexpected ease on such a dramatic piece.
- Having two pieces makes it extremely versatile because you can mix a match either piece with things you already have in your wardrobe. It is beautifully dramatic one worn together and then you also have endless styling possibilities when paired with other things.
- Both pieces have an additional handwritten museum tag from being deaccessioned. One has to wonder if that is a regretted decision.
- The top is fully lined in a black silk and buttons down the front as described above. The skirt is unlined and closes at the waist with hook and eye and then a zipper below that. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- The top is tagged a size Small and the skirt has no size tag.
- Excellent condition
Top
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom edge: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 17" from top of shoulder to bottom edge, not including the added 2.5" extended angle at the front
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 47" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5462
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fabrice and Pat Cleveland for Essence magazine, November 1981. / (3) Cicely Tyson, in hand-painted Fabrice, at the Alvin Theatre in New York City, 1982.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Ady Couture
1982 Ady for Givenchy Haute Couture Deep Copper Gold Silk Dress w Hand Done Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The dress was made by hand in the atelier of Ady Couture who was based in Lausanne Switzerland
- Ady was a couture trained seamstress and headed a team who had full permission of the Haute Couture houses she worked with to make the designs they showed in Paris for clients based in Switzerland and the surrounding areas.
- She would purchase couture fabrics from the couture houses along with the patterns. This arrangement with the couture houses was a way to work around customs during this time period and do fittings for clients unable to travel to Paris. So far we have verified that she had this arrangement with Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy and Ungaro. There may have been others but those are the four labels we have documentation on from the runway.
- This incredible Haute Couture dress came to me from the niece of the original couture client.
- The dress is an authorized copy of the 1982 Givenchy Haute Couture fdress that we have included reference photos of here. I love having the runway photos so that you can see just how amazing it is in the body.
- The dress is made from a deep copper gold silk. It is very light in weight but has enough structure to hold the stunning lines and volume of the dress. The colour of the silk is even better in person.
- The neckline is a simple scoop and the bodice skims over your curves. The sleeves are incredible. Each one is set on a curve to follow the shape of the arm in the traditional manner of dressmaking. They are set into the shoulders with a beautiful series of soft pleats so that you get a bit of volume at the shoulder. They puff out slightly around the upper arm and then narrow down at their ends.
- The waist is seamed but with a more generous feel. You can use the ribbon belt to cinch it in and add shape.
- The skirt is one of the best skirts I have seen both from a design point of view and by its level of construction. It is gathered all the way around the waist in a series of soft pleats. These puff out slightly and this little couture trick gives the illusion that the waist is smaller then it is. A seam brings the top part of the skirt inwards and then the lower part of the skirt falls to the floor from there.
- The lower portion of the skirt is made from several yards of silk so that it flares out beautifully as it falls.
- Between the two sections is a wide velvet ribbon that wraps around the seam and ties into a bow at the side. Which beautifully picks up on the bow around the waist. The silk of the skirts are lined in a silk organza to help give support but it is really the genius of the cut itself that creates the shape.
- An elaborate and intricate floral design runs across the front and back of the bodice and down each sleeve. Hand done embroidery work is combined with tiny black sequins and hand applied beads. It is some of the finest hand work I have seen.
- The skirt is gathered all the way around the waist in a series of soft pleats. These puff out slightly and this little couture trick gives the illusion that the waist is smaller then it is.
- Inside the dress is completely finished to couture standards with every seam finished by hand. I have taken some detail shots for you to see the fine workmanship inside. It is an incredible piece and absolutely beautifully made.
- The bodice is fully lined in a matching gold toned silk and the skirt is fully lined with a soft gold toned silk organza. It closes with a hand set back zipper and the skirt snaps into place with silk covered snaps over that. Hidden set zippers at each wrist. Hand finished throughout. The velvet ribbon belt is not original to the piece but is included. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Made to Haute Couture standards with a tremendous amount of detail put into its construction. It is a slightly softer gold copper in person then how it photoed. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26" and they are 16" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of the shoulder to waist
Length: 58" from top of the shoulder to front hem, 61" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5461
Reference Photos: Fall 1982 Givenchy Couture Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Spectacular Spring 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Look 86 Gold Thread & Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2019 show for Look 86.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- It was the second to last look on the runway and one of the best dresses shown. I think it may have been inspired by a dress that I have had in the shop - this Spring 1977 Jean Patou. When they show originally debuted I had shared this in my stories and now I have this modern Dior version for you. A true full circle moment.
- I think it was one of the most beautiful pieces in the entire show and it is absolute magical in person.
- The dress is made out of a light-weight silk that is covered in a gold metallic thread. The underlined silk has a bit of a pattern on it and then the gold has been applied over that.
- The gold metallic part is done in a leaf pattern that trails over the entire dress. The metallic gold catches the light from all angles and gives it this wonderful added extra texture.
- As it near the hem the gold begins to soften and change into the solid silk. The entire dress had been softly pleated and the pleating adds yet another layer of texture to the dress.
- It is suspended from twisted straps that curve over the shoulder and cross over each other at the back. The front plunges into a V and the back is left bare underneath the crossed straps. I love the curving angle of the sides.
- The waist nips in and then the skirt falls to the floor under that in a sweep of silk and gold thread. There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt. The fabric is feather light and so fine that when you stand still it falls in a column but moves around you with your slightest movement.
- No matter how great the photos look it is that much better in person. The fabric is stunning. It is a really beautiful dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a nude silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It is in it's original uncut length.
- Tagged a modern Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4.
- Excellent condition
Bust: approx 14-18" flat across from side to side with no true side seams
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 14" from top of natural shoulders to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5460
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2019 Christian Dior, Look 86. Model Fran Summers. / (4-5) Spring 2019 Dior Ad Campaign photographed by Harley Weir.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Spring 1980 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Haute Couture One Shoulder Coral Red Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress in white walked the runway for the Spring 1980 Haute Couture presentation
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
- The Spring 1980 collection was called "Return to Classism". The book Dior:Catwalk noted that the collection "focused on paired back silhouettes with defined shoulders, subtle and belted waists... "My look is one of softness and neatness." Bohan told Vogue. Vogue also noted the one shoulder necklines that were integral to the collection and that is shown so beautifully in this dress.
- This dress would have been made entirely in the Paris atelier.
- During this time period dresses with this black with white text Couture label usually denoted a custom order that was different from the presented piece on the runway. Being that the dress was shown in white on the runway this makes perfect sense.
- The dress is made out of a red silk crepe that is a colour that is flattering on most skin tones, especially with its touch of a coral undertone.
- I love the nod to classic minimalism that the dress displays.
- A single wide shoulder curves up and over your shoulder and the opening that your arm slips through begins and is set slightly off the top of the shoulder so you have just the suggestion of a sleeve. It angles down across you on both the front and the back. The opening dips slightly low on the other side leaving that entire opposite side and shoulder bare and exposed.
- It skims over the bust and blouses slightly over the seam at the waist. The silk is gathered in slightly at the waist and done so that it falls perfectly around you. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt.
- The skirt falls from there and is constructed so that it wraps over itself to one side at the front and secured in place around the waist. A deliberate gap is left open near the hem and when you walk, move or sit, you get a flash of leg. You can see how this sits so beautifully on the body from the runway reference photos.
- It is a dress that appears to be so simple in shape but every seam and line of the dress was purposefully and masterfully executed and planned.
- The dress comes with a huge rectangle of finished silk in a matching colour that can be used as a shawl or partial cape piece. It is not photoed but will be sent with the dress.
- This is an extraordinary example of his work during this time period and it is an absolutely stunning dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching red silk chiffon and closes at the side with a hand set zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. All of the work is done by hand to Couture standards. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Dress
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from top of shoulder to waist but does blouse over a bit once on
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem with 2.5" turned under the ham
Shawl (not pictured)
6.8 feet wide x 9.75 feet wide
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5454
Reference Photos: Spring 1980 Christian Dior Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Gorgeous Resort 2011 Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci Look 5 Striking Red Lace & Black Net Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 5 for the Resort Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Ricardo Tisci
- This was his fifth year at the label and in the Vogue review of the show they noted that Tisci told them that the colour palette of black, red and white mixed with the occasional leopard was inspired by Frida Kahlo and her animal-filled paintings.
- The dress is made out of a black net with a red lace overlay strategically placed over the dress to emphasize the cut and design.
- The dress is is suspended from two tiny straps that curve up and over the shoulder. The very upper edge of the bodice is finished with leather piping.
- The bodice is cut to skim over you and I love how the red has been applied on the black to give you extra coverage and really highlight the cut and flow of the dress.
- It continues down to skim over the waist in a more loose and generous feel and then it occurs back out over the hips
- The skirt cascades outward from there to the floor and it is fuller by the time it reaches the hem. The lace applied around the bottom and the way it is cut helps to hold the shape around you.
- That combination of red lace and netting that has been applied over the dress creates a beautiful and striking pattern. The pop of red against the transparent black net is even more striking once on the body and you see the transparency through it that contrast against the red lace and netting.
- The width of the lower skirt allows the dress to move beautifully around you as you move.
- The inner black silk chiffon slip acts as the lining. Both the dress and the inner slip have no closure and simply slipped over the head to wear. I see a couple of tiny repairs in the net near the raw edge finish of the skirt. Very minor but mention for accuracy.
- Tagged a Givenchy 40
- Excellent condition
Dress
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to lowest part of the seam under the bust at the sides
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to hem
Inner slip
Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5447
Reference Photo: (1) Resort 2011 Givenchy, Look 5. Model Daphne Groeneveld. / (2) Ciara in Givenchy by Cameron Smith for Wonderland Magazine, Nov 2010.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian lacroix
Exuberant Spring 1988 Christian Lacroix Luxe Demi-Couture Runway & Documented Strapless Floral Mini Dress
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress with a separate lace underlay styled underneath it walked the runway for the Spring 1988 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Christian Lacroix
- The dress and print are very well documented. Its near twin was shot for Vogue that season and a similar dress is held in the V&A permanent collection.
- Lacroix's Luxe label was only produced the very first couple of seasons after launching his label. It was a very high-end (very expensive) ready-to-wear line that was made to demi-couture standards. It was available primarily to his couture clients and a select few beyond that. It was the predecessor to his regular ready-to-wear collections. The label only lasted the first two seasons because some of the couture clients complained at how close the garments were to their Haute Couture pieces. Very few pieces were made so they are almost as rare as finding one of his Haute Couture pieces.
- The dress is spectacular. It is made from a beautifully vibrant pink floral covered silk that has a secondary texture worked into the silk. The added texture makes the dress even more interesting as you get closer.
- It is fitted through the bodice and I love how this counteracts the volume of the skirt. The bodice is sharply peaked and has built-in boning inside for shape structure. At the back it dips down on a curve to leave most of your upper back bare and exposed.
- It is seamed so that it cinches in at the waist. The dress comes with its original matching silk belt that hooks into place around the waist. A large soft bow hides where it hooks together. I have styled it with the bow to the front for most of the photos but also showed it with the bow to the back. You could also style it to either side (not photoed).
- The skirt is phenomenal. It is one of his signature bubble skirts that has inspired thousands of designer since. It is made from a single layer of the same floral printed silk. All of the incredible volume that you see is created by the way it is shaped, cut and set in around the waist. I love how it extravagantly curves outward around you and then comes back in at the hem.
- The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a black silk and the skirt is lined in a stiffened transparent black fabric that helps to hold the shape. There is built in boning through the bodice. An inner waist stay hooks at the waist and the dress zips to close at the back. Hand finishes throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of the peak of the bodice to waist
Total length: 28" from top of the peak of the bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5438
Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 1988 Christian Lacroix. / (3) Vogue, March 1988. / (4-5) Christian Lacroix dress from the V&A Museum Collection.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
versace
Iconic Spring 1992 Versace by Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Floral Print Full Skirt Halter Mini Dress
I Have a Question
- These full skirted mini dresses appeared in both the ready-to-wear and couture show for the Spring 1992 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace/
- We have included a ton of reference photos to show you the many designs that were done of this dress and to show you how fantastic the cut is once on the body.
- The collection paired past and present design elements and many of these dresses were shown with cropped denim overtop. He softened his usual baroque patterns with flower designs mixed in. Even with that added softness the entire collection, and especially these dresses, was still extremely sexy and he himself said the attitude of the show was 'pinup girl'. This is an exceptionally fabulous dress and shows why his work is as highly valued as it is.
- The dress is made out of a blue cotton mix that has one of his famous Versace patterns over its entire surface mixed with florals.
- Tiny straps curve over the shoulders and these straps are removable. Take them off and it instantly converts to a strapless dress.
- A gold lame piping highlights the cotton design of the dress and adds a bit of glitz. More of the gold lame has been box pleated and added around the entire hem of the very full skirt.
- The bodice is meant to be more fitted and plunges down the centre at the front. There are three straps going across the plunge to give that signature little hint of bondage that you see so often in his work.
- The waist nips in with an angled band edged in the gold cord to add definition there. The skirt is spectacular. It is set in around the waist in these big box pleats that widen out as they near the hem. This gives the skirt incredible fullness. To help hold that fullness there is a built-in layer of a royal blue tulle underneath the skirt that helps to hold it shape. When you move or twirl or sit you get just a glimpse of this. If you wanted it to be really full you could add an additional crinoline underneath to really give it that full on runway feel. That gold edge that I mention above that runs all the way around the bottom is the perfect finishing touch.
- It is an amazing dress and instantly recognizable as one of his pieces.
- Fully lined through the bodice in a blue silky rayon and the skirt has the added layer of tulle. It closes with a side set zipper. I see the faintest of marks on the border of the plunge. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Versace 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with extra room at the cups
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to top seam of band at the waist
Total length: 34" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5439
emilio pucci
Fabulous Fall 2011 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 3 Green Print Corset Front Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was presented for Look 3 for the Fall 2011 Pucci collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- Besides being shown on the runway it also made an appearance on the amfAR red carpet that season.
- I love that all the various reference photos and video give you an amazing idea of how gorgeous this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of the classic modern Pucci jersey that makes it extremely comfortable to wear but also perfectly defined your curves. The fabric has some stretch and it is lined in a black stretch silk so that it sits very flattering on top of the body.
- The front neck is scooped and is edged in a bit of ruffled raw edged silk for a pretty detail. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long.
- Each sleeve zips to close around the wrist and are finished with that same pretty little ruffle detail.
- The front bodice is phenomenal. It has an inner boned corset piece that starts near the top of the shoulders and then comes down in on angle to the waist. This helps to flatten out the front and push the breasts up. It is a nod to a historical front corset and is very flattering once on the body.
- It skims over the bust and waist around this front corset piece and is brought in slightly to add shape around the waist area. From there it curves back out over the hips and falls to the floor.
- The bottom flares out quite a bit so you have some movement around you when you move. You can see that on the runway video. The back is cut longer than the front so you get a pretty sweeping feel behind you.
- This is a gorgeous example of Peter's time at the label.
- The dress is fully lined in a black stretch silk layer. The back of the corset part is lined in a black cotton mix. It closes with a back hidden set zipper and has hidden set zippers at each wrist. The jersey has some stretch and I have put the comfortable range of measurements below. Its easy fit and stretch should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It is in its original uncut length. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all.
- Tagged a more modern Pucci IT40, FR36, US6, UK8
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26.5" and they are 9-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15-16" and are meant to sit a little wider across the shoulder
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64.5" from top of shoulder to hem and the back extends 11" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5432
Reference Photo/Video: (1-4) Fall 2011 Emilio Pucci, Look 3. Model Daphne Groeneveld. / (5) Toni Garrn at the amfAR Gala in Milan, 2011.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
madame gres
Exceptional Spring 1974 Madame Gres Haute Couture Unlabeled Documented Blue Silk Jersey Skirt & Top
I Have a Question
- This is a very rare Haute Couture Gres skirt and top hat from Spring 1974.
- It was made under the creative direction of Madame Gres.
- The documented to Spring 1974 was done through the sketch of it that we have added here.
- This is the exact set that was worn by Annabelle Wallis. I love that the photos of her show how beautiful this is once it is on. The movement even through the static photographs is phenomenal.
- Madame Gres' work has had profound effects on Haute Couture and her influence still resonates to this day. Her attention to detail, master draping techniques, and respect for the female form is unparalleled. She was known for designing and creating garments directly on her models and this became a signature of her work.
- She opened her first atelier, La Maison Alix in 1932. A partnership briefly changed the house's name to Alix Barton and then the label went to simply Alix. In 1942 she married, and the label made its last change to became Madame Gres, which was a partial anagram of Serge, her husband's first name. Her work spans over five full decades with the vast majority of it, with the exception of a short-lived RTW line begun in 1980, dedicated solely to creating Haute Couture. She is one of the greatest couturiers of our time and her pieces are very rare and hard to find.
- This Haute Couture set is exceptional. Both pieces are made from a bias cut silk jersey done in a perfect tropical sea blue that has a touch of turquoise to it. Silk jersey was one of her signature fabrics. The pleating detailing on the bodice of this set is one of her signature techniques.
- As with many of her pieces the cut and design of both pieces are simple and minimalist but with maximum impact.
- Tiny straps made from the same jersey curve over the shoulders. Under that is the incredible hand-pleated bandeau bodice. Two panels of pleated silk jersey curve around each and wrap behind you creating a curving pattern with openings between the curves all the way around.
- The silk jersey on the bands has been pleated entirely by hand with tiny little hand stitches hidden in the folds.
- It is lightly boned inside and completely made by hand. You can see all the hand work in the photos where I have shown the back. It wraps and curves over itself at the back and closes with two hidden sets of hook and eye.
- An expanse of bare skin sits between the top and the skirt. Depending on your height, the amount of skin shown between the skirt and top will vary.
- The skirt falls from the waist in a swoop of bias cut silk jersey that widens out as it nears the hem. There are yards and yards of jersey in the skirt. You really get an idea of that in the photos of Annabelle. It is quite exceptional.
- Every seam on the dress has been finished by hand. Working with a bias cut silk jersey in this manner is an incredible achievement that would have taken countless hours of handwork to complete.
- It is a work of art and very rare. It very well may be the only one that exists.
- The top is lined in a matching silk with all of the hand were clearly seen. It is lightly boned and hooks to close. The skirt hooks to close at the waist and then snaps under that. I see a bit of grubbiness on the inner lining of the top and on some of the edges of the top and the waistband of the skirt. There is the occasional tiny pull in the jersey. The straps have been reinforced. The hem of the skirt is deliberately raw. I see a couple tiny pinhead holes in the jersey of the skirt near the hem. There is so much fabric in the skirt that you would never see them but it is mentioned for accuracy. The dress is unlabelled. Both pieces are finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely made by hand.
- There is no size tag is present because it is true Haute Couture so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bandeau top
Bust: best fits a 32A or 32smallB or smaller
Bottom hem: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 13" from top of shoulder to bottom
Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 43" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5425
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1974 Madame Gres sketch from the Palais Galliera Collection. / (2-5) Annabelle Wallis in this set, 2024.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
lanvin
Gorgeous Resort 2012 Lanvin by Aber Elbaz Ivory Lace, Silk & Silk Netting Wedding Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was a part of the presentation for the Resort 2012 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz.
- The dress is made of an ivory cotton lace with silk net edging that falls beautifully over the body. It is a dress that is easy to wear and very flattering.
- The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The shoulders are wide and curve into a shallow scoop at the front. I love how he chose to edge the neckline and openings for the arms with that little bit of silk for a pretty contrast.
- The lace skims over the bust and is cut more generously around the waist. This helps to keep the silhouette soft and pretty. If you did want a more defined shape you could easily add a belt or silk ribbon around the waist that could be as elaborate as or simple as you wished it to be.
- The lace skims past the waist and then the skirt is set over top of the lace of the bodice in a very deliberate way that makes the seam there a part of the design. The workmanship is exquisite where they meet and I love how the fabric of the skirt has been gathered into little ruffles that curve all the way around you.
- From there it falls over the hips and down to the floor in a beautiful drape of lace. The fabric is light and soft and there is an additional layer of silk chiffon underneath so that it feels amazing against the skin. It is cut supermodel long in length. All of the fabric that was gathered in around the top of the hips is allowed to expand and give you the fullness of the skirt so that you get this pretty sweep of fabric around you when you move.
- It is extremely pretty and romantic in feel.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon. It closes with an exposed bronze colour zipper at the side. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a Lanvin size 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-seam at top of hips: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Total length: 68" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5422
Reference Photo: Resort 2012 Lanvin, Look 39.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
bill blass
Fall 1987 Bill Blass Runway Strapless Black Velvet Detailed Blue Silk Dress w Elaborate Back Bow
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 1987 Bill Blass runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Bill Blass.
- I love that we found a reference photo from the runway so you can see just how fantastic this is once on.
- This is the actual dress worn Mikey Madison to the Oscars Nominees Dinner in February and she landed on several best dressed lists as a result.
- Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer.
- It is one of those dresses that looks amazing on the dress form but is even better on an actual person.
- The fabric feels like art. The base is a rich blue silk and then onto this is a fantastic design made of out a black velvet. The velvet is very soft to the touch with a chenille like finish that gives the design a beautiful texture and softness.
- The dress has the feel of an antique 18th century gown and I love this reference back to the past.
- The top is a fitted and strapless with a band of black silk wrapping around the breasts. It falls from there to skim outward over the waist and hips, and then narrows back down to the floor as it reaches the hem. This gives the front of the dress a more long and lean feel but with a hint that something special might happen as you turn.
- The back is the star of the show. Sitting over the top of the closure at the back is a large black velvet bow. This tops an added panel underneath that is very extravagant. The panel curves outwards and then loops back in to attach just under the hips. A second black velvet bow sits at the base of where it is attached back into the dress. A slit is hidden under the panel to give you room to walk while keeping the narrow silhouette of the hem.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper hidden under a seam and there is an inner hooked waist stay. There is light boning through the bodice. Hand work throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5411
Reference Photos/Video: (1) Fall 1987 Bill Blass Runway. / (2-6) Mikey Madison wearing this dress to the Oscars Nominees Dinner, February 2025, styled by Jamie Mizrahi.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Fantastic Fall 1998 Giorgio Armani Runway, Ad Campaign & Exhibit Silk Skirt w Fall 2001 Sequin Top Set
I Have a Question
- The skirt from this set is from the Fall 1998 runway and then sequin top was shown on the runway for Fall 2001.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- The twin of the skirt walk the runway with a fitted long sleeved matching top. That version of the set was used in the ad campaign. It is also featured in their new Archivo online section, worn on the red carpet and featured in an Armani exhibit.
- My client wore it with this sequin top instead that is also from the Armani main line and its twin was in the runway collection.
- The base of the top is a blue chiffon that is a slightly different shade than the skirt. Because of the heavy application of sequins it works well together.
- The top is a simple tank with a scooped front and back and a more generous cut through the body that makes it very easy to wear.
- It is fully covered in blue iridescent sequins that are laid flat outside by side horizontally. Mixed into that are little tiny, silver, sequins and beads rose of tiny seed, beads and little shots of white sequins and red bead work. It's very pretty and the entire top has the sequence coverage on both the front and the back.
- I love how at the back of the top it's left with no closures for the little bit of the bottom. This is a very Armani signature where he lets part of the closure stay open, so you have that little peak of the skirt underneath it and that little bit of extra movement.
- The skirt is stunning. It's made out of a deep blue silk mix, and it is all cut on the bias. It has a flat front with an inner band that helps to hold it and give structure around the waist.
- From there, it curves out over the hips and expands outward to the floor. The front is cut shorter, and then the back herbs around to become a sweeping train of silk behind you. There is a slit that runs up one side so that when you walk, you get a flash of leg.
- I love that because it is two separate pieces. You can wear these together or mix a match either piece with existing things in your wardrobe.
- The top is fully lined in a blue chiffon and closes with hidden set snaps at the back. The skirt is online and closes with a hidden set side zipper.
- The skirt is tagged a vintage Armani 42 and the top has no size tag present.
- Excellent condition
Top
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 21.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13 to 13.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40.5" from top of waist to the shortest part of the front hem. The back extends another 26.5" and the slit is just under 22" from the front hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5412
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1998 Giorgio Armani. / (2) Giorgio Armani Ad Campaign, 1998. / (3) From ARMANI Archivio. / (4) Juliette Binoche at the Cannes Film Festival, 2016. / (5) From the "Giorgio Armani - Milano, per amore" exhibit at the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, 2025. / (6) Spring 2001 Giorgio Armani.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
george halley
Outstanding 1967 George Halley Couture Heavily Embroidered, Rhinestone & Applique Soft Pink Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in a different colour resides in the permanent collection of the Met Museum.
- It was made under the creative direction of George Halley.
- Halley was one of the great American Couturiers.
- George Halley started his career working for Charles James who said of the young designer that he 'was a genius at draping'. By the time Halley opened his own atelier in 1966 he was well on his way to fame. He won the Coty Award in 1968 and his work is on par with true couture. He is one of my personal favourite designers.
- Women's Wear Daily called him 'a designer in a lovely world of his own' and that is how I feel about his work.
- This is an absolutely outstanding dress that shows the extreme level of detail that was being done with Couture pieces in this era. This would have been made entirely by hand in his Salon.
- A pale pink silk net tops a pink silk and then this has an elaborate detailing added over its surface with 3D velvet flowers, prong set rhinestones, hand beading and faux pearls
- Over that is a application of hand done metallic embroidery that covers the top layer of netting.
- The front has a high empire cut with an attached velvet band around the waist. This ends in a pretty and romantic bow at the back.
- The workmanship on the stress is spectacular and I've included a lot of close-ups for you to see. No matter how amazing you think it looks in the photos. It is better in person.
- The dress has been completely made by hand to a Couture level.
- It closes with a back zipper and snaps over the bow. The dress is hand lined in a pale pink silk. I see a little bit of grubbiness on the velvet sash and bow. I feel like this could be removed and replaced with the original just cap to side so that you have all of the pieces, but it would be easy to add a sash of your choice and maybe even extend it down the back. There is some very slight change in colour along some of the edges of the inner pink silk lining, some minor grubbiness along the hem and some splitting of the silk on the inner hem along the very edge at the bottom. These are all minor but mentioned for accuracy
- There was no size tag present, so please go buy the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 7.5" and the opening is 10" around
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5410
Reference Photo: 1967 George Halley dress from the Met collection.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Strapless Dotted Silk Net Dress w Rhinestone Detail & Full Lower Skirts
I Have a Question
- This dress is a version of a series of dresses that Yves sent down the runway for the Spring 1987 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- I have included reference photos of similar dresses used for the ad campaign and shown on the runway so that you can get an idea of how great this dress will be on the body.
- The 1987 collection is one of my all time favourites and I am very pleased to have this wonderful example from it in the shop.
- The dress is made from a black silk base with a layer of dotted black silk netting applied over the bodice in horizontal bands. This choice in fabric gives the dress its structure and shape so that it holds the shape around you once on.
- The bodice is strapless and cut on a soft curve across the neckline. It is lightly boned on the inside to hold the dress perfectly in place. It curves in over the waist and then curves back out over the hips. From there the lower skirts flare outwards to the hem.
- The lower skirt is quite full and makes an incredible statement. It has a fishnet style lace for its top layer. Under that is a layer of dotted lace to subtly tie in the lace of the bodice. Under those layers two more layers of the fishnet lace to give it its incredible fullness.
- On the bodice the lace is separated by five wide bands made out of a black silk ribbon that give a beautiful and rich feel to the dress. I love the contrast between the texture of the silk and the dotted netting.
- Each ribbon is stacked to run from the very top of the bodice to the lowest seam above the skirt. Each ribbon is gathered into a little folded bow and has a round metal circle attached that is finished with glossy black glass rhinestones. There are five of those big jewelled pieces in total and they add the perfect amount of glitz to the dress. The combination of the silk ribbon, the dotted lace, the jewelled circles and that stunning full lower skirt is just gorgeous to see and it is even better on the body.
- The dress fully lined in a crisp black cotton and closes with a side set zipper. The inner bodice is lightly boned and shaped. I see some minor repairs in the netting of the skirt. You only see them if you are looking for them because of the amount of fabric in the skirt and the black layers. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from the top of the bodice to the inner waist, 24" to the bottom of the lowest seam above the skirt
Total length: 47" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5407
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Ad Campaign / (2-3) Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Rare Spring 2007 Roberto Cavalli Green Pleated Silk Chiffon Dress w Cut Out Open Back & Sides
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2007 collection and it is a version of the blue dress that walk the runway for look 14.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli.
- Rihanna wore its twin to the 2007 Grammys which is an amazing reference for you to be able to see what this looks like on the body.
- It is absolutely beautiful with its intricate pleating that runs over the entire dress. I love how the pleats are set in different directions to pick up on and highlight the cut of the dress.
- It is made out of a light silk chiffon done in the prettiest soft green colour. It feels more of a pastel green in person than how it shot here.
- The front panel is set to run across the body with all of the pleating done on an angle to follow the line of the neck line and of the bottom of the panel that wraps around the waist. Where your arm slips through there is a wide band of green silk that circles over the shoulder and around the arm.
- A second panel extends out from the side of the waist and curves across the back to meet the opening for the arm. This leaves large portions of bare skin showing all the way down one side and above and below the panel of the back. It is very sexy.
- The skirt and waist have a band of the same solid green used around the arm. The band is meant to sit a bit low slung on the hip and you can see that in the photos of Rihanna on the red carpet. If you wear it higher up the top will blouse over more.
- There is a light line of tiny stitching that runs across the lower part of the front of the bodice. This is done so the silk doesn't sit way off the body if you chose to wear the waistline up higher and it blouses over. It is a brilliantly thought out technical detail.
- There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt and the long vertical pleats help it to flare out. The lightness of the silk chiffon combined with the bounce of the pleat creates amazing movement when you walk.
- The bodice is lined in a green silk and there is a built-in bottom part of a bodysuit that sits just inside and under the waist band. It hooks to close and helps hold the dress in place. The skirt is lined in a matching green silk chiffon. I see a couple of very tiny marks in the pleats of the skirt here and there and the faintest possible mark near the edge of the panel that goes under the arm. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and you just slip your arm through the circle at the side of the top.
- Tagged a vintage Cavalli 42
- Excellent condition with the notes above.
Bust: the front panel covers 14-16" flat across with no true side seams
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam and meant to sit at the top of the hip
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 21" from the top of the shoulder to the top of the waistband
Total Length: approx 65" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5402
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2007 Roberto Cavalli, Look 14. Model Jessica Stam. / (5-7) Rihanna, in Roberto Cavalli, at the 2007 Grammys.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
versace
Outstanding Fall 2001 Versace by Donatella Versace Runway Look 54 Green Silk Bias Cut Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 54 for the Fall 2001 Versace show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Donatella Versace.
- In the show notes, Donatella said "above all a woman must dress to please herself". In the book Versace Catwalk they noted that the collection "evoked a hedonistic pop culture moment – late 1970s? Early 1980s? – that was picked up throughout the collection and expanded upon by Steven Mizell when he photographed the advertising campaign in the Playboy mansion."
- Vogue stated that many of the looks played on what she had just done in her Couture collection "fitted hips and corseted waist lines were all the core of her collection"
- This dress was shown with a wide heavy belt on the runway and I actually think it is better without one.
- The dress is made out of a soft sueded feeling bias cut silk with extensive seamwork. Top stitching details the seams and the entire back panel of the dress, all a heavy nod to the 1920s and 1930s.
- At the front the dress comes down into a V and I love how the seam extends out from that V and falls on an angle to the side of the waist. The bias cut allows the dress to skim loosely over you in the most perfect way.
- When the dress is worn without a belt it has shaped from how the back is constructed but has a more skimming and easy feel as it falls over the waist. More of the seamwork defines the angle panels that create the dress from under the bust to past the hips.
- The dress curves out and over the hips and then it is brought in slightly by the final angled seam set just above the lower skirts.
- The skirt is phenomenal. It widens out substantially and on one side there is a curved inset panel that adds even more volume. This gives it tremendous movement and volume when you move.
- The back panel is phenomenal. This is where the dress really stands out. The sides of the front curve around and down into the low back and then the shaped panel falls over your back and into the top of the hip.
- The panel is extensively top stitched which adds structure and shape to it. It is incredibly sexy.
- I think this dress is absolutely phenomenal.
- The dress is fully lined in a second, fully stitched inner layer of the same silk and it backs the entire dress. It closes with a hidden set zipper that runs along a side seam at the back. Some small areas here in there in the fabric have faded slightly. This gives it a slightly antique feel. I see a very faint mark on the back hip near the side and some slight loosening of the stitches in one spot. Please see the photos after the label. It is perfectly wearable as is and priced accordingly.
- Labelled a vintage Versace 40
- Great condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5402
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2001 Versace, Look 54. Model Hannelore Knuts.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
gucci
Fall 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Look 10 Stretch Silk Dress + Black Corset Waist Cincher Belt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this set was Look 10 on the Fall 2003 runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Tom Ford.
- We have included runway photos and video for you to see how beautifully this moves once on the body. In Vogue's review of the show they said that "This season every major designer is talking about creating a "beauty" strong enough to defy our anxious times. Backstage that was the word Tom Ford used to characterize his Fall collection for Gucci—a collection in which beauty was personified as a power vixen extravagantly armoured to face down a troubled world" The evening pieces were mentioned specifically "For evening, there were gowns constructed with cutout zones of sparkling mesh and frilled bra tops; others snaked to the floor, held in place with complex asymmetric straps crossing the torso and shoulders. If Ford is treading the territory mapped out by Thierry Mugler and Azzedine Alaïa in the ’80s, it’s no surprise. Much of fashion is heading in that direction >anyway, and Ford, after all, bases Gucci’s entire brand proposition on finding new ways of upping the ante on sex season after season."
- This is a dress from one of the most incredible eras of Gucci.
- I love that this dress is the twin of the colour chosen to walk the runway and that it has it's corset belt. The belts were sold separately but this listing is for both pieces together.
- My client who is the original owner, verified that this colour of dress was only sold in a limited amount of Gucci shops and that they were produced in lower quantities, making it a more rare find. These usually do not have the matching corset belt since it was sold separately or they are in the all black colour that was sold and produced in greater quantities for retail.
- The dress is made out of a silk blend that allows the silk to stretch and give.
- The fabric is as light as air and that incredible stretch allows it to conform to your every curve and helps to create curves.
- The neckline is meant to sit lower on the chest and it sits wide across the front. You can see that on the runway.
- The sleeves are long and simple so that the seaming detail on the dress can stand out. The silk is gathered up and over the edge of the neckline in soft folds and then below that is the incredible seaming that shapes the dress around the body.
- The seam work that he did for his time at Gucci was an integral part of his design philosophy. The seaming acted like embellishments, shaping the pieces and giving them added detailing.
- The waist is seamed and it curves down and over the hips with insets there to hold and emphasize the shape.
- The skirt falls under that, following the curve of the body with just a slight flare out at the back hem. At the back the seaming curves around from that waist area and curves underneath your bottom. The silk is gathered in along those curved seams to create ruching and there is a panel built inside where they meet just above the hem to give added structure and support.
- The corset goes over top of that and it is made out of a thick stretch fabric that has an almost neoprene feel to it. It velcros into place at the front and then straps wrap around you and buckle into place to cinch you in.
- This is a true stand out piece from Tom Ford's reign at Gucci and it is also incredibly sexy.
- Unlined and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. The belt has Velcro at the front and then buckles to close over that. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all. The dress has its inner fabric tag with the Gucci name on it only. The fabric does have stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range laying flat.
- The belt is tagged a size 40.
- Excellent condition.
Dress
Sleeves: approx 28" and they are 12-15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 15-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40" from top of shoulder to front hem, 43" to the back hem
Corset Belt
6" high at its skinniest point and 9" at its widest. It is approx 26-30" end to end
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5399
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Fall 2003 Gucci, Look 10. Model Mariacarla Boscono. / (4) Yasmine Warsame in Gucci for Amica Magazine, October 2003.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
gucci
Incredible Fall 2010 Gucci by Frida Giannini Runway Look 45 Strapless Dress Covered w Pailettes & Matching Capelet
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 2010 collection for Look 45.
- It was made under the creative direction of Frida Giannini.
- This was one of a series of evening pieces done for the finale of the show and was one of the best of those final looks. I am very glad that we have the runway photos so that you can see how this will properly fit on the body once on.
- The dress is strapless and there is a band made out of a chocolate suede that runs around the top of the bodice. Inside there is light boning to and structure and help to hold the dress properly in place.
- It skims over the bust and is shaped slightly inwards at the waist and then curves back out over the hips. It falls to just above the knee depending on your height.
- The dress can be worn on its own or you can wear the matching little shoulder capelet feeling piece that comes with the dress. My dress form is cut slightly shorter through the body so the bottom edge of the shoulder piece is coming to the top of the dress. Depending on your height and build it will either sit the same or sit above the top to leave a strip of bare skin showing like you see in the runway photos.
- The base is a deeper brown and then that has thousands of iridescent sequin pailettes attached in little clusters over the entire dress. These are in different sizes and the smaller ones are attached top bottom to the dress and then the longer pieces are attached at their tops only so they have this incredible movement and slight sound when you move.
- The shoulder piece is made out of two layers of black silk net. It has more of the same iridescent pailettes attached to it. The ones on this piece have a more clear undertone, whereas the ones on the dress have a slightly brown undertone. The slightly different colour and transparency of the base fabric gives the capelet a touch of a contrasting colour to the dress.
- The shoulder piece snaps to close at the back and has little built in openings for your arms to fit through so that it stays perfectly in place once on. I also love that you could where these as a set as shown on the runway or mix and match with other things in your wardrobe.
- The dress is fully lined in light brown silk. The inner corset piece that is lightly boned has its own zipper and then a second zipper sits over that to close the dress. Part of the back goes over the zipper and snaps into place. It sat down slightly from the top edge of the dress, so you see a bit of the under part of the dress. This is a detail that was done purposefully. The shoulder piece snaps to close at the back with hidden set snaps. Perhaps the occasional sequin missing but no overly bare spots and the pattern does have open spots purposely built into it. The original tags are attached and it was never worn.
- Tagged a Gucci 40
- Excellent condition
Dress
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 31.5" from top of bodice to hem
Capelet
20-23" it's widest point across and each opening for the arm is between 10.5-11" around
Total width: approx 9.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5400
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2010 Gucci, Look 45. Model Yulia Kharlapanova.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Spectacular Spring 2000 Thierry Mugler Runway Nude Chiffon One Shoulder Dress w Acrylic Detail
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2000 runway and I am very happy to have video reference so you can see just how beautifully it moves.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler
- The dress is made out of a nude chiffon that is perhaps a touch paler than how it photoed here.
- The dress is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- It is suspended from one shoulder and the other is left bare and exposed. All the seaming on the dress is set vertically so that it enhances and highlights the curves of the body.
- The bust and waist are created by the shaping of those beautifully curving vertical seams.
- It skims over the hips and then falls to the floor with a slight widening out as it nears the hem. The hem is cut on a slight angle so that the side that has the shoulder is cut a little bit longer than the other.
- The shoulder is detailed with a panel of fabric that you can sweep behind you for a bit of extra movement when you move.
- At the very top of the shoulder is an extra large custom made piece made out of an acrylic that has pale green rhinestones embedded in it to follow its curves. I love that little detail. These would have been custom-made for each dress.
- The very outer layer of the chiffon is split quite high along the edge at the back and this adds incredible movement to the dress as you can see on the runway. You are still fully covered by the inner dress underneath.
- It is an extraordinary dress that is both rare and very beautiful.
- The dress is fully lined in the same fabric and closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see one tiny catch in fabric near the seam just above the hem. It is very minor and only mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5393
Reference Video/Photos: Spring 2000 Thierry Mugler.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
michael kors
Spring 2018 Michael Kors Runway Look 72 Silver Sequin Dress on Nude Stretch Net w Asymmetrical Hem
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2018 show as Look 72.
- It was made under the creative direction of Michael Kors.
- The dress is fantastically documented and was one of the hit looks of the season. It was used in the ad campaign, was worn on the red carpet and appeared in editorials that season. The dress sold out worldwide and was waitlisted. In the shops this dress sold for just over $7000 USD.
- The dress is made out of a lingerie feeling stretch net as its base and it has a lining of the same fabric. That gives it just enough opaqueness to comfortably wear, but still has a feel of being nude from a distance.
- Onto that is an elaborate design done in thousands of tiny silver sequins. The sequins cover the entire dress so that it glitters in the light from every angle.
- The neck is scooped and the shoulders are soft. The sleeves are long and narrow in slightly at each cuff where they have a hidden set zipper to close.
- The stretch of the base material allows it to skim over you and feel fitted but at the same time you still have that movement in the fabric that makes it very comfortable to wear. The perfect combination of fit and comfort.
- It follows the body, coming in at the waist and then curving back out over the hips. It starts to widen under the hips and there is a seam that is set on a slanted angle.
- The skirt is set in along the slanted angle and follows the angle so that you get an amazing asymmetrical feel. There is a lot of fabric in the skirt so when you move it has fantastic movement around you. You can see this in the runway reference video.
- This is Michael Kors at his best and a phenomenally collectible dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a second layer of the stretch net through the body and skirt. The sleeves are unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and each sleeve has a hidden set zipper at the cuff. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tag a Michael Kors 0
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25" and they are 10-11.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 48.5" from neck to the longest point of the hem, 40" to the shortest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5392
Reference Photos/Videos: (1-4) Spring 2018 Michael Kors, Look 72. Model Camille Hurel. / (5-8) Gwyneth Paltrow in Michael Kors Collection at the Golden Heart Awards, October 2017. / (9) Spring 2018 Neiman Marcus Ad. / (10) Stella Egitto at the 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards. / (11) Magdalena Cielecka for Twoj Styl Magazine, April 2018.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Spring 2017 Simone Rocha Runway Look 6 Transparent Raincoat w Embroidered Tulle Backing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this coat walked the runway for Look 6 on the Spring 2017 Simone Rocha runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Simone Rocha.
- Vogue said of the collection "when it comes down to it, Rocha's work always consists of a limited set of templates: trenchcoats, loosely fitted, lacy, semi sheer dresses, frills and florals, clear plastic heed shoes, and bags. This time, she used her utilitarian theme to bring in wrapping and tying, often leaving one shoulder of raincoat and jackets hanging off, and adding soft Crossbody sling bags on top."
- This is one of the pieces where she left one sleeve hanging off the model. It was shown on the runway layered over a dress.
- The fabric of this is fascinating. It is made out of a clear plastic raincoat fabric that has an ivory net backing. To hold the two fabrics together it is rolled and stitched at the edges but it also has a floral pattern embroidered through both layers. The final effect is this whimsical embroidered raincoat fantasy piece.
- The cut is pure Simone in feel with all of the exaggerated volume and pomp that you expect from her work.
- The collar around the neck is rounded and the as it runs down the length of the front it can be flipped back on itself with buttonholes placed down the front so that you can secure it in place. I have kept it buttoned for all of these photos but you could also undo them and wear it unbuttoned. They can also act double duty as different ways to close and style the jacket.
- The body is loose and easy with slash huge pockets built in around the hip. From there it expands outwards to become extremely full and open.
- It can be worn with all of that volume on full display, or you can use its matching belt to cinch in the waist and add extra extraordinary shape so that you have volume above and below.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are more like a mini cape than a sleeve. They come out from where they are set into the body of the coat and are completely open underneath. The hem of each sleeve is gathered in so that you get a very full poof above. I love that each sleeve has ties attached. Those ties are used to wrap around the arm and tie in place to create further shape.
- The entire jacket has a feeling of transformation because of the belt and ties at the arm and the way the buttons run down the front. You really have several options in the way that you can wear it.
- This would also make a phenomenal piece, not just for the collector, but as a piece for a bride looking for a unique cover-up.
- The coat is unlined and has a some transparency. It buttons down the front if you wish and the belt can be buckled or tied into place. The plastic has retained a touch of the dry cleaning solvent smell. It is not overwhelming, but I do want to mention it for accuracy. Because of the textile it would be impossible to not have this happen. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present but its open and generous cut should fit most frames. It will just feel more oversized on a smaller frame.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25" and they are full and open through the upper arm
Shoulders: no true seam. They are meant to slightly drop on a smaller frame and can accommodate a larger one.
Bust: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Total length: 50" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5391
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2017 Simone Rocha, Look 6. / (4) From the New York Times Fashion Week Photo Diary.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Spectacular Spring 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Neon Orange Tent Dress w Outstanding Capped Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 2020 collection and its twin walk the runway for Look 76.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- This was one of the most heavily documented dresses of the collection and there is an outstanding number of references as it was shot and photoed everywhere. This dress was sold out and wait-listed worldwide. Very few were produced.
- Vogue said that the show felt like "a long gulp of fresh air and optimism centred on something known." They noted that "in technical terms Piccoli's aim for spring was casualizing the voluminous couture silhouettes he had established over the past few staggeringly well received seasons... The collection was joyful, touched on a myriad of occasions and lifted hearts." It ended with a standing ovation.
- I love the bright almost neon feeling orange that the dress has been done in. It is incredibly difficult to capture the actual colour in a photo and I think it is even better in person.
- The dress is made out of an almost parachute feeling fabric that holds its shape fantastically. This combined with the brilliant seaming and cut is what gives the dress its exuberant volume and shape.
- Both the front and back are deeply plunged and everything is kept perfectly in place on the body by the way that it is all cut and by taking into account all of the weight and fall of the fabric below. It is quite ingenious.
- Circling all the way around the arms from the top of the shoulder to the seam under the bust are the incredible sleeves that are made from the same fabric. The fabric has been folded over and onto itself to create a double layer. This is what gives them their volume and airy feel. I love that we have so many photos of this dress on so many different people so you can see how spectacular it all sits. They attach in just under the arm and after curving up and around the shoulder they attach down the back. It is almost like a stylized angel wing in the best possible sense of that idea.
- The waist has a generous cut and it is meant to feel more loose and easy. It is really a piece that is easy to fit and should fit a range of sizes. If you are smaller the waist is just going to drape down and off the lower back a touch.
- The cut and expanse of the skirt keeps everything in place so even though it has a plunge at the front and back it still feels safe to wear. I love the bare expanse of skin that shows at the back.
- The skirt is spectacular. It falls from underneath the seam of the bust in four tiers. Each tier gets progressively wider as it near the hem and the very lowest tier falls out and behind you for a dramatic sweep of fabric. The silk of each tier is gathered into the seam above and below it and this also helps to add to the volume.
- The amount of fabric in the skirt and the lightness of the fabric is what lets it billow and move around you in the most spectacular way. And it has pockets.
- This is an absolutely stunning example of his time at the label and it is a very collectible piece.
- The front triangles are backed with another layer of the same fabric and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set side zipper.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers to 6.5" flat across from side to side with no true side seams present
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 11" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5388
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2020 Valentino, Look 76. / (5-6) Kathryn Newton at the SAG Awards, January 2020. / (7) Joan Smalls for Harper's Bazaar Spain, February 2020. / (8) Demi Lovato for Harper's Bazaar May 2020. Photo by Alexi Lubomirski. / (9) Naomi Campbell in British Vogue, March 2020. Photographed by Juergen Teller. / (10) Heidi Klum for Variety, March 2020. Photographed by Cliff Watts. / (11) Vogue US, March 2020. / (12-13) Marie Claire Italia, April 2020. Photographed by David Roemer. / (14) Binx Walton for WSJ Magazine, March 2020. Photographed by Gregory Harris. / (15) Priyanka Chopra in Tatler, May 2020. / (16) Sandra Oh for Elle Canada, June 2020. / (17-18) Phoebe Robison in Marie Claire, June 2020. Photographed by Tyler Joe. / (19) Maria Debicka by Jakub Plesniarski for Vogue Poland May 2020. / (20) Mojeh Magazine, April 2020. Photographed by Greg Adamski.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alex perry
Striking Resort 2019 Alex Perry "Abigail" Brilliant Orange Full Length Capes Sleeve Dress w Open Back
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in black was presented for the Resort 2019 Alex Perry collection.
- It was made under the creative Direction of Alex Perry.
- Alexandros Pertsinidis is an Australian fashion designer who launched the Alex Perry label in 1992. His work has been featured on numerous the covers worldwide since then and is a favorite on the red carpet. It's been worn by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Rita Ora, Katy Perry, Lupita Nyong and countless others.
- The twin of this dress was seen on the red carpet on Britt Lower and Dina Amer.
- The dress does not have a single unnecessary seam. It really shows how sometimes absolute minimalism is best.
- The dress is made from a combination of a brilliant orange crepe through the body with a matte satin crepe for those incredible sleeves. The fabric choice has a beautiful drape. This is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on.
- It is constructed so that it drapes and skims over the body perfectly. The skirt falls to the floor in a sweeping expanse of fabric. When you stand still it looks more like a sleek column but when you move you realize how much fabric is in there as it billows out behind you.
- The bodice drapes softly over you at the front and the shoulders are padded inside so that they have a defined and shaped silhouette. Caped sleeves fall all the way to the floor to create this elegant and dramatic feeling over your arms.
- The fabric has enough weight that it stays in place when you are standing still but when you move you get a billowing effect around you.
- The waist has a touch of stretch so the dress is easy to fit and should work on a range of sizes.
- At the back there is a full cut out that leaves your entire back bare. This unexpected expanse of skin when you turn around is amazing.
- The inner part of the front bodice is lined in an orange matte satin with extra define seaming to help shape the bodice. The skirt has an inner underlay skirt in the same fabric and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back waist and buttons at the back of the neck. It comes with its original hang tag attached and was never worn.
- Tagged an Alex Perry 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Total length: 63" from neck to front hem and the back extends another 1" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5387
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2019 Alex Perry. / (2-3) Britt Lower at the Season Finale Premiere Event for Severance, April 2022. / (4) Dina Amer at the Red Sea International Film Festival, December 2022.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
donald brooks
Incredible 1967 Donald Brooks Black Lace Tiered One Shoulder Jumpsuit w Wide Legs & Belt
I Have a Question
- This piece dates to the late 1960s maybe early 1970s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Donald Brooks
- I love finding Donald Brooks pieces. They are very well made and his main line pieces like this one are especially fabulous. Brooks launched his main line label in 1964. He only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He had a secondary, boutique line that he started in 1971 that also closed in 1973. This dress is from the original main line which gives us that small time period from 1964-1973 for its date.
- This was almost certainly a custom piece and is most likely a one-of-a-kind.
- At first glance you appear to be wearing a dress but it does actually have a jumpsuit underneath all of those layers of lace ruffles.
- Everything falls from one shoulder which leaves the other shoulder bare.
- The bust is cut to skim over you to the waist that is defined by a brown silk bow belt that wraps around and hooks into place hidden underneath the bow.
- Wrapping around the bodice is the first lace ruffle that is cut so it is slightly longer on the side of the shoulder.
- Under the waist there are three layers of lace that run down the length of the jumpsuit. A 17" panel wraps all the way around the hip area and then there are two more layers of lace on each leg. They are also very wide. When they are laid out flat they are more than a full circle around.
- The jumpsuit underneath has a simple cut that skims over you, comes in at the waist, and then curves out and over the hips. The pant legs are straight and wide with just the slightest of narrowing by the end of each leg.
- The full inner body of the jumpsuit underneath the lace panels are is covered in a black lace.
- The lace added to the jumpsuit gives it amazing movement when you move.
- The jumpsuit is full lined in a black silk and closes with a side zipper. The panel of lace on the bodice and the top panel below the waist both snap over the zipper to close. The belt wraps and closes with both hook and snaps. Hand finished throughout.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Inseam: 27"
Torso: 32" from top of shoulder to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5378
Reference Photo: Samantha Jones in Donald Brooks, Vogue, September 1, 1967.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
nina ricci
Outstanding Spring 2009 Nina Ricci by Olivier Theyskens Runway Look 12 Floral Printed Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2009 Nina Ricci
- It was made the creative direction of Olivier Theyskens.
- In Vogue's review of the collection they said "Olivier Theyskens' collection for Nina Ricci was like watching the performance of a long piece of self-referential romantic poetry. It's a world of his own, and to fully appreciate it, you need to know what's gone before in his work: his love of Edwardiana and tailcoats; the fluttery, flyaway cutting; the delicate prints and the dusty, organic woodland-floor palettes he likes. Essentially, it was a single silhouette, with a high collar, leg-of-mutton sleeves, and skirts cut away to show long lengths of leg, clad in sheer black tights, walking on high-heeled pump"
- Theyskens said he was "inspired by dance and dresses that each evolved their own shape, short in the front and long in the back."
- Pieces from his time at the Nina Ricci label are an important piece of Theyskens history.
- The dress is made out if a hand dyed silk with a print that suggest flowers in soft pastels. It has a touch of a watercolour painting in feel.
- Under the top layer is a second pale pink tissue silk layer that is cut to follow the lines of the dress and it peeks out from behind the edges of the entire piece.
- The bodice is very feminine in feel. The pink tissue silk under layer is cut to give a touch of a ruffle feel all the way around the straps that curved up and over the shoulders.
- At the back there is a rounded soft scoop that leaves your entire back bare and exposed. The pink silk underlayer peaks out to create a touch of ruffle all around that scoop.
- Vertical seaming creates shape through the waist and then the dress curves back out and over the hips.
- The skirt is extraordinary. Depending on your height, it will sit just from mid thigh to above the knee. From there it is set so it has a slight ruffled feel all the way down the sides to the floor and then the back sweeps out behind you.
- The silk used is extremely light in weight so this moves fantastically. I love that we have reference runway stills and video for you to be able to see how beautifully it moves.
- This is an extraordinary example of his work during this time period.
-
The dress is fully lined in a pale pink tissue silk as described above and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.
- Tagged a Nina Ricci 36
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 32" from top of shoulder to front hem, 85" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5379
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2009 Nina Ricci, Look 12. Model Taryn Davidson. / (4-5) From the book "She walks in beauty" by Rizzoli Electa.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
gucci
Iconic Spring 2011 Gucci by Frida Giannini Runway Look 41 Burnt Orange Silk Cord, Brass & Feather Dress
I Have a Question
- Note that due to new regulations concerning shipping feathers this dress can only ship to a Canadian or Non-US address. Touch base if you need more information.
- The twin of this piece was Look 41 on the runway for Spring 2011.
- It was made under the creative direction of Frida Giannini.
- This is one of the instantly recognizable and well-known Gucci dresses. It was worn and shot for countless editorials and worn on the red carpet. We have attached many examples here and there are probably more.
- The dress is an incredible achievement and shows just how high-end and detailed ready-to-wear can be at the hands of a heritage label. It verges on Couture.
- A burnt orange silk is covered with a multitude of textures and materials. It is cut across at the front with a bib feeling extension that ties up and around the neck. A silk cord is how it ties in place and this ends in silk tassels at the front. The bib is finished with orange tinted acrylic pieces that top metal beading, glass beading and little muted brass metal pieces along with prong-set rhinestones. On the outer sides of the cording is a row of brass pieces shaped to represent feathers and these curve like jewellery along each side.
- The body of the dress has a panel down the front and back made up of horizontal set silk cording that is held in place by brass open beads that the silk slips through. The sides of the dress have more of that same mix of materials that the bib on the neck does and then the lower portion of the sides are finished with a combination of hand-dyed feathers and brass pieces mixed in between the rows.
- The work goes all the way around to the back and the dress does have some weight because of the work on it but it feels balanced and easy to wear once on.
- The shape is very flattering and it skims over you coming in slightly at the waist and curving around the hips. Depending on your height it is going to sit just above the knee or to the knee.
- This is a very rare and pristine example of one of the most famous dresses that Frida created during her time at Gucci.
- It is fully lined in a matching coloured silk and there is a built-in lightly boned corset piece attached through the top. It closes offset at the back with a zipper that has Gucci engraved on a zipper pull and then the inner corset closes with its own zipper. There is the tiniest bit of grubbiness along the inner upper bodice.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below.
-
Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 39" from neck to hem and you can adjust slightly with how you tie it around the neck.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5373
Reference Photos: (1-5) Spring 2011 Gucci Look 41, Model Joan Smalls. / (6) Anna Zakusylo for Vogue Greece February 2011. / (7) Caroline Trentini for Elle France March 2011 by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. / (8) Clara Alonso by Luis Monteiro. / (9) Frida Gustavsson for DV Mode Magazine SS 2011. / (10) Iekeliene Stange by Benjamin Lennox for How to Spend It Magazine, 2011. / (11) Joan Smalls at the Fiat 500 by Gucci Launch Party, February 2011. / (12) Kate Del Castillo for InStyle Mexico July 2011. / (13) Pania Rose for Karen Magazine by Paul Westlake, 2011.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Outstanding Fall 2010 Alexander McQueen Gray Scale Print Silk Dress w Caped Sleeves & Trained Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an outstanding production dress from the Fall 2010 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexander McQueen.
- At first glance it feels very much in line with what he was doing for 2007 with his castle /fairy prints. For this collection he visited upon graphic black and grey-scale prints once again. We did find a photo from the 2010 look book that shows a shorter similar version of the dress. Just to give you an idea of how the top especially will fit once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a beautifully weighted silk that he loved to use because it gave him the drape and fluidity that he wanted his pieces to have.
- The shoulders of the dress are padded with thicker rounded pads hidden inside. Falling from there and extending around to the back is a beautiful caped panel that drapes over the top of your arms and then folds up and under itself to create the draping around and down the back. He used a double layer of the silk for this panel so that when you move you see the pattern underneath. It is these exacting small details that always make a McQueen piece stand out.
- The front neck line is set in a draping cowl that sits over an inner V. The dress skims over the bust and waist and then widens out to curve over the hips.
- Yards and yards of fabric have been used to construct the skirt. It is set into the body of the dress on a curving seam that is beautiful. He often use these curving and angled seams that are throwback to Couture pieces of the 1920s and 30s and here he has used it beautifully. The silk in the skirt is all cut on the bias. The back trails out longer behind you and all of this adds up to spectacular movement around you when you move.
- This is a truly outstanding McQueen dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set partial mid-set zipper at the back whose placement is again a nod to the Couture pieces of the 20s and 30s. The shoulders are padded. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage McQueen 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 68" from neck to front hem and the back hem extends another 10"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5370
Reference Photo: Fall 2010 Alexander McQueen Lookbook.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Spectacular Spring 2005 Oscar de la Renta Runway Look 53 Strapless Deep Pink Silk Dress w Full Skirts
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the Spring 2005 ODLR runway for Look 53.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- I love having video and the reference photos however I do want to point out that the skirt on this dress is slightly different than the one that walked the runway. It falls longer and is swept up slightly to one side. I think after the runway, they reconfigured the skirt slightly and it is far better on this dress than what you see in the runway photos and video.
- Vogue said that his collections "are a delight to the eye: flawlessly executed, poised, and urbane with just the right balance of mature charm and youthful exuberance" and this dress in particular was noted when they said "When it comes to evening wear no one knows more about giving women what they want... a cooly elegant strapless dress with an undulating puff skirt? In Oscar's world there's no such thing as the wrong choice."
- The dress is made out of the perfect deep fuchsia pink silk. It is strapless and the neckline curves around and over the bust dipping in the middle. The strapless silhouette leaves your upper back bare and exposed.
- Starting at the waist area the silk is draped from the centre of the back and wraps around the waist and over the top of the hip on either side. It is then gathered over itself at the centre front. I think this detail is beautiful.
- Inside there is a full built-in corset that is cupped, boned and shaped for support.
- The skirt is spectacular. Here you see the genius of Oscar. The skirt has a ton of volume to it that shows best when you move. It is made out of a cascade of silk with a second layer under the top layer. At the front both layers are cut shorter and then sweep and curve around to the back.
- The skirt becomes wider and more full as it nears the hem and at the back it falls longer then the front so that you get this pretty curve from the side view along with a fantastic sweep of skirts from the back. On the runway, this was very symmetrical and shorter but this has that second inner layer that falls lower on the leg and it has a bit more of an asymmetrical feel. It is so much better and more dramatic than how it was shown on the runway in my opinion.
- All of the volume is created by the sheer amount of silk used and the addition of a pink silk organza lining which helps to hold air between the two layers and keep the volume.
- When this is on and you are walking the effect and movement that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. This is Oscar at his very best.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching pink silk organza. The interior corset closes with its own zipper at the back and then a second hidden set zipper closes the dress over that. The inner corset is fully boned and cupped. An attached inner waist stay hooks to close. I see a tiny bit of stress to the seam just under the zipper that is very minor but mentioned for accuracy, and perhaps some grubbiness around the hem, again very minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of the hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to inner waist stay, 19.5" to the seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 80.5" from top of the bodice to longest point of the back hem, 43" to the shortest point at the front
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5365
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2005 Oscar de la Renta, Look 53. Model Caroline Ribeiro.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Spring 2019 Monique Lhuillier Runway Strapless Bright Pink Net Tulle Dress w Full Multi Tier Skirt
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was Look 15 in the Spring Monique Lhuillier presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Monique Lhuillier.
- We have included a photo of it on the Dee Hilfiger in between that and the presentation photo, you can see how spectacular this dress is on the body.
- The Lookbook was shot at a picturesque French château and Lhuillier said of the show that she "wanted the clothes to be seen in the place where they might be worn”.
- The bodice is strapless and cut to hug you and shape your curves. The peaks at the front are high and the netted tulle wraps over the bodice with variations in colour to add a bit of interest and depth. Inside it boned and shaped and the back scoops down and around.
- The waist is nipped in and then the skirt explodes out from under that. The skirt is spectacular. It is layers and layers of tulle set on top of each other and cut in different sections to get its elaborate shape.
- Underneath each layer is netting cut to follow the shape above and then that has a wide panel of stiffened netting that goes all the way around you and follows the pattern of the skirt. The back is cut a little longer so that you get a bit of a trailing effect behind you.
- The bodice has a built-in netted and lightly boned corset and the skirt is lined in a pink silk. Layers of netting underneath the tulle as described above. Retailed just over $10k and produced in limited quantities. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Lhuillier 4.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with some room at the front cups to fit at least a B cup maybe a small C
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining at hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of the peaks at the front of the bodice to waist
Total length: approx 60" from top of the peaks at the front of the bodice to the front hem and aprox 75" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5363
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 2019 Monique Lhuillier, Look 15. / (2) Dee Hilfiger in Monique Lhuillier.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Etheral Spring 2018 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 89 Finale Strapless Metallic Silver Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Spring 2018 Collection as Look 89.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- This was the final closing wedding look of the collection and is an outstanding and rare piece of Chanel history.
- On the runway it was layered underneath a chiffon ruffled top. It works fabulously on its own as well.
-
Lurex threads, crystal jewellery and transparent elements ran throughout the collection. Vogue noted that "the integrate balance between natural looking textures and advanced technical skills, was breathtakingly dynamic to behold." Karl himself noted that all of the fabrics were made by Chanel in-house with "not a fabric here which you can buy elsewhere".
- And indeed the fabric on the dress is extraordinary. It is in almost weightless silk chiffon with multiple shades of ultra fine metallic silver thread woven through the silk into horizontal rows.
- The dress is strapless and inside the bodice there is a full built-in corset to hold the dress in place. The corset has its own zipper to close and is boned all the way around. I love that the lining of that corset has been embossed with various Chanel logos and the Camelia flower.
- At the front the fabric is set in criss cross panels that angle down and over the bodice. It is cut to come in for some shape through the waist and then curves back out over the hips. The angling and overlap of the fabric panels creates an interesting visual detail. At the back he has stacked those same layers in a true horizontal pattern and I love seeing the slight difference from the front and back as you turn.
- The skirt is phenomenal. It curves down and out from underneath the last stacked panel and is set in beautiful ruffled tiers.
- At the front the ruffles sweep up to the centre to leave an expanse of bare leg showing and the ruffles move fantastically around your legs when you move. And at the back they fall to create a beautiful movement behind you.
- In person the dress is a paler, more apparent silver, and it has a real sense of lightness that the photos do not convey.
- A little silver Chanel plaque sits on one hip for the perfect finish.
- The dress is fully lined in a soft silver grey Chanel logo embossed silk through the body of the dress and again for the inner corset. The corset is boned all the way around inside and closes with its own separate zipper. An attached inner waist stay hooks to close. A hidden set back zipper closes over that. Inside the bodice there is a band of a slightly rubberized fabric that goes around the top of the inside bodice to help hold it in place. Beautifully made. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Chanel 34
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to the longest point of the front hem, 29" to the shortest point at the front
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5362
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2018 Chanel, Look 89. Model Grace Elizabeth.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Easy-to-Wear Spring 2020 Emporio Armani Runway Look 59 Grey Silk Organza Silver Sequin Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2020 Emporio Armani collection for the Look 59.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- The collection was entitled "Air" and the pieces were soft. The show opened under a projection of a lightly clouded sky, and when the evening pieces walked the runway, it changed to a star filled moonscape. Appropriate given the silvers and greys of the final grouping of dresses. The sequins and paillettes on the dress catch the light beautifully and you can see that in the reference video.
- This was shown as a strapless piece on the runway. The straps that it was sent to the shops with are set inside the upper edge of the bodice so that they could easily be tucked in if you preferred it that way.
- The dress is made out of a textured silk organza that is beautifully light in weight but still has enough structure to hold the shape that you see.
- Onto the silk are little oval paillettes done in different shades of silver and pewter. Each is suspended from the dress by a little hole at their tops and as they progress down the dress they have a little beaded bit so that they hang off of the dress more. At the top of the dress they are so heavily overlapped that they almost stand up and off of the dress and then as they reach the hem they scatter out.
- A grey piping finishes the neckline and that is also what the straps are made out of. From there it skims over the bust and widens out around the waist for a easy to fit feel. It continues to widen out over the hips all the way to the hem.
- These were produced on a very limited basis and that is noted on the tag. It was priced at just over 6K at retail.
- The dress is fully lined in matching grey silky feeling fabric and it closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a vintage Armani 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 55.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5360
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2020 Emporio Armani, Look 59.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Fall 2016 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Net Dress w Silver Sequin & Beads
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 80 in the Fall 2016 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- Its twin was featured in an editorial for Marie Claire Spain that season.
- The colours for the Fall 2016 Valentino show were muted dusty pinks, greys, neutrals and blacks.
- The theme of the Valentino show was all about the ballet and modern dance. Maria told Vogue that “We always think fashion is cultural, not just about delivering clothes. We want this show to be about living your moments, feeling each moment uniquely. I really love fashion. This job we do is a good opportunity to describe the time we’re in.”
- The entire dress is made from a pale nude tulle netting that has just a hint of a pink undertone to it. It is lined in a matching silk so that is so opaque enough to wear. That lining could be removed if you preferred a full transparent feel.
- Scattered over the tulle are silver sequins that each have a tiny clear bead topping the sequin. These catch the light from every angle.
- The dress is suspended from tiny net straps that curve up and over each shoulder. The front scoops across and the upper back is left bare and exposed.
- A ruffled panel of the netting is attached all the way around the neck line and as it curves towards the back it gets wider so that it drapes down the sides and just past the waist at the back. This adds a pretty feminine and airy feel to the dress.
- The waist is seamed to nip in and the skirt is full and easy over the hips. It is very wide and full by the time it reaches the hem. Under the top layer of netting are three additional netted layers. The layer in the middle of those three has a double hem and all of this built in under-skirting helps to hold the volume and give the skirt its structure and shape. A final opaque layer in silk sits against your skin.
- This is absolutely one of the dresses that was heavily influenced by the ballet, and I love that about it.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching silk and closes with hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5357
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Fall 2016 Valentino, Look 80. / (4) Marie Claire Spain, October 2016. / (5-7) Credit unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Exceptional Fall 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Black Silk Wrap Dress w Bow Detail
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1983 YSL Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier
- In this collection Yves paid homage to Paris. He told French Vogue that the collection was dedicated to "the prestige of Paris, as I knew it when I first arrived… That is why it reflects many things from my youth, my first sensations when I arrived in Paris from Algeria.". The book Yves Saint Laurent: Catwalk noted that the cuts were loose and offered room to breathe. Pink and black with the two primary colours used for this season and that "the black dresses were chic and cut to perfection".
- This dress is exceptional in person and I feel like the photos are not giving it full justice. The silk is light and weight, and it has far more drape and ease than I think the photos are conveying. It is an absolutely beautiful and chic dress that needs a body to truly come to life.
- The runway photos really give you a better idea of how this dress will look like once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a light weight black silk of exceptional quality.
- The shoulders are lightly shaped and the silk has been gathered up and into the shoulders. The sleeves are cut wider where they are set into the bodice and then narrow to a zippered wrist.
- The dress wraps and snaps at the side to close and there is a built-in inner waist stay to hold it perfectly in place. This is one of his signature designs and allows the drape that you see while letting the dress stay secure. It also allows the bodice to drape beautifully over you.
- The wrap of the dress creates a V neck line at both the front and the back.
- Where the dress closes at the waist the fabric has been gathered into a black silk bow to highlight the waist area. On one side of the dress the fabric is finished with a pleating detail that opens up to create the perfect drape over the body. On the other side, it is pulled up and under the bow which lets the hem at that side have a slight curve up from the bottom.
- The dress is so well-made that I think you could wear it either way around depending on how it works best on you.
- This is an extraordinary piece of true Haute Couture by one of the greatest designers of our lifetime.
- The dress is unlined and is completely hand finished inside to Haute Couture standards. It hooks and snaps to close at the waist and inside there is a hidden set zipper and inner built-in waist stay. Each sleeve zips to close at the wrist. Light padding at the top of each shoulder.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22.5" and are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approx 14-15"
Bust: approx 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5356
Reference Photos: Fall 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Pre-Fall 2016 Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Runway Look 37 Gold Metallic Thread & Sequin Feather Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a very rare dress from the Pre-Fall 2013 YSL collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane.
- The twin of the dress was Look 37 on the runway of 93 looks and the collection was also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the YSL Rive Gauche label. Dresses had a touch of the 70s and the textiles were elaborate including this phenomenal piece.
- Lady Gaga was also shot wearing its twin.
- The dress has amazing movement and I love that you can see that in the reference photo and video.
- The dress is made out of a black silk and then that has an amazing peacock feather pattern that follows the lines of the dress. The feather design is made out of gold metallic thread to create the pattern that you see. Gold sequins are set in in amongst the pattern to highlight the design, and then tiny little more muted gold sequence follow the ends of the feathers. This combination of sequence on the goal allows the dress to glint beautifully in the light from every angle.
- The front is cut in a V and the bust is cut to skim over you to the waist. The waist has some shape defined by a band of a matching fabric that runs all the way around you.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are cut in a diamond shape at their ends so they fall at different lengths over the arm. The pattern is set over that running down the lengths of the sleeves.
- The skirt has a head pointed finish at the side and it is incredibly full. When I lay flat. It is a full circle all the way around. The amount of fabric gives you tremendous movement as you move.
- I also love how this increases the depth and weight of the pattern. The feather pattern runs down the length of the skirt all the way around you and when you move and you get the feel of how much silk and gold actually makes up the skirt. It is just phenomenal.
- On the runway, it was shown belted in with a scarf. These are pieces that were sold separately. If you prefer that look, it would be easy to add pieces of your own to re-create it.
- These extensively beaded pieces or produced in limited quantities. This is a phenomenal example of his time at the label.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern YSL 36
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 21" and they are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to the top seam of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 52" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5352
Reference Photo/Video: (1-2) Pre-Fall 2016 Yves Saint Laurent, Look 37. / (3) Lady Gaga, from her Instagram, 2017.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
michael kors
Chic Resort 2018 Michael Kors Runway Look 44 Black Dress w Elaborate Gold & Black Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress was presented for the Resort 2018 Michael Kors presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Michael Kors
- The show was presented at the Whitney Museum and he said that he chose that space to remind people that they live on an island, calling the theme "Tropicalia a la Tomboy". The evening pieces he described as being the "super easy, super glamorous point of the whole collection."
- This is a fantastically easy dress to wear and has all the hallmarks of the amazing tailoring that Michael excels at with this particular silhouette of dress.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are small caps. The neckline is slightly scooped and the bust skims over you with perfectly placed darts to help shape it around the body.
- The waist is seamed for shape and then it curves out over the hips. It falls in a chic pencil shape that will land just below the knee depending on your height.
- The base fabric is a fine black virgin wool with a bit of spandex added so that it has some stretch and feels insanely comfortable once on the body.
- Onto that is a lovely and intricate design that runs over the entire dress. It combines tiny gold sequins that are set to overlap and create the outline of a abstract design that is filled with a little teardrop and circle shaped glossy black paillette sequins. These are only attached at their very tips so they have the slightest bit of movement. They are so densely applied that they sit off of the dress slightly to create an amazing three dimensional texture.
- It is very chic, very easy and very Michael Kors.
- The dress is fully lined in black silky rayon and closes at the back with the hidden set zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Michael Kors 0
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 43" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5349
Reference Photo: Resort 2018 Michael Kors, Look 44.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Junya Watanabe
Important Fall 2009 Junya Watanabe Runway Look 29 Black Padded Nylon Dress w Gold Chain Detailing
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2009 collection for Look 29.
- It was made under the creative direction of Junya Watanabe
- A version was shot for Vogue Korea that season and we have included those reference photos so you can get an idea of how fantastically this will sit on the body.
- The dress still has its original tags and was never worn so it is pristine.
- The soft sculptural quality of the dress is phenomenal. It is made out of a very light in weight black nylon that is very pliant. Light in weight padding lies between the layers that make up the body of the dress. This gives the dress a soft structure and the incredible volume and shape that you see. We have added nothing underneath to any of these photos to create the volume that you see.
- The sleeves extend out from either side of the neck line to slope softly outward from the shoulder.
- Both the front and back plunge into a V and are detailed with a chunky gold toned metal chain that is hand stitched into place. The chain continues from there to cross over itself at the front and at the back. From there it scoops over to the sides. On one side the chain curves down and over one hip on the outside of the dress and on the other side it sits on the interior of the dress. The fabric is gathered and hand stitched into the chain to create the beautiful curving shapes that the dress has. It is ingenious.
- An open keyhole is created at the back where the chains meet and the dress is so well-made that I think you could wear it either way around if you wanted that at the front instead.
- The skirt is phenomenal. It is quilted and lightly padded. It scoops back up and under itself at the hem and is attached into the chain that sits in the interior.
- The dress is like a complicated puzzle that has been peace together perfectly.
- The skirt is full and when I lay it out flat it makes a complete circle of fabric.
- The the skirt is constructed so that the inside is the same fabric as the outside and the bodice is unlined. It slips on to wear with no closures. Its easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just feel more oversized. The dress has never been worn and still has its original tags and an extra piece of repair fabric in a clear pouch attached to the tag on the inner skirt.
- Tagged a vintage Watanabe size M
- Excellent condition
Bust: approx 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: approx 47" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5348
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2009 Junya Watanabe Runway, Look 29. / (2) Vogue Korea, December 2009.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Fall 2002 Oscar de la Renta Runway Look 50 Purple Silk Dress w Hand Applied Patchwork
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the Fall 2002 runway for Look 50 in the collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- Photos from a Moroccan open air market were projected onto the stagefront and this is what set the tone for the show that season. In the review of the collection that year Vogue commented; 'There was a whiff of far-flung exoticism throughout the collection... almost every outfit got a touch of spice via embroidery, (or) a dusting of sequins. De la Renta ended as always, with a parade of great evening wear... just a thing for midnight at the Medina.'
- The dress has this fabulous almost sculptural feel with is simple cut and that beautiful deep purple silk fabric. It's full coverage keeps it feeling very refined and elegant.
- The silk is a very high quality and feels very smooth to the touch. This fabric choice keeps it fairly light in weight but it still has enough structure to hold that gorgeous shape that you see.
- The neck is a shallow scoop and the bodice is cut to skim over you. The shoulders are shaped but soft and the sleeves are long and slightly taper down to the wrist.
- The waist is brought in through curved vertical seaming and the skirt falls from there to the floor.
- I love the patchwork panels that are added all the way around the lower hem. These are made up of a variety of embroidered silks and velvets that have the occasional mirrored embellishment worked within the embroidery. These run all the way around the hem and up and into the skirt.
- Underneath the top layer is a vivid pink underskirt with a stiffen hem and ruffle covering over that. I have taken a photo to show you how the very edge of this ruffle peaks out from underneath the outer hem of the skirt for an unexpected shot of vibrant colour.
- The underskirt helps add support and hold the fullness of the skirt. It adds a pretty sense of sweeping skirts as you walk away.
- Hidden pockets are set along each hip.
- The dress is fully lined in a vibrant pink silk. It closes with a hidden back set zipper and each sleeve has a hidden set zipper at its cuff. There is a tiny bit of stress to the center and one side seam near the waist at the back. Please see the photo after the label shot. The zipper has a tiny bit of stick when it hits the spot. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a Oscar de la Renta 4
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to bottom of the pink ruffled hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5345
Reference Photos: Fall 2002 Oscar de la Renta, Look 50.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Rare & Extraordinary Spring 1994 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Pink Suit w Corded Detail
I Have a Question
- The twin of the suit along with several variations of it, walked the runway for the Spring 1994 Chanel show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- The show opened with an entire series of these suits done in a rainbow of pastel colours and shown on some of the top supermodels of the day. The twin of the suit appears in the runway reference video and we have added some still shots of it and the video here for you to see. We have also added some reference shots of some of the other suits just to give you a better idea of how this will sit once on the body.
- Vogue featured the collection that year and in 2014 Rihanna wore a version.
- These mini skirted versions of the classic Chanel suit, using unusual elements like this one has, are one of the keystone moments that made Chanel under Karl the global powerhouse that it is today.
- Both pieces are made out of a classic Chanel pink tweed with a nubby finish. The colour is slightly more pastel in person than how it photographed here.
- The jacket is extraordinary. It zips to close up the back so there is no closure at the front to break the eye. The shoulders are shaped with very light padding and the sleeves are long. It is cut with a slight nod to the box shape through the body but curves in for shape around the waist.
- What really makes these suits extraordinary is the way that he finished all of the edges. They are done in pastel blue, yellow, and pink vinyl cording that has the feel of a skinnier version of an old telephone cord but without the twist. These have been hand stitched into place to create the gorgeous pattern that you see. The bows are backed in a pink grograin ribbon to give them shape and structure. Where they are placed directly on the Chanel boucle there is no backing so that the fabric acts as the pink seen in between the cord.
- The cording pattern circles around the collar and runs down the centre to a flat bow with the ends of the vinyl tied and knotted so that you have a dangling fringe under each end of the bow. More cording circles around the cuff and you see another flat bow placed on the outside portion of each cuff.
- The skirt is cut short in a mini. The upper part of the skirt is slightly padded inside and is made out of a pastel pink silk. It s the same silk that he used for the lining of the jacket. Both the lining in the jacket and this top portion of the skirt have tiny little double Cs embroidered into the silk. Under that the skirt flares out slightly to the hem.
- Around the entire bottom edge of the skirt is another banding of that same telephone cord piping. This perfectly ties the top and skirt together.
- It is this use of unusual finishes that really showcase Karl's genius and while at the same time helped to modernize the house and appeal to a younger audience.
- This is an extremely rare Chanel set and I am very pleased to have it in the shop.
- Both pieces are lined in a double C embossed pink silk. The jacket closes at the back with a zipper and a loop & button at the top of the back neck. The skirt closes with a hidden set back zipper & hook an eye at the waist. There is some discoloration underneath the inner arms of the lining of this jacket but it does not go through to the front. It is in stunning condition otherwise.
- Both pieces are tagged a vintage Chanel 40
- Excellent condition with one note above
Jacket
Sleeves: 23" and are 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 22" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 17" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5341
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 1994 Chanel Runway. / (5-6) Photographed by Steven Meisel for Vogue, March 1994. / (7) Rihanna in Vintage Chanel for Good Morning America, 2014.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean louis scherrer
Phenomenal Spring 1988 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Pink Ruffle Suit w Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this set walked the runway for the Spring 1988 Jean Louise Scherrer Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Jean Louise Scherrer.
- The set would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- I love that we have reference photos so that you can see how phenomenal this is once it is on an actual body. As good as it looks in the photos, it is even better on.
- The silk it is made out of has a soft matte moire pattern finish to it and has just enough weight to hold the intended shape.
- The hand done workmanship on both pieces is phenomenal.
- The skirt is slim cut and on the shorter side. The fabric on it has been gathered up so that it has soft gathers near the top of the hip and the bottom hem at the front. At the back it is all gathered into the centre seam.
- The brevity of the skirt is in sharp contrast with the added volume and fit of the beautiful jacket that tops it.
- The jacket has a full built-in boned inner half corset tacked into the interior that zips in place around you. The outer jacket hooks into place over that with a series of hidden set corset hooks.
- The neck line comes down in a wide squared off scoop that leaves the collar bones exposed and extends out almost to the shoulders..
- The edge of the neck line is finished with an elaborate ruffle in a matching silk. The ruffle continues down the front of the jacket and goes all the way around the hem. It is fitted through the waist and meant to have a slight feel of a peplum over the hips.
- The sleeves are incredible. Each is extremely full and they balloon out substantially over the gathered in ruffled cuffs. There is an exaggerated cuff at their ends with a bit of the same fabric wrapped and tied in knot just above the ruffle.
- Three large fabric roses are placed down the front for the perfect feminine and romantic finish.
- This would make an amazing going away suit or a suit to wear as part of your wedding weekend.
- Both pieces are fully lined in a handset pink silk. The skirt zips to close at the back and the jacket closes as described above. The pink is a slightly paler pink in person. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- The jacket has its proper Haute Couture numbered tag in place.
- There is no size tag present since it is true couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 20"
Slightly extended shoulders: 16" and meant to sit slightly off-shoulder
Inner bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 20.5" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 18" from neck to skirt
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5339
Reference Photos: Spring 1988 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chloe
Incredibly Rare Fall 1979 Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Couture Runway Ivory Chiffon & Lace Dress w pearl Details
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1979 Chloe collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- This is an incredibly rare and very well documented dress from one of the most creative and forward thinking collections that Karl did for the label.
- In the book 'Chloe Catwalk', Vogue was quoted as saying "The clothes that Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chloe are the natural results of the world he creates, and if they sometimes seem to be from other times, it is because those other times have as much reality for him as rain and taxes have for the rest of us. You can love Karl Lagerfeld's clothes, you can hate them. See them once, and you can't forget them." The Japan Times called it "A trend setting collection". The Glasgow Herald said "Karl... takes the Edwardian Gibson Grill as his inspiration; hour glass shapes - curved bosom, tiny waists, swelling hips".
- US vogue also commented that "Women collect Lagerfeld by the piece, not by the wardrobe"
- It is incredibly well documented and an extremely rare piece of Chloe, from an outstanding collection, and exemplary example of the history of the brand under Karl.
- The dress is made from a feather light silk chiffon in a deep ivory. In person, the ivory is a touch deeper than how it photoed here. Onto this are hand applied rows of lace and strings of faux pearls.
- The sleeves are long and they have added fabric built inside the shoulder area to help hold some volume ad the slight cap around the upper arm. They are full all the way down to the wrist where they explode outward with a cuff made out of four layers of the angle edged lace. Circling each wrist, and circling where the sleeve is set into the bodice, are a string of larger size pearls. Smaller size strings of pearls follow the lace that runs down and wraps around the full length of each sleeve.
- The neckline is high and like the cuffs, it is made out of multiple layers of the lace that are stacked on top of each other to create that dramatic ruff around the neck. It wraps over itself at the front and sweeps out to meet one shoulder.
- The bodice is cut to skim over the bust to the dropped waist. Multiple panels that mix the lace and strings of pearls are set diagonally over the bodice and around the back, highlighting the sweep of the collar above.
- The waist is dropped and seamed with a slightly more generous cut. It was not shown with a belt on the runway, but if you wanted to add shape, you certainly could belt it at the natural waist for a more defined silhouette.
- The skirt curves over the hips and it is a gathered all the way around the waist in a series of tiny pleats. These allow the skirt to open up underneath beautifully to help create that hourglass feel that was so prominent in this collection. Four more rows of the lace are set in the same angle all the way down the skirt but without the pearls. It is the perfect added detail and ties the whimsical feel of the entire dress together. A final layer of lace circles the bottom hem.
- At the back, the dress buttons to close with a series of large pearl buttons. These buttons are the largest pearls that we see on the dress and I love that he has used three sizes of pearls for this piece. These are the perfect finishing touch.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk. It closes with the buttons at the back. Hand finishes throughout with most of the inner seams finished completely by hand to couture standards. The lining through the upper body is starting to split in places. I see a couple of minor marks on the outer dress and some of the lace around the upper shoulders and neck line have darkened slightly. There are added panels around part of the inner lining where part of the inner lining was reinforced. Please see the photos after the label shot. These are all mentioned for accuracy but most of the flaws are inside the dress. Given the rarity and importance of this dress it is still considered to be in excellent overall condition.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition with the note above.
Sleeves: 24" to the ends of the lace at the cuffs and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at dropped waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from neck to dropped waist
Total length: 58" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5335
Reference Photos: (1-4) Fall 1979 Chloe Preview. / (5) Fall 1979 Chloe Runway. / (6) From the book "Chloe: CATWALK".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Exceptional Spring 2004 Oscar de la Renta Runway Look 39 Strapless Pink Silk w Black Embroidery & Beads
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 39 of the Spring 2004 Oscar de la Renta collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta
- In the review of the show Vogue said in part; "It’s virtually impossible not to get swept up in Oscar de la Renta’s confident vision of the luxurious life. The designer played to all of his strengths for spring, showing more of the pretty dresses, chic suits, and slim coats that have made him a touchstone of relaxed, modern elegance....Judging from the cuts and colors of this collection, de la Renta has Palm Beach on his mind." and for the evening pieces it was noted that; "Turning up the volume for evening, de la Renta progressed from a long, cool pour of pink charmeuse, to a giddy yellow satin strapless dress covered in nosegays of silk flowers, to embroidered and embellished showstoppers guaranteed to make it a memorable night—red carpet or not."
- This dress is absolutely dreamy. It is made out of the perfect pale pink silk that has been finished with a combination of black embroidery and black bead work that covers the entire dress.
- The dress is strapless and the neckline has a soft rounded shape to it. The silk is shaped over the bust to give shape and curves. Inside it there is a full built-in corset that is cupped and shaped for support structure.
- All of the panels that make up the dress are set vertically and he has use these to create the shape that you see. As it skims over the bust the panel panels narrow to create the shape through the waist. I love that there is no horizontal line to break the eye or the pattern that covers the dress.
- The skirt is spectacular. Here you see the true genius of Oscar. The panels that start at the top of the bus and narrowed into create the shape of the waist now expand into incredibly wide panels all the way around you. Each is over 30" wide by the time it reaches the hem and there are eight of them in total. This gives the skirt incredible volume that shows best when you move.
- Built in underneath that outer skirt is a second layer of the same silk. That layer has a stiffened edging all the way around it's ham and also is finished with a black chiffon ruffle that peaks out from underneath the top skirt as you move.
- The volume and lightness of the silk allows the skirt to move around you beautifully when you walk or move. When this is on and you are walking the effect that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. You can easily see that in the runway reference video.
- The final perfect detail is the extensive black embroidery and beadwork that covers the dress and highlights its shape and curves. I love how it is done in a deliberate pattern that follows the curves of the bodice and narrows in at the waist, giving the illusion of an even tinier waist.
- Dangling jetted beads circle all around the top edge of the dress and beads are worked through the embroidered pattern on the bodice. More embroidery is applied to each panel so that it circles around the entire skirt. When you move you glimpses of just how beautiful the embroidery is.
- This little extra and pretty detail adds that perfect finishing element of romance and femininity. This is Oscar at his very best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress.
- Fully lined in a pink silk with a full built-in cupped corset inside the bodice. The corset closes with its own zipper and then the dress closes over that with a back set zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged ODLR 12
- Excellent condition
Bust: 19-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to inner waist stay
Total length: 55.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5330
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2004 Oscar de la Renta, Look 39.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Pre-Fall 2018 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Grey Runway Look 13 Grey Pin Striped Pant & Jacket Pant Suit
I Have a Question
I have a small grouping of Chanel pieces that will be listing over the next week or so and they all come from an avid Couture and Chanel collector. Many of these pieces were extremely difficult to source when they were released and were only made in very limited quantities. They are in amazing condition and all but one have their original shop packet that has the extra fabric and style information. These are exceptional pieces for the collector and each is extremely special.
This is a suit pieced together from the actual Chanel sample jacket for this look and then the pants were purchased at retail by my client. It is incredibly rare to find a sample piece so that is a little extra special. The twin of the suit was worn for Look 13 for the Chanel Métiers d’Art show. The show was set in the Hamburg concert hall and that setting held an extra special place for Karl since it was his hometown. The concert hall had just been opened and for this show Karl mixed the modernity of the new space with his memories of Hamburg as a child “I’ve never left; this is part of me,” he reflected after the show. “I like Hamburg as an idea; something in the back of my mind.” Vogue noted 'You saw what that was, the essence of his inspiration, in a flash: Sailors in peaked caps on leave, girls in thigh-high boots and leather, the people who mill around docks and nightclubs. The clothes evoked ’60s beatniks, countercultural girls in sweaterdresses, smartly dressed officers in uniform, and naval ratings in sailor pants—looks that ran up and down the register of the cool, the hip, and the immaculately classic. It was an obvious, simple idea, really, but one marinated in a mind that has the sophistication to align the results with Coco Chanel’s heritage, and with what any girl would absolutely kill to wear right now.'
The lines of this suit are crisp and sharp and the tailoring is immaculate. Both pieces are made out of a pinstriped virgin wool that allows them to retain the exact lines that Lagerfeld intended while still staying light in weight. The jacket is cut so that it is fitted across the shoulders and then falls in a more box shape to the top of the hips. The collar is neat and small and I love how there is an inset of a white waffle weave cotton for a crisp little pop. That same little pop of cotton is set within each cuff so that it feels perfectly tied together. It buttons to close up one side and the buttons themselves are incredible. I took a detail shot so you can see that they are especially done with both Paris and Hamburg noted on them. The bottom hem is banded and there is a little top set pocket on one side. Each sleeve is long and straight and they end in a notched slit held by a button rather than a traditional cuff which falls in line with the sleek minimalist feel of the rest of the suit. Beside the little pop of white at the end there is also a little 'hidden' surprise of another functional pocket that sits at the end of the one sleeve nearest the pocket on the front. I am obsessed with this little detail. The pants are sleek and simple in their cut. They are flat fronted with a slanted slip pocket on each hip under the waist band. Two more pockets are at the back and each is still tacked shut. The legs fall wide to the ankle with just the tiniest bit of a flare at the ends. Each leg is finished with a precise wide cuff. The inside of the suit is as immaculate as the outside and it is lined in a deep grey silk embossed with the Chanel logo. A signature Chanel chain runs along the inner hem of the jacket. Every stitch is perfection. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
The jacket is lined in a grey Chanel embossed silk and closes with the buttons along the front panel as seen. It has a Chanel sample label and is tagged a modern Chanel 38. A pocket on the front and on each cuff. Metal embossed buttons and the signature Chanel chain around the inner hem. There is slight yellowing and grubbiness on the inner collar of the Chanel and the Chanel label on the pants has been partially slit. The pants zip to close at the front and have hidden hook & eye at the bands. Slip pockets on each hip and two tacked shut pockets at the back The pants have their original Chanel packet and are tagged a modern Chanel 40
Jacket
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from neck to head
Pant
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40.5" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 29" from inner seam to hem
Gusset: 17" from waist to inner seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4540
Reference Photo/Video: Pre-Fall 2018 Chanel, Look 13.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
dolce & gabbana
Outstanding Fall 2016 Dolce & Gabbana Metallic Gold Brocade Playsuit w 3D Magic Mirror & Embroidered & Sequin Details
I Have a Question
- This is a limited edition piece from the Spring 2016 Dolce and Gabbana collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
- This amazing playsuit was only available as a special order piece. It was not a runway piece,but the embroidered magic mirror was a part of the runway show and we have included photos here for your reference.
- The level of detail on this piece is very in line with their Alta Moda work. All of the embroidered pieces were done separately and then hand applied to the dress. It is truly a work of art and showcases the very best of the DG workshops.
- The base fabric is a beautiful gold brocade that uses three different tones of gold applied in a slightly raised pattern on a mixed ivory and gold thread backdrop. The slight raising of the pattern gives it a beautiful tactile feel.
- Wide straps curve up and over each shoulder and the front bodice is cut and shaped in a nod to a corset. Seams curve down and into the waist and at the back there is an inset of a stretch corset fabric in black. This makes it easier to fit and offers a pretty contrast to the gold. Inside it is lightly boned and shaped for support around you.
- Embroidered black and gold cut out embellishments with gold sequin detailing have been applied onto and around the bodice. At the front they follow the dipping neckline and are set to extend off of the playsuit around the straps. At the sides they are set so that they actually sit up and off of the fabric as they curve around the sides. They continue around to the back towards the zipper at the centre.
- The waist is seamed and then the shorts curve out from there to skim over your hips. The legs are wide and each one is a full 28" around. I love that the way they are cut makes it feel like you are wearing an ultra mini at first glance but you have the security and ease of wearing shorts. Slant pockets sit at each hip.
- Set on an angle at the front is an embroidered and gold sequin mirror that says "who is the most beautiful" in script. This is the detail that was also seen on the runway for that season.
- The final perfect finishing detail is the little heart emblem at the neckline. It has a red velvet backdrop and DG in a metal font applied onto it.
- The playsuit is backed in a black silk through the bodice. It is lightly boned for shape and the shorts are lined in a black silk. It closes with a back zipper and the panel of black corset fabric across the back has a slight touch of stretch. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Dolce and Gabbana 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Shorts: 16" from waist to hem with a 3" inseam and a 17" gusset from waist to inner seam
Total length: 32" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Reference Photos: Fall 2016 Dolce & Gabbana.
Item# DD5329
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Exquisite Fall 2019 Giorgio Armani Runway Look 80 Velvet & Silk Ribbon Jumpsuit w Black Jet Beads
I Have a Question
Sleeves: 22.75" and are 13" around the upper arm
Soft slightly slouched shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem with about 1.5" turned under the hem
Gusset: 16" from the back waist to inner seam
Inseam: 30"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5326
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Fall 2019 Giorgio Armani, Look 80. / (4) Cressida Bonas at Harpera Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, October 2019. / (5) Kelly Chen in Giorgio Armani.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Prettiest Spring 2006 Giorgio Armani Silk Top w Spring 2001 Chiffon & Net Skirt Set w Beaded Butterflies
I Have a Question
- A version of the top of this set walked the runway for the Spring 2006 Giorgio Armani, collection for Look 54 and the skirt is from Spring 2001 where it was shown in an ivory on the runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- This is from his main label and Vogue said of the dresses "Finely layered chiffon and tulle, picked out with minute embroideries of bugle beads and sequins, qualified each one as a singular piece of signature Armani... With this collection, the designer said that he had resolved to focus on what women really wear today."
- This is a set made up of two pieces which I love because this gives you the ability to mix and match them with other things from your wardrobe.
- The top combines two layers of silk chiffon with an attached layer of netting that floats over both of those layers. It is suspended from the shoulders by two straps that have been finished with tiny silver tube beads stacked in rows. These circle the neckline and then the entire top is finished with a combination of silver sequins and beads across the front. I absolutely love the flower and butterfly pattern. With the net floating over top the sequins and beads have a slightly diffused feel and it is so pretty.
- I have taken close-ups of the extraordinary amount of bead and sequin work that has been done to make the design. It is really exquisite hand workmanship.
- The front neck line is scooped into a V and the back is finished in a wide shallow scoop. I love how this leaves a bare expanse of skin around the upper shoulders.
- It skims over the bust and is cut generously around the waist for an easy fit. The hem is cut on an angle that dips down on one side and this mimics the way that the skirt and ruffles are cut underneath.
- The waist of the skirt is finished with a small black piping and then it curves out and over the hips all the way to the hem. The hem is so interesting because it is cut on a sharp angle that falls shorter on one side and then is substantially longer to fall to the floor on the other.
- The inner layer of a skirt is a silvery grey colour and then black chiffon is set in ruffles over that. The ruffles that are stacked on top of each other and set to follow the same sharp angle of the hem. It has amazing movement once on. As good as the photos are I think it is even better in person.
- The top has a lining of black silk chiffon and the skirt is lined in a grey chiffon netting. Both the skirt and top close with hidden set side zippers. Both pieces appears to have been worn very little at all.
- The skirt is tagged a vintage Armani 40 and the top has no size tag
- Excellent condition
Top
Bust: 16.5-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 19.5" from top of shoulder to the shortest part at the side, 24.5" to the longest
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: approximately 25" from waist to shortest part of the hem at the side, 47" to the longest part
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5325
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2006 Giorgio Armani, Look 54. / (4-5) Fall 2001 Giorgio Armani.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Gorgeous Fall 2003 John Galliano Dusky Purple Bias Cut Silk & Silk Chiffon Dress w Draped Panels
I Have a Question
- This dress is from John Galliano's own label and is an incredible example of his work from this time period.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- This is a production piece that was not shown on the runway but would have been made in limited quantities for the shops.
- For this season he had emphasized a glamorous hourglass shape mixed with nods to pinup girl lingerie style dressing. These bias cut dresses always showcase his love of the 1930s and 1940s and you can see that influence in them.
- The dress is made out of a deep dusky purple silk that has a slight bit of texture to it. It is completely cut on the bias in that signature cut he does so well.
- The dress falls from a delicate strap that curves up and behind the neck and then it drapes down and over the body to the floor.
- The bias cut of it allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that it shows every curve but is not overly fitted.
- The fabric has been pieced together with dropped and angled panels throughout to create the beautiful shape that you see.
- At the back, the strap meets behind the neck and then drop down the centre of the back and panels of silk are suspended from it. These curving panels can be worn either down and under the arms or you can drape your arms through them to create a beautiful curving 'sleeve' effect over the arm.
- The dress glides over the body past the bust, waist and hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem.
- It buttons to close down the side with a row of his signature buttons covered in the same silk and then on the other side the fabric is gathered in and up into a wired circle. The circle is open in the centre and the panels that gather into the circle have been cut out and opened so that it forms the shape of a flower trailing over one hip.
- The dress is lined in a crepe silk but you could choose to remove that lining and have that side be completely bare so that your skin showed through if you wished. I have seen this dress in another colour where someone did that and it looked great. It is an incredible feat of patterning.
- The photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. It will only truly come to life when worn.
- Fully lined in a slightly deeper purple silk crepe and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. I see perhaps a tiny pull in the fabric here and there which happens with this fabric and a bit of shininess here and there from pressing near seams. All minor and mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a FR42, GB14, US8. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes with it just draping more in a smaller frame
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5318
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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