This dress is gorgeous with its bright meadow green and white print and yards of bias cut silk chiffon that has been used through the skirting. The color is just gorgeous and is a bright clear green that is even better in person then how it photoed. The dress has a simple cut. The bodice is sleeveless and the openings for the arms are cut to angle up and toward the neck. It dips into a fairly low V at the front and all of the edges of the bodice are finished with a band of clear sequins and tiny white seed beads. These are set in rows along all the seams and around the waist to highlight the cut. More of the same sequin and seed bead combination has been scattered over the rest of the bodice fabric. Under that the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of bias cut silk and there are yards of fabric used for it. So when you move it can create a lot of movement and flow around you. The chiffon has a pretty, brushed abstract pattern screened onto it. All the bead work is hand applied and gives the dress an added bit of high glamour while still keeping a romantic, feminine feel. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a matching green silk. It closes with a painted back metal zipper. Hand applied bead-work. Tagged a vintage 10. I see a couple of sequins missing here and there. A slightly lighter green in person.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3470

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 elaborately sequin and bead covered dress is even better in person. The workmanship on it is outstanding with a dense, hand applied application of large black paillettes, smaller sequins, beads and curving ropes of seed bead work that give it even more of a 3D effect. The bead work covers every square inch of the fabric and each one has been meticulously placed by hand onto the black stretch knit base. Once that dress is actually on, it hugs and molds to the body. The dress has a very intentional simple cut to offset the extensive bead work. It is a chic sheath silhouette with a slightly nipped in waist, long skirt, a barely there suggestion of a cap sleeve and a V neck. The back is also finished with a V cut that is set so that it dips lower down the back then the front. The hand work done on the dress gives it a three dimensional quality as they are set raised up from the knit. Glossy black flowers are formed from the combination of the various beads used and thick ropes of twisted black seed beads loop and curve through the design from top to bottom. Everything has a high gloss finish and I love the way it gleams in the light. It is also a great wearable size and the knit base makes it feel fantastic once on and extremely comfortable to wear. Excellent condition.

The bead work and sequins are hand applied onto what feels like a cashmere mix knit base. It closes with a back metal zipper. The edges of the slit on the skirt are finished with a black silk panel of fabric but it is otherwise unlined. The knit gives it quite a bit of stretch and the measurements give below are the comfortable range lying flat. You may be able to get a bit more then that if needed.  It still has the high end department store Neusteters label but if it had another designer label at some point that is now a mystery.

Bust: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 37" from waist to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E416

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

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

Guy Laroche began working for Jean Desses in 1949 and eventually launches his own Haute Couture label in 1957 at 37 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt in Paris. He was known for being gracious and humble and eventually ventured into ready to wear in 1961. This dress is from his Haute Couture label and is even though it is not perfect, it is a beautiful example of the work he was doing in Paris at the height of his career. Laroche once was quoted as saying "“It is my intention to try and adapt haute couture to modern requirements: to make dresses that are simple and chic.” 

The dress is very beautiful and of course made to exquisite standards. It is entirely hand made and bears the Haute Couture label. It is made out of a heavy ivory silk. The cut of the dress is simple. The neckline is cut wide across so that you get just a glimpse of the top of the collarbones. The sleeves are to the elbow and are cut wide and straight. There is just the suggestion of shape through the waist and then it falls to the floor in a gently widening curve. Inside the hem the skirt is weighted so that it always falls perfectly and this also helps to hold the intended shape that you see. The entire bodice is densely covered in a combination of tiny black seed beads and large black paillettes. These are set on 3 dimensional loops that cover the upper shoulders and sleeves and then gradually become more of a flat embellishment and are spaced out more as they reach the waist area. Because of the way they are set onto the silk these have a ton of movement so when it is on and you move they have a real tactile quality to them. At first glance the dress seems to be in great condition and it is structurally sound but it does have scuffing and light marks throughout. I have included lots of photos after the label shot. Even with the small flaws it is an incredible example of couture being produced at this time period. Good overall condition

Fully lined in a white silk organza through the bodice and a silk through the skirt. It closes at the back with a hand set fine painted metal zipper. Weighted hem and completely made by hand. Haute Couture label preset. Scuffing, light foxing and small water marks throughout. Please review the photos after the label shot and read the description above.

Sleeves: 15"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54.5" from top of shoulder to front hem, 56" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3432

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

Jean-Louis Scherrer was on of the great French couturiers in the grand Parisian style. He counted Sophia Loren and Jackie Kennedy as fans in his heyday and his work in the 1970s especially was wonderful. Opulence, hand beading and rich passementerie were his trademarks. He launched his own Haute Couture house after working at Christian Dior and stayed there until his dismissal in 1992. By that time period he had sold out all but 10% of his company. In 1977, the year that this gown was made, he was just reaching the top of his game as a couturier.

This dress, with its matching ruffled silk shawl, is tiny but perfect. I love the soft yellow silk organza that has been used for the skirt and the shawl. This choice of fabric allows it to have the volume that you see but without adding any weight at all. The skirt is cut to skim over the hips and that drops to that first extravagant ruffle. There are three ruffles in total that circle the skirt and each is wide and has yards of fabric in them. The skirt under the ruffles gradually widens as it reaches the hem. The movement and airiness the skirt creates in person is amazing. The shawl is made of the same silk as the skirt and is very long and finished with the same ruffled treatment we see on the skirt. It can be wrapped or just lightly held. Once this is removed that bodice of the dress is revealed and here is the true magic. It is strapless and fitted to the bust which balances against the volume of the skirt perfectly. Tiny sequins are hand placed to create that stunning floral design that you see. The edges of the green sequin leaves are done in the smallest glass tube beads. Little glass crystals edge other parts of the design and create a border across the top of the bodice. The workmanship is exquisite and the care and time to have created the design using only the finest, smallest of beads and sequins is astonishing. The entire dress is finished to Haute Couture standards and it is even more beautiful in person. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in the same silk organza that is used on the exterior. All of the work throughout is done by hand done to the edgings of the inner seams. It zips to close with a painted metal zipper and the exterior skirt snaps to close over the zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The bodice is lightly boned. It will of course close all the way but was small on my dress form. I see one tiny dot of a mark just under the bodice seam and a tiny repair near the base of the back closure. Numbered tag 002576

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Shawl: 9' long x just over 5' wide

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3393

Reference Photos: (1) 1976-1977 Fall-Winter Women's haute couture runway show.  /  (2) Jean Louis Scherrer with model, 1977.

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

Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Retner label and re-launched it under his own name. He was arguably one of the most famous of all the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seem to have a way of flattering the wearer even at their most extravagant.

I have had a shorter version of this dress in the past and I swear I have seen this used for an editorial or advert but have not yet been able to track that down. This showcases Bill's more extravagant side and is a heady combination of sequin detailed lace, trimming and silk organza. The bodice is an attached overlay that sits over an inner silk chiffon base. The outer layer of the bodice is made up of a combination of glossy black sequins and white ribbon that have been hand applied onto a black lace backing. The ribbon has been applied under and through the sequins and lace to form little rosebuds that peek through the sequin work. It also is a clever way to give the appearance of being his signature dot pattern from a distance, but have that extra bit of texture and visual interest when looked at closer. This sits over a tiered skirt constructed from a combination of black and white silk organza stripes. Each stripe is edged in a black lace trim. A wide silk satin sash circles the waist and nips it in. The skirt has a nice fullness to it. This is partially due to the cut and the way it is gathered and set into the waist and there is also a full layer of organza underneath to help hold the shape and give it volume. Overall excellent condition with a note to review below.

The bodice is lined in a black silk and sits over a black silk chiffon under-bodice.The skirt has a full second layer of white silk organza. It closes at the back with a hand set zipper. The top overlay buttons to close over that. Padded shoulders. There are a couple of marks on the dress that I have photoed. There are two small areas of yellowing of the ribbon on the front. It would be possible to replace these. There is a small mark on the third white tier down on the skirt and a small touch of fading to the black near the hem. All fairly minor. Please review the photos provided after the shot of the label

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to bottom seam of band at the waist
Skirt: 36" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3387

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

This coat would have been designed while Youssef Rizkallah headed the company. Youseef joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favorites and in particular his pieces that utilize quilting and patchwork are truly iconic. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture lines that he gained in Paris with the color and vividness of his homeland.

This is a wonderful piece that can be worn as either a coat or a dress thanks to the zip front that completely opens. It has the added provenance of being the twin to the one featured in the ad campaign for 1970. The base of the coat is a black fabric that feels like a light wool that has a slight ribbed texture in it. The entire coat is detailed with a combination of a red braiding and red ric rac that follows the lines of the coat so emphasize the pattern and cut. Elaborate designs adorn run over the body of the piece and all around the hem. Pops of a white cotton are used to  create even more drama. A floral patchwork is set into all of this on big curving and angular cuts that anchor the design and give a pop of contrast to the the starkness of the red, black and white. The collar has a beautifully curved cut out to it and the skirting of the piece flares out dramatically and is quite wide. The sleeves are deliberately kept simple so that all you see is that spectacular design through the body of the dress/coat. It is dramatic, wonderful and rare. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a hand set red silk and closes down the front with an unpainted silver zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage 8

Sleeves: 22"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C536

Reference Photo: "The Malcolm Starr All Starrs" Ad, 1970.

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

This is such a pretty dress. It has no labels to tell us its origins but it is well made and just pretty beyond words. It is not 100% perfect but its imperfections are mild. The fabric is the star on this dress. It is a ivory silk base that has a super soft chenille feeling applique that has been fused directly to the base fabric. These give it a 3D texture and in incredible sensation when the dress is touched. The form little abstract dots that cover the dress from head to toe. Between each of those dots are hand applied silver tube beads hat catch the light beautifully and give the dress a touch of sparkle. It is sleeveless and the neckline and back are scooped. There is just a suggestion of shape through the waist and the skirt falls below that is a gently widening column of fabric. A slit up the center back allows you to walk comfortably. Excellent overall condition with a note to review below.

Fully lined in a white crepe and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. Inner waist stay that hooks to close. Hand finishes. There is some darkening to the fabric as it nears the hem and a small area on the bust. They are pretty mild and feel more like shadows when it is on the body. Please review the last three photos.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E677

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

When Jeanne Lanvin died in 1946 her daughter took over the business and ran it herself for a couple of years before hiring Antonio del Castillo in 1950. During his time as head designer for the house, the labels bear the name Lanvin-Castillo. He departed in 1962 which gives us a neat little window of time that he worked within. This set has the boutique label but that label is numbered and the interior is finished to couture standards. I think it was most likely a  custom order placed through the boutique that was made in the couture studios based on the level of finishes.

The set is gorgeous. It is made from a deep gold colored velvet that instantly give is a rich feel. The top is sleeveless and scooped at the front. Vertical seaming give is a fitted feel and it is cut to nip in at the waist. It is meant to be worn tucked in and the long exposed zipper, done on the couture manner to leave no bump under the skirt, is what tells us that it was meant to be worn that way. The neckline is finished with a beautiful hand applied border of gold metal filigree cut out, faux pearls and gold beads. The skirt has that same beading detail and this is done in wide borders that surround the unusual slit pockets that sit towards the center of the front of the skirt. This picks up and balances the neck detailing perfectly and add a touch of high glamour to the piece. The skirt has a deep inverted front pleat running down the center for volume. The two together are gorgeous and typify that Old Hollywood, glamour that this decade was so well know for. Excellent condition with a couple of tiny notes below

Both pieces are fully lined in a matching silk. The top closes down the side with a painted metal zipper and the skirt snaps to close down one side. Perhaps the most minor of marks to the velvet here and there where the beading pressed in to if from being folded in storage but this is to be expected with the age of the pieces. These will soften as its hung properly. It looks like the hooks on the waist may have been moved at some point to make the waist a touch bigger. Where the corners of the arm opening meet there is the teeniest of nick to the velvet on each side. Please review the photo after the label shot. The interior is made to haute couture standards and appears to be all hand done with hand finished curved couture seaming. The label is numbered but it is very faded. 

Top
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3352

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 is a spectacular example of the high end hand beading that was being produced during this time period. It is harder and harder to find these original pieces that are entirely made of glass beads and with such a heavy covering of bead work. The instant you lift this dress up you know it is an early and well made original because it literally weights about 8 pounds. This is entirely due to the dense and heavy coverage of the beads which literally cover every inch of the dress. The cut is simple but dramatic. It is cut to hug every curve but without clinging. This creates a long lean silhouette that suggests the body underneath and gives the illusion of height. The neckline is a simple scoop at the front and the back dips into a V. The hips are cut with a slight curve to follow the curve of the body and the skirt falls to the floor from there. The back hem has a bit of extra fabric and is slightly longer. The entire dress is densely covered with hand placed pink, gold and silver glass tube beads that are set into angle rows. These are so heavily applied that they cover the entire surface. Worked in among the sequins are a strands of tiny ivory seed beads that are each finished with a faux pearl. There are hundreds of these hand beaded tassels that follow those curving lines. The effect that these create whenever you move is wonderful. I love that no matter what angle you look at it, every line lines up. The time and hours put into making this dress with all that hand work and then lining it all so perfectly would have been astounding. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a hand set pink silk and closes with a back metal zipper. All the sequins, pearls and beads are completely hand sewn into place. It weighs several pounds. There are some minor grubbiness to the inside lining near the hem but of course this is not seen when on.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of shoulder to front hem, 54" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML

Item# E871

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 Fred Perlberg label launched in 1920. Perlberg was only 19 years old when he started the label and stayed on as the label's designer until 1968 when he retired. Upon retirement he handed over the reigns to Roger Millet who designed the label into the late seventies. This dress would be from the earlier part of the Millet ear, most likely the late 1960s or early 1970s.

The dress continues on Perlberg's legacy and is a great representation of what the label did so well. It made mid-priced party and dance dresses that followed the current trends. They were well made in small production runs and hold up well to the passing of time. This one is gorgeous with its bright pink silk chiffon skirt that have yards and yards of fabric in it and is set with two layers of chiffon over the innermost lining. When you move the silk will twirl around you beautifully. The waist is set high and begins just under the bust line. The bodice is gorgeous and is completely covered with a silver lace that then has looped beads, and silver sequins set onto it for a lovely bit of glamour and contrast to the pink. The bodice is cut with a modified sweetheart front and a low curved back. It is a lovely piece and the pink is even better on person. Excellent condition.

Fully lined  through the skirt and main part of the bodice in a pink silk. The upper bodice and straps are lined in a nude netting. The dress closes with a back painted metal and a hook above that.

Inner natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3331

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

Arnold Scaasi did exquisite work and as time passes I feel his designs are coming to be appreciated by a new audience. He apprenticed for Paquin before moving ot New York and working for Charles James. He launched a ready to wear label in 1956 but 1964 launched a couture salon and scaled back everything else to concentrate  on made-to-order. He cut and created his designs to extremely high standards and the workmanship is fabulous.

Yards and yards of a peach silk organza have been used in this Arnold Scassi gown. The silk used is just incredible. It is a light weight, fine organza and then onto this are hundreds of little cotton pique shapes that have been individually applied.  The fabric he has chosen give the dress both lightness and fullness. That combined with the inner structure through the sleeves and built in skirting allow it to hold that stunning shape and silhouette that you see without having to add any additional underpinnings of your own. The bodice is fitted and cut to follow and highlight the curves of you body to just above the hip where the skirt then explodes out in all of that volume. I actually love how he has extended the bodice down and to the top of the hips while still defining the waist with that pretty grosgrain and silk belt. It cinches in the waist while still exaggerates the curves of the female form and giving you shape despite all the volume in the sleeves and the skirt. The skirt is wonderfully dramatic and full with inner built in layers of silk and tulle to hold the volume. The inner construction of the skirt is amazing. The very inner skirt is made from a fine peach silk with a broad band of horsehair taping inside the bottom hem. Between that and the outer layer of silk are four full layers of silk net tulle. The sleeves are equally incredible and are shaped to have that gorgeous fullness to them and also have an inner finished of tulle netting to hold the shape. The inside is exquisitely constructed and it is all hand finished. This would make a stunning wedding dress for someone who is not looking for a white dress. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes to review below

The bodice is fully interlined in a fine peach silk. The skirt is finished in silk and tulle as per the description above. The sleeves are finished with tulle. It closes with a hand set back metal zipper. The belt is a silk grosgrain backed with a silk ribbon. It hooks and snaps into place. Finished to couture standard by hand. I see one small spot on one of the appliques to the side of the front waist. There is some slight grubbiness to some of the applique pieces near the hem. At some pint a repair was done to the skirt at the back. It is extremely well done and I only initially spotted it when steaming the skirt from the inside. You would never notice it on but mentioned for accuracy. Please review the photos after the label shot. The color in person is a touch more vibrant then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 12"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3329

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 am listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label.

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a stunning coral peach color that is a bit more vibrant in person then how it photoed here. I love the one shoulder silhouette and how the front of the bodice has an elaborate and beautiful beaded Native American feeling bird. All of the bead work is done by hand and has been hand applied to the dress. It is made entirely of turquoise, coral and wood beads and then it is edged in round silver beads. The tail of the bird is a dramatic cascade of long beaded fringe that goes almost to the hem. This elaborate applique gives the simple cut of the dress an instant dose of high glamour and the bird itself is like wearing a huge piece of jewelry. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. I have sold another example of this dress in a different color so was very familiar with this one. This one is unlabeled and has some small flaws but is in overall great condition. 

Unlined and closes with a hand set, slightly offset back painted metal zipper. The bird was beaded as a separate piece and then hand applied. The stitching is easily seen on the back of the fabric. The color is a touch more vibrant in person. Unlabeled. My cleaners managed to lighten the spots that were on the dress and the one that are left are very light now. The last three photos show the worst of them. Sold as is and as final sale.

Bust: 15-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3325

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 early eighties are a time period often overlooked in the Paco Rabanne history but there are some lovely pieces that came out of this time period. This dress is definitely one of them. It is made from a white crepe and has a nod to the earlier mod shaped shift dresses that defined his career. The white of the fabric is still crisp and this contrasts perfectly against the rope and chain detailing that finishes the edge of the neckline, sleeves and hem. Building on his iconic chain link pieces, all of the edges of the dress are finished with a series of open gold toned metal grommets that are linked together with little silver circles of metal. A rope runs through the upper edges for a slight nod to a nautical feel. It is very chic and with the recent revival of the Rabanne house, it feels very modern. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silky satin rayon and closes at the back with a zipper.

Bust: 18" 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
Length: 32" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3323

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 1981 Haslton was still in full control of his brand. He had not yet signed the international licensing agreements (that was to happen in 1983) that would be the beginning of his downfall. In fact, at this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable.

The fabric for his beaded and sequin pieces were being made in India. Halston personally chose the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his main line collections. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. In the book Halston, An American Original, the twin of this dress is shown as it appeared on the runway for that season. It is interesting that he chose to show it belts belted with a sash so that the length is shorter. The dress is extraordinary and all of the bead work on it is completely done by hand. The beads are tightly spaced and all have been hand applied onto the fabric which you can clearly see on the back of the fabric. I love the pale mix of pastels colored beads that were used as it gives the dress a soft and pretty feel. The fabric that the beads have been applied to has just the slightest touch of transparently to it which I love. The silhouette is very simple with a scooped front and back and then it just gently widens out as it reached the hem. This makes it very easy to wear and very flattering on the body. Really a wonderful and rare example of his work during this time period. Excellent condition.

Unlined and has no closures. It slips over the head to wear so you have to be small enough to get it on without a opening. You could probably add a side zipper along the seam if needed. The bead work is completely hand done.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41.5" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3322

Reference Photo: Spring 1981 Halston runway collection from the book 'HALSTON: An American Original' by Elaine Gross & Fred Rottman.

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

Nat Kaplan was a dress manufacturer that opened in 1935 and produced well-made mid-range garments for about 50 years. They tended to use great fabrics and the pieces were finely tailored. Fit was paramount and they did not skimp on details to give their clients amazing value for their money.

This dress is beautiful and and very feminine feeling. The bodice is fitted with little cap sleeves. The waist is set high and is detailed with a pretty flat bow that is made from the same fabric as the dress. The skirt falls from there to a midi length. The fabric itself is wonderful and unusual. It is a lovely silk brocade that has a slightly raised flora design covering its surface. You can see a very subtle striped effet in the base silk. The is part of the fabric itself and these bands change rom the palest pink to the palest green. The pink, gold thread and green print is then woven though that. A gold metallic braiding details the sleeve edges and the neckline. There are little pink and clear rhinestones set into that and down the front there are also bug huge glass crystals for extra glamour. It is just lovely. Excellent condition with one small note below

Full lined though the bodice in an ivory silk satin. The sleeves and skirt have a silk interlining. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. I see a bit of grubbiness to the edge of the hem at the fold.

Shoulders: 13.5
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3320

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 three piece set is gorgeous and has the added benefit in that you can mix and match all the separate pieces with other things in your current closet. The label on the sweater tells us that it was hand beaded in Hong Kong and the hand work is easily apparent where you can see the back. At the time, Hong Kong was doing the best sequin and bead work in the world outside of the specialty ateliers in Paris. The skirt and sleeveless top are matched and the sweater is done in a contrasting pattern. The base of the top and skirt is a creamy ivory silk satin of very good quality. The top zips up the back and is completely covered with a pattern of flowers and leaves. The edges have a cord created of tiny seed beads mixed with little round gold beads. At the hem strands of seed beads dangle all the way around with each strand finished with two gold beads. The skirt is cut sleek and narrow with the same gorgeous bead work down all the way around the bottom portion of the hem. The sweater is cropped and has a contrasting patterns all around its edges, around the shoulder and detailing the sleeves. The same beads have been used for the sweater that were used on the skirt and top, so the piece are tied all together. It is gorgeous and far better on an actual person then the dress form. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below.

All three pieces are fully lined in a hand set, ivory tissue silk. The skirt closes with a metal zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist. The top has a hand set zipper at the back that can be completely opened. The sweater closes with a series of hook & eye down the front. All three pieces appear to have been made and finished primarily by hand. There is perhaps the teeniest touch of pressing over the seams of the skirt. There is some grubbiness at the inner silk lining of the sweater at the neck, under each arm and a spot on the inner edge of the front. all of these could be eliminated by removing the silk lining as the sweater itself is fabulous. Please see the label pic and the two following photos for these areas. It is priced as the top and skirt with the sweater included at no charge

Sweater
Sleeves: 17"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hem: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19.5" from neck to hem

Top
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hem: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from shoulder to hem including 1.5" bead fringe

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D612

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

Ruben Panis was known for his flair for drama. He started off his career designing costumes for showgirls in Las Vegas and eventually honed his skills by working for both James Galanos and Norman Norell. His gowns were worn by many Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor. At the height of his career he was charging up to $5000 for a dress which at the time was an exorbitant amount. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made.

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk jersey that has been dyed to a clear, bright red. The way it is cut is very forties in feel with a bit of that old Hollywood charm. The bust is gathered in soft horizontal drapes that run from the top of the bodice to the top of the hip. Inside it is lightly boned. This gives it structure as well as creating a beautiful curving line that accentuates the body underneath. Running up and around the neck is a tiny strap made of the same jersey. This strap hooks into place at one side and you have the option of tucking it in and wearing the dress as a strapless piece. The skirt falls to the floor under that and the jersey gives it lots of swing and movement. To finish the dress, Panis added a little drama with elaborate beading that runs on each side of the dress. A large abstract flower with dangling bead in its center sits on each side. The petals are ling and curved. The effect is wonderful. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a red silky rayon and the skirt has an inner lining made of the same jersey fabric. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper and the strap hooks at one end. Light boning through the bodice and hand finishes.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of neck to natural waist, 20" to bottom of the draping
Skirt: approx 42" from natural waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3304

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

This is a 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.

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.