This is a lovely wedding gown by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin that we found reference to in a blog from 2012. The gown is just gorgeous and I love that is is not a traditional white but rather used a combination of a soft blush nude silk at the top and the skirt is an almost soft pastel ivory grey. The top is a fine silk in that soft pinky nude that is suspended from the shoulders with straps that have been detailed with pearls and crystals. These are set on a fine silk netting for a romantic and delicate feel. At the back they trail down past the edge of the top for a pretty touch. The waist is detailed with a wide silk grosgrain ribbon and this extends around to the back where it becomes a large bow that has long ties that fall almost to the hem of the back skirt. The skirt is amazing and very full. The front falls in a sleek column that gains more width as it nears the hem. The back is gathered in large pleats and all of the volume you see is from the way the skirt is cut and gathered combined with the fabric that was used. I did not add any additional crinolines under this for the photos, though if wanted it to be even fuller you easily could wear on underneath. The back is trained and has the most beautiful lines as it trails out and back. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

The top is a double layer of the silk and the skirt is unlined. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper at the back. The attached ribbon at the waist can be tied as you wish. It appears to be unworn but there is some scuffing and grubbiness to the back hem, most likely from being stored on a rack. I photoed the worst spot that is on the very end of the train. It may come out with additional cleaning or could be shortened slightly to eliminate. Note the colors have a slightly more pink/blush undertone then how it photoed. The colors are better in person and softer

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 50" from waist to front hem, 65" from waist to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3297

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

Valentino knows how to cut a dress to perfectly flatter a woman's body. Few designers can come close to the masterful techniques he perfected over the decades of his prolific career. This is an exceptional example of his work and it is very beautiful and striking. It would also be a fabulous choice perhaps as a wedding dress for the bride not looking to be 100% traditional

The dress has that feeling of simplicity that the nineties epitomized and yet, still feels modern and fresh even now. The fine silk crepe that is is made out of is cut on the bias which allows it to drape and mold perfectly over the body, skimming over your curves for the most flattering of fits. The color in person is a touch more a true ivory then how it photoed and is very flattering on most skin tones. The bodice of the dress with one of his signature, high set and curved panels that wrap around the bust. This is suspended from one shoulder by tiny straps that wrap and tie at the back. The bodice has been beaded with gold tube beads into a pretty trailing leaf and flower design with silver sequins filling in the petals. Some of the petals are cut out for the teeniest glimpse of skin through them. From that spectacularly detailed bodice, the skirt drapes to the floor from under the bust in a column of bias cut silk. The skirt has two layers hat are both edged with the same beading that is on the bodice and this overlap balances the workmanship on the bodice. The back is trained and also edged with more beads and sequins. The back is cut very low so that you get an expanse of bare skin. It is just stunning on the body. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory bias cut silk satin. It closes with a low back hidden set zipper. Hand finishes. Tagged a Valentino 12 but please check the actual measurements. It is cut on the bias so there is some give in size up or down. There is the occasional tiny pilling to the fabric which is normal for this fabric. Nothing that is outstanding or noticeable when on

Bust: the panel is 16" across from side seam to side seam but the back is open so that is just the area of front coverage
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from shoulder to front hem, 67" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3295

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

I have no background on this top but it is all done by hand and is quite fabulous. The base is a black cotton velvet and I love the shape of the entire top. The sleeves end just above the wrist and the flare out and are rounded at their cuffs, curving upwards on the inside part of the sleeve. This same curved feel is done on the hem that curves down at the front and back and then up at the sides in the same way that the sleeves do. Onto the velvet is a dense application of a gold metallic cording that completely covers the front of the tunic. It goes all around the hem and finishes each sleeve and the collar. A heart shaped medallion sits on the back. It zips to close at the neck and the collar is high. Interspersed in the cording are little mirrors surrounded by a gold metal wire. All the cording mirrors are done by hand and you can clearly see that work on the back. Great condition with a note to review below

Unlined and slips on the wear with a zipper at the front neck. There is some fading to the velvet across the shoulders and the back of the collar. Please see the final photo. Slight patina to the mirrors which is normal for a piece of this age. All the cord work and mirrors were hand applied.

Sleeves: 19"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S886

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

The beading technique used on this dress is distinctive and it was this feature that led me to find the date of the collection. A dress from this same collection with a similar beading was photoed by Guy Bourdin for Vogue and a dress similar to that one was auctioned off at Sotherbys with the final hammer being 3000 euros. The dress I have here was actually donated to me by the owner who simply wanted it to find a great home. If this is sold at any time during this month, I have decided to donate the proceeds from this sale to Breast Cancer research in the spirit of paying it forward. Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. Their place in fashion history is even more so with his recent passing.

This dress is wonderful. In person it is even better then how it photoed, if that is possible, as it really molds to the body underneath it. The cut is simple but sexy with a wrapped feel to the bodice and a long skirt that falls to the floor. The dress is made out of a fine black silk crepe that has a slight give to it that allows it to fit to the body like it does. Onto the silk is that spectacular gold beaded design. The gold glass tube beads are hand applied and set so they climb up the bodice on the one side up and around the neckline and then wrap over the waist and trail down the side in two long curving points. This amazing design really emphasizes your curves. The neckline is high and the back curves and dips down quite low to leave the entire back bare. I love the wrapped illusion created by the way the beading is applied over the bodice and how the neckline curves up and around the neck in such a graceful line. The dress then skims over the hips and flares out once it reaches the hem with a touch of a fishtail effect at the back and a side vent that really allows it to flare out as you walk. It is magic once on an actual body. Excellent condition

Partially lined on the same black silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a side painted metal zipper. Hand finished interior to demi-couture standards.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to front hem, 46" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3293

Reference Photos: F/W 1973-74 Chloe by Guy Bourdin for French Vogue.

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

This dress has the most unusual and wonderful fabric treatment that has been applied onto its surface. Hundreds and hundreds of little embroidered white triangles of fabric have been applied to the dress to cover it from shoulder to hem. These are sewn onto a fine white silk netting and then that is layered over an inner, more ivory toned, silk crepe. This play on tone give it more depth and visual interest. The triangles are set onto the fabric so that parts of the points flutter off the fabric, giving them a 3D quality. The actual dress under that amazing applique work is quite structured. The bodice has slim sleeves that taper in from the shoulder as they reach the ends, and the neckline is cut wide and squared off at the front. The shoulders have very light padding and they are set so they have a bit of high capped feel to them. At the back it is slightly scooped. The dress follows the body with has vertical seaming that bring it on at the waist a touch and then it falls to the floor. A high back vent is the perfect finish and gives a glimpse of leg. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk crepe and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Very well finished. In person it has a touch more of an ivory tone to the base.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3282

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This dress is from the archive of the Roman couture house Tiziani, which was founded in 1963 by American designer Evans Richards. The label quickly became a favorite among celebrities and socialites including Elizabeth Taylor, who was a regular client; Doris Duke, Gina Lollobrigida, and Principessa Borghese. The label is also famous because of the fact that as a young designer, Karl Lagerfeld accepted a job there. Lagerfeld worked at Tiziani from 1963 to 1969. This piece is unlabeled but has the provenance of being a part of a past auction that featured the sketches and a few select pieces of work from Karl Lagerfeld's time at the label, this dress being one of them.

The dress is constructed from a fine purple silk that has been adorned with dense areas of hand beading. It is almost overtly ornate in its design and is a strong statement piece. The bodice has a V neck that is edged with pink silk satin trimming. This same ruffled trim work circles under the bust and at the waist. It is carried through and around the sleeves, the cuffs and the hem. The sleeves are full and pouf above the wrists. Each sleeve also has a dense panel of bead work circling the elbow area. More beads adorn the bust and run around one side of the skirt. The bead work is extremely fine and mixes embroidery work, real metallic thread, seed beads, crystals and larger beads. These give the dress a touch of glitz and sparkle, The green of the designs pops against the purple silk and I love the 3D feel this detailing adds to the piece. The bottom of the skirt is finished with knife pleating and the work done there is meticulous. The construction of the dress is entirely by hand and it is done to couture levels. It is extraordinary and an amazing piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a purple silk and closes with a back zipper. Each cuff buttons to close. The inner skirt is finished with an extremely wide stiffened hem encased in silk that helps to give the skirt structure and the slight bit of volume you see. All hand work through out and made to couture standards. Light padding in each shoulder. There is the tiniest of fading to the edge of the purple silk lining on the inner arms that does not effect the exterior in anyway. 

Sleeves: 23.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from neck to first seam under the bust, and 17.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from the dropped waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

Item# DD3251

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

John Anthony opened his label in 1971 and during the 1970s he became known for making pieces that were sleek & sexy but still felt sophisticated. His business was all done on a made to order basis. That means the majority of pieces found are a one-off, or if there are similar pieces, very few of each piece exist. This personal attention to each dress is clearly seen in the workmanship of his pieces and his work is a personal favorite.

This dress is exceptional and a wonderful example of his work during this time period. It is made from a black silk jersey that allows it to drape beautifully on the body. Its genius lies in its cut that allows for all of your curves to show, but in a way that drapes the jersey over you rather then tightly hug the body. This gives it an inherent sexiness despite the fact that you are covered from head to toe. The sleeves have a full cut at the wrists to create a poufed effect over the cuffs. The neckline is set high and with just a slight scoop. Set along that curve of the neck is a beautiful, hand beaded bird that seems to have been captured in mid-flight as it swoops around the neck. A second bird arches down the hip, drawing the eye down so you have an even longer line.  That second beaded bird also highlights the gathered panel of fabric that is set on that one hip. This panel serves to not only give the dress a bit of a forties feel with its nod to Old Hollywood glamour, it also hides a high cut slit that reveals almost your entire your leg when you walk or sit. It is really incredible and made to demi-couture standards. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back, hand set zipper. Each cuff buttons to close. The birds are hand beaded onto the dress. Appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finished. The fabric does have stretch so it should fit a range of sizes. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat.

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58.5" from neck to hem
Slit: 32" from hem to top of slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2973

Reference Photo: Jamie Mizrahi from her Instagram.

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

Victor Costa launched his own label in 1974 and was known for producing his own versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. He also looked to the Americans for inspiration as well. He used good fabrics and his designs were often very close interpretations of other designs but with his own unique twist when it came to colors and fabrics.

This dress is so pretty with its pale blue color mixed with white and its incredible fabric. The fabric seems simple at first glance but the closer you look the more you realize just how wonderful it is. That leaf pattern is not screened onto the fabric, rather it is a raised design that is woven through the fabric. It is quite fabulous as this gives the dress the most amazing texture. The neck and waist are then detailed with big tear drop plastic beads set within embroidered lace drops that mimic that same shape as the beads. The beads range from a deep milky white color to ones that have a teeniest touch of blue to them. Interspersed in that lace border that circles both the waist and neckline, are also little prong set rhinestones for the most subtle touch of glitz. The bodice is sleeveless with a scooped neckline. The waist is set just a touch high and the skirt goes to the floor in a gently widening curve. The fabric has just a touch of weight to it so helps to hold the shape. It is really incredibly pretty in real life and even better then how it photoed. Excellent condition

The skirt is unlined and the bodice is fully lined in a white silky rayon and closes with a back zipper and the velvet tie at the back of the neck.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3247

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This wonderful gown with its exquisitely beaded bodice and attached cape is a numbered Haute Couture piece designed by Pierre Balmain. Both pieces would have been  made entirely by hand at the Paris atelier and the bead work done by Lesage. We found a similar gown from that same Couture collection that was featured in Harper's Bazaar that year It is an extraordinary example of the work being done during this time period of the label's history and is very beautiful.

The impact that this gown has cannot be denied. You instantly get the feel of Ancient Greece and yet is has a touch of modernity to it as well. It dress is made out of a very fine ivory silk chiffon. The neckline is high and the skirt flows to the floor with two layers of of silk chiffon over an interior silk skirt. The bodice is covered with hand placed glass tube beads that is most likely the workmanship of the famed Lesage ateliers. Eash bead has been carefully placed by hand and then they are mixed with a real metal gold thread that has been used to outline the design created with the beads. More of that same metallic thread is used to create a gold and ivory braiding that runs down the front and back and highlight the neckline. The cape detail on this one is unusual and really what makes it extra special. This cape is made of that same high end ivory silk chiffon. It ties at the front neck but it also is secured to the shoulders so that it stays perfectly in place no matter how you move, stand or sit. It is attached by tiny snaps, hidden under the inside collar of the neckline. There are endless couture level details put into this one and the workmanship throughout is perfectly and meticulously done. It is an amazing example of the fine workmanship and attention to detail of Haute Couture. and it is a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

The dress is fully lined in an ivory through the bodice and innermost skirt. The skirt has two layers of silk over the inner lining. There may be the occasional loose or missing bead or thread. Both pieces have their numbered tag present under the main label and both bear the same number of 764027. Hand finished. It closes with a hand set, back painted metal zipper. I see one tiny yellowed spot on one tie and a pinpoint of a spot on the cape. There are two teeny smudges on the lower portion of the skirt. None of these detract - I am just being super picky. There is a slight darkening to the silk around the waist under the seam. I have photoed it all the way around and you can see that after the photos of the Couture label.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Cape: 57"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2945

Reference Photo: Gleb Derujinsky in Pierre Balmain, Harper's Bazaar, April 1961.

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used for the skirt. This is mixed with a low waist top that is constructed out of a ivory embroidered lace. To highlight the pattern that runs through the lace little iridescent clear beads have been hand set and scattered over it. The silk layers that make up the skirt are all cut on the bias and this gives it lovely movement. The bodice is sleeved and the neckline cut wide across with very light padding in the shoulders for shape. The back is cut into a V so you get a bit of skin showing there. The top layer of the bodice is made of an embroidered cut work lace done in a creamy ivory. Note that in person it is far more a true ivory that the deeper color it has photoed as. The waist has no defined seam and skims over to a the upper hips with gathers on either side. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Very well finished. In person it is a true ivory. The photos have given it a bit of a taupe feel and it is not that deep a color in person.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to longest points of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3254

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

Thea Porter combined exoticism, embellished ornamentation and luxurious fabrics in her pieces and her work was a phenomenon during her day. She dressed many of the most fashionable woman in the world. Eliazabeth Taylor was a noted fan, as was Sharon Tate, Faye Dunaway, Brit Eckland and many, many more. Her legacy continues to this day and great examples of her work are harder and harder to find. In 2015, the Fashion and Textile Museum in London showcased her work in the exhibit "Thea Porter 70s Bohemian Chic" and over a dozen pieces were pulled from my archives for that show and for the accompanying book. This is a more recent acquisition to the shop and it is one of the best I have seen.

This is an astonishing, high glamour dress that combines elements of both her Faye dress, named after Faye Dunaway and the iconic Gipsy dress. Both of these were made in various versions from 1968 onward. I suspect that this one was custom made for a client, or perhaps was just yet another unique version of one of her dresses dreamed up by Thea herself. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Thea dresses I have seen in person. The color alone makes it a stand out, never mind the extensive embellishments. The bodice is made from a panel of antique brocade - here it is a pink and gold floral brocade that is very beautiful. This is finished with a combination of silver and gold metallic piping that highlights the neckline and runs down the front to the waist. The sleeves are incredibly full and are made from a deep fuchsia silk chiffon that has a slightly ribbed finish to it. These billow out above elastic ends and are very voluminous. Below the waist there are two layers of silk. The innermost layer is the same silk that was used to make the sleeves. Over that lies a top embroidered silk layer and it is this layer that makes this dress especially wondrous. It is a brighter pink silk Sari fabric that has been heavily embroidered with real silver metal thread and matte silver sequins. This fabric was most likely vintage even at the time of making the dress and both the quality of the silk and the workmanship are extremely fine. All of the work is hand done. The skirt is very full and there are yards and yards of the silk used in its construction. The hem is left to lie at different lengths all around its edge. In person the dress is even better. The  combination of that vibrant deep fuchsia pink mixed with the metallic silver and gold have more impact in real life and the full effect of the dress is astonishing. Excellent overall condition with some notes to review below.

The bodice is fully lined in a purple silk and the skirt is made up of two layers of the silk as described above. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. The elastic in the sleeves may be slightly stretched out but they are fine as they are. I would not change them. I see a small vertical repair to the silk near the top of one shoulder and there are some small splits and areas of weakness to the silk there that will need to be reinforced at some point. There are two long areas of repair to the hem. I see some slight fading to the silk around these areas as well. With the volume of fabric in these areas, once on you would never notice any of these. They are all decently done and the silk seems stable but the areas around the repairs should be handled with care to not do any further damage. Her silks were very fine and this tends to happen to her pieces as they age. Please see the photos following the shot of the label. Note that this dress is sold as a final sale.

Sleeves: 25"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to longest points of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3234

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

This garment has been checked over, steamed out and it is sold in clean. as found condition.

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is likely the early work of Elinor Simmons before her name went on the labels. She designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972. You can see her influence in this classic feeling Malcolm Starr dress with its almost sculptural lines and elaborate beading, sequin and rhinestone embellishments on the bodice.

The dress itself has a simple and long A-line cut with a sleeveless bodice and a wide scooped neck. At the back, it is also scooped but this is set far lower so that the upper back is left bare. The entire dress is made out of a satin finish silk of very high grade. This has been dyed a shocking, vibrant pink that is far better in person even then how it photoed here. Onto that is a beautiful hand done detailing that completely covers the bodice of the dress across the full front and the back. Gold toned tubes beads are mixed with seed beads and prong set rhinestones in a dense 3D application. These catch the light wonderfully and the final effect is quite beautiful. The upper portion of the dress skims over the bodice with a high set waist line. The skirt comes out from under the seam at the waist, gently widening out as it nears the floor. It is cut supermodel length which is not always as common in pieces from this era. The fabric choice really holds the shape of the dress beautifully and the color is wonderful. It is really a lovely dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the bodice in a fine silk dyed to the same color and the skirt is lined in a white muslin. The dress closes with a back painted metal zipper. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Note that color is a bit deeper then how it photoed. The elaborate rhinestone, sequins and beads on the upper bodice are all set by hand. There is an additional 3" turned up under the hem.

Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from shoulder to seam under the bust
Skirt: 47" from seam under the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3233

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

American couturier, James Galanos, made gowns with a level of craftsmanship that left even France’s most esteemed couturiers astonished that an American could equal their craft. The immaculate construction of a Galanos gowns are amazing. His price points were high, but his clients were more then willing to pay for the quality of what they received. He was a master cutter and he used proper couture techniques to create his pieces. Galanos was particularly known for his evening wear and this is one of the most glamorous pieces I have ever seen from him. It is truly extraordinary and I have never seen another like it.

This dress needs an actual body in it to really come to life. As gorgeous as it looks in my photos, it will look even better once on. The fabric is amazing. It is a black silk net that has little explosions of gold and silver covering its surface. Each of these three dimensional 'dots' is make from silver and gold tinsel lame that has been set into the net and tufts out from it. These are densely applied over every inch of the dress and each would have been done by hand. The way that these catch the light and make the entire dress glint is wonderful. The dress is cut in a classic baby doll with a high thin bodice that sits low on the bust and is suspended from the shoulder by two thin straps covered in the 3D tinsel florettes. The bust is then detailed by a band of of hand applied matte gold sequins set just underneath the bust. The skirt explodes out from under that in a  full and voluminous curve to the floor. Once on an actual body, the effect of this volume is even more pronounced. Under the top netted layer is a base of gold knit lame that adds to the metallic feel of the dress. I love how the bottom hem is finished in the same band of gold sequins that sit under the bust, even though you just barely glimpse them through the netting that lies over the inner skirt. It also comes with a matching jacket made of the same gold and silver detailed netting. This is cut loose and wide through the body with no front closures. Each sleeve of the jacket is cut wide and full. It is an extraordinary set. Excellent condition

The bodice is lined in a nude silk organza and support is added by shaping seams and grosgrain. The body of the dress is lined in a olive toned, fine silk. It closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The jacket slips on with no closures.

Dress
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under bust seam: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from top of shoulder strap to lower edge of the sequin waist band
Skirt: 46" from lower edge of the sequin waist band to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 22" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3234

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

Vitaldi Babani founded the Babani atelier in Paris in 1894. Originally they imported art, furniture, embroideries, silks and exotic goods from China, Japan, India, and Turkey. By 1910 they were producing their own label garments. The designs were heavily inspired by the wares they were importing and they often incorporated some of the antique textiles that they were bringing into Paris. They were known for the exoticism of their designs and the heavy embroideries and high craft that was put int their garments. In 1928, Katherine Hepburn famously wore a white crushed velvet Babani dress with antique gold embroidery for her 1928 wedding to Ludlow Ogden Smith. This is a rare and wonderful dress by the House of Babani and it is remarkable in both its condition and its design.

The base of the dress is an inky black silk velvet that has the same weight and feel of the Fortuny's I have seen from this period. Which would not be a stretch given that the Babani company had a license to retail textiles and garments by the Venice-based designer. To have used some of those velvet's for their own label would not have been out of question. The shape is very loose and easy. It follows the tubular fashion of the day with the middle portion of the dress almost curving outwards a touch. On the body it looks tremendously modern and oversized. Even a small framed girl could wear this and just carry it off in a different way then someone closer to the garment's actual measuremnts. Onto the black velvet is an elaborate and intricate geometric design. This has been created by using thick gold metallic cording to create the outer edgings of the design. The inner parts of the design are then filled with a thinner gold thread. All of the thread has that feel of being made out of actual metal. This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of rare fashion history from one of the most elusive of labels from this period. Excellent antique condition 

The dress slips on and is fully lined in a fine black silk. It has no closures. All of the embroidery work is present and fully intact. I see some waviness to the velvet under the arms where it has been worn and slightly folded over time. There is perhaps an area or two where the pile of the velvet has gone into a slightly different direction but there are no true flaws overall. For a garment of this age and this rarity it is in excellent antique condition

Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3225

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

This garment is sent in clean. as found condition

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This wonderful dress would date to the late teens or perhaps the early 1920s. Dresses of this age are rarely 100% perfect and this one does have some small areas that are starting to show weakness, but overall is still very strong even after all of these years. It is a wonderful example of the workmanship that was being done during this time period.

The dress is made from a fine silk chiffon that has been covered in a dense pattern of glossy black jet tube and seed beads mixed with larger glass jet beads. The design is very extensive and is set over the entire surface of the dress. The execution of the design is very well done and it is quite beautiful. The bead work covers both the front and the back of the dress and the hand work involved would have taken hours and hours to finish. The dress is cut in a classic flapper tube shape with a high set neck and a long body with no defined waist. The silk chiffon top layer sits over an inner silk satin which is what has give the dress its stability and longevity. I love the romantic touches of the wispy bits of silk chiffon that finish each sleeve and care set to curve around the arm. Floating panels of chiffon sit on each hip and give the skirts a slight volume at the sides. Circled around the dropped waist is a heavily embellished belt that is made of large black glass beads that ends with a long tassel of beads hanging down one hip. This is then caught up and finished with a silk and velvet pink flower for a pretty pop of color against the black. It is incredibly beautiful and entirely made by hand. Excellent antique condition.

Lined with the inner silk satin dress under the chiffon overlay. The dress slips on to wear. The shoulders at the seams are starting to show signs of aging - please see the photos provided - you could reinforce them but I have left the dress as found and all original. There may be other areas of weakness here and there as well but I don't see any readily apparent ones. The bead and jet beads seem to be entirely present with perhaps the occasional one missing around the edge of the neck. The attached belt detail that wraps around the waist has no hook - I have twisted it in place for the photos. I think once the new owner gets it you should add a hook or secure it where it sits best on you. Some small areas of shattering on some of the inner silk petals of the flower. Even with these small defects the dress is remarkably sound and shockingly beautiful. It is almost 100 years old and is considered to be in museum quality condition.

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

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41 from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E485

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

This dress is very tiny in size but has big impact. The girl who is lucky enough to fit this will find that it is an absolute dream to wear. It is the kind of dress that is just waiting to go out, have fun and dance the night away. It is cut to fit and hug your curves in a way that is extremely flattering and sexy. The shoulders are shaped and padded. Both the front and the back are scooped and plunge quite low so that you get a bare expanse of skin showing. I had to pin this on my dress form because of its tiny size but on an actual body the the front and the back feel lower then how they look on the form. It is very flattering and I love how the back is more of a cut out. It's not apparent in the photos but at the top back of the neck the fabric curves around and across the neck and hooks into place so its held securely onto you. The surface of the red silk base is finished in a dense covering of red beads mixed with gold beads and sequins. These have all been sewn on by hand. The design that is created by the gold areas especially really add to the curves and lines of the dress. Each sleeve has its own fabulous design at its cuff for the perfect finish. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with a back zipper and hook and eye at the back of the neck. Padding in each shoulder Each cuff has a hook & eye to close. The beads are hand sewn onto the silk . The only size tag is one that says it is 'petite'

Sleeves: 20"
Wide set shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from neck to hem
Front slit: 19" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3222

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

Harvey Berin opened his self-named label in 1921 and by the 1940s his label was considered to be a leader in American fashion. The pieces were actually designed by Karen Stark, his wife's sister, though it is said that all designs had to meet with Berin's approval before going into production. The dresses were made with high end finishes and were often based on the Parisian couture designs of the season. By 1952 Stark had won a Coty award. This dress is one of the best I have seen from the label and is extraordinary.

The dress is absolutely wonderful and could easily stand side by side with any of the couture dresses being produced in this time frame. The base fabric is a pale ivory with just the barest touch of blush to it. It then has a beautiful floral and leaf pattern worked into the silk that is made from a nude toned netting. The weave of the netting varies and these variations become a layer of the design itself. Over these fabrics the dress has been densely beaded with thousands and thousands of little white glass seed beads. These are applied by hand in a dense scattering cover over the main silk part. More beads are worked into dense ropes that follow the edges of each leave and flower. More beads are used to make up the inner design of the flowers and leaves. The heavy profusion of beads makes the dress feel that is has a good solid couture feeling weight to it. The cut is kept simple to off-set that amazing design. The straps are cut wide and curve over each shoulder. The bust is fitted with a sweetheart neckline at the front and a simple scoop at the back. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out to be very full under that. I put a light crinoline under it for the photos and I think you could go even fuller if you wished. In person the dress has far more impact and beauty then the photos could ever convey. You will honestly be floored when you see it in person. The color is a more true ivory-nude and the dress has more depth and a 3D effect in real life. It is wonderful and would perhaps even make a fabulous wedding dress for the bride looking for something non-traditional. Excellent condition with a couple of tiny items to note below.

Fully lined in a pale pink silk and closes with a side set painted metal zipper. There is a teeny tiny area of the slightest of darkening to the fabric under one arm and a couple of tiny storage spots. Nothing that I feel detracts in any way. I have photoed the areas and you can see then after the shot of the label. Hand finished throughout. There is a 4.5" hem turned up and it appears that someone has turned it up at some point already and this prior shortening takes up about 2.5" of the total

Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3218

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

In 1962 Capucci opened his first atelier in Paris and took the fashion world by storm. In 1968 he went back to his native Rome and opened his atelier there. By 1972 his work was presented in a museum in Rome at the Museum of Etruscan Art. A remarkable achievement for a living designer. He exhibited again in 1990 and in 2005 he founded the Roberto Capucci Foundation to preserve his numerous drawing and archives. His pieces tend to be highly architectural and the ones you see in exhibits border on not being wearable, so it is a treat to find a beautiful and highly wearable example of his work.

From the late 1970s comes this fabulous little deep blue chiffon dress that is cut to flow and drape over the body. The neck is cut wide to give a glimpse of the upper shoulders and the sleeves flow from there in an expanse of volume and fullness to above the buttoned wrist. The skirt has yards and yards of chiffon and flows to the floor in a pretty, light expanse of fabric. The back and bodice are especially pretty with their pin tuck lattice design that is detailed with a little clear beads where each pin tuck crosses over the other. It is lovely and a rare example of a hard to find designers work. Excellent condition

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2753

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a remarkable coat or full length dress, that was constructed with a level of hand work that is getting harder and harder to find. The photos do not come close to doing it justice. It is not 100% perfect but its construction and beauty far out weigh its few flaws. The exterior is extensively covered with a beautiful crewel embroidery technique that is done by hand. Despite its age the colors are still fresh and vibrant. The design work is exceptional. Dense embroidery work form beautiful bouquets of flowers that circle all around the hem, cover the upper back and run down each sleeve. The collar is a soft rounded notch collar and this is embroidered with flowers that then trail down the front. The hand embroidered design is a pattern of soft flowers and leaves in a variety of pastels, an unusual color choice against the red, but one that works. The base is a fine and light deep red colored wool and I love the sweeping cut of the lower portion. Every detail is perfect down to the hand embroidered buttons. You can wear this as a spectacular evening coat, or because it does do fully up you can wear it on its own as a dress, or keep it as a boudoir piece. It is exquisite and a testament to the great craftsmanship and highly skilled technique that is rapidly being lost. Presents as excellent condition but has a couple of small flaws noted below.

Fully lined in red silk and closes with those amazing button and loops at the front. I see a dark discoloration on the back of one sleeve and some light marks where it was folded for many years and faded slightly, these go all the way around and are less visible in real life then how they photoed. Please review the last two photos for these areas. I have also included detail photos showing the hand work on the embroidery. The red is a touch more vibrant in person.  Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close).

Sleeves: 18"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C512

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is a wonderful dress from the fifties that is beautifully feminine and romantic in feel. It is so rare to find these really outstanding fifties pieces any more and I am extra appreciative when they come into the shop. The fabric that has been used for the base is a lightweight soft cotton mix. It is almost surprising to see such a light and supple fabric used for a structured dress like this. It is all the work on the inside that give it the lines that you see. The skirt is cut to be very full. It has a built in underskirt that is made of a starched/stiffened muslin that is then finished with a layer of tulle along the bottom for volume. I then photoed it with an additional crinoline underneath of that layer so you can get a true sense of the volume that is there. You could even go fuller if you wished. If you chose to wear it with no crinoline you would still get a lot of volume and movement. The structure through the bodice comes from the extensive ribbon embellishment. This has been hand applied onto the fabric so that is completely covers the bodice to the waist and then tapers off into pretty tendrils as it trails down and over the skirt. The ribbon on all of these places panels has been shaped and made by hand out of an ivory crinkle ribbon and then the panels hand sewn into place onto the dress. Ivory silk cord is stitched around the tendrils of the skirt so they have a more finished feel. The applique work runs over the full front and back of the dress and add a beautiful 3D element to it. The waist is nipped in and the bodice is sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline at the front and a dipped back. This is a really outstanding example of the work being done during this time period. Overall excellent condition with some very minor notes to review below.

The bodice is lined with the same blue fabric as the exterior and the skirt has a built in skirt as described above. The dress closes with a side metal zipper. Note in person the blue is slightly more a true baby blue and the ribbon has a slightly more ivory tone to it and it not a true stark white. There is a very slight storage spot on  the ribbon on the top of one shoulder (see the very last ohoto) and perhaps some slight grubbiness to the ribbon along the edges here and there but this is more a cause from time and natural patina. I am being extremely picky. The hand work in the dress is easily seen from the back. The crinoline used in the styling is not include.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46" from top of shoulder hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E661

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This extraordinary 1920s flapper dress was completely made by hand and is very feminine and beautiful. It is a wonderful example of the level of craftsmanship being utilized during this time period. It has survived the passing of time exceedingly well with only some minor flaws. The base of the dress is made from a fine light cotton and it is this fabric choice that has allowed it to remain strong and sturdy over the years. The color is a pale dusty blue that was almost impossible to capture and in real life it has a prettier, more unique feel to it that I think is just lovely. Onto this is an intricate design made of glass tube and seed beads that covers every inch of the dress. The main portions of the blue have a dense sprinkling of little semi-transparent white tube beads. Rows pf raised pink and gold flowers flow down the dress on both sides and a band of gold bead work defines the waist. The skirt has more of those glass seed  bead flowers scattered around the hem. The placement of each and every bead is by hand and it is amazing to think of the time it would have taken to create this extensive design. The combination of soft and romantic colors and the density of the beads is absolutely fantastic. I also took a shot of the dress laid out flat so you can see how the skirt is cut with extra fabric worked around each hip to give the skirt extra flare. Overall great antique condition with some notes below to review

The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. The fabric appears to be strong and is wearable with the care it would deserve to be worn with. It is not 100% perfect but still in wonderful antique condition. There are some areas where the beads on the main body are missing. Because of the color of the dress and the color of the beads in these areas its actually not that noticeable. There is some faded discoloration from storage on the bodice. I have photoed the worst of the areas. Note that the shots before the photo of the dress laid out flat are the detail shots of the bead work, and the shots after the laid out dress photo is of of the flawed areas.You can see some of the discoloration in the other photos as well. Even with these defects the dress is remarkably sound and shockingly beautiful. It is almost 100 years old and is considered to be in museum quality condition.

Bust: 17" from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.6" from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 37.5" from shoulder to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# E660

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

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This gorgeous twenties dress combines a rich, golden tone ivory silk velvet with an inset panel of silk chiffon in the same rich color. The front panel where the silk chiffon is inlaid, has been heavily embellished with beads and faux pearls. The execution of the design is very well done and it is quite beautiful. I love the way the back panel of the dress is set so that it falls in one single long line. This is created by having the back set over the inner structure of the dress and simply hooking into place once on. The velvet then wraps around the body to the front with bead work at the waist holding the velvet perfectly in place. The hand work involved in the front design would have taken hours and hours to finish. There is a wide and elaborate band of beading at the center low waist and from that hang a long, double sided, multi strand beaded tassel. These drop right to the hem of the dress and create wonderful movement. Behind this, the silk chiffon has an elaborate, trailing design of little flowers. These are all hand done and made from glass beads, pearls and rhinestones. The dress is cut in a classic flapper tube shape with a long body with no defined waist. The silk velvet top layer sits over an inner dress that gives it some hidden structure, This inner dress is no longer perfect all along where it closes underneath the back panel but this cannot be seen at all once it is on. It could perhaps still be worn as is very carefully, or the inner part could be replaced, or even removed altogether. I love all the romantic touches and feel that this could potentially be a beautiful wedding piece for a girl looking for a more twenties feeling wedding dress. The exterior is in absolutely remarkable antique condition. It is incredibly beautiful and entirely made by hand. An amazing collector piece and beautiful example of the time period. It is far far better in person then how it photoed - more rich feeling and has a softer, more romantic feel in person as well.  Excellent overall antique condition.

Has an elaborate inner dress comprised of silk netting, tissue silk and silk chiffon. The dress slips on to wear with no closures from the waist seam down. It has a series of snaps and hooks from the waist up.  The fabric at the back of the inner bodice has deteriorated badly. I have taken a photo of it on the mannequin and if you turn the layers inside out its even more shredded on one inner layer then how this looks. That said it is very sound still as the netting is there and that is strong. The structure is all there. I see one small tear to the chiffon but it is stable and not readily apparent when in due to the placement and the many layers of chiffon. There is the occasional weak spot to the silk chiffon that lines the outer silk velvet but again the velvet itself is remarkably strong and stable. There may be other areas of weakness here and there as well but I don't see any readily apparent ones. The bead and jet beads seem to be entirely present with perhaps the occasional one missing in that front design. Even with these small defects the dress is remarkably sound and shockingly beautiful. It is almost 100 years old and is considered to be in museum quality condition.

Inner bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45 from shoulder  to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

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

Item# E659

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