James Galanos was a designer who made couture-level gowns and dresses with a level of craftsmanship that left France’s most esteemed couturiers with their mouths agape. The immaculate construction of Galanos’ work oozed luxury, privilege, and high society. He was a master cutter and he used many couture level techniques in his gowns.

This little black dress is lovely and the type of dress that you will reach for endlessly as it is just dressy enough for any occasion that call for a cocktail dress but it also feels refined and elegant. The front is very pretty with black stone and rhinestone edged buttons. Behind those buttons the edges have been scalloped into little curves for a pretty and feminine touch. The neckline is done in a V and the arm opening are set inwards on a slight angle. The waist is set so that it is slightly dropped. This creates length and leanness through the bodice. The skirt has just a touch of fullness to it and it has pockets set along the seam on either side of the hip. Each of those pockets are finished with pipped edges and the scallop detailing along the front edge is top stitched to perfectly follow the cut. The sides of each arm are cut into a deep V. This was one of Galanos' signature finishes. It is just a lovely little dress and one that will easily transition from day to night. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the bodice in a black silk and the skirt is unlined. All of the interior edges are very well finished. It closes down the front with buttons, hook & eye and fabric covered snaps. It appears to have been worn very little if at all

Bust: 16" 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
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 18" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1448

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 the front this Thierry Mugler dress falls in line with his more stark pieces with its all black color and sharp line, but the second that you turn around it is almost shocking. This is classic Mugler and the back has that wonderful, overt sensuality he worked into his clothes. It is made out of an inky black stretch jersey and is cut to hug your curves. The bodice is cut along those classic Mugler lines with rounded shoulders and a sharply pointed notched collar. The seams are all set into curving lines and they help to give the dress a touch of structure, shape and support. The waist nips ion and the hips curve out following the lines of the body. The skirt is cut to about the knee and curves in at the hem for a fitted silhouette. The back is spectacular. The entire back has an open cut work lace in lieu of the jersey. So you are completely covered but at the same time exposed to an almost scandalous level as the bottom of that panel dips quite low. Again at the back the seams are curved so add to the curves created by the dress already. Each sleeve is capped and has a little snap that adds just a touch of volume above them, The dress simply snaps down the front and can come off as easily. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes down the front with snaps. Each sleeve has a snap as well. Light, rounded padding in each shoulder. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage Mugler 42. The fabric does have some stretch

Shoulders: approx 15" but no true defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3221

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3218

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

This is an extremely rare Jeanne Lanvin Haute Couture dress designed by Antonio Castillo. Castillo started off his career at the houses of Paquin and Piquet. He also did a stint designing accessories for Chanel. In 1950 he became the head designer at the House of Lanvin. The press at the time lauded him, along with Balmain, Dior, Balenciaga, as the new generation of the Paris Couture designers. During his time at Lanvin the house was known for the simple and elegant lines of the clothes and his metallic embroideries were particularly sought after. This is a rare Haute Couture dress from that period and is very beautiful and representative of exactly those attributes. 

The fabric of this dress is the undeniable focal point of the dress and it is just wonderful. It is a very fine silk brocade woven with a very slightly raised pattern of flowers. Into the cloth are metallic threads of silver and gold and the give the dress an overall sheen that catches the light quite beautifully but is very subtle. In person this fabric almost seems to glow from within and it is very beautiful. The color is not quite captured in these photos and I think it is far better in person. The dress is cut to skim over the bust with a softer feel to it. The waist is shaped by a complicated crossing of flat ties that hook and snap into place. I tied it in the front but think it could be done to all sit flat as well. The skirt falls and flares out softly to just past the knee. It gently widens as it nears the hem and when you see it in person you will feel that there is more fabric in the skirt then how it photoed. The neckline is finished in a simple scoop that feels perfectly in tandem with its stark and simple line. It is made with masterful seaming and cut and the fabric is just extraordinary. Excellent condition.

Fully hand lined in silk and fully hand stitched on the interior to Haute Couture standards. The dress closes with a side set painted metal zipper. The straps circle the waist and there is a combination of hook & eye and hidden snaps to secure them. Real metal thread has been used to create the fabric. Note that the way the ties wrap the waist is brought in to about 12" flat across - you could move where the ties are attached to get the full waist if needed.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam but see above notes
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3217

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

Ceil Chapman was an American designer of classic cocktail and party dresses who successfully took the revered Christian Dior "New Look" haute couture designs that most woman could not even hope to afford and reworked them into designs that American woman could attain. She won the Coty American Fashion Critic's Award in 1945, the John Wanamaker Award, Foley's "Golden Year" Award, and the Strawbridge and Clothier seal of confidence, for creative contribution in the area of American fashion. In 1955, she won the Mademoiselle Merit Award, after a poll asking college girls to cite the country's most popular designer for the young. She won by a landslide.Her self-named label was launched in the mid-1940s and continued to the to the mid-sixties.

This dress is one of the prettiest pieces I have ever had in the shop. It is not perfect but its imperfections can be worked with and I think that some girl out there is going to feel very, very lucky to have snagged this dress at this price. It is cut into that classic party, cocktail dress of the era, with a fitted bodice, nipped in waist and a very full skirt. The fabric is a very fine silk organza that is the palest possible blush nude pink. The interior layers are finished in the same color and the layers of silk, netting, tulle and more organza, give it both structure through the bodice and fullness through the skirts. There are no extra crinolines used in this photo. The volume that you see is all the interior skirts that are built in. The dress is covered in a pale mint green velvet ribbon trim mixed with a second ribbon that has the sweetest little flowers made out of the ribbon fabric. Over the bodice the ribbons are set onto the silk in a basket weave pattern that emphasizes the fit. They are also set to bring extra attention to the bust. On the skirt these ribbons are set in rows that circle all the way around the skirt. I love how she has used this detailing to highlight the cut of the dress but it also gives the already feminine dress an even more romantic feel. It is an extraordinary dress in every way. These early Chapman pieces are very hard to come by and you can see the masterful dressmaking techniques she employed in this piece. This would also make a wonderful wedding dress for the bride who does not want to wear a traditional white dress. It presents as excellent condition but does have some areas that will need further reinforcement. Please review the full condition notes below.

Fully lined in a combination of palest pink silk, netting, tulle and more organza. The interior bodice is lightly boned and shaped and the interior layers of the skirt are built in. It closes with a side painted metal zipper. The organza between the two types of ribbon at the top of each shoulder is shattering. It is at the very top of the shoulder and then extends part way down but does not go into the bodice. I see one tiny area of shattering on the silk near the back of one arm hole that appears very stable. All the rest of the silk appears stable at this time. The straps could be backed with a similar colored, or nude colored silk and stabilized. There is an area of the inner layer of the skirt at the back hem that has a part of the edge missing. The way the skirt seems to falls once it is on the body, the hem area where this flaw is seems to land inside a soft inward fold and it is the layer under the exterior layer, so you really only notice it when it is off the body and laying flat. Some minor grubbiness to the fabric here and there. Photos of these areas can be seen after the photo of the label. It is sent in as found, clean condition and is sold as a final sale.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 33.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3216

This item is in sound, as found condition

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E661

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# E660

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

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

Richard Blackwell launched his label in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 (or up to $10,000 in the modern terms). He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. I love finding his pieces and this dress is wonderful. The cut of this dress is kept fairly simple so that the bead work on it can shine. The front is cut with a high, straight across cut neckline and then the back is scooped. Through the body it is cut in more of a sheath silhouette. The dress skims over the torso and glides in for just a touch of shape at the waist. The skirt below that is also kept fairly simple with a slim cut pencil shape. Over the entire dress is a looping design that is made entirely of rows of gold & silver beads that were hand placed and set to create the design that you see. They have a slight raised 3D effect and give the otherwise simple dress a shot of glamour. It also gives it a bit of a showgirl feel I think and I love the final effect as it adds a touch of glitz but without being too flashy. Excellent condition with one small note below to review. 

Fully lined through the body in an ivory colored silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The embellishments are hand placed and sewn. There is the slightest touch of yellowing to the fabric at the middle of the back. Please see the photo provided of that area after the shot of the label. Hand finished throughout

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38.5" from top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3208

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 Look 38 on the runway for the Fall of 2007. At this period in time, Oscar was still alive and the Creative head of his self named label which means this would be one of his designs. Nicole Phelps of Vogue said of this collection; 't could've been a movie, so picture-perfect was Oscar de la Renta's take on the good life. From beginning to end, and day to night, the collection sparkled.' Indeed the entire collection that season was embellished and detailed with glitz. This dress was a stand out and has an interesting mix of feeling perfectly feminine and proper, while the extensive matte pewter bead work gives it an almost armor feel.

The dress is superbly constructed and feels high end form the first glance. The base fabric is a textured ivory boucle that has just enough weight to it that it feels luxurious but is not too heavy to wear comfortably. Onto this is an extensive design made of square matte silver sequin beads, mixed with matching crystals in a variety of sizes and and large pailettes that are all hand placed and applied to the dress. These circle the neck where they are set on little triangles and have rhinestones scattered in the design as well. Around each sleeve is a wide band of the square sequins with bead work detailing each sleeve further. Two wide bands of embellishment circle the hem. Around the waist is the most extensive beading of all and these are also detailed with large square sequins and more beads. It is quite striking and dramatic and yet still retains that classic elegance that the best of Oscar's work has. The dress is new and has never been worn. It still has all of its retail tags attached. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. The dress has all of its original tags attached and has never been worn. Tagged a US 4 but seems generous in its cut so p,ease know your size in ODLR or make sure to check the measurements below.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3207

Reference Photo: (1) Oscar de la Renta Fall 2007 Runway, Look 38. Model: Caroline Trentini

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 2007 it was Matthew Williamson that was the Creative Head for Pucci and this particular dress was a stand out that season. Vogue's review of the collection said in part: "It's for the kind of young and ravey party girls who look to Zoe for tips, ideal for being papped in from beach to nightclub, Ibiza to Bali, Saint-Tropez to South Beach....As you'd expect from a British designer who's made it his business to hang with It girls, Williamson treated Pucci to a dose of what's going on in the London club scene...He took Pucci archive prints and punched them up into the brightest turquoise, aqua, peach, purple, orange, and electric blue, styling them with mirrored cutout wedges, sixties enamel disc pendants and giant cuffs"

This was Look 15 on the Runway show and it feels as fresh now as it did then. Williamson's time at Pucci may have been short, but there were definitely stand out pieces from that period of Pucci's history and this dress is definitely one of them. On the runway a silver collar was styled with it and  layered over the neckline - an easy trick to duplicate if you loved that more sixties feel. The sixties influence is readily apparent in this dress. That halter is the exact cut of pieces of original Pucci I have had and sold. Williamson took that archival cut and then made it shorter and covered the surface with sequins. It is also elaborately beaded with 3D detailing in twisted ropes of pink and green. The beading is set as a giant medallion at the front and details the neck, hem and sides. Big stones are set in the design and the closer you get the more you fall in love. The ivory, iridescent sequins that cover every other inch of the surface catch the light beautifully. The dress ties around the neck and is easy to wear through the body as it is fairly straight in its cut with just the suggestion of indentation at the waist. The dress is new and has never been worn. It still has all of its retail tags attached. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in a white silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. All original tags attached and was never worn. Tagged a US 8, IT 42, UK10

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3206

Reference Photo: (1) Emilio Pucci Spring 2007 Runway, Look 15. Model: Sasha Pivovarova

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 beautiful Pucci dress is done in one of his signature prints that is screened onto a luxurious velvet. The color palette used for this one combines a black base with turquoise, blue, pale purples, mauve and grey. The bodice skims over the bust with a neat little V neck that is bordered by a bit of the print. It is sleeveless and the waist is cut to angle up slightly to give it just a touch of a baby doll feel through the torso. This tops a sleek and simple skirt that flares and widens out slightly as it nears the hem. The print on the skirt reminds me of a galaxy with suns and moons spinning around a curving design that swirls across the skirt. The waist and hem are finished in the same border as the neckline. This is a classic Pucci silhouette. The colors all work with each other beautifully and the choice to use velvet holds the shape perfectly. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes throughout.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3205

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 finish on this gorgeous little fifties number is very well executed. It is beautifully constructed and made from a very high quality moire silk taffeta. It is unlabeled but has the feel and construction of a high end piece. The warped floral design that covers the silk is a work of art on its own. The warp weave effect gives the print a soft, watercolor feel and the purple and pastel turquoise tones pop off of the black backdrop. Every line in the dress is a study in thought and detail. The bodice is shaped to curve around the bust and the neckline is cut straight across and set high at the front. The back dips into a low V that gives a flash of bare skin. It is sleeveless and the waist is nipped in with a wide band of fabric that wraps around to the back. At the back there is a huge flat bow that anchors the V and is the same width as that waist banding. The skirt has a great deal of fabric in its construction and it wraps down and around the hem and then is caught up underneath with the silk lining. The way it is cut creates that pouf bubble effect that you see. It is very chic and very pretty. Excellent condition.

The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt has built in tulle to give it more volume at the hem especially. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and the bow snaps into place for an unbroken line. Hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from shoulder to top of waist banding and than that banding is 5" high
Skirt: 27" from bottom seam of waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E658

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 wonderful dress from the fifties that is very striking and beautiful. All of the applique work you see has been placed and sewn by hand. The cost to replicate a dress like this today would be astounding. The exterior fabric is unusual in that it is an extremely fine black netting. This fabric choice has just enough weight to it to give the dress some structure and body, but is also very light and adds to the floating feel of the dress. Built under this is a more fitted bodice and the skirt has several layers of tulle between that top layer and the inner lining. The skirt is cut to be very full and you could easily add a crinoline underneath so you can get even more volume than what you see in the photos of the dress on its own. Even shown without a crinoline the dress still has a lot of volume and movement to it. Hand applied onto the dress from shoulder to hem is an enchanting design created by hand applied embroidered lace. This curves over the front and side of the dress in a beautiful trailing design. It also wraps around the waist and covers the upper back. It has been placed by hand to perfectly follow the curves of the dress and than hand stitched into place. Detailing each of the lace flowers are an edging of glossy iridescent finished ivory sequins topped with a glass bead. This adds the perfect subtle glimmer and highlights the lace even more. The waist is nipped in for shape and the skirt if full. Above that sits a shaped interior bodice that is a looser fitting overlay. This is a really outstanding example of the work being done during this time period. Excellent condition with some minor notes to review below.

The bust and skirt both has built in bodice and interior skirts made of a black silky rayon. The skirt has two additional layers of tulle between the top layer and lining. The dress closes with a back metal zipper. There is a very slight darkening to the lace on one spot at the side and perhaps a touch of darkening to the lace at the back. I photoed both areas for you and these are shown after the label photo. I see on pinhole to the netting by the hem but it is strong and stable and very minor. There is what looks like tape reside inside the dress under the label. Note that is does have straps on the interior lining but I feel that they were added later to hang the dress as they are cut very short. I tucked them in for these photos. All very minor and I am being extremely picky. The hand work in the dress is easily seen from the back as shown.

Interior Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam, with a good C cup of space at the front
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E657

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 very eye catching dress by Victor Costa.  The dress combines a soft black velvet with a dotted net fabric and I love these two fabrics work together. It has a princess length skirt that is quite full. This is created by placing the net fabric over an inner layer of black rayon taffeta. The volume primarily comes from the netting  and how that is been inserted in and around the waist seam. In real life it feels even fuller then how it photoed. You could also add a crinoline under the skirt if you really wanted to to get  even more fullness and more towards that fifties cupcake shape.  The bodice is a more fitted velvet that is lightly boned to give shape and structure to the bust. It is finished with a curved sweetheart neckline. Attached into this is the upper part of the bodice that is made of the same doted netting of the skirt but for this part of the dress it is left unlined. The sleeves are fabulous. Each is tremendously full and gathered for maximum volume. The final finishing touch is a sweet little bow fused into the netting that sits on the upper chest. It is a real little beauty. Excellent condition with one minor note to review below

The skirt has an inner lining of silky rayon taffeta  and the bodice is lined in the same. Light boning through the bodice and it closes with a back painted nylon and metal zipper with buttons above that to the neck. There is one tiny break in one layer only of the netting on the front right above the corner of the velvet bow. Please review the photo provided after the label shot

Sleeves: 18"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19" from neck to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 30" from slightly dropped waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3191

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 tunic dress was shot for the September issue of Madame magazine giving us the collection date. and there is what looks to be a very near matching coat that can be found in The Fashion and Lace Museum's collection. Who knows, maybe the girl that buys this one might one day find a version for her own so that she has the complete set. This is a remarkable example of his Haute Couture work during that time period. A piece in this shade of pink and in this exemplary condition is a rare find.

This beautiful, sculptural, numbered Haute Couture tunic is stunning. If you are the right size and height you could also get away with wearing this as a micro mini. It actually sits a bit tiny on my dress form and I suspect that given the other piece in the collection that year that I could find photos of that it would have been worn as a mini over tights. The fabric is that classic Courreges thick textured wool jersey that despite its thickness is still light in weight and wearable. The slight texture to it and absolutely superb seaming details give the dress a rich, luxurious feel. Each curved seam and the soft but sculptural cut create a beautiful line that curves in at the waist with a flared hip. A half belt detailing anchors the back and is detailed by two large white buttons. Tow more buttons sit on the front of the tunic and it wraps over itself and buttons to close. Each button hole, including the back one which are both completely functional, are finished to couture standards. It has no collar and the front plunges quite low with a hidden hook along the neckline to hold it perfectly in place. Very chic and very couture in feel. Extremely collectible and rare. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a hand set ivory silk. The tunic crosses over itself at the front and buttons to close. Has an extra button sewn inside. Hand finished throughout. The color is a slightly different shade of pink - and even better I think - than how it photoed. Looked to have been worn very little, if at all. Numbered D7079

Bust: 16" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 20" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 28" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3189

Reference Photo: (1) Courreges Ensemble, Madame Magazine, September 1969.  (2) Courreges Ensemble, Vogue Italia, 1969.  /  (3) Courreges Ensemble, 1969.  /  (4) Courreges Coat, 1967. From Fashion and Lace Museum 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.

This wonderful little dress and jacket set bears the Christian Dior New London label, making it a beautiful and early example of the Dior labels history. This is from the Spring of 1961, an important year in Dior's history as this would have been Marc Bohan's first collection for the house. The collection was called 'The Slim Look', and was noted as being a 'simple, young and streamlined style - his modern take on the New Look'. You can see a striking similarity to the design in the examples shown here from the Haute Couture collection from that same year. This set is from the Modele Original line which would have been custom made based on the Haute Couture presentation and special ordered through Harrods in this case. It is numbered and was made with many of the same high standard finishes that the Haute Couture pieces incorporated.

Bohan's inspiration for Spring 1961 was the 1920s. He underplayed the bust and dropped the waistline. Skirts had a slight flare and the jackets were soft and slouchy. It was a huge commercial success and a critical one as well. Here was have a set is made up of two pieces, an inner, sleeveless, dress with a soft cut jacket. Both pieces are made of a beautiful coarsely woven linen and silk mix that is just heavy enough to hold the shape but without adding any bulk or excess weight. In person the pink color is even richer and deeper then how it has photoed and is quite lovely. The cut of both pieces are wonderful. The dress is cut in a long sheath that gently flares out as it nears the hem. Slits are set on each side of the skirt so you get a bit of extra movement when you walk. It is sleeveless which is perfect for the warmer months and the waist is cut loose and easy. The front has a bibbed panel set over the inner dress. The detailing on it is remarkable - even though it is attached each of those buttons and button holes is 100% functional - though they serve no purpose in being so other then to have made the piece 100% properly. The neckline is a simple and collarless. The matching colored jacket sits over the dress and it too is kept simple but with immaculate seaming and top stitching creating the only detailing. It has no closures and is meant to sit softly on the body with little structure. It is beautiful and a remarkable example of his work during this pivotal collection for the house. Excellent overall condition with some minor notes below.

Both pieces are lined - the dress in a matching silk organza and the jacket in a hand set ivory silk. The dress closes with a back hand set painted metal zipper and the jacket has no closures. Hand finished throughout with silk covered seams in areas. The pockets on the jacket are functional. The pink color is deeper and much much better then how it photoed. Please note the following - the inner silk organza of the dress has some small tears and parts of it are missing through the upper bodice. It does not affect wearing it in anyway and rather then remove it I prefer to send as found. The jacket shows mild discoloration around the arms which does not go through - please review the photo provided after the shot of the label. There is the slightest grubbiness to the arms on the dress but very very minor and they would not photo even.

Jacket
Sleeves: 17.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3188

Reference Photos: (1) Model in Dior, Vogue, March 1961.  /  (2) Dior Haute Couture Presentation, Spring 1961.  /  (3) Dior 1961. Quotes from the book Dior Catwalk 

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 Versace dress is made to get attention. It has that nod to the sports factor with its netted sides and stretch Lycra fabric, but is otherwise pure Versace. It combines a light purple with highlights of black and white. The placement of the colors gives even more illusion of a curved figure even though the stretch fabric leaves little to chance anyway. I love how the panels curve around the body. The sides are a black net and the closer you get, the more you realize that you can see a glimpse of skin through the panels. The top is unusual in that the straps come up and out of both the black layer of fabric and the purple layer. They can actually sit lower down on a real shoulder for an interesting cut out feel. Excellent overall condition with one small note to review below

Unlined and zips at the back to close. It is tagged a 44. There is the slightest touch of very very faint changes to the purple parts. I photoed one spot (see the shot after the label photo) and you can see its so faint. It is almost not required to mention but as I turn it in the light I can see it very faintly here and there. I think I am being super picky and it may just be the nature of the fabric. Measurements list are the comfortable stretch laying flat. They should stretch a little more if needed once on an actual body.

Bust: 15.75 - 17,75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 35" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3187

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 very pretty little dress from the 1950s that is a bot unusual with its bright purple color. It is made out of a netted lace type fabric and the pattern forms flowers that cover the entire dress. I love the pattern it forms and the pretty secondary patterns created by being set so closely together. The top layer is also set over an inner purple lining and this gives it a bit of depth. The front neckline is set fairly straight across and the back scoops down as well. It is cut to fit and accent your curves in that very va-voom fifties kind of way. It's a true wiggle dress with no vent set into the skirt to help when you walk it actually narrows down as it reaches the hem. Excellent condition

Fully lined in purple rayon and closes with a back metal zipper. In person it is a more true primary purple tine then how it photoed.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 38" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D608

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 Ossie dress features a mix of two of Celia Birtwell's prints. A pretty floral design is mixed with her iconic pineapple print that runs over the entire dress. Both are screened onto a crepe chiffon, a fabric choice that holds the color exceptionally well so it still feels crisp. In the book 'Celia Birtwell', Ceila notes that the pineapple print was: "influenced by '30s day dresses. I like ladylike, small prints, ones worn by women of a certain age." The influence of the thirties is also evident in the cut of the dress. It is cut on the bias and this give the fabric the room to move and drape as Ossie wished. When it is on the body the bias cut gives the dress movement and allows it to move with you. The skirt is constructed from two tiers of fabric that are layered over each other. Each tier flares out to give it a swing feel. I love the contrast of the prints together too. The dress skims up and over the waist, ending at a high set triangle of the opposite print that anchors the plunging bodice. Each shoulder has a keyhole of bare skin exposed with a tie at the top of the shoulder. Adjusting these ties allows you to decide how low on the shoulder it will sit. The back is left entirely open along a long slit that simply ties to close in two places. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

The inner skirt acts as the lining there and the cups of the bodice are lined in a red silky rayon. It slips on to wear and closes with ties at the shoulders and two more at the back. There are some small tears to the lining of the bodice that do not go through to the exterior. I have photoed the area. All are stable and you see nothing once on. Tagged a vintage Ossie UK 14

Sleeves: approx 15"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from neck to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1315

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 has lots of those fabulous eighties elements mixed with classic Oscar touches that make it timeless. This really feels like it could be from the runways of today when we look at the handful of designers that are really delving into this look and feel. This one is of course an original eighties piece and in the best possible way. The main body of the dress is cut to hug the body like a second skin. The fabric here has been gathered from the neckline to the hem in soft drapes that meet at the inset front and back seams for added texture. Velvet straps curve over the shoulders and at the back there is matching band of velvet that runs down the center of the back. This velvet band is then accented with a series of flower shaped buttons detailed with crystal rhinestones to catch the light. At the very back hem there is a sexy little flounce of lace added for the perfect finishing touch. This one is for my smaller frames girls and is a tiny one. It would not fit my dress forms and has been photoed flat so on an actual body it will of course have more shape. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with a black silky rayon and closes with a back zipper. Hand finishes. The buttons are decorative only.

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3181

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