Madame Gres' work has had profound effects on Haute Couture and her influence still resonates to this day. Her attention to detail, master draping techniques and respect for the female form is unparalleled. She was known for designing and creating garments directly on her models and this became a signature of her work. She opened her first atelier, La Maison Alix in 1932. A partnership briefly changed the house's name to Alix Barton and then the label went to simply Alix. In 1942 she married, and the label made its last change to became Madame Gres, which was a partial anagram of Serge, her husband's first name. Her work spans over five full decades with the vast majority of it, with the exception of a short-lived RTW line begun in 1980, dedicated solely to creating Haute Couture. She is one of the greatest couturiers of our time and her pieces are very rare and hard to find. This one is exceptional

This dress is a wonderful example of the range that Gres had. She had a brilliant way of using of print and colour combined with soft fluid tailoring. This gorgeous little day dress is simple in cut but it is gorgeous once on an actual body. These little day dresses are often underrated when it comes to Haute Couture but they should not be. They are beautifully made and the quality is beyond anything you will find in modern Ready-to-Wear. The dress is made out of a fine high end silk that has a very 60s print print covering its surface. Shades of taupe and muted olives cover the silk for a pretty and refined feel. The sleeves are straight and cut to just above the elbow. The neckline is high and scooped. It skims over the bust, waist and waist and falls to just below the knee depending on your height. As you get closet you realize that it is made from four tiers of the silk constructed so finely that it is almost unnoticeable. The fall over each other in perfect overlapping layers to build a slight A-line cut into the silhouette. This gives is a loose and easy shift dress feel or you can cinch it in for added shape. The fabric is very light in weight and each layer is attached to an inner fine silk lining. It is made completely by hand to Haute Couture standards and is even better in person and on an actual body. Excellent condition with one note below about one of the zippers

Fully lined in a hand set silk of very high quality. It closes with two hand set, painted metal zippers. There is one that runs down the back on the inner lining and then the tier buttons over that with a row of silk covered buttons. The second tier that the zipper runs into at the back then snaps into place along its edge and then snaps to close down the side. There is a second zipper under those side snaps. This second zipper is broken and off its track. At some point it caught in the silk edging and took a piece out of that. Because of the snaps over it the dress is wearable without doing this zipper up as it does not affect the exterior. Since it is all original I decided to leave it as found. It could easily be replaced if preffered. Please see the shot after the label shot. Done by hand to Haute Couture standards. Proper Haute Couture label present. Hand finished inner seams

Sleeves: 9"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4002

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 Vogue review of the Spring 2003 show was done at the height of Ford's vision for Gucci and he could do no wrong in their eyes. The review said 'The Gucci girl’s got legs—long, tan, flawless ones striding along on silver peep-toe sling-back pumps. Follow them all the way up, and around two weeks later, they eventually meet the hem of the minutest piece of clothing that was ever called a skirt or dress. For spring, in a word, Tom Ford says short. Using lustrous fabrics in subtle makeup colors from blush to tawny brown, pearly gray and silver, Ford draped and wrapped his gorgeous girls in clothes that navigated that dangerous Gucci line between innovation and vulgarity. The tousled hair, the jackets and tops poised to fall off shoulders—the whole presentation stirred sensations that fashion hasn’t felt since the last days of the great supermodels. Still, don’t think tacky. Ford’s obsession now is integrating fine workmanship into abbreviated silhouettes." The feather dresses were mentioned specifically; "He brought couture finesse to racer-back feathered dresses with the merest flip of a skirt....it was a confident statement in the power of glamour. And fashion needs that.' To this day this is one of the most recognizable and desirable of his shows to find and collect pieces from. This is the twin of Look 27 from the runway and it is an exceptional piece of Gucci History. It was also featured in Vogue that season on Natalia Vodianova

When researching this look I came across a few references that declared this dress one of the top ten Gucci Tom Ford pieces. While you often see the other version of this dress in a brown and white feather, this pale yellow version that is the twin of the runway dress shown is a true rarity. One of the things that makes this dress exceptional is that it is true to the runway. It is also entirely original and according to the former stylist that it cane from was never worn. The dress is meant to be worn very short and daring. Once on you just see miles of legs topped by this extraordinary piece. The top plunges low at the front and the back curves in to create a sexy racer-back. It skims over the waist and hips and then flares out at the skirt. The skirt is actually two tiers of feather detailed ruffles and this extra little flounce gives it movement when you move. The body of the dress is made from two layers of virtually weightless silk with a silk grosgrain ribbon edging and detailing the lines of the design. It has an almost twenties feel to it and it is fantastic. The feathers are a mix of a dyed soft pale yellow mixed with some soft light taupe natural feathers for depth and interest. I took a photo of the back of the silk of the skirt and you can see that each feather was hand applied and fused into place onto the silk. Hence the couture reference in the Vogue review above. It snaps to close under the ribbon at the side so there is no break anywhere with a zipper. It just looks like it somehow magically formed around you. It is an incredible piece of the Tom Ford history with the brand and is one of the most recognizable pieces from his tenure with the label. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in a pale taupe nude silk chiffon and has hidden set snaps at the  side to close. Tagged a YSL 42. Some of the ends of the feathers have separated a bit on the natural spots it curves but this is just part of aging for a piece like this. I don't consider this a flaw but its mentioned for accuracy.

Bust: approx 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with open sides. each halter is 6" wide at its widest point
Underbust - waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from neck to hem but can be pulled up as short as you want

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD4001

Reference Photos/Video: (1-8) Spring 2003 Gucci Runway Collection, Look 27. Model: Louise Pedersen.  /  (9) Natalia Vodianova, wearing Gucci, Vogue, February 2003. Photo by Steven Klein.

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 one of the most iconic of Halston's designs and instantly recognizable as his work. Halston used this flat applied sequin technique predominantly between about 1977 to 1982. Instead of layering and overlapping the sequins, they were laid out flat in rows, side by side, to create a pattern over the silk base. It creates a beautiful visual effect. This is a stunning example of his work from this time period and was made even more famous when Rachel Zoe wore her longer version while pregnant for her Hollywood Reporter cover.

This dress is phenomenal and a rare find. The base is a nude silk chiffon that is cut on the bias and has a touch of transparency to it. That silk is then covered with thousands of tightly spaced iridescent sequins with a slight gold tinge to them mixed with glossy black sequins. Halston imported these sequin fabrics from India and during this time period India is where some of the best sequin work in the world was being done. The mix of the two colours create that fabulous tiger effect and the thousands of sequins  allows the dress to catch the light from every single angle. It is stunning to see. Besides creating that tiger effect, the sequin design also effectively highlights the curves of the body and visually create more curves. To wear the dress you slip it on and zip it at the back. The dress then simply falls into place over the body in his signature simple sheath silhouette skimming over you from bust to hip. It falls to just past the knee depending on your height. The sleeves are long and and straight cut. The have a slightly more gold feel then the rest of the dress and I love this tiny subtle contrast. The edges of the hem, cuffs and collar are edged with a band of back sequins for a near and simple finishing detail. It is very simple yet genius at the same time. You end up entirely covered and yet with the lightness of the fabric, it's slight transparency and bias cut movement of the fabric, is still very sensual and sexy. This is a balance that Halston excelled at. The dress is feather light and feels like a dream on. It is stunning and a wonderful and rare example of his work. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below

Unlined and closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. Hand finished. Very minor sequin loss near the seam of the shoulders, which you don't see when on, and a teeny area on the back hip. Maybe the occasional sequin missing elsewhere but this is all very minor. A reinforced spot along the shoulder with invisible mending tape. A very rare dress.

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: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 46.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4000

Reference Photo: Rachel Zoe for The Hollywood Reporter March 2011

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 dating this great little Couture Yves Saint Laurent we noticed that the fabric is a variation of pieces for the Fall 1994 show and that also fits the style and feel of the dress. I also dived into my folio collection book and there were pieces in that collection that used this same fabric as evidenced by the swatch. I have included these reference photos for you hear so that you can share that bit of detective work with me. The dress is gorgeous and in person the fabric seems to have an inner glow. It really is a beautiful piece and owning a piece of his couture work is really one of the ultimate vintage acquisitions.

The dress is amazing and a classic Yves Saint Laurent cut and silhouette. It is made entirely by hand and the silk is of the highest possible grade. It feels stupendous on. The top is cut to skim over you and blouse over the waist. The shoulder have light padding just at their outer edges to slightly extend them outward. The shoulders are set into the bodice with gathers so that they slightly pouf above the shoulder line. The sleeves are full and voluminous above their ruffled cuffs. It does up along the neckline to one side and buttons to close. The buttons are hidden under a flap of silk and the fabric is matched on the side it buttons to. The neckline is high and there is a long attached scarf that wraps around your neck. It is set so that one side is longer then the other so that when you tie it is sits properly. Each end of the scarf ends with a two color silk fringe that I love. The waist is finished with elastic so it is incredibly easy to wear. You can add a belt over it if you wanted a really cinched in look. The skirt falls under that in a simple pencil to just about the knee or above depending on your height. There ore hidden set pockets along each hip. The colour of the silk is the best thing about the dress. It is a mix of a bright pink fuchsia and a deep purple with the pink acting as a design that runs over the entire dress. It is truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will fall in love with how good it is in person. And it is just so good on the body. A masterpiece. Excellent condition with a note below.

Unlined with hand finished inner seams. It slips over the head to wear with elastic at the waist and hidden set buttons at the neck as described and shown. Each cuff buttons to close. Completely made by hand. Proper Haute Couture numbered label present. Once of the buttons on the cuff has chipped and I see one small repair under the arm near the seam. Please see the two photos after the label shot.

Sleeves: 25" but will pouf up
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist but mean to blouse a bit
Skirt: 20.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3996

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1994 Yves Saint Laurent Couture Runway. / (3) From the book YVES SAINT LAURENT. Haute Couture. L'OEUVRE INTÉGRAL 1962-2002.

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 absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a beautiful pink chiffon that is that perfect shade that is on the runways this season, especially at Valentino. The chiffon gives it just enough structure to hold the shape but where it is a single layer like the sleeves - it can billow out and be soft and airy in feel. That fabric choice mixed with the spectacular colour and soft billowing cut is just stunning. The bodice is heavily draped on an angle on both the front and back. Both sides plunge to a V with the back V dipping right to the band at the back. The gathers are set to angle in towards the waist and cross over themselves to make an X design. This adds to the shape and becomes a design detail on its own. It skims over the bust and is shaped a bit through the waist and then the sides drape down and over the top of the hips. The skirt falls from under the gathers and is very light and full. It flows to just past the knee depending on your height and falls in a cascade that has yards of fabric in it. When you stand still it widens out slightly as you near the hem and when you move it wafts around you as the air picks up the chiffon. The sleeves are unlined and are cut to be extremely full and wide so that they billow out above each cuff. The dress has a fantastic romantic, pretty and light feel, but is still sexy and beautiful. Excellent condition.

The bodice and skirt are fully lined in a deeper fuchsia pink silk rayon and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a low set back painted metal zipper. Each cuff has hidden snaps to close.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Length: 48" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3995

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 Paganne jersey dress is the cutest little dress and it is a dream to wear. It is made from a simple synthetic stretch jersey that is wash and wear. This makes it the perfect travel dress. You can just throw it into a suitcase and it is ready to go at the other end. The jersey gives it a little stretch so that it is super comfortable to wear. It is cut in a straight and simple shift that skims over you from shoulder to hem. This means that the waist has a looser, easy cut. It skims over the hips from there and falls to just about the knees depending on your height. The sleeves are long and the neckline dips in a V. The print is gorgeous and covers the entire dress. The colour combination mixes shade of turquoise blue with pink and white and the print is set over the entire dress to highlight its lines. It is a great little dress and so easy to wear. Just slip it on, add fabulous flats or heels, and go. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. The fabric is signed. The fabric does have some stretch.

Sleeves: 23.25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3985

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

Emanuel Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after working for both Balenciaga and Courreges. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his extravagant fabrics and flamboyant designs. He was very involved n the entire process and designed and oversaw the development of new fabrics to suit his needs. For him the design process always started with the fabric. His work always has a sense of exuberance and drama to it and he mixed fabric and prints with a master's eye. These super short fitted dresses with the strong shoulder and cut outs are instantly recognizable as being his work and this one is particularly amazing 

The colour of this dress is fantastic and no matter how great it looks in the photos you will love it even more in person. It is made out of a deep teal silk that has a black floral print screened over its surface. The fabric has a slight sense of a metallic finish to it so it seems to glow from within and intensifies the teal colour. It is fantastic. The silk is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on. Inside there is light boning through the bodice to give you support. Despite the lightness of the fabric the intended shape is held perfectly in place. The bodice is cut straight across at the front and the back. This is topped by a wide cut neck line and strong shoulders that are padded for shape. This creates this fabulous angled cut out on both sides for a sexy glimpse of skin. The sleeves are long and cut wider near the shoulder and narrow down to the wrist. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. This gathering technique that emphasized the curves of the body were a signature of his and allowed him to really shaped his pieces. On this dress the gathers run from the bust right down and over the hips to the very short hem so that you get curves on curves. It is short, sexy and very Ungaro. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper and a button at the neck. A hidden set zipper at each wrist. The interior of the bodice is boned for support. Padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 10. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly extended shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3986

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

Max Cohen is the man who launched the Mr Dino label and he is interesting for two specific things. He actually invented the machine that he used to screen the print onto the fabric of his pieces and he designed every print that you will ever see on one of his garments. I love that fact and it makes his pieces that much more interesting to look at. This dress is quite wonderful with its simple lines and an elaborate print that counteracts that simplicity. It is also made out of his signature, washable jersey fabric that is easy to wear, pack and travel with. The collar is high and the sleeves are long. It skims over your body in a simple shift with a loose and easy cut waist. The skirt is cut straight from there skimming over the hips to a few inches above the knee depending on your height. I love the bold turquoise print with its pops of yellow on an ivory backdrop. It is intricate and covers the entire dress. The pattern would have had to have been pre-thought out and laid out before by hand to achieve the look you see. Doing that allows the design and the color to showcase the different parts of the dress. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper. Washable fabric and the fabric has some stretch.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem
 Neck: 14" around

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3987

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

Karl's first collection for Chanel was in 1983 which makes this piece from one of his early collections. I was happy to be able to find a reference photo of the twin of the dress from the runway that season. Three pieces were shown in this gold metallic fabric and this was the third that walked the runway. In the photo of the models it is the one on the far right towards the back. We also found runway footage so you can see how it moves. The hand written tag on the dress is also dated to 1986 and there is also a special order tag from Bergdorf's with the exact date of September 1, 1986 along with the client's name who ordered it. I feel like that makes it that much more special. It is a wonderful example of the work that Karl was doing for Chanel during this time period.

The dress is made from a of a metallic gold thread embroidered onto a black silk net and then backed by a black silk chiffon. The gold thread absolutely glows off of the black silks and it is wonderful to see in person. It also gives it a gorgeous texture with the thread slightly raised off the netting. Really exceptional fabric. The cut of the dress is gorgeous and its simple lines are done to allow the gold to take center stage. The neckline is cut straight across and is set wide so you get a glimpse of skin across the top of the shoulder. The edges of it follow the lace pattern for a pretty scalloped effect. Inside the bodice is a tank that adds extra coverage across the chest but leaves the upper shoulders and arms covered in just a single layer of the chiffon and gold for a touch of transparency. The sleeves have this same touch of transparency to them. The bodice skims over the bust and waist. The lace is finished just below the waist with that same scalloped edge and then the skirt falls from under that. It gives the illusion that you are wearing a top and skirt but without an added bulk that you would have if it was two pieces. The front of the skirt curves up to a slightly shorter length and then it curves down at the back skirt to a true full length skirt by the time it reaches the longest point of the back hem. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Full lined in a fine black silk chiffon with an inner chiffon bodice suspended by tiny straps and in inner silk skirt. Hand finishes. The inner bodice has its own zipper to close it and then the outer layer closes with a series of buttons and loops down the back. Buttons and loop at each cuff. Cut slightly on the bias so may come up a touch in length when on depending on your frame

Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Inner bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 49" from top of shoulder to front hem, 60" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3345

Reference Photo/Video: Fall 1986 Chanel Runway Collection.

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 the 1980s and 1990s Gianni Versace ruled the catwalks. He was the favourite of the Supermodels and they were featured predominately in his runway shows and his ad campaigns. Versace launched his label in 1978 and in 1989 he presented his first couture collection. The days that Gianni headed the label were heady, glamourous ones and set the tone for the label as we know it today. He remained at the helm of the brand until his death by assassination in 1997. This is from those years in the 1990s when the label was everywhere and everyone wanted to own and wear a Versace. Vogue recently added this show to its runway archives and in the show notes Gianni was quoted as saying; 'To use art in a flat way, without creative intervention, is in bad taste. I mix it up'. This top stitched bodice feature was an important part of that season's collection. The dress was shown in yellow on the runway and was worn by Yasmin Le Bon. There was also a jumpsuit that we found with the same bodice treatment. It is so good.

As good as the dress looks from the front as soon as you see the back you can't help but fall in love. The dress is made out of a linen silk mix and combines a bright tropical coral orange with black. The clever play on colour helps to emphasize the bust with making the waist and hips look slimmer. The bodice is a play on the bullet bra and intricately top stitched to follow the high rounded curve of the neckline. It is darted for shape at each side and then curves down in at the center. Under that is a band of the sane colored fabric that cinched you in just under the bust. The waist is set high in under that and the entire top portion of the fitted skirt is also top stitched so that you get that fantastic corseted lingerie effect. The skirt hugs the hips and then goes to about the knees, depending on your height, to fall in  a fitted pencil silhouette. Then when you turn around the dress gets even better. It buttons all the way down with a row of tightly spaced gold metal buttons. He has kept the closure on the bodice separate so that it is a like a front attached bustier. This leaves an open cut out of skin showing between the back strap and the skirt which is so sexy. The skirt then buttons all the way down from there leaving a bit of a vent below the final button to allow you to walk. It is fantastic. Excellent condition

Backed in a non top stitched version if the same fabric. It closes with the buttons done the back as shown. Tagged a vintage Versace 44

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with room for a B-C cup
Seam directly under the bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5.5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust, 8" to waist seam
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3970

Reference Photos: (1) Yasmin Le Bon for the Spring 1989 Versace Runway.  /  (2) Spring 1989 Versace Runway Collection.

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

Donald Brooks pieces are extremely well made and his main label pieces, like this one, border on couture in their construction as they were all made to order. Brooks launched his main line label in 1963 with a collection for the Spring 1964 season. He quickly became one of the most sought after of the American designers and his client roster included Mrs. Kennedy, Claudette Colbert and Faye Dunaway. The New York Times said that he was one of 'the three B's of fashion' alongside Bill Blass and Geoffrey Beene. He helped to launch the American Council of Fashion Designers, won three Cody Awards and he designed the costumes for numerous Broadway plays. He launched a secondary boutique line 1971 but by 1973 both of his self-named labels shuttered as he chose to focus on his costume and stage work which was really his first love. This is an exceptional piece of his work

This is an absolute dream piece. This is the type of dress that you will only ever find in vintage. I really cannot gush about it enough. I have had this in my archives for several years now and it felt like the right time to let it go. It is a beautiful and glamorous dress that is red carpet worthy and would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional shorter choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. As good as it looks here it only really comes to life once on. The cost to produce this level of fabric now would be sky-high. It is an intricate combination of an ivory silk cording that has been hand stitched into place around several types of netted lace. This combination of lace and cording then lies over an inner matte silk satin. The cording and lace add incredible dimension and texture to the dress. The work that would have gone into the fabric alone is mind blowing. The lines of the dress are equally as beautiful. The bodice has a slight dip at the front neckline and is cut to skim over the bodice from there. There is an inner lining that goes down into a scooped curve so that you see the skin of the upper back and bodice through the lace. The waist is just above the natural waistline. A wide ivory colour silk satin ribbon is attached and wraps around you and then at the front it is finished with the stunning four sided rounded bow that sits up and off the dress. The skirt falls from there and widens out as it nears the hem to give the dress a slight babydoll feel. I love how the all of the edges are finished with a scalloping effect. At the back it zips to close and then has hidden silk covered snaps to secure the fabric over the zipper to hide it. The amount of detail in this dress is just fantastic. It is an absolute work of art. Excellent condition

The bodice is lined in a combination of a nude lingerie weight netting and silk taffeta. The skirt has a full matte silk satin underskirt under the net layer. The sleeves are unlined. It closes with a painted metal zipper at the back and the outer lace snaps over that. Inner waist stay hooks to close. The sleeves buttons to close with hand covered silk buttons and loops. The dress is a more traditional ivory colour in person and more creamy feeling. Perhaps a touch of grubbiness to the edges along the neck but I am being picky. Perhaps a broken thread here and there but remarkably no noticeable broken areas despite all the intricate thread work. Finished by hand throughout.

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3959

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 stunning set is from the Fall 1984 Haute Couture collection and its twin was photoed that season as well. Who knows this might be the actual set! I have included that reference photo here for you so that you can see how amazing it is on the body. I love how they pushed the sleeves up for the shots which gives it a totally different feel. Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after working for both Balenciaga and Courrreges. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his of extravagant fabrics and flamboyance. His Haute Couture pieces are not easy to find and this set is fantastic.

Both of the pieces that make up this set are stand outs and can be worn together as intended or you can mix and match them with pieces you already have to really extend their wearabilty. The inner dress is amazing. It is cut in that signature Ungaro silhouette for this time period. These little fitted dresses were meant to hug and highlight every curve of the body. The dress is made out of a silver silk velvet that has a metallic silver and gold foil worked through the velvet. This gives is a subtle shimmer and allows it to catch the light from every angle. The fabric is hand draped over the entire dress to give it an incredible texture. The bodice has a highly modified sweetheart shape with one side set at a high peak and the other in a soft curve. The gathers are shaped to follow the line of the bust and emphasize the breasts. On the side that it zippers to close there is a pretty strip of hand applied beads and sequins that run down that side of the dress for extra detailing. Over this is the jacket. The jacket is made from an ivory lace that is backed with a silk. Onto the lace is a mix of embroidery work, little silk applique, rhinestones and faux pearls. The shoulders are padded and the top of the sleeve is gathered around the shoulder for a bit of a high capped feel. The sleeves narrow in a touch from there as they reach their ends. The waist is brought in and shaped with vertical seaming and then the hips flare out. There are no closures on the jacket, it is meant to just slip on and sit over the dress. It is finished with a dramatic Ostrich feather border that that wraps around the neck, down the front and all the way around the hem. It is completely made by hand and the proper Haute Couture numbered tape is present. Excellent condition

The dress is hand lined in a ivory silk and closes with a hand set side zipper. The bodice is boned. Interior waist stay hooks to close. The jacket has no closures. Padding in each shoulder. I see minor marks on the interior lining of the dress and perhaps a slight grubbiness to the inner arms of the jacket. Please see the last photo after the label shot.

Dress
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
Slightly extended shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from neck to hem, including the feathers

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3367

Reference Photo: Fall 1984 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture. (via @only_french_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 was shown in the xx collection in a solid blue and then made in a couple of patterns. This dress in its metallic red rose print was one. The Attico brand was founded by Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini and the line has a vintage vibe to it that I love. This dress has never been worn and still has its original hang tag attached.

The dress is brand new and unworn. It is made out of gorgeous fabric that has a red metallic rose print with green leafs running over its surface. The print is fabulous and completely covers every inch of the dress. The fabric is light in weight and adds to its ultra sexy feel. It is easy to wear too. It simply wraps and ties to one side of the inner side seam and then it snaps into place under the half bow of fabric at the waist on the other side. The front plunges down into a low V at the neck and the bodice is cut on a on a flattering curve. It is set wide across the shoulders and the sleeves pouf out around the upper arm and then taper into the wrists. The ties and snap cinch it in at the waist and then it curves around the hips. It is cut micro mini short. It is brand new and unworn. Excellent condition

Unlined and ties to close at the inner side and then the bow snaps into place. Tagged a size 38. Unworn and pristine. The wrap does give it a bit of play for sizing

Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam and adjustable more
Length: 31" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML

Item# DD3956

Reference photo: Spring 2019 Look 11, Attico

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

Antony Price launched his label in 1979 and quickly became known as one of the more glamorous designer of the eighties. His work tended to have a mix of femininity and toughness that showed off the body and often had dramatic over-the-top finishing touches. Supermodel Jerry Hall was a muse and the rock and roll crowd adored him. You can see that mix of tough and feminine in this fabulous little dress with its elaborate gathers and its fitted one shoulder silhouette.

The dress is made out of a black taffeta and all of the gathers have been set by hand. The dress and its gathers have been molded around the body on a curving angle that are set to slope down on the same line as the shoulder. The fabric and the way that it has been gathered gives the dress a slight bias cut to it so that it moves easily over the body once on. It is a dress that is meant to curve and wrap around your body like a second skin. It is very sexy. The waist curves in and the skirt is cut slim and fitted. What is fascinating about this dress is that the zipper closure is set the follow the curves of the gathers. Instead of a normal vertical zipper at the side or back, he has set his zipper to wrap around the body so there is no line to break the design. This not only completely hides the zipper perfectly but might also have been done so the girl wearing it could have the option to leave the zipper open a bit to show a little skin if she wished. This is a dress that needs an actual body in it to make it truly come to life. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a curving set zipper as described above and shown in the photo. Appears unworn. Tagged a size medium on the handwritten tag but cut small

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2758

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

Vicky Tiel was backed by Elizabeth Taylor as a young designer after working on the costumes for 'Whats New Pussycat'. After a stint with a partner she launched her self named label in Paris in 1970. She as one of the very early boutique owner/designer that offered a ready-to-wear option in Paris. That said, her clothes often walk a fine line between ready-to-wear and couture in terms of their construction and techniques used. By the mid to late seventies her style had developed into the ultra sexy and feminine clothing that she is now known best for. By the eighties and into the nineties, she had a cult celebrity following. This is a stunning example of just how gorgeous and dramatic her work could get.

This is one of the most gorgeous Vicky Tiel Couture dresses That I have had in the shop. The dress is cut with her signature hourglass silhouette that follows your every curve. The bodice dips at the front with a pretty curved sweetheart neckline and has a simple coop at the back. The bodice is shaped and cupped over the breasts and there is inner boning for support. It is fitted under that and the waist is nipped in sharply. The sleeves as long and I love how they are set in a straight line down from the shoulder to give that sharp little angle where they meet the curve of the bust. The skirt wrapped over itself and the hem curves up that one side. There is a bit of a slit behind the front wrap so you get a flash of leg when you sit or walk. The fabric is gathered in on the one side for detail and there is a slight nit of padding that sits under the waist seam, This is what give s it that little shelf like feel and touch of volume that exaggerates the shape of your curves. I love it. The silk is equally spectacular. The back drop is done in an inky black  with a secondary pattern woven though in a different finish thread. Then onto that is a stunning bright pink floral print and vivid green leafs. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined in black silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper.  Boning through the bodice. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 22"
Inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of the shoulder to waist
Skirt length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3955

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 label in 1974 and was known for producing versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. Costa chose good fabrics for his designs and even though his work was often very close interpretations of other designs he did add his own unique twist when it came to colours, cut and fabrics. Some of his work is quite lovely and this dress is one of the very good pieces that he did. 

This is such a great little dress. It is simple yet very striking with the feathers all around the bodice. The body of the dress is made from a black jersey and it is cut and shaped to follow your curves. The fabric has some thickness to it so that it keeps the exact shape that you see once on the body. The skirt has the illusion of being wrapped over itself at the front. It circles around the hips and wraps over itself at the front curving up from the hem. This leaves an overlapped opening so that you get a flash of leg when you move or sit. The waist is accented by a wide band of gathered fabric that starts at the top of the hips and goes right up to under the bust curving in for shape. Topping this is that wonderful strapless bodice that is made out of overlapped feathers. The feathers have this fantastic slightly green iridescent finish to then that catches the light from every angle. This creates a fantastical and whimsical feel that is fabulously bold and dramatic. Excellent condition

The dress is lined in the same jersey as the exterior and it closes with a back zipper. The inner waist stay closes with hook and eye. There is a light layer of padding through the bust and the bodice is lightly boned

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of feathers to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3948

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 one of the several versions that were produced for the Fall 1987 season. Versions  and variations of the dress were done for both the Haute Couture runway and Rive Gauche. A somewhat similar version in pink and black, worn by Naomi, was featured in the fall ad campaign for the Rive Gauche label. As much as I love the pink version, I think that the all black is even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions. This dress is also one of the most dramatic of all the similar examples I have shared here and I love that about it.

The dress is strapless with a wonderful curved bodice and short fitted cut. The fabric is so unusual. It has a slight bubbled textured feel to it which makes it a much more interesting choice than a plain black fabric would have. I love the ruffle detailing that finishes the edges. This is a classic YSL touch that adds to the impact the dress has. The ruffles follow the upward curving edge of the bodice and then go all the way down and around the back. A double layer of wider ruffles edge the bottom hem to give it extra volume and flare. The front of the skirt has an extra apron-like overlay that has allowed him to curve one of the ruffled finishes along its edge and up to the hip. At that side of the hip is a large black bow set slightly to the back if the side. The bow is made of the same silk taffeta that the ruffles are made from. This adds incredible volume and I love it. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the hem is set to that final ruffle that curves across the back. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black cotton and the interior bodice is lightly boned for shape and support. Inner waist stay that hooks to close  and the back closes with a fine metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 38

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from top seam of the bodice to hem and the top ruffle adds 2.5" inches above the top seam of the bodice

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3090

Reference Photos: (1) Naomi Campbell for Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, F/W 1987.  /  (2-3) Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture S/S 1987 Runway.

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 beautiful Emilio Pucci dress that is made out of one of his signature silk jerseys. This fabric held colour wonderfully and is part of the reason why even all these decades later that the dress is still so vibrant in feel. The dress is covered with one of his iconic prints that suggests bold florals. This one is a mix of several shades of ocean blues with grey and ivory pops. The dress is easy to wear. The bodice crosses over itself at the front and there is a little hidden set, silk covered snap to hold it perfectly in place. A contrasting border edges the neckline and runs down to the the slightly high set waist. The waist is also detailed with a printed border that curves around you and there is a panel of it that runs down the back of the skirt. The sleeves are long with a bit of volume over the cuffs and each wide cuff is a double panel of the border print. Under the waist the skirt falls in a sleek line with a slight A-line cut. There are hidden pickets along each hip. This is a classic Pucci silhouette and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. The contrasting printed bits help to define the cut of the dress and draw the eye into a pretty silhouette. This mix of blues is always one of my favorite of his prints and the pattern is bold and beautiful. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the side. Tagged a vintage Pucci 12. The fabric does have slight stretch. Each cuff closes with a newer looking series of hidden set snaps and there is a silk covered hidden snap at the bodice as described above. Hidden picket along each hip

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to bottom seam of the 2" band at the waist
Skirt: 26.5" from bottom seam of the band at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2718

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 rare and hard to find dress. The shorter black and white version was used in the ad campaign that year photoed on Supermodel Christy Turlington. This was one of the iconic pieces of that season and I am very pleased to have found this example. And do I dare say that I love the pink version better then the one used for the ad campaign?

The spring 1990 collection was fully of whimsy and ruffles. It highlighted just how well Yves could do a feminine piece with a bit of wit and romance. The dress is made from a light weight silk organza that holds the shape and volume that you see beautifully. It has been dyed to a soft pink and then has black dots worked over it from top to bottom. The front of the bodice is scooped and edged with his signature black braiding. The bodice is cut to skim over you and then comes in a touch at the waist. It skims past the waist to end at the top of the hips. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt to really define and cinch it in. At the back the dress has a series of glossy black buttons that pick up in the dots in the print. The seam that runs around the top of the hips is set on a curve and at the back it dips down just a touch for a pretty feel. The skirt is set into that seam and it is gorgeous. It is set in a series of soft pleats that give it the volume that you see. There is a tremendous amount of fabric in the skirt. At the front it falls to just above or at the knees depending on your height and then it curves down and around to fall to mid-calf or the ankle, again height dependent. The bottom edge of the skirt is finished with a wide ruffle and this just increases the volume and movement that the skirt already has. The fabric is light enough that the skirt will move with the slightest bit of air. When you move it moves. The last perfect touch are the sleeves. They are cut to the elbows and each is finished with the same ruffle and the skirt. It wraps all the way around the edge and then runs up the side for a bit of a jaunty flare. I love it. This dress is beyond in person and far better then how it even photoed. Excellent condition with a note below.

The top is lined in a matching fine silk and the skirt and sleeves are unlined. It closes with a back zipper under the decorative row of buttons. The buttons on the cuffs are decorative. here is a small inner hip panel under the skirt. There are some areas of yellowing on the ruffles of the skirt on one side and a tiny colour run mark. With the volume that the skirt has this is very minor. Please see the two photos after the label shot. Tagged a 40

Sleeves: 13"
Shoulders: 15-16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hip panel: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam and if you added to that the hips would be completely open
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to seam at top of the hip
Skirt: 15" from seam at top of the hip to front hem, 34" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3940

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (2-3) Christy Turlington in a Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress of polka dot Abraham fabric, for the Spring 1990 Ad Campaign, photographed by Arthur Elgort.

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

Paco Rabanne was a Spanish designer who became known as the 'l'enfant terrible', or unruly child, of the 1960s French fashion world. He began his career making jewellery in unusual materials for many of the French couturiers. In 1964 he was only 30 years old when he presented his first official collection. In 1966 he had his breakout show: 'Twelve Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials.' and it was with this show that he found his calling. The Met museum noted that 'unlike Pierre Cardin and André Courrèges, who employed traditional couture techniques for their "futuristic" designs, Rabanne was interested in creating fashion with uncharted and imaginative production methods using novel postwar industrial materials.'  After a few attempted revivals the label is doing very well under Creative Director Julien Dossena. He has been integral with giving new life to the brand. 

The Paco Rabanne pieces made from a fine Oroton metal mesh were a spring board from the earlier chain mail examples and were heavily sought after and collected - then and now. This is a classic design that has been re-issued a couple of times since Julien came on board. My client bought this a few years ago and there is an identical gold version coming soon to the Paco website priced at $6400USD. 

The dress is completely made from a gold metal mesh. The mesh has a good weight to it but settles onto the body wonderfully and feels spectacular once on. The metal is very cool at first but once your body heat warms it up, it stays at your body temperature and feels quite sensual. The dress is fairly simple yet complex in its design. You slip it on and it drapes loosely across the shoulders and plunges under the arms. Snaps run along the top of one shoulder and then it snaps to close down one side. The snaps are spaced looser apart along your side but then when it hits the hips the snaps are placed closer together. This causes the fine metal mesh to have a draped effect and hikes the dress up on that side. It snaps to close at the top of the side of each waist. At the back it drapes over your curves in the most beautiful of ways. The mesh creates an almost bias cut effect so that is follows the movement of your body. It has just a touch of transparency to it cause by the tiny spaces between each piece of the mesh. On one side of the bust the mesh is fused together slightly differently to create the slightest illusion of a triangle pocket. It is just stunning and on an actual body it is even better as the mesh moves like molten liquid over you and catches the light from every angle. Exceptional. Excellent condition

It slips on and there are snaps on the shoulder and then along one side as described above. Each snap is engrave with the PR initials and the metal Paco Rabanne tag is attached at the back neck. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a 38. It is cut looser through the top and narrow through the hips. Once on the waist does drape over a bit 

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from shoulder to shortest point of hem, 44" to the longest.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3909

Reference Photo: From the Paco Rabanne Website.

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

The Vogue review of the Fall 2006 show was extremely complimentary. This was the best collection that Frida did for Gucci while at the label and this dress was the star of the show. The review said 'Gold pantsuits, Ziggy eyes, ultraminis, and patchwork purple crocodile biker jackets: Yes, Frida Giannini is doing glam rock for fall. 'I was thinking of David Bowie and the way people played with their image to be something different every time they went out in the seventies," she said. "It's less romantic and more about energy and showing off.... some of her ultrashort metallic jersey dresses actually read as more sub-Versace (which is a reference many young designers are enthusiastic about now), though she also tempered things with maxi, printed, and sequined options for the slightly more modest nightclubber. Even at their least wild, though, these looks weren't designed to be seen during daylight hours'. To this day this is one of the most recognizable of all of her pieces. I have included numerous examples of the celebrities that wore this dress that season and I am sure there are more. It really is an extraordinary dress. 

The dress is in mint condition and was only worn one time. It comes to me from its original owner and was carefully stored so it is as close to getting it fresh off the rack as you can get. The dress has a silk base and then thousands of tiny matte and shiny gold sequins as well as tube beads have been applied to it to completely cover the dress. The sequin and bead work cover every inch of the dress with just little bits of the fabric underneath left to show to highlight the design. The way that it catches the light from every angle possible is incredible. It is very sexy and flattering which is probably why it was photoed so much that season. The front plunges down into a low V right to the band at the waist. The bodice is cut to skim over you and the sleeves are long. The skirt is short and fitted. I love the play on a cable knit sweater that the dress has. You can see this in the way that every second vertical band of sequins is done in a twisted rope pattern and how the hem, band at the waist, sleeves and cuffs are finished with bead work that gives it the feel of the ribbed edging on a sweater. The dress comes with its original matching tie belt that is also completely covered in sequins. These sold out instantly when they were dropped and were extremely expensive with only a limited amount of them produced. This is an iconic piece of Gucci's history. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a pale taupe silk and closes with a side set hidden zipper. Hidden set zippers at each cuff. Tagged a size 38. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of band: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of band: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam 
Bodice: 13" from neck to top of band
Band: 4"
Skirt: 18" from bottom of the band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3910

Reference Photos/Videos: (1-3) Fall 2006 Gucci Runway. Look 14 worn by Caroline Trentini.  /  (3) Fall 2006 Gucci Ad Campaign by Craig McDean.  /  (3) Doutzen Kroes for TIME Style & Design Magazine, 2006. Photo by Lee Broomfield.  /  (4-5) Lindsay Lohan for Harper's Bazaar, July 2006.  /  (6-7) Nicole Scherzinger in Gucci while performing with the Pussycat Dolls at the American Music Awards, 2006.  /  (8) Tommy and Dee Hilfiger at the World Music Awards, 2006.  /  (9) Doutzen Kroes for Elle France, 2006.  /  (10) Alessandra Ambrosio at her birthday party in 2007.

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 would be the beginning of his downfall in 1983. 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. This dress is spectacular. It only has its made in India label that his things from this time period have in them, however, this has a matching jacket that my client was not yet ready to let go of and I have seen that jacket myself and it did have its Halston label in it. 

Halston's beaded and sequin pieces were being made in India during this time period. Halston personally chose the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his collection and then sent them to India where they were beaded and sequinned to his specific instructions and assembled. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. This dress is gorgeous but tiny. It has no side opening. Instead there is just a light elastic that runs through the waist, so it has to be big enough to go over your hips or shoulders. Once on the one shoulder hooks in place to close. All of the bead and sequin work on it is completely done by hand. Silver tube beads, seam beads and silver sequins are tightly spaced and have been hand applied onto the black silk chiffon. I love the boldness of the silver and how the entire dress glitters and sparkles in the light from every angle. The silk chiffon under the sequins and beads has the slightest touch of transparently to it. The silhouette is very simple with a single shoulder that dips low on one side. The bust then skims over you to the waist. The waist has elastic so once on its blouses a little and then the skirt is cut in pencil silhouette under that. It is very flattering on the body and easy to wear. It is pure glamour. Great overall condition with some notes to review below.

Unlined and has no closures. Elastic through the waist. It slips over the head to wear so you have to be small enough to get it on without an opening as described above. You could easily add a side zipper or snaps along the seam if needed. The bead and sequin work is completely hand done. I do see some areas where beads are missing and some loose beads and threads here and there. With the black underneath they almost feel deliberate and I don't think would be an issue once one. Please see the photos after the label shot.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 20" from top of shoulder to waist bit will blouse up 
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3908

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 exceptional silk taffeta dress is by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior. It is from the Fall 1985 collection. In the 'Dior Catwalk' book, they include a write up from WWD that said the collection felt; 'young at heart, naughty and smart-chic'. They went on to note that many of the pieces on the collection were designed so that the 'hips are wrapped for attention and the knees are revealed'. The dress is a wonderful example of that young feel he was after and it is certainly a dress that is a reflection of its era. It is also a stunning example of his work during this time period. The dress is made even more special since we found a runway shot of the twin of the dress. For the runway it was styled with a lace mask and a pin nestled in the ruffled shoulder. It is an exceptional dress. 

The fabric of this dress is fantastic and no matter how great it looks in the photos you will love it even more in person. It is made out of a black silk taffeta whose underside in a silver pewter that has a bit of a metallic feel to it. This creates an incredible effect with the ruffles that cover the dress. As they move and flip over themselves you see the silver grey colour and the effect is fabulous. The fabric is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on. Inside the dress has light boning through the bodice to give you some support. The bodice is cut with a modified sweetheart neckline and it is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with all of the gathered folds coming in to the seams that run over the bodice at the front, back and sides. These emphasize your curves and it make the dress very flattering once on. There is a huge and elaborate ruffle that curves around and under the arm and covers the one shoulder while the other is left bare. This gives the dress this fabulous shot gf glamour. More ruffles completely cover the skirt. These ruffles are set all the way around the skirt in a series of vertically placed silk panels. Each panel has been individually set onto the skirt to create the exaggerated ruffled effect that you see. The way they are set onto the skirt allows each piece to sit off of the skirt to create that fabulous volume. I really fluffed them up for the photos and the silk taffeta choice helps to hold the shape that you place it into while still being soft and not stiff. It is gorgeous and I love that we found the reference photo so you can see just how fabulous it is one. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The interior of the bodice is boned for support. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 21.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3841

Reference Photo: Fall/Winter 1985-86 Christian Dior Runway.

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 little Yves Saint Laurent dress has such a joyful feel to it. I am always excited to find examples of Yves' work from this time period and this one is extra special because it is the twin of the dress that was shown on the 1983 runway. We also found a editorial shot from that season with the same dress in a solid colour that was shot for L'Officiel magazine. I love the solid colour version as well but the printed one just has so much colour and joy to it I can't help but love it a little more. 

This is a gorgeous little day dress that you could easily style to work into the evening, especially during the warmer months. The colours are amazing and absolutely pop off of the cotton fabric that he chose for this dress. Cotton takes colour extremely well and it is the perfect choice to get these crisp vibrant tones. It also holds the shape well so that the dress has volume where Yves wanted it. Yves Saint Laurent was a master at choosing the fabrics that were the perfect compliment to the prints that he used. This dress is no exception to that rule with its riot of bright flowers covering its surface. The cut is pure Yves and a wonderful example of the work he was doing during this time period. The sleeves end just below the elbow and are cut with a full balloon sleeve pouf above their wide and easy elastic cuffs. The bodice is fitted with a V neckline at the front. The upper portion of the bodice is done in the same floral fabric as the sleeves and skirt but he then inset a blue fabric to define the waist and visually cinch it in. He then plays with proportion by adding a blue cotton peplum that runs all the way around the hips and flares outwards. Below that the skirt flares out with a pretty swing feel. The combination of the prints and the cut is genius. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and zips to close at the side. It is tagged a vintage YSL 36. It appears to have been worn very little if at all but there is some fading to the tops of the curves on the peplum. You notice it more when it is off the body and laying flat but not when on. Please see the photo after the label shot. 

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3653

Reference Photo: (1) S/S 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Runway.  /  (2) Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, L'Officiel, 1983.  /  (3) S/S 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Ad Campaign.

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 think our modern world forgets just how important Oleg Cassini was as a designer in his heyday. From his first film in 1941 he was responsible for many of the best looks on film, dressing stars like Rita Hayworth, Gene Tierney (who he married), Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner and the list goes on and on. In 1952, he opened his own fashion house on Seventh Avenue. By 1961 he was appointed by Jacqueline Kennedy as her exclusive couturier. Some of his early works especially, were more on par with couture, using the same techniques and high fashion fabrics as the French couture houses. This is a later example of his work and yet it still shows the care and meticulous detailing that he put into his work.

The dress is amazing in person. It is made of a black silk chiffon that has been extensively covered with gunmetal silver glass tube beads. The dress is extremely heavy because of the bead work. It weights about 4 pounds and it is gorgeous. The bodice of the dress is suspended by beaded straps and then scoops down with shaping at the front and a lower set line at the back. It has a wide band of beadwork following the top seam and then is shaped by a series of vertically set rows of beads that go all the way around the bodice and end in little jagged ends. It is fitted to the bodice and then nips it in at the waist. The skirt skims over the hips into a pencil shape and then onto that are curved vertical panels that start just under the waist and go to just above the hem. These give the illusion that the skirt is tiered but that ruffled effect is actually created by the panels dropping and layering over each other. I did a photo of it laid out flat so you can get an idea of how much volume is actually in the skirt. When you move the movement this creates is fantastic. Each is finished along the curved edge with a series of stacked rows of beadwork. More vertical bead circle the hips and these are done to pick up that same jagged finish design as on the bodice. The hem is then finished with a wide band of yet more beading. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black muslin through the bodice and black silk through the skirt. It closes with a back zipper. Hand work throughout. Light boning in the bodice. It looks to have never been worn. Perhaps the occasional bead missing but no bare areas that I could see. 

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3629

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

Christian Lacroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and his work was instantly revered world wide. He defined an era and he was crowned the King of Couture. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections were always exotic and lavish affairs. He drew his inspirations from across the decades and I doubt there was ever a more high glamour couturier. This dress is very special and a stunning example of his work during this time period. It has all the signature Lacroix drama that you could ask for. It comes to me from the original couture client. The twin of this piece walked the runway that season. My client ordered hers in a slightly different shade of silk taffeta and the atelier changed the colour of the stone in the jewelled brooches to match this fabric selection. His couture pieces rarely come to market and this is an exception example of his work. 

The dress is beautiful. It is made out of an iridescent silk taffeta that changes colour slightly depending on how the light hits it. It can go from a deep bronze colour to an iridescent blue tone. Each sleeve is long and slim and cut to end just above the wrist. A row of five silk covered buttons runs up each wrist with working silk loops. The body of the dress is cut into a simple sheath and then it has been gathered up along one side and secured in place with that incredible huge brooch. The brooch is a gold metal circle that has large golden topaz glass crystals mixed with brilliant blue glass stones. The neckline folds over in a curve of fabric and is set very wide across the shoulders, angling down to leave one shoulder bare. The back is tremendously beautiful. That wide neckline from the front dips and angles down at the back to leave a large part of your back exposed. I love how the silk takes on a draped and wrapped effect as it is brought down to the point where the bare expanse of skin ends. Another huge jewelled brooch has then been pinned in place there to anchor the draping. Below that a stiffened panel of silk flares out dramatically to one side in a half bow effect. I have included some shots of the clever way the dress and back close and you can see the meticulous work that has been put into the piece to ensure it drapes perfectly. Excellent condition with a couple of small notes below

Fully lined in a black silk organza and closes with an elaborate mix of a zipper, snaps and hooks at the back. One flaring panel loops through the other. It is in wonderful condition with a few small things to note from normal wear. There is rubber ribboning along the neckline to hold it in place and this has changed colour here and there. There is one stone missing at the bottom of the front brooch. The brooches are removable and you can see little marks on the fabric under them where the pin has been pushed through in different places. There are a couple teeny pinhead marks on the fabric where the brooches have caught on the silk near the brooches. Very minor. It is really in stunning condition. Unlabeled and sourced from the original couture client

Sleeves: 19.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3602

Reference Photo: Fall/Winter 1990 Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Runway.

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 lines of this dress are pure Yves Saint Laurent for this time period. It is just extraordinary. For the skirt of the dress he has used a silver grey silk taffeta. This fabric choice gives it the volume that you see and helps to support the edging that circles the entire hem. For that he chose a black, sequin detailed lace. This same sequin and lace fabric was then used for the bodice. The dress is suspended from the shoulders by two thin silk ribbons. I love this detail because it gives you the option to tuck those in and wear this as a strapless piece if you wanted. The bodice is fitted and covered in a black silk lace netting over a silk organza. Black sequins have then been applied by hand to highlight the curving design underneath. This same fabric as been used all around the hem where it has been used in a single layer with no lining backing it. This gives you a touch of transparency that is very sexy. Some parts of the skirt are actually cut quite high up the leg when you just look at where the grey silk part falls to and this transparency gives you a flash of skin behind the lace. The skirt is very full so that when you move you get a lot of volume and movement. A long silver silk sash wraps and ties to cinch in the waist. It also comes with its original matching wrap. This is very large and finished with a wide ruffle all the way around. This is a dress that is even better on an actual body and moves and feel fabulous once on. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below

Fully lined through the bodice with a black silk and the grey part of the skirt has a black silk chiffon inner skirt. It closes at the side with a metal and nylon zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 42. There is a faint mark on the side of the skirt near the seam and bottom of the grey part of the skirt that you only would see if you lay it out flat as I have. The straps show a bit wear and fraying at their very tops. Please review the first two photos after the label shot. The matching wrap has a small blue mark near a seam and there are some watermarks/scuffs to the fabric. These are shown in the last two shots. All of these are minor.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: approx 42" from waist to longest points and approx 25" to shortest
Shawl: 57" x 46"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3342

Reference Photo: (1) F/W 1981 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Show.  /  (2) Model in Yves Saint Laurent F/W 1981 Rive Gauche Collection. Photo by Helmut Newton. From the book "Yves Saint Laurent: Icons of Fashion Design" by Schirmer/Mosel.  /  (3) Andie MacDowell for Yves Saint Laurent, photographed by Helmut Newton, 1981.

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

Glossy black sequins that are extra large in size have been densely applied to a structured and fitted base to make this amazing strapless dress. The sequins cover the entire surface of the fabric of the bodice. The dress is strapless and the neckline is cut into a sweetheart shape and the interior is boned and molded. The waist is nipped in and the sequin part curves over the top of the hips for a long and shaped line. Under that is a wide panel of glossy black feathers that gives volume that and movement. This fullness at the bottom adds shape so that your waist and curves are emphasized. It is cut very short and is an amazing vintage find. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined with a silky black rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Light boning through the bodice. The bust is shaped and would probably fit up to a C cup. Tagged a UK 12. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from top of the bodice to the bottom of the feathered hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3517

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 softer, more romantic feeling version of the dress that Naomi Campell wore  for the ad campaign that year and Christy Turlington wore in Elle UK. Theirs were fitted all the way down to the hem where this one flares out past the waist and is detailed with a large bow at the front. The fabric used is the same for both. This version is perhaps more wearable for most and a little more forgiving then the very fitted silhouette of the other.

The dress is gorgeous and the fabric itself is part of what makes it so fabulous. It is far lighter then what it looks like it should be. The top layer of fabric is a open work lace that is shot through with a metallic thread so that is has a touch of glitz. The pattern in the lace is then detailed with curving rows of glossy black sequins. The bodice and hem are finished with a silk tulle ruffle. I absolutely love this classic YSL touch and it gives the dress a flirty, girlie feel that it would not have without that finish. The dress falls from the shoulder from little straps and I think that if it fit you perfectly you could probably have the option of tucking these on and wearing it as a strapless pieces. The edge of the bodice curves and plunges. It nips in at the waist and there is a large silk satin black bow set at the center front. There is no waist seaming, it just curves in and then flares out for the skirt. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the ruffles are set on the bust to the curved lines of the skirt as it swings out and away from the body. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a side set zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 40

Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3516

Reference Photos: (1-2) Naomi Campbell for Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, 1987.  /  (3) Christy Turlington in YSL for Vogue UK 1987. Photo by Patrick Demarchelier.

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 absolutely incredible and the workmanship that has been put into making it is just extraordinary. It really is one of the most phenomenal dresses I have ever had in the shop. Philip Hulitar designed under his own namesake label from 1949 to his retirement in 1964. He was known for his sophisticated cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Shortly after the launch of his label, a journalist wrote; 'The star of a gifted designer has risen recently on the fashion horizon'. Prior to launching his own label, Mr Hulitar was the in-house designer and head of the women's dress division for Bergdorf Goodmans for 18 years.

This dress is really a thing of beauty and shows the high level of meticulous care put into the execution of design during this time period. The fabric is a high end, luxurious silk in a pale dusty blue. Onto this is a hand screened  custom floral design. The print is set onto the silk in a soft washed feel like a watercolor painting. The silk has then been meticulously hand pleated into rows of sharp knife pleats that are stacked one upon each other. They are set so that the pleats are facing upwards rather then facing down as you would typically see. This gives the fabric a slightly surreal edgy feel and as gravity slightly pulls them and opens them the lines of the body are exaggerated. It is really spectacular in person. The bodice is strapless and fitted. Inside it is boned and shaped. The silk is draped into place by hand draping it to closely follow every curve. It cinches in at the waist and then follows the curve of the hips and narrows at the hem The back is spectacular with a large half bow that sits above a tightly gathered ruffle. This begins at the low back and slowly tapers out just above the knees. Everything on this dress is done to create that highly sculptural shape. Overall excellent condition with some notes to review below

Fully lined in a cream silky rayon and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. The interior bodice is boned. The back bow snaps into place. I see some extremely minor pinholes along the one part of the top pf the bodice at the fold and some very minor watermarks on the silk near the hem. It has a area of fading on one hip that I have photoed and placed after the label photo for your review. It can be seen in some of the photos before that as well. You could perhaps shorten it to remove this area or just wear it as is and not worry about it. It is marked a lot lower in price then it would be but for this area.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A to small B cup
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from top of the bodice to the front hem, 41" to the back hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3214

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

This wonderful little 1920s flapper dress was completely made by hand and a wonderful example of the level of craftsmanship being utilized during this time period. It has its original Made in France label still present and these pieces were always a little higher quality then some examples you see from the time period. It has no other label but it is not hard to imagine that it might have been a designer piece as well. The base of the dress is a black silk netting that is strong and sturdy. Onto this is an intricate design made up of gelatin sequins set boxes. Each is a combination of purple, pink & turquoise in an alternating design. The placement of each sequin is by hand and it is amazing to think of the time it would have taken to make the fabric alone. The center of each block makes me think of a cluster of little pink "hearts" that are then surrounded by an abstract shape. A metal based gold lame thread and tiny little gold tubes beads are then shaped around each to make the block design that you see.  These are then stacked in rows to cover the dress entirely with the black netting serving as the separation between each. This combination of colored sequins, gold thread & beads is absolutely fantastic. There is an extra panel of netting inserted at each hip to give the skirt extra flare. Excellent antique condition

The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. The edges of the side net panels are raw and at one time there may have an extension to them but it is now cut even with the hem. I see no other flaws and it appears to have been worn very little if at all and is wearble with the care it would deserve to be worn with. Even with that small defect 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" from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40" from shoulder to bottom hem

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E290

This garment is in sound, clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival

This is a beautiful example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. The bow in particular was an important element of the collections that year and it is the highlight on this set as well. 

Both the dress and the jacket have been made out of a fine light silk crepe that is done in that signature Valentino red.  The dress is beautifully cut and unexpectedly sexy with its bare expanse of skin at the back. From the front it is a simple shift with a high neckline. Straps are set to curve up and over each shoulder, crossing over themselves and then are set into the small of the back. The back is left bare from the shoulder to the waist. The front bodice follows the shape of the body underneath and the skirt falls with a slight flare as it nears the hem. Piping at the waist to add some shape and definition. The jacket is fantastic and you will want to wear it as a stand alone piece as well as part of the set. It is cut to perfection with softly padded shoulders that are set wide and a nipped in waist. The fabric is all gathered in towards the centre of the waist and is highlighted with his signature black bow set at the centre. The jacket is in excellent condition and there is a note to review about the dress below

Both the dress and jacket are fully lined in a hand set red silk of very high quality. Proper finished buttonholes and jet beads on both cuffs. The jacket closes with hook & eye under the bow. The dress closes with a hand set zipper at the low back and the stars button and snap into place. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. There is a very faint mark on the bodice of the dress. Please see the photos after the label shot.

Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 17.5"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2839

Reference Photo: Models in Valentino. Photo by Guy Bourdin for Vogue Paris, 1985.

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