LaCroix was the master at creating the most fantastical gowns imaginable and I am immensely pleased to have this example of his work in the shop. This gown is absolutely beautiful and the colors and cut divine. It is made entirely from a fine, bias cut silk that combines a red-pink with deep pink dots strewn over its surface and covering every inch. The seaming is a nod to the 1930s and the asters like Gres and Vionnet and they are all angled and pieces together to crated curves and line. This cause the dress to curve around and hug the body while moving with you. The bodice is hand draped across the bust with one side sitting higher and suspended from a tiny strap while the other dips and is anchored by a wider strap. It curves on the bias, skims over the waist and flows to the dramatic skirting. Slits sit on either side of the front panel and these are kept from being scandalous with the wrapping of fabric at the sides. A panel of fabric is set into the back and this cascades to the floor and beyond in a beautiful train of silk. The bare back with its angled cut is the perfect finish. It is magnificent. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a silk organza and closes with a side set zipper. Tagged with the mainline demi-couture LaCroix tag and with a size 42 Tag. The bias cut will allow it to fit a larger range of sizes.

Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from shoulder to front hem, 73" to end of train at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2733

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

I have a version of this dress in black in the shop already and am excited to now have a red one too. There are 4 or 5 Burrows dresses that I always look for because they are just amazing examples of his work, and still hold strong today. This dress is one of those. It is made of a fine, slinky, sexy jersey in red. This one differs from the black in that it ties around the neck and angles down and around from there. It then falls in a beautiful bias cut and ends with an angled cut. All the edges are finished in his signature lettuce hem seaming. It is the front bodice that is truly spectacular - it showcases a design done in sequins, seed beads and tube beads that pop against the red. This is all hand done work and you can clearly see that on the opposite side of the fabric. It is magnificent and a real collectible from a truly amazing American Designer who was the first African American fashion designer to really achieve international recognition for his work. Burrows won three Coty awards (1973, 1974 and 1977). He was also one of the five American designers to show at Versailles in 1973 when America was pitted against the French couturiers. Excellent condition

There was recently an exhibit on his work called "When Fashion Danced" and it was the first major examination of Burrows' work. Here is what the museum said of his work: "Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced looks at the period spanning the 1970s when Stephen Burrows’s meteoric rise to fame made him not only the first African-American designer to gain international stature, but a celebrated fashion innovator whose work helped define the look of a generation. With vibrant colors, metallic fabrics, and slinky silhouettes that clung to the body, Burrows’s danceable designs generated a vibrant look that was of a piece with the glamorous, liberated nightlife of the era. Through photographs, drawings, and original garments, the exhibition will trace Burrows’s evolution from creating eclectic looks for his friends in the 1960s to his work with the chic 57th Street retailer Henri Bendel to the floor of Studio 54, as he dressed such 70s style icons as Cher, Liza Minnelli, and Diana Ross."

Unlined and slips over the head with no closures. Tagged a vintage 4 but please check actual measurements. The fabric does have stretch so will accommodate a range of sizes - the comfortable range of that stretch when laying flat is noted in the measurements.

Bust: variable as there are no true side seam
Waist: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 58-60" from top of shoulder to longest point of hem, 40-42" to the shortest depending on high you tie the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2732

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 dramatic and beautiful silk dress is by Bill Blass and is magnificent. The gown is a masterpiece and I feel that it really is one of the highlights of his career and work. It really demonstrates aspects of his work that he touched upon again over the coming decades. I have dated it to the 1974-78 range based on other designs during this time period where he used fur cuffs like the ones on this dress. It is made from one of the best fabrics I have yet to see. The silk is feather light and a deep red that graduates to a chocolate around the hem. Fine gold lame thread create vertical stripes and on the skirt is an additional application of gold sequins - all applied by hand. It has a definitive nod to the 1930s in its cut but he has exaggerated some elements to keep it modern. The bodice crosses over itself and there is a silk chiffon tank set inside that adds some coverage. If you wanted a full plunge feel you could remove this. The sleeves are of course the showstopper. Each widens as it nears the cuff and the wide band of sable fur helps hold the wide bell shape, They are each a full 18" around. A brown silk ties sits at the waist so you can cinch in for shape as much as you desire. The skirt falls on a perfect sheath to the floor.  A real treasure and important and beautiful gown. Excellent condition.

The dress has a full attached second dress underneath in a brown silk chiffon. Closes with a back painted metal set zipper. An inner waist stay inside hooks to close. Hand finished and hand set sequins.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2800

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 Bill Blass dress is so easy to wear and yet makes a huge impact style-wise. It is made from a deep burgundy silk chiffon which makes it extremely light in weight. It really feels like nothing once you have it on the body. Woven though the silk are wavy stripes in a gold lame thread. These curve over the dress and sash in three different densities which gives the dress texture and visual interest. On the bodice the striped are set horizontally and are wide and curving with little peaks of the silk between them. On the skirt they are set vertically and the gold is skinny and the silk part wide, so you get the full impact of the color of the silk. And on the wide, extra long sash, you have equal sized stripes of gold and silk. The cut is so easy to wear. The dress slips on and the top is cut loose with a wide boat neck. The waist is cut wide - on a smaller frame you use the belt to cinch it in. The skirt cascades to the floor from there in a pretty flow of silk. I love it. Excellent condition

The top is unlined and the skirt is lined in second layer of chiffon. It closes with a low set back painted metal zipper and buttons from the waist to the neck above that. Each sleeve has elastic as its cuff. The sash tie is very long so you can wrap and style it numerous ways. You could even wrap it and use it as a headscarf if you wished.

Sleeves: 23" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2798

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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 gorgeous Estevez dress is perfect for the summer and can easily work during the day or at night. The jersey has an almost swimsuit feel and will travel and wear extremely well. The cut is very flattering with a ling lean body, tiny straps and a built in bodice inside that gives you shape. This inside foundation would even allow you to tuck in the straps and wear this as a strapless dress is you wished.  The base is black and onto this is screened a graphic print of lilies in white and greys. It is so pretty and chic and still feels fresh and current. Louis Estevez worked for Jean Patou for two years before starting his own label in 1955 and had a long and successful career. Excellent condition.

It has a built in bodice with elastic that sits just under the bust and the rest of the dress is unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper.Note the straps are extra long and work best if you slip them over your head so they cross as photoed. Or you can shorten them to the perfect length if you prefer then to not cross

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist to hip: widens from 17" to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 58" from top of shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2795

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

John Kloss for Circa were originally intended as lingerie pieces the vast majority are too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dresses now. This one walks the edge, perhaps not to be worn on its own out in public with its open sides, but as a layering piece. It def has a touch of sheerness in a strong light but you could use it as a cover up, be daring and wear nothing but a slip under it, or layer it over just about anything. I love his work. He deliberately chose good weight and quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. This black tabard cut gown is simple in feel but big on style. It slips over the head with an elastic drawing in and adding shape under the bist and to the waist at both the back and front. It is left completely open on either side with just a simple tie. Quite amazing and daring. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. The design will allow it to fit just about any size.

Bust to hips: open
Bodice: 11" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 39.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2790

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 La Mendola label is highly collectible and sought after - when the duo behind the label where designing in Rome it was girls like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth that were buying and even wait listing for pieces as they were produced. The Italian based shop closed in 1974 giving us a date for this prior to that. The silk jersey used to make this dress is the best possible grade so feels amazing on. The design is beautifully vibrant and bright with a mix of teal, green and lavender. These travel and wear exceptionally well, exactly what a jet set girl of that time, or now, requires. It has a simple and sleek cut with an undefined waist, high neck and long sleeves. I love how it covers the body completely and how the fabric drapes and skims over your curves so it is still sexy. A matching tie belt  of the same fabric allows you to cinch in the waist for more shape. A row of tightly spaced, hand covered silk buttons up the back of the neck are the perfect finishing detail. It is an amazing piece. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with a row of hand covered silk buttons up the back of the neck. Original tie belt. The bias cut stretch silk jersey and forgiving design of the dress will allow it to work on a range of sizes. Appears unworn

Sleeves: 20"
Drop shoulders: 18"
Bust: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2159

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 soft pink silk chiffon gown from the ready-to-wear Scaasi Boutique line is beautiful. That elaborately pleated and thatched strapless bodice give it a touch of Grecian goddess feel. The draping details through the skirt and that stunning bodice work in combination with each other to really create a pretty and romantic feeling dress. The bias cut and layered chiffon skirt flows to the floor in a floating swoop of silk. At one side of the skirt a panel of silk loops and drapes in a soft curve to create a that beautiful detail you see. The bodice above the skirt molds itself to the torso and the hand placed, crossed and gathered chiffon is done in a crossed over check pattern. The silk lies over a structured inner bodice that gives it structure. The strapless silhouette leaves the shoulders bare and the peaks of the front are set high for a touch of drama. This dress really moves wonderfully when on and is quite beautiful. The color in person is more of a truer soft pastel pink then how it photoed. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching pink silk with some parts hand set through the bodice. Closes with a back nylon and painted metal zipper. Lightly boned through the bodice. The skirt has an inner silk layer with a layer of the chiffon over that.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2542

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

Scott Barrie was one of a group of black designers and models based out of New York's Seventh Avenue in the late 1960s. He quickly became known for his sexy designs and in particular how evening wear. Naomi Sims was a fan. His own label closed in the early 80s when he went on to join Krizia where he worked up to just before his passing in 1993  of brain cancer. This gives us a very small window for his work and since many of his pieces were of very limited production and the early pieces were even made by him out of his apartment on a makeshift cutting table and domestic sewing machine. To me this makes each of his found pieces that mush more special.

This dress is stunning and shows his range with fabric and the more romantic side of his work. He is known for his work in stretch jerseys but I rather love this silk chiffon dress, maybe even more then some of his jerseys. It is very sexy in a very pretty and romantic kind of way. It is made from a bias cut, almost weightless silk chiffon that is printed with huge pink and coral tropical flowers on a vivid green backdrop. It is almost too pretty for words and the silk seems to almost float around you when you move. The bodice is fitted and each sleeve is a pretty flutter of silk. The back is left completely open and bare with a small ruffle of silk edging the opening. It is just absolutely stunning. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a green tissue silk and closes with a low back zipper and ties behind the neck. There are some teeny tiny watermarks on the skirt here and there - they do not detract because of the pattern but are present if you inspect it closely and flat with the fabric spread out.

Bust: variable with no true side seams
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 44" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1262

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 emerald green silk chiffon gown by Arnold Scaasi 's ready-to-wear line is stunning. The one shoulder cut gives it a Grecian goddess feel and the asymmetrical draping on the opposite side make it a little different form the standard one should dress you would see. I love how all of the curves of the dress work in combination with each other to really create something special and beautiful. The skirt flows to the floor in a beautiful asymmetrical line that is cut so that it sits longer at the back and one side. The other side of the skirt drapes up on a soft angle to allow for a little flash of leg when you walk or move. It also creates a pretty contrast and balance to the bare shoulder. All of the chiffon used on the skirt is bias cut so flows and moves with you. The bodice above the skirt is cut to follow your curves and the hand placed, gathered chiffon is draped down and over to create detail and line. This dress really moves wonderfully when on and is quite beautiful. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching green tissue silk that is hand set. Closes with a side hidden set zipper. Lightly boned through the bodice. The skirt has an inner silk layer with two layers of the chiffon over that.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam inside
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Skirt: 45" from dropped waist to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1455

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 near twin of this dress is held at The Metropolitan Museum which enables us to exactly date it. The difference between the one in The Met's collection and this one is that this one is opaque top to bottom so even though it would have originally been intended as lingerie piece you can easily wear it out as a dress now. The vast majority of John Kloss pieces that one finds are usually too thin or too sheer to wear as proper dress, but every once in a while you find a fabulous little exceptions like this one. John Kloss was a contemporary of Ossie Clark and I love how you can see that same British sense of sexiness in his pieces. This gown has a simple but sexy cut that really shows off the body once on. The halter cut bodice has an almost scandalous plunging front that goes right to the waist. At the point where the waist and the halter join is an elaborately beaded pair of swan set so they highlight the plunge and add a beautiful detail. At the back it is cut so you have an almost slight cowled effect and the entire back is left bare above that. From there it flows to the floor in a column of bias cut nylon jersey. A slit up the front shows miles of leg. Kloss was genius at choosing extremely high quality nylons that held the color well and would drape exactly as he wished. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear and ties at the back neck. Tagged a vintage Kloss for Circa Small but please check measurements. The fabric does have some stretch so the size range is slightly more variable then usual.

Bust: variable with no true side seams
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2785

Reference Photos: John Kloss, 1971. Both from the MET Collection. ( 1  /  2 )

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 are a regular you will recognize this dress. I have had it in the shop for a bit. The owner of this is motivated to sell and it is a brand new price now - about 1/2 of what it was previously. So if you have been eyeing it up now is the time. Personally I am astounded that it has not already flown out the door as it is exquisitely beautiful and one of the best pieces form him that I have ever seen. It feels as fresh and relevant now as when it was made in 2002.

The dress is exquisite and only 20 of these with this rose print were produced worldwide. It is from the "Dance of the Twisted Bull" Collection of 2002. Digitally produced roses flow across the fabric and get denser as they near the hem. The dress is constructed with two layers of the silk chiffon fabric layered over each other so that you get this fantastic sense of depth with the screened design showing through. Each sleeve flows down the arm and then ends in a tiered full cuff whose edges are left raw. The skirt has that same deconstructed treatment to its hem and is  made from layers of silk set over each other. It skims over the hips and then cascades into different lengths that float around you as you move. The neckline is beautiful and has ties that curve up and around the neck and can be tied several ways. The shoulders are left bare.  You can instantly see the Spanish influence that Alexander McQueen strove for in this piece. It is a even more beautiful in person. Excellent condition.

The McQueen site says of the  collection: Body-skimming jersey cutaway to mimic harnessing is paired with sharp, low-slung tailoring, crisp white shirts are layered with laced corsetry in traditional Savile Row fabrics. Jewel encrusted epaulettes, polka dots, ruffled, tiered skirts and more crafted out of what look like Spanish fans are all executed with the complexity of pattern and attention to detail the designer is known for.", and Style.com's review said: "The Dance of the Twisted Bull" was the title of Alexander McQueen's highly anticipated collection, his first since partnering with Gucci Group and deciding to show in Paris. McQueen pulled off a bravura, Latin-themed romp. One particularly theatrical dress came equipped with banderillas—the long spears with which bullfighters pique bulls—that seemed to impale the wearer in order to support a long ruffled train in the back. Another, a severely deconstructed blood-red señorita dress, had part of a jacket attached at the waist, while a matador-inspired strapless gown featured a built-in sword. An assortment of polka-dotted frocks were layered over matching stockings, and cinched with corsetlike straps and holster-inspired tops. Alongside these dramatic statements came plenty of carefully tailored, eminently wearable clothes, deftly proving McQueen's ability to mix iconoclastic statements with commercially viable product. Razored jackets were softened via seashell-like pleated skirts with gently upturned fronts; flared-sleeve eyelet shirts, layered skirts, and embroidered white jeans all looked confident, as did the cut-out dresses and sharp-as-a-tack toreador suits." The full show is shown below.

Fully lined in a second layer of the same printed silk chiffon with more layers in the skirt. It closes with a hidden side zipper and the halter can be tied in several ways. Hand finishes. Purposely deconstructed edges. Museum quality

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" max flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to longest points of the asymmetrical hem but it is cut on the bias so will come up some when on the body as bias cut dresses do

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD939

Reference runway photos from style.com / Third reference photo from the ediorial "Dark Angel" Vogue UK, March 2015 by Tim Walker.  Stylist: Kate Phelan.  /  Last three photos: Amanda Lee Shirreffs. Click here to see her original blog post on this look >

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

Halston is one of those rare labels that the more time that goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to think of this piece as both a treasured collectible and a closet staple - knowing that every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has his signature simplicity and masterful draping along with a touch of Studio 54 sexiness thrown in. The dress is made from a deep red, light wool jersey and simply slips on and you hook it into place at the waist. The front crosses over itself with a mid-level plunge that the placement of the fabric and interior hooks hold in place so that you feel safe wearing it. It is cut with the absolute minimal seaming - you can clearly see this especially at the sleeves and how there are no seams to attached them to the bodice, rather they just extend from the same fabric. It is cut on the bias, then wraps and drapes to follow your every curve. The skirt is lean and again it is the crossing over of the fabric that gives you the coverage to wear it and feel secure. The wrapped styling allows the entire front to look like you could step out of the dress at any moment but it is designed to stay in place. The waist is elastic so very comfortable and you could really cinch it in further with a belt. This is signature Halston Studio 54 sexiness but in a dress that you can wear day or night. Excellent condition.

Unlined and wraps to close with flat hooks inside and out at the waist to hold it in place. The waist could be adjusted approx 1" up or down by moving the hooks and has elastic running through it. The wool jersey is a very comfortable and easy weight and feels fabulous on.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 16-17" flat across but has no true side seams
Waist: 11.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2781

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 magnificent gold Oscar de la Renta gown that is worthy of the red carpet or even perhaps as a wedding dress for the bride looking not to wear white. I believe this is from the late 1990s, or early 2000s and it is in immaculate condition. It is extremely beautiful and is covered with a dense application of muted gold sequins in various sizes. These run over the entire dress from top to bottom. At the neckline is a edging of beads and small rows of pearls are scattered amongst it all. The dress is made of three layers; an inner cream silk layer, a layer of silk tulle net and then the outer layer of silk tulle net that all the sequins, pearls and beads are applied to. I lvoe how they have left the raw edges of the tulle along the neckline and openings for your arm. The hem is also left cut and raw, again deliberately. The sequins that cover the dress not only vary slightly in size but also in color and the effect of the light when it catches the sequins is divine. The dress seems to glow from within. It is extremely well made and very beautiful. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a cream silk and constructed from three layers as described above. It closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. Tagged a size 12 but please check actual measurements below.

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from shoulder to front hem, 60" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2777

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

A very pretty silk bias cut dress from the 1930s that has the prettiest white floral design screened onto the navy blue base. It is pieced together with minimal seaming. The movement you get once it is one is all created because the silk is cut on the bias. This all falls in a swath of silk from the shoulders and it is far prettier on a real body then how it has photoed on the mannequin. The front has an almost squared off neckline and the cut is cut simple and fairly close to the body. At the back, it is scooped into a low V and this sit above a tightly spaced row of buttons. Below this fabric that has been gathered to create a soft draped almost bustle like detail at the back and extra panels of fabric sit inside a pleated effect for a slight trained feel. The neckline is piped in a navy fabric and at the hem there is a wide band of cream silk grosgrain whose edge just peeks below the hem. This treatment at the hem gives it some weight so it falls properly. Excellent condition with one small note below.

The dress is unlined and slips on to wear with a series of hidden snaps under the row of buttons at the back. I see one small storage spot at the base of the strap of the shoulder (photoed) and the inside and edge of the hem show grubbiness.

Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53.5" from shoulder to front hem, to 57" at the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E634

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 deceptively simple Jean Patou silk dress in a lovely navy silk. Jean Patou once said "Certain dressmakers desire to pass for an artist. I have one ambition: that is to have good taste." and this dress is the very epitome of that statement despite its sexy lines. The dress is numbered and is true haute couture piece that has been made entirely by hand and represents countless hours of dedicated hand work within the atelier. Patou was one of the founders of the sportswear movement and the later designers of the house often hearkened back to this aesthetic. This dress for example, has the lines of the tennis dress, ramped up for evening.  It is constructed from a rich navy silk that is flattering on most skin tones. The bust is plunging halter whose straps curve and hook behind the neck. This leaves the back bare to the waist and offsets the simplicity of the color and cut at the front. The waist is detailed with a padded round piping. Under this the skirt falls in a swirl of fabric cut to flare out and swing. Inside the dress is all handwork and lined in a fine blue silk. Excellent condition.

A hand set silk lining throughout and hand finished seams. Finished to Haute Couture standards. Closes with hand set fine painted metal zipper at the low back. Built in and attached inner waist stay that hooks to close. Hooks to close at the back neck. Numbered label 96773 (or 96113).

Bust: open with no true side seams
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2775

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

This little red jersey dress is really amazing if for nothing else but the sheer versatility it will provide to you. It is basically a tube of red jersey with a slit up one seam at the skirt and two mile long ties that extend up from that seam. Those ties are miles long and fall almost tot he hem at the back which gives the back its own drama. This gives you the versatility to tie so many ways it's ridiculous. You just step into it and get creative. I tied it a few ways for the photos and just realized as I am writing up this description that you could probably turn it to the side and do a few version of a single shoulder dress and also drop it and tie it at the waist for a long skirt. It is so forgiving on the body and flattering. It's a definite statement maker with that brilliant red color and it is like buying a dozen dresses in one. Add to that a low scooped back that leave your back bare and it is a knock-out. The fabric is a synthetic jersey that is washable, travels exceptionally well and won't wrinkle. I love it. It is fabulous. Excellent condition

Made from a single layer of the jersey. It slips on the wear and then you tie it as you wish. The fabric has stretch so it will fit a range of sizes. I have given the comfortable range of stretch when measured flat below.

Bust: variable since it has no true side seams and has stretch
Waist to hip: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: somewhat adjustable but approx 59" from neck to hem and it will vary a little depending on how you tie it at the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# E633

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

I have had this Frank Usher tucked away for a long time because it is so amazing it was hard to let go. If it does not sell quickly it might just disappear back into my archives so count yourself forewarned. It is really amazing. It drapes to the floor in a slinky column of jersey that is gathered all along the center front. This makes it so forgiving on the body and flattering. The fabric choice really drapes and moves wonderfully. It's a definite statement maker with that brilliant orange-coral color and has a Grecian goddess feel to it. It is cut on the bias so falls and drapes to follow your every curve. The skirt is long and lean and glides into the halter top that wraps around the neck. You can cross the ties over themselves or wear it with more of a V at the neck. Those ties are miles long and fall almost to the hem at the back which gives the back its own drama. Add to that a low scooped back that leave your back bare and it is a knock-out. The fabric is almost a swimsuit jersey so is washable, travels exceptionally well and won't wrinkle. I love it. It's all old Hollywood meets Madame Gres meets an ancient Grecian goddess and it is fabulous. Excellent condition

Made from a double layer of the jersey. It slips on the wear with a low back zipper and an enclosed elastic that wraps around the waist and hooks. The halter ties at the back of the neck. Tagged a vintage UK38/US12. The fabric has stretch so it will fit a range of sizes. I have given the comfortable range of stretch when measured flat below.

Bust: variable since it has no true side seams and has stretch
Waist: 13.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner layer hips: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: somewhat adjustable but approx 56-58" from neck to hem it will vary a little depending on how you tie it at the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2774

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 really spectacular set by Pauline Trigere is constructed from layers of silk chiffon that combine two tones of green with a exterior purple layer. The silk used is almost weightless and it feels like wisps of air once on. The skirt flows to the floor and is constructed so that there is an inner layer of the darkest green that is seamed so it closes around the hips and then three layers of silk over this that attached at the waist only. Since only the very inner layer is closed and only closed around the hip, you get  a high, sexy, side slit down one side. The top is cut in a simple tank that has tiny straps suspending it from the shoulders. I love that for those straps she used the same three colors of the silk used for the two pieces. The top uses the same layering technique of the three colors that the skirt has. Each colored silk layer is set on top of each other and set so you can clearly see them stacked on top of each other along the neckline. The matching, long oblong scarf, is also made of those same three shades of color and can be wrapped around the waist, neck or used as a head piece or evening turban. It is very beautiful. Being a set gives you the added versatility of wearing the pieces together or separate. Excellent condition.

Each piece is made of three layers of silk chiffon with the skirt having an additional lining as well made of the same silk. Hand finished and weighs ounces. The top closes at the side with a series of hand set snaps. You step into the skirt and then close it at the waist with two flat hook & eye. You could adjust the placement of the hooks at the waist to get an inch up or down if needed.

Top
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 17" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2089

Reference Photos: Amanda Lee Shirreffs for her weekly column on our blog, Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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

Vogue said of the S/S 2002 collection: "John Galliano's "Street Chic" collection took the form of a virtual world tour, with stops that included lavishly clad Bedouins, army recruits and girls in the 'hood. This was not the first time Dior has gone globetrotting, but Galliano injected, as always, new energy into his ethnic excursions. His bias-cut silk and lace dresses, embroidered jackets and sheer tops will work better than ever in this season of unbridled romanticism. Python jackets and low-slung hip-hop jeans also seem right for the moment, while the more eye-popping pieces—like the glittering pantsuit embroidered with kitschy Americana motifs—are just the thing for a starlet's weekend jaunt to Vegas."

This is a fabulous and sexy piece and it is looks like this one that defined the years that Galliano was at the head of Dior before his downfall. He was a master at contouring the body into the shapes he wanted and this is a beautiful example of how he combined both structure and flow in the same garment. The bodice is a structured corset that hooks down the front with flat hooks and is boned and shaped. The cups at the bust are padded and shaped to lift the breasts. Each cup is top stitched for extra detailing and this also offers contrast to the striped fabric. At the back the corset is laced so you can adjust it for the perfect cinched fit. Below this the silk chiffon skirt flows to the floor in a two sweeping layers of bias cut silk. It sweeps out as it nears the hem and has a slight train at the back. There is a slit up one side so you can see the the salmon pink silk chiffon layer under the top striped one when you move. Galliano designed fantasy pieces that combined historical references and pulled bits of design from a huge cross section of eras and somehow combined them to create very beautiful clothing. I remember seeing this dress everywhere that season and am sure there are more reference photos to be found for this dress. It really is one of his recognizable pieces. It is absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined in silk through the bust with interior built in padded cups and boning.. It closes with a metal and nylon zipper at the side, laces at the back and hooks to close at the front. The skirt is lined with an attached second layer of silk. Tagged a US6, French 38. Because of the lacing on the back there is some adjustment possible for fit through the bust and waist.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 2-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2770

Reference Photos: Christian Dior S/S 2002. (1) Look 47. Model: Liudmilla Bakhmat.  /  (2) Look 44. Model: Karolina Kurkova.

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