This exquisite Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress is a stunning and very rare example of what the house was producing during this time period. It is true Haute Couture and has been entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. You can see a striking resemblance to the  Fall 1954 "Ecume" dress combined with elements from the "Clorinde" dress from that same season. There is also an even closer resemblance to that famous photo of the model and dress captured back stage by Mark Shaw that season. You can easily imagine that this dress was derived from the different elements of these, while tweaking the details to be more perfectly reflective of the clients personal style. It is wonderful and a joy to have it come into the shop.

The dress is constructed from a hand made ivory Chantilly French lace that is outlined with a fine silk cording. The cord has been meticulously hand applied to the lace. It follows the outline of, and defines each delicate motif within the lace's pattern. The lace portion of the dress begins just under the high and defined waist and the entire lower portion of the exterior layer of the dress is done in that stunning lace. I love how at the very hem the lace edges have been meticulously hand stitched into a silk organza so that the hem is perfectly straight. The bodice is kept with a more simple silk jersey fabric to contrast the high level of workmanship that the lace has. It is strapless and the cups are shaped and molded underneath the jersey. The silk has been is hand draped so that is sits  in soft folds over the bust. The folds are set on a slight angle and one section in the middle has been used to create a wide open loop. Through that opening winds a wide black silk taffeta sash that drapes down at the front to follow the curved angle of the bust line and then ties at the back. I have tied it into a more formal bow but you could also leave this to trail down the back. The use of the contrasting black ribbon adds both a simple and romantic touch and also visually cinches in the waist area even more then the interior corseting already does. The skirt billows out to a beautiful fullness beneath the tapered in waist. The shape and fullness that you see is built into the skirt through layers and layers of silk netting and tulle underneath. The inner construction of the dress is absolutely exquisite with a boned and corseted interior made entirely made by hand and to Haute Couture standards. Under the skirt there are a three full layers of silk tulle and netted underskirts to achieve the shape that you see. I did not add any additional crinolines here but you could create an even fuller shape by adding a separate underskirt if you wished. It is a beautiful example of the very early work that the House of Balmain was doing and a wonderful example of the golden years of Haute Couture. Excellent condition with some small notes to review below.

Fully lined in a ivory silk with extensive boning, inner construction and skirting. It closes with an intricate combination of the Balmain signature, multiple chest and waist stays and two zippers. One to close the inner corset and the other to close the exterior dress The inner layers of the skirt are attached with some having addition half layers at their hems for additional volume. The innermost skirt is interlined with netting and the built in corset is made of lingerie netting and hand done padding. It is boned with metal boning. There is perhaps some very minor darkening to the lace here and there. Very small areas here and there of darkening to the inner bodice. On the exterior bodice there are areas of light yellowing that run across the sides. It is very faint and once on I think you would never even notice it as they are across the fabric and in the folds mainly. None of this compromises the strength or integrity of the dress and it is strong and wearable with the care. All of the photos to show the stunning details of the dress are before the shot of the label and the shots to show the sides of the bodice mentioned above are after the label shot. It really is in remarkable condition. Proper Haute Couture label and tape underneath, though the writing on the couture tape under the label has faded to almost nothing.

Bust: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam with cups built in that would fit an A or smaller
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 5" from top of bodice to seam under front cups
Skirt: 36" from seam under the cups to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3344

Reference Photos: (1) Model Ann Farrar in Pierre Balmain A/W 1954-55 "Ecume" Dress. Photo by Philippe Pottier.  /  (2) Backstage at Balmain, 1954. Photo by Mark Shaw.  /  (3) Marie-Thérèse in an evening dress called "Clorinde" by Pierre Balmain, Fall/Winter 1954-1955 Collection.

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

I am so in love with this dress. The lines of it are pure Yves Saint Laurent for this time period and it is just extraordinary. The dress is made from a combination of a deep silver grey silk taffeta that he has used for the body of the skirt and the matching ruffled shawl, combined with a black, sequin detailed lace bodice. That same sequin lace is also used to finish the lower part of the skirt's wide hem. The dress is suspended from the shoulders by two thin silk ribbons. You could also easily tuck those in and wear this as a strapless piece if you wanted. Under those straps the bodice is covered in a black silk lace netting that has a secondary design made from applied silk organza to give it a 3D feel. Over this are black sequins that have been used to highlight the design created by the silk and netting. The bodice is backed with a black silk but on the hem of the skirt, where the same fabric has been used to finish it, it is not backed. This gives you a touch of transparency there that is very sexy as 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. The skirt itself is extremely full so that when you move you will get a lot of volume and movement. It has a long matching silver silk sash that cinches in the waist as much as you wish. It also comes with its original matching shawl. The shawl is very large and finished with a wide ruffle all the way around. As good as it looks on a dress form, on a real body it really comes alive. 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 some wear and fraying at their very tops. Please review the first two photos after the label shot. The shawl 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 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: Model in Yves Saint Laurent F/W 1981-82 Rive Gauche Collection. Photo by Helmut Newton. From the book "Yves Saint Laurent: Icons of Fashion Design" by Schirmer/Mosel.

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 Yves Saint Laurent piece is the later version of the black one I also listed today and it is just as fabulous. The color of the deep burgundy sequins is amazing. The color is very rich feeling the sequins bring it to life even more. Every square inch of the piece is finished with them. For this one the sequins are laid out flat and set side by side to cover the entire piece. Like its slightly older counterpart it too can play double duty. It is more of a short, mini dress length but can also be worn as a tunic. Either way you will be showing off a mile of leg. The neckline is slightly scooped and the shoulders themselves are lightly padded and squared off so you get a touch of structure. The sleeves are long and the body of the tunic dress is cut to skim over the body in an easy, relaxed way. The sequins are shimmer in the light and in person it is even better then how it photoed. I love the piped detailing that finishes each cuff, the neckline then runs down the back on either side of the zipper. It's fabulous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a burgundy silk  crepe and closes with a zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 40

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30.5" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3334

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

Christophe Decarnin headed Balmain from 2005 as a designer and was named the Creative Director for the brand shortly after. He remained there until 2011. He was largely responsible for revitalizing the couture house, turning the label into his own rick-chic vision, and bringing in a much needed younger clientele. This tunic is a runway piece shown for Spring 2008. It's twin was worn as a tunic for Look 31 in the show.

The tunic is pure Decarnin - it has the unexpected rock chic feel to it and you can easily see its influence with what we are now seeing on the runways. Every square inch of the piece is finished with little silver sequins. I love that they are not your typical round sequins either. Each is a bit of an abstract shape and they have been applied to the silk organza underneath with silver metal thread that is top stitched over them. This creates its own secondary texture and gives the sequins a more interesting effect. It is also a little extra special because it can potentially play double duty. It can absolutely be worn as a tunic but if you are brave and don't mind showing off a mile of leg it is probably just long enough to be worn as a micro mini depending on how it sits on you. Especially with the addition of a pair of tights underneath. The neckline is scooped and the shoulders are unstructured so that is sits loose and easy on the body. The sleeves are long and the body is cut to skim over the body in an easy, relaxed way. The sequins are a brilliant silver in person the way they shine and shimmer in the light is far better then how it photoed. It weighs almost nothing and it is a piece that perfectly sums up Decarnin's tenure at the brand. Excellent condition

The sequins are directly applied to a white silk organza and it slips on to wear with no closures. Tagged a 36

Sleeves: 19"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3333

Reference Photos: Spring 2008 Balmain Runway Collection, Look 31. Model: Kim Noorda.

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 absplutely love this Yves Saint Laurent piece.  I just had a blue version of this come in the shop a few weeks black and was very happy to find this black one. for you. The sequins are glossy and a true deep ink black and they cover every square inch of the piece. It is also a little extra special because it can play double duty. It can absolutely be worn as a tunic but if you are brave and don't mind showing off a mile of leg it is just long enough to be worn as a micro mini. Especially with the addition of a pair of tights underneath. The neckline is slightly scooped and set wide across the neck which allows for a little bit of skin to show on the top of your shoulders. The shoulders themselves are lightly padded so you get a touch of structure. The sleeves are long and the body of the tunic dress is cut to skim over the body in an easy, relaxed way. I love the detailing around the cuff of each sleeve and the bottom hem. It creates the impression of a ribbed sweater but this is all actually done with hand placed tube beads. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and slips on to wear with no closures. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a L but check measurements. The loose cut should fit a variety of sizes

Sleeves: 23.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3332

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

There is nothing like vintage Pucci and his cotton pieces that were meant for the beach are among my absolute favorites. This fabulous little cover up instantly makes you think of far off tropical luxury, combined with lazy days spent by the ocean, with umbrella topped drinks in hand. It is superbly simple in cut, allowing the beauty of that custom screened cotton to shine. The colors are pure and blissful pinks. He effortlessly mixes different hues of pink and then highlighted them with pops of white and grey. The angular pattern is all edged in fine black and signed throughout with that famous Pucci signature. It is made of a thicker twill weight cotton and buttons down the front with the buttons hidden under that front border. You can easily wear it on its own as a mini dress, or even layered over other pieces as more of a tunic. Excellent condition with a couple of very minor notes below

Unlined and closes at the front with hidden buttons under the front panel. There is a slight bit of fading near the arm, A teeny spot near the front hem and faint mark at the front. Please review the three photos after the label shot. These are all extremely minor. Tagged a vintage Pucci 12

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3330

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.

The twin of this dress in a green and blue colorway walked the spring 1993 runway and I have included that footage here for you to see it on and in action.  It is very representative of that season and I am very pleased to have this example in the shop.

The dress is made from a crisp cotton that has enough weight and structure to it to perfectly fall into the line that Yves desired it to have. The dress perfectly represents this time period and you can see the transition from the stronger, more angular shaped of the eighties slowly moving into simpler shapes for the 1990s. The vivid color ways from the 1980s are still there, but the shape is softening and becoming simpler and less of a sharp angle from the shoulder. It is cut to skim over the body. On the runway it was worn belted for more shape and you could easily do that to this one. The base is a bright pink that in person is a little softer then how it photoed. This is then edged with a wide grosgrain ribbon in turquoise. The neckline is cut in a high V and the dress crosses over itself at the front. It begins to button at the base of the V and then closes sown that one side. The buttons are large and each is a combination of a gold toned metal with poured red enamel. It is amazing on the body and a rare find. Excellent condition with on tiny note to review below

Fully lined in a matching pink silk and closes with the buttons as seen. Padding in each shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 38. There is a small, faint mark on one shoulder which I have photoed and shown after the label photo. It appears to have been let out a touch along the hips at some point.

Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3319

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

Norman David Levinson launched his label - Norman Norell in 1960 and he was quickly the darling of the social set and starlets. Lauren Bacall often wore his pieces fr example. He was known for his impeccable tailoring, meticulous fit, and quality fabrics. He often took day shapes and made them out of more evening appropriate fabrics - like fine silks as this one has been created from. He had the unique ability to translate Paris couture into American ready-to-wear and with prices to match their French counterparts.

I absolutely love this dress. The lines and cut are somewhat similar to a dress I have had in the shop previously that was dated to 1963. This one is even better then that one was with its bright and cheerful checked print. The silk is a very high and fine grade and I love a pink and white gingham print. It has an extravagant and wide, attached tie in the same fabric that you can use to create a dramatic bow as I have. It comes with its original belt covered in a matching fabric which allows the waist to be cinched in tight. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut on a curve to follow the natural shape of the arm. The pouf up at the shoulders and narrow to the wide cuffed wrist. Each cuff is a full 4" long and closes with four thick, hand cut mother of pearl buttons. The interior of each sleeve is finished in a silk organza so that the sleeves keep that volume that you see. It is cut to be more fitted through the bodice and then the skirt has incredible volume. I took a photo of the inside so you can see how its gathered up and through the waist to give it that fullness. If you wished to, you could add a crinoline to get a really full look.  It closes down the front with another row of those same thick MOP buttons in a larger size then the ones on the cuffs. The workmanship on this dress is incredible. This is an amazing example of his early work and of dress making during this time period. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a hand set white silk through the bodice and ivory silk organza through the sleeves. The skirt is unlined. Closes down the front with a series of hand carved MOP buttons. Each sleeve has four MOP buttons. The white on the silk of the belt has darkened a touch over time as you can see in the photos. The back of the belt is stamped Norman Norell. Hand finished. One side of the tie at the neck is slightly shorter then the other but this is how it is meant to be so that when you tie it they fall evenly. 

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to bottom of the waist banding
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem with a 5" hem turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3318

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

If you loved the recent trend towards big pouf sleeves and and that cut that was pure eighties glamour, then you will absolutely love this original 1980s dress. I think it's amazing It is made from a pink silk that has a secondary design woven through the silk and provides a bit of contrast between the finish of the two silk fibers. In person the pink is a truer pink hue then how it photoed and even better then what you see. It has padding in the shoulders so the shape is held perfectly and the front and back plunge into a deep V right to the banded waist. The waist is defined with a wide band of the same silk that is top stitched and quilted into horizontal rows. From under that wide band at the waist the skirt falls in a neat column to just past the knee. The sleeves are of course the star of the show on this dress and  each is cut into spectacular huge poufs. The volume you see is not from me stuffing them with anything either. They are cleverly finished on the interior so that is the effect they have when on. Love it from shoulder to hem  Excellent condition

Fully lined in a pink crepe chiffon. It closes with a back zipper and ties at the back of the neck. Each cuff buttons to close with two sparkly faceted pink crystal buttons. Padding in each shoulder, Tagged US6.

Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: approx 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: 10" from neck to top of waist band.
Waist Band: 4"
Skirt: 20" from bottom of waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3317

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 piece you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the actual Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

This came from the estate of a woman who was a personal friend of George Stavropoulos and the set was custom made for her. It is incredible and you are really getting two couture level garments that you can easily wear as a set or separately. Very fine, high end silk was used to create both pieces. The silk that was used is very fine tissue silk in the perfect ivory. It has a stunning metallic gold thread embroidered and woven directly into the silk that forms borders, panels and the scattered motifs that you see. All of these are placed to highlight the design and cut of each piece. As a result is has an exotic Indian sari feel to it that has been westernized to combine the two ideals perfectly. Pieces were still being made specifically for the Western market and designers like Stavropoulos were using the beautiful, traditional silks that were now available. The dress is cut with a single shoulder that is made from a panel of the gold that runs up the side of the dress. The bodice is fitted with a hidden more structured interior. The waist curves in and then the skirt falls under that mixing the cream and gold parts beautifully. The jacket is cut to be oversized with just past the elbow sleeves and a loose cut. It is full and has lots of volume.  It is so well made you could flip it inside out and wear it. I love the contrast between the volume of the coat with the fitted dress underneath. It is beautifully made and very light. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below

Both pieces are fully lined in an ivory tissue silk. The dress closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper and the jacket has no closures. The interior of the bodice is shaped and boned. All hand finished throughout to demi-couture standards and beautifully made throughout. On the dress I see the tiniest ares of fraying along the top of the fold near the one shoulder panel. There is the slightest of yellowing to the silk on the other side but it really only shows in certain lights and barely even then. The gold thread used has real metal in it and this has tarnished slightly over the years. Please review the final four photos after the label shot. The coat is pristine. I will also include a matching scarf that is not photoed. It has hand rolled edges and measures 77" x 16"

Dress
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from shoulder to hem

Coat
Sleeves: approx 19"
Shoulders: no true shoulder seam
Bust-hem: 24 widening to 29" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED for the dress, The coat is OSFA

Item# DD3316

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

From 2004 until 2012, Stefano Pilati was the head designer of Yves Saint Laurent for 8 years. He did two more collections after the Resort 2012 one. Vogue said of this collection that Pilati had succumbed to the call of the sea for resiort sending "out a cruise collection that was as croisière as it gets, complete with lanyard necklaces, rope-print dresses, and sailor jackets and pants. Afterward, the designer pointed out that Yves Saint Laurent did a nautical collection of his own around 1982. "He showed it with sheer stockings and pumps, and I loved the 'why not?' factor," Pilati said" This dress was Look 23 of the collection and one of the ones that had a definitive nod to the original YSL archives in its lines.

The dress is ain a pretty crepe fabric that has a blue floral print covering it. It has the feel of Yves infamous 'Scandal collection of 1971 in its cut that has a string nod to the forties. The sleeves are capped and gathered along a bad that runs down their tops before buttoning in a cuff detail. The front plunges quite low and ties in two places along that plunge. There is actually a double panel of fabric that extends out from each side to make those ties which is unusual and gives a bit thicker knot for coverage. The bust and waist just skim over the body with no seaming present until you hit the low ruffle of the skirt. This low set skirt has volume so that when you move it moves and gives the dress its flirty feel. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Ties at the front and each sleeve has a button to close. Tagged a YSL FR40 but cut generously for that sizing.

Inset shoulders: 14"
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: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3313

Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2012 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Collection, Look 23, Model Janice Alida.  /  (2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. (Cherie is also wearing a Recent Prada Jacket)

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, , Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many, many more. His label gained international recognition known for his bright, clear color choices, ornate beading and daring cut-outs. He once stated; "When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite."

Here he takes the drama of s short mini dress with a flirty littel skirt. This dress is from his Couture label and made to demi-couture standards. The fabric choice is a printed silk taffeta that combines pink and purple. It holds the shape perfectly and helps to give the dress its structure and shape. The bodice is set in soft gathers that wrap around the bust, around the waist and over the top of the hips. I love how the gathers are used to highlight the waist and give it a more cinched in feel. The neckline is strapless and formed into an exaggerated sweetheart that plunges in the center. Inside there is a strapless bra added for extra support. The waist nips in beneath this and the gathers hug over the top of the hips. Below that the skirt flares out in soft folds and volume. The dress is stunning on. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned and there is a strapless bar set into the bust for support. Hand finishes throughout to demi-couture standards.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from top peak of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3307

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, , Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many, many more. His label gained international recognition known for his bright, clear color choices, ornate beading and daring cut-outs. He once stated; "When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite."

Here he takes the drama of pink to new heights with this bold and sexy mini dress from his Boutique label. The fabric choice is a vivid pink silk taffeta that holds the shape perfectly and helps to give the dress its structure. It is set in soft horizontal gathers that run from top to bottom of the dress and are lightly caught up down the center front and with an actual seam at the back. The neckline is strapless and formed into an exaggerated sweetheart that plunges in the center. The waist nips in beneath this and then the skirt hugs the hips and ends in a mini length. At the back is a modified bustle created with three panels of the same fabric that are almost like large half bows set on top of each other. They are set onto the back starting just under the low back and have inner netting to help give them a bit of pouf and shape. The dress is stunning on and pure unadulterated drama. I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned and the back bustle panels have in inner lining of netting for shape and snap into place over the zipper. Hand finishes.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from top peak of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3305

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 Adele Simpson dress is rather exceptional. It is made out of a pale pink cotton that in person is an even prettier shade of pink then how the camera captured it. It is sleeveless and the neckline is scooped at both the front and back of the dress. The waist nips in just below the bust line and then the skirt flares out from there and is very full. I have shows in styled over a light crinoline and you can just as easily wear it without one and get more movement, or even wear one that is more full then the one I used and get a real 'cupcake' effect. Over the dress is a piped and puffed pink cording made in the same fabric. This is all hand applied in the wonderful curving abstract design that you see covering the dress. This gives it lots of texture and detailing. It would work for day or evening. These earlier dresses are getting so hard to find and this one is quite exceptional and a wonderful example of her early work. Excellent condition

The bodice is lined with the same pink cotton and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with an inset side metal zipper. Hand finished throughout. Styled with a light crinoline underneath that is not included. Note that in person the pink is a more pastel baby pink

Bust: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3301

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 was sold to me as a Christian Dior but I have never been able to fully verify this with 100% accuracy. It's been priced for what it is and if it does turn out to be a verifiable Dior then you have gotten an amazing bargain. Regardless of its heritage it is an incredibly striking dress.

This dress is all bombshell. It has the feel of the Old Hollywood siren to it and one could easily imagine any of the big movie starlets of the day wearing this out as part of their glamorous lives. The fabric is a deep burnished gold lame that has a stitched effect running over it that gives it a quilted 3D feel but in a very abstract kind of way as opposed to any geometric pattern you would normally see with a quilting technique applied. It is very light in weight and feels like a wisp of air once on the body. It is cut for maximum attention. The top is set with two halter triangle tops that have that wide cut to them from this era. This lets the tops of each halter sit on the outer edges of the shoulders, emphasizing the cinched in waist. On an actual body you can cinch it in even tighter to create more of an hourglass shape. It plunges down to meet the wide sash that wraps and ties around you. The back plunges in the same fashion to leave a large expanse of your back bare. The partially attached ties that wrap around the waist are very long so you can really play with how you style them. Under that the skirt falls in a narrow pencil shape with a small vent at the back to allow for walking. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk and closes with a painted back zipper. Partially attached ties at the waist that very ling and wrap and tie. Pockets on each hip. Hand finishes

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 20" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E669

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 its heyday the Gene Shelly of California label was a must have. Gene Shelly dresses are amazing and they are some of the best of the early sequinned vintage pieces that you can find. All of the sequin work that covers this dress was done by hand in Hong Kong on American manufactured knit. The company would send the stretch wool fabric to be hand beaded or sequinned to Hong Kong. The fabric was then sent back to the US and the dresses were made in California. At the time, Hong Kong was doing the best sequin and bead work in the world outside of the specialty ateliers in Paris. Having the bead work down there actually helped keep the cost down though the dresses were still fairly expensive. Full length pieces cost around $600 dollars in the mid-1960s - which is the equivalent of about $4700 in current USD.

The dress has the label's signature stretch knit base which makes it extremely easy and comfortable to wear. This one has a gold knit to match the sequins that cover its surface. Onto the knit are thousands and thousands of tightly spaced, bright gold sequins. Each sequin has been meticulously applied by hand into place. Every inch of the fabric is literally covered with sequins. The neckline is cut wider across so that your collarbones show and the back has a low V dip to it. Edging the neckline is a dense application of larger gold paillettes that are set to stand up from the fabric to create a 3D feel. This same edging circles the end of each sleeve. The dress hugs the body from the neckline to the hem and I love how the hem has that little curved notch at the front More of those fabulous 3D paillettes circle the entire hem. The dimension and texture created from the result of all of the hand work done on the dress is wonderful. The dress itself is immensely flattering with its figure hugging shape. The knit is set on the bias so it shapes and molds to your figure once on. Excellent condition.

The base is a gold toned stretch knit and the dress closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. The sequins are all applied by hand and I see no bare spots. A little wear to the lustre of the sequins here and there that is normal for sequins of this age. The measurements are taken flat and shows the comfortable range of each spot. Note that it is a touch brighter gold in person and it is even more of a wow when you see it in real life. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The stretch will allow for a variety of sizes

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3294

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 1923, Jacques Heim took over the family business and started producing a line of couture that used original fabrics, most notably, those of Sonia Delauney. In 1930 the official Haute Couture label, Jacques Heim, was born, Jacques remained at the helm of his business until his death in 1967. The label was shuttered by 1969. This dress was sold to my client many years ago from the famed couture vintage seller Didier Ludot and was dated by him to that final year of Heim's presence at the label. I have included a photo provided to me by the owner.

I love the classic but still mod cut of this dress that reflects what was happening in fashion during this time period. It is cut to skim over your curves of the bodice and then the cut out under that sits higher up under the bust. The waist nips in and the skirt is cut so that it flares out as it reaches the hem. The base of the dress is a fine black velvet with a dense pile so it almost seems to absorb the light. This is in perfect contrast to the transparent panel set around the waist and that details each cuff. These panels are a fine black silk chiffon that is intricately hand detailed with glossy black bead work and those amazing and huge glossy acrylic pieces you see, It is simplicity mixed with a masterful seaming and extraordinary detailing. His pieces are very rare from this rime period and this is a real treat to have in the shop. Excellent condition with a note on the bead work below

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout. All of the bead work and those tremendous glossy, thin acrylic pieces are hand set. All but two of the large plastic cut outs have breaks. All are fully intact with no pieces missing but they have cracked over the years. It is for this fact that I have priced it lower but I would like to emphasize that it is perfectly wearable and there are no huge gaps or missing pieces. The cracks are so fine that when on everything sits really well still. I have included a couple of closer shots of the breaks after the label photo.

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15'
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
Bodice: 11.5" from shoulder to top seam of transparent band
Transparent band: 4.25"
Skirt: 17.25" from bottom seam of transparent band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3269

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

Early Louis Feraud pieces are highly collectible and in their day they were sought after. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans of the line. From the sixties through to the early eighties the Feraud label was known world wide for piece that incorporated gorgeous graphics and cutting edge designs. This is a great little dress that showcases the sense of drama the label had during this time period. The dress is very unusual and gorgeous. The skirt is a lovely rounded bubble shape. It is constructed from a more fitted and lean inner skirt with two panels that curve over that and cross over at the front. These are shaped on rounded lines so give that wonderful shape that you see. This plays against the graphic top that combines rectangle blocks that wrap around the bodice and large round dots that make up the neckline. The shapes are covered with either a solid application of either black or white sequins that give the dress some glitz. I love the neckline with its huge dots that curve up from the center of the bodice and then down to attach to the back. Its so fun and unusual. A great little piece. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back nylon and metal zipper. Tagged a US10, FR42. The bodice is lightly 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
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner skirt hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3268

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 Pucci dress that is made from one of his signature silk jerseys. This one has a base that is done in a vivid coral with a bright pattern worked onto it in a mix of purple and green. The colors absolutely pop off that coral backdrop. The bodice skims over the bust and continues in a loose fitting sheath right down to the hem. One of his signature contrasting printed borders runs down the front for detailing. A horizontal band of that same border accents the upper chest and another one also runs down the center of each sleeve. The cut is a simple and classic sheath with a slight A-line cut as the skirt nears its hem. The sleeves are left simple and slim cut to the elbow. This one has the added bonus of still having its original silk and beaded crystal tassel belt. These belts were hand made by Coppola e Toppo and are very well documented. I have seen these sold on their own for several hundred dollars and even girls who have used them as necklaces. Still having it with the dress means that you are getting a little extra fabulous. This is a classic Pucci silhouette that is instantly recognizable and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. This colorway is fantastic and his fabric choice and the high quality of the silk jersey that he used means that the colors are remarkably bright and true even after all these years. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with silk covered buttons at the front. Hand finished. The fabric does have some stretch.

Sleeves: 18"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem
Belt: 60" from end to end

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3266

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

This fabulous Emilio Pucci dress is particularly special as it still retains its original fully beaded crystal belt. These belts were hand made by Coppola e Toppo and are very well documented. I have seen these sold on their own for several hundred dollars and even girl using them as necklaces so you are really getting a little extra for your dollar with it still being present and with the dress. The majority of them are only beaded at their ends with tassels and the belt part done in a matching fabric to the dress but this belt is entirely crystals which was very exciting to find. The color palette of this gorgeous Pucci dress is also quite fabulous and the dress is made from his signature silk jersey. The fabric choice is light in weight and easy to wear and it also held color beautifully. Which means that the design is still as vibrant as when it was first made. I love the mix of that bright pinks base with its pops of green and yellow that covers the dress. It buttons down the front to the waist and the skirt falls in a simple A-line under that. The button front allows you to open it as low as you wish or do it up right to the  the little pointed collar. His signature contrasting border highlights the front, collar and cuffs. This one does have seaming through the waist for shape and then the belt can be used to give it more shape. The entire dress weighs ounces and is wonderfully bright and happy in feel as all the really great Pucci's are. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a side painted metal zipper. It also buttons down the front as shown. Finished by hand throughout. The fabric has a little bit of stretch but the waist seam has none. Tagged a vintage Pucci 10 but please make sure to check the measurements below.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 25" from slightly dropped waist to hem
Belt: 61" from end to end

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3264

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