valentino
Fall 1995 Valentino by the Original Mr Valentino Runway Black Velvet Dress w Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this incredible dress walked the runway for the Fall 1995 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- I love that we have runway reference photos so that you can see how phenomenal this is once on the body.
- This is a fantastically rare dress by the original Mr. Valentino and it is extraordinarily beautiful.
- The dress combines an inky black velvet with portions covered in glossy black sequins that are densely applied. Little bits of lace give it that touch of Valentino femininity.
- Black piping outlines the neckline and the neckline scoops in a soft V down the front. The piping continues up and over the shoulders and then crosses over the bare and exposed back. Lace has been added along the length of the entire piping for the prettiest finishing detail.
- The bodice is shaped and comes in at the waist to a low seam that sits just below the natural waist. The entire bodice has been finished with tiny little black sequins that are densely applied so that they slightly overlap.
- I love how the rows that they are set in are slightly angled. This is all a clever way to give illusion of more shape through the body. The sequins sit inside four vertical panels across the front and the direction of the sequins changes so you get this incredible hitting of the light on the sequins from every angle.
- The skirt is made out of rich black velvet and I love the combination of the velvet and sequins together. The richness of each textile perfectly compliments the other.
- As the skirt falls to the floor it flares out dramatically and is extremely wide. When I lay it out flat the bottom is a full circle around. This has been achieved by long triangles of sequins set in around the entire hem of the skirt.
- The triangles have a black net backing so if the light hits them in the right way they have a sense of transparency contrasting further to the velvet and adding to the beauty of the dress once it is on the body.
- The sequin triangles have been laid out with the same technique as the rows on the bodice. They are set on angles that meet at a middle point. This allows them to catch the maximum amount of light from every angle.
- Each triangle is finished with the same lace edging that you see on the bodice. Inside the inner edge of the hem there is a band of stiffened netting that helps to hold the shape and volume around you. When you move the skirt moves around you and it is absolutely incredible.
- It is really an outstanding example of his work during this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a silky black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut should allow it to work on a range of sizes and frames.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under natural waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from top of shoulder to seam under natural waist
Total length: 61.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5546
Reference Photos: Fall 1995 Valentino. Model: Stella Tennant.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Incredible Fall 1986 Valentino by the Original Mr. Valentino Black Velvet Dress w Rhinestone Insets
I Have a Question
- The twin of this gorgeous dress walked the Fall 1986 runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr Valentino.
- This is an exceptional example of Valentino's work that he was doing during the 1980s. Finding pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition is a rarity and I am very pleased to have this beautiful dress in the shop.
- In 2022 Sara Sampaio wore one backwards on the red carpet.
- I love having the red carpet and runway photo so that you can see how the dress can be worn either way around. We also photoed it both ways so that you can see how it lies.
- The dress is made out of an inky black velvet and then the back inset and end of each sleeve are made out of a stiffened silk chiffon fine net that has the rows of glittering rhinestones set onto it
- The dress has all of the red carpet feel that you look for in the best of his work. The shoulders are shaped with inner padding, and then they extend down into the sleeves, which are wider at the tops near the shoulder and narrow to those amazing cuffs.
- Each cuff is a band of the silk that has hand applied horizontal rows of rhinestones wrapped around them for a glamorous finish. I love this extra detail that lets you have that bit of glitz no matter which way around you decide to wear the dress.
- The bodice is meant to skim out from the shoulders. The same shape is repeated at the back.
- The waist is brought in with subtle darting and then it curves out and over the hips to fall to the floor, widening out slightly as it near the hem.
- The inset of net and rhinestones has been set on a sharp angle that extends to the lower back. When this is turned around to be worn at the front, it goes down to the low waist. There is transparency here so if you do decide to wear it to the front you can also decide how daring you want to be as far as what you wear underneath.
- This is an exceptional and early example of his work.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk organza with the areas covered in rhinestones having transparency between the rows. It closes with a hidden set zipper placed at what was traditionally the front. Padding in each shoulder. Each cuff closes with a hidden set zipper. The back skirt extends slightly longer and has a bit of fullness. If you wear the rhinestone side to the front, you will have that little bit of extra fabric there.
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 8
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 23" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true seams and the padding let them extend slightly off the edges of the shoulder
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 3" past that at the centre longest point with approximately 2" turned under the ham.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5547
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1986 Valentino. / (2-5) Sara Sampaio at the Red Sea Film Festival, December 2022.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Phenomenal Fall 2002 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Silk Dress w Velvet Detail & Back Panel
I Have a Question
- A shorter version of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2002 Chanel collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- Karl chose to show primarily short pieces for the entire presentation of the collection but many of the pieces that went to the shops were done in longer lengths.
- In the book Catwalk: Chanel they noted that the runway had a "sexy rock 'n' roll vibe translated into a collection that reinvented Chanel signatures, placing them into a rock context." There were several dresses on the runway presented using this beautifully weighted silk. We included a reference to one of the dresses that has the same feel as this.
- As good as this dress looks in the photos when you see this one in real life it will take your breath away. It is supremely well-made and absolutely stunning.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful combination of a rich black silk and an inky black velvet. I love the way that he has used the two fabrics to highlight and complement the lines of the dress.
- The dress curves over the shoulders and it is set so that it sits a bit wider across the front. The neckline comes down into a V and the velvet has been used to line the inside of the collar which flips over on both sides for that lovely bit of contrast there.
- There is an inner built-in bodice under that to hold the dress in place and that inner bodice is made out of Chanel logo and camellia flower embossed silk. It is a little extra bit of hidden luxury.
- The straps curve from the top of the collar and down the back, leaving the upper back exposed. The straps are very interesting because they actually have a button where they attach on both sides. The buttons are functional, even though you could not wear the dress without the straps. It is just one of those extra details that you see in a Chanel piece of this high of quality.
- The bodice is made out of the black silk and wraps around to the back where it closes with three more Chanel buttons set above a hidden zipper.
- The waist is defined by a band of black velvet that has an almost slight peplum feel to it. This sits over a wider band of black velvet that curves over the hips to add shape and definition.
- The skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful column of black silk and flares out dramatically as it nears the hem. A high slit runs up the front for a flash of bare leg.
- The back is as good as the front. That black velvet wide panel that wraps around the hips continues around to the back and is gathered in heavily at the centre and then flares out into a panel of black velvet that sweeps down to the floor and slightly past the hem of the silk skirt.
- The silk skirt that sits under the panel at the back of the dress is cut longer then the front so that you have the two layers of velvet and silk creating a beautiful bit of a sweep behind you as you walk.
- This is an exceptional Chanel dress. I cannot rave enough about it.
- The dress is lined through the bodice in a black Chanel embossed silk and the skirt and attached black velvet panel are unlined. It closes at the back with a series of Chanel embossed buttons that sit above a hidden set zipper. Each strap is attached and buttons onto the dress at the front and back with workable functioning buttons. Hand finishes. It comes with its original Chanel packet that has an extra piece of velvet in it. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Chanel 36
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to the seam under the bust and 15" to the waist
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to the front hem. The slit is 22" from the front hem up. The back extends another 12" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5548
Reference Photo/Video: Fall 2002 Chanel.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Spring 2004 Roberto Cavalli Long Version of Runway Look 23 Feather Light Silk Coral & Gold Print Dress
I Have a Question
- A shorter cut version of this dress walked the runway for Spring 2004 Cavalli collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli.
- Versions of the dress were photoed for editorials that season and worn by Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller.
- As good as the dress looks in these photos it is phenomenally better in person. The photos do not do the silk or the amount of movement and beauty of the cut full justice at all.
- The silk used on the dress is extraordinary and is all cut on the bias. It has a slight texture to it and the pattern that runs over the dress has the feel of being hand painted.
- To achieve this effect the design would have been created specifically for the dress how it lays over the dress pre-planned before the silk was cut.
- Following the pattern are fused lines made out of a gold metallic glitter for an extra touch of glitz. This is hard to get the impact of in the photos, but it is absolutely beautiful in person.
- The dress is suspended from tiny silk straps that curve up and over the shoulders to attached in at the back. Little triangle sit over the bust and they are set in with seams that angle down towards the sides. It skims over your waist and hips, and then the lower skirt falls in different lengths to hem.
- The skirt is made up of panels that are attached into the dress on different angles. This gives it incredible fullness and allows it to open up around you when you move. It is cut longer at the back so you get this pretty sweeping line around you and this adds to the movement that it has.
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. The bias cut of the silk allows it to drape around you once on. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Roberto Cavalli vintage small.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 41" from top of shoulder to shortest part of the front hem, 62" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5545
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2004 Roberto Cavalli, Look 23. Model Elise Crombez. / (5) Natalia Vodianova by Glen Luchford for Harper’s Bazaar, 2004. / (6) Scarlett Johansson for ELLE Magazine, 2004. / (7-8) Sienna Miller at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party, June 2004.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
tiziani
Documented 1960s Tiziani Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Peach Silk Plunge Dress w Matching Feather Cape
I Have a Question
- Note that due to new customs regulations this piece can only ship to a Canadian address. If you need assistance with this please touch base.
- This is a fantastically well documented piece Tiziani couture set that dates to the 1960s.
- It would have been made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld and is a very rare example of his work there especially with the amount of documentation on it.
- We have included the digital copy of the original sketch done by Karl along with photos of the dress on a model with Tiziani when it was originally produced. I do have modern photos of the dress on someone and will share those upon request.
- The inner tag on the dress is numbered and handwritten and then it has its Tiziana tag on the cape. I was told that this is the actual original sample dress and came from the archives.
- I posted a video of the dress on my Instagram back in 2023 when it was still in my personal archives. You can see that here and it speaks more about its history and you can see the dress on video.
- The dress is made out of a peach silk chiffon that is heavily embellished around the V neckline. The coat is made out of a slightly deeper coral peach silk that is completely covered in hand dyed soft peach feathers.
- The dress has a V at the front and the neckline has a band of embellishment that mixes silver tube beads, peach embroidery, sequins and seed beads, with prong set rhinestones. This follows the neckline at the front and then runs across the top of each shoulder. At the back it creates a wide band across the upper shoulders.
- It skims over the bust to a higher set waist seam. From there it skims over the hips and the skirt falls to the floor widening out slightly as it goes.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching peach silk and it is entirely made by hand with all of the inner stitches finished by hand. This would be considered Alta Moda couture with its level of finishes
- The cape sits over that and comes down to just past the waist at the front and then falls around you on the sides and back in this incredible sweep of hand dyed soft peach feathers.
- The feathers are all set onto a silk organza backdrop by hand and they overlap each other all the way down the length of the cape. The collar of the cape is finished with the same hand beading you see on the dress.
- Both the dress and cape are a touch paler in colour than how they shot. They are more like the colour shots added here.
- The dress is fully lined in a peach hand-finished silk and zips to close at the side. The outer layer of the bodice snaps to close over that. The cape is a single layer of silk organza with the feathers attached directly to it. The cape is also completely finished by hand. It hooks to close at the collar. There is perhaps the tiniest bit of grubbiness to the hem of the dress. Some small areas of missing embroidery / beads. Some of the organza has shattered near the top of the cape on the interior side. I have included photos here after the label shot. It can be worn as is but if you want me to have some reinforcement added you can touch base with me before I ship it and I will have my seamstress add that for you. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- There are no size tags so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the note on the cape lining above.
Dress
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Cape
Neck: 15.5" around
Total length: it falls to approximately 17" at the shortest point of the front and the back falls to approximately 61"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5544
Reference Photos: (1) Sketch by Karl Lagerfeld for Tiziani, 1960s. / (2-4) Model in Tiziani, 1960s. Credit unknown. / (5-7) Photos from the client of this set.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chloe
Spring 2016 Chloe by Clare Waight Keller Runway Look 24 Hand Dyed Multicolor Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2016 Chloe runway for a Look 24
- It was made under the creative direction of Clare Waight Keller.
- This may be one of the most highly documented pieces that we have ever had in the shop. There were so many that we had to combine the shots in order to make them fit in one listing.
- At the show, there was a printed note on every chair that said "The season's collection is a tribute to girls named Kate, Chloe, Cecilia, Corinne, Rosemary, Emma, and Courtney, who embody the liberty and the elegance of a perfectly mastered and excessively lived simplicity." Vogue expanded on that explaining that Clare said backstage that she had grown up alongside that motley crew of models, photographers, superstar performers, and they represent a more free time. "There is such a fast pace to fashion. Now, I think we've lost the innocence of the spirit of fashion, the youthful optimism that it portrays. And I think there is something quite joyful about fashion that's been missing."
- This dress is one of the most beautiful from the collection in my opinion and it is even better in person.
- The dress is made out of a lightweight gauze silk chiffon and the striping that you see has been all hand dyed vertically down the length of the silk. At first glance, you might think that all the colours are separate panels that have been attached together, but it is actually dyed vertical stripes down the length of the dress. I love how where they meet a softly fade into the colour next to it.
- The chiffon is feather light and I am very glad that we have both the runway photos and so many reference photos and video for you to see how fantastically it moves once on.
- The dress simply ties into place at the top of each shoulder and this allows you to decide how low or high to wear the drop of the neckline.
- From there, it drapes in a very loose and easy silhouette over the bust, waist and hips before flowing to the ground.
- Highlighting the waist are bands of rounded piped gathered stitching that add some visual detail and break to the stripes. These have the cords that hang down the sides running through them.
- Adding the soft slightly curved lines across the middle of the dress allows the shape to still stay loose and easy but it gives it a visual waist. It is a very clever way to define the dress.
- Extending out from those and running down each side are various colour cotton cords that end in the prettiest fringe tassels. Both both the chords and the tassels have been dyed into the various colours that are on the dress. I have taken a close-up of some of the tassels so you can see how fantastically pretty these are.
- You can use the cording to add a little bit of shape if you wish but the dress really is meant to be worn loose and easy and more like a caftan.
- The lightness of the fabric gives it incredible movement as you move. This is one of the most iconic of all Chloe dresses and it would be an incredible addition to any closet or collection.
- The dress is lined to just above the knee in an ivory silk chiffon and its loose and easy cut makes it exceptionally easy to wear. It will just drape more on a smaller frame. It ties into place at the top of each shoulder and has no other closures.
- Tagged a vintage Chloe 38
- Excellent condition
Inner bust: allows to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: allows to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: allows to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approximately 63" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 2.5" beyond that. It can be adjusted up or down a bit by how high or low you tie the shoulder ties.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD5543
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 2016 Chloe, Look 24. Model Willow Hand. / (3-4) Spring 2016 Chloe Ad Campaign. / (5) Spring 2016 Chloe Dress in the Paris Musees Collection. / Various credits for the remaining photos.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
emilio pucci
Chic Spring 2013 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 41 White Silk Halter Dress w Pockets
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 41 for the Spring 2013 collection.
- Vogue said of the Collection; "When Peter Dundas inherited this historic Florentine house—famous since the 1960s for its kaleidoscopic prints—he made reworked archival patterns a major part of his story line. Last season and this one, though, he's started inching away from them. These days, the label is just as well known for Dundas' confident, louche brand of glamour as it once was for its founder's graphic swirls and geometries."
- It was one of three white dresses that closed the show before the final look.
- The dress is made out of a light silk that is light in weight but just heavy enough to keep the structure. It is very close to a true white.
- The front neckline is done in a halter style with the upper part above the bust line finished an a white netting that has a secondary abstract print work through it. This allows you to see the skin underneath. The front is gathered over the breasts almost like a bandeau and seamed in the centre.
- Under that is an open cut out for a bit more skin to show.
- The dress curves in to follow the waist under that and and skims over the hips.
- The skirt falls to the floor and widens out quite a bit as it nears the hem. This gives the dress incredible movement when you walk and you get a sense of that in the runway video.
- I love the loose slightly draped pockets that sit on each hip.
- The back is mostly open with a criss-cross of straps and an open cut out between the waist and the back strap.
- Decorative frog knots sit at the low waist for added detail.
- The dress is fully lined through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Light boning and padding through the bodice. I see some some faint marks here and there around the hem.
- Tagged a modern Pucci IT42, FR38, US8, UK10.
- Excellent condition with the minor note above
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from top of neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5542
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2013 Emilio Pucci Runway Look 41. Model Kasia Struss.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
valentino
Spectacular Spring 2017 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 52 Zandra Rhodes Print White Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2017 collection for Look 52.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli and the print was done in collaboration with Zandra Rhodes.
- Historically, this was an important collection as it was Pierpaolo's first solo show at Valentino. It was also his first collaboration with Zandra Rhodes.
- On the runway the dress was shown without a lining so had a higher level of transparency that you can see in the photos and the video.
- The dress and collection were very well received and was one of the most documented dresses of the season.
- Meryl Streep famously wore its twin to the 2017 SAG awards. Laetitia Casta and Lee Young Ae appeared in one for Elle France and Elle US, and it was shot for other editorials. This really lets you see how spectacular it is on and in a variety of circumstances.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight white silk chiffon that has a custom Zandra Rhodes print covering the entire dress. Written in between the print are the words "In nova fert animus mutatas dicere formas corpora" which is the opening line of Ovid's epic poem, Metamorphoses, and translates to "My mind is bent to tell of bodies changed into new forms" or "My soul inclines to speak of forms changed into new bodies". This powerful opening sets the poem's central theme of transformation, with Ovid's narrative beginning from the creation of the world and continuing to his own time, weaving together many myths about how beings and objects were transformed into new forms."
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long. They are a single layer of the silk chiffon so they have a beautiful delicacy to them.
- The dress skims over the bust from a scooped neck and drapes easily over the body to a more generously cut waist.
- Built-in and under the top layer of silk on the bodice is a second layer of the same silk that creates a covered curving deep plunge at the front. The same effect has been created at the back as well and there the V has been set wider across. I love the play on transparency that this gives the dress. You are completely covered but at the same time the plunge is there on both sides. It is an unexpected sexiness that still feels elegant and refined.
- The waist is cut more generously so that you have a beautiful flow from head to toe. You can see this in all of the various reference photos and how it sits on the body. This cut was to become one of Pierpaolo signatures.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is extremely full. It has a second ivory silk chiffon layer underneath so that it is opaque enough to wear. The excessive amount of fabric used through the skirt gives it a ton of movement when you walk and move. The back is cut slightly longer than the front for a beautiful sweeping feel behind you.
- The lightness of the silk and the way that it lays over the body allows it to move spectacularly over you and it will pick up the slightest bit of air.
- The dress is partially lined through the bodice to create the plunge as seen and described above. The skirt is fully lined in a solid silk chiffon layer. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. This is a dress that is easy to fit and wear because of the easy cut through the body. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 44
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 7" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5541
Reference Photos/Videos: (1-3) Spring 2017 Valentino, Look 52. Model Jessie Bloemendaal. / (4-6) Meryl Streep at the 2017 Sag Awards. / (7) Laetitia Casta for Elle France, June 2017. / (8) Photograph by Ken Browar & Deborah Ory. / (9-10) Lee Young Ae in Valentino for Elle. / (11) Harper's Bazaar, 2017.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Resort 2017 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 67 Beaded Cotton Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown for Look 67 of the resort 2017 Valentino collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- This ended up being the final collection that Maria worked on for the Valentino label.
- The inspiration behind the collection was Cuba and the looks were rife with embroidery and bead work. Piccioli remarked that "It gave us a real freedom to mix, like a souvenir, lots of pieces together."
- The dress has the added provenance of being the twin of the dress worn by Bee Schaffer that year on the red carpet. She wore it beautifully and it shows you just how spectacular the dress is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a light weight white gauze cotton that sits over a white gauze lining to make it opaque enough to wear. Onto that is a beautiful mix of bead work that highlights the lines of the dress.
- The neckline is set wide across so that it sits at the edges of the shoulders and a wide 6" ruffle follows the entire neckline. It gives it the prettiest flounce all the way around you and creates the feel of little cap sleeves that float over the top of the shoulders.
- The neckline is set into a V at both the back and the front for a little bit of added bare skin to show.
- Under that the bodice skims down to the seamed waist and then the skirt is set into the waist. The waist is slightly more on the generous side and accentuated with a band of the intricate bead work.
- From there the skirt expands outwards and by the time it reaches the hem it has an amazing amount of volume. The back is cut slightly longer than the front so you get a beautiful sweep.
- The lower portion of the skirt has a ruffle that picks up on the one around the shoulders and that ruffle is a full 15" wide. Underneath the top layer skirt is a second layer white. I love how this added touch of under-skirting along with the beautiful cut of the skirt creates the volume. It also gives you fantastic movement when you move.
- You can see where the edges and seams between the different panels have all been finished with bead work. The beads have all been done in a combination of ivory and soft taupe beads placed by hand and they have the feel of being hand painted.
- This is an absolutely stunning dress and this particular cut of dress is one of my favourites.
- The dress is fully lined in a white gauze feeling fabric as described above. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. There is the tiniest faint mark near the waist. Please see the photo after the label shot. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. It has its original hang tag and packet of extra beads.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 46
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to the top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 58.5" from top of shoulder to the shortest parts of the front hem well the longest parts of the skirt extend another 3" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5540
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2017 Valentino, Look 67. / (2) Bee Shaffer at The Franca Sozzani Award gala dinner, September 2017.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
bill blass
Chic 1970s Bill Blass Black Silk Organza Dress w Balloon Sleeves & Ruffle Detailed Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- The dress dates to the 1970s making it an earlier piece of his work.
- It was made under the creative direction of Bill Blass
- Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name.
- Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have a way of flattering the wearer. He knew how to walk that line perfectly.
- The dress is made from a light weight black silk organza and it is an easy-to-wear and very pretty dress.
- The dress is made to look as if it wraps around you but it actually is fully secured all the way around. The bodice has a cross over front and it skims over you to the waist.
- At the back it closes with a hook and eye at the top of the neck and then there is an open keyhole slit to where the zipper begins just above the waist.
- I love how the back and upper part of the shoulders are made from only one layer of the organza so that they have a touch of transparency.
- This transparency has been carried over to the sleeves as well. The sleeves are spectacular. Each one is extremely full and balloons out over the cuffs. They are also open with a keyhole from the top of the shoulder to the wrist. The wrist is highlighted with a bow made from the same organza and then you have a huge double ruffle of silk that falls over your hands.
- The waist is brought in and has an attached band of the same organza that you tie to one side.
- Under that the skirt falls to the floor and widens out beautifully. It is scooped up at the front at one side and there is another double layer of ruffles that begins at the top of the hip and then falls all the way to the floor. It follows the edge of the skirt all the way around the back and then scoops up the other side. This adds that incredible volume and drama to the skirt that you see.
- The skirt is lined underneath and the inner skirt has a smaller open slit so that your full leg is not exposed. If you wanted to, you could easily expand that inner slit so that opened all the way up and you more of your leg.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk. It closes at the back of the neck with a hook at the top of the neck and a zipper starting just above the waist. Each cuff hooks to close and the belt at the waist snaps into place. Perhaps the tiniest bit of fading to an edge here or there but this is a natural occurrence with this type of fabric in this age of garment and I am being pretty picky.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 29" including the 6" ruffle. They are 15" around the upper arm.
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to top of the band at the waist
Total length: 61" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5537
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Chic c.1973 Yves Saint Laurent Black Gauzy Feeling Silk Chiffon Dress w Pattern & Full Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This neckline and silhouette was seen around the 1973 time period and this is a very pretty example of that era.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The fabric is a beautiful light weight black silk chiffon that has a pattern cut out from a similar fabric fused onto that. I love this play on transparency that it gives the silk.
- The cut of the dress is incredible and very easy to wear. The neckline is squared off at the front and then scoops at the back.
- The border of the neckline has been finished in the same fabric and love the suggestion of a yoke collar that this creates.
- The sleeves are fabulous. Each is cut to be very full so that they balloon out over their elastic cuffs. They are not lined so you get that pretty transparency between the fused on pattern.
- The cut through the bodice is very loose and easy. It simply skims over you to the slightly dropped waist seam.
- The waist is cut very generously and for some of these photos I have tied a black ribbon around where the natural waist sits so that you can see how it looks once you add more shape. I love that you can wear it either way.
- The skirt falls from the dropped seam and is gathered in tiny gathers all the way around. This allows the skirt to flare and open out slightly as it nears the floor. An extra wide ruffle of the same fabric runs around the lower portion of the skirt to create two tiers. There is no lining through the skirt so it allows you to wear as little or much underneath as you wish.
- The quality of the fabric is beautiful and the workmanship in this dress is fabulous. It really showcases just what a genius he was that he could create such a simple piece with such a masterful hand.
- I love the play on transparency the dress has and the dress in person is even prettier than how it photoed here I think.
- The dress is lined through the bodice to the drop seam of the waist and the sleeves and skirt are unlined. It slips over the head to wear. The ribbon ties around the waist and some photos are not original to the dress but will be included.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 38.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 21" and they are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true seams
Bust - natural waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dropped seam: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 23" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Total length: 55" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5539
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jacques fath
Incredible 1953 Jacques Fath Haute Couture Leopard Printed Silk Strapless Dress w Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an incredible and rare true Haute Couture dress whose pattern remarkably resembles a sketch we found from his 1953 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of couturier Jaques Fath.
- Jacques Fath showed his first collection of just twenty garments in the spring of 1937. It was well received and he steadily built a strong clientele to become of of the busiest ateliers in Paris.
- Fath is considered to be part of the 'big three' post-war Parisian designers, along with Dior and Balmain. The Fath label was shuttered in 1957 after Fath's death three years earlier. One of his signature looks was a strapless hourglass silhouette. The dress is gorgeous and a beautiful and rare example of his work during this time period.
- It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric is a stunning silk that has a pattern suggested of an animal print running over its entire surface. This has been done in an ivory with shades of charcoal grey. Worked into the pattern is a subtle muted gold metallic thread.
- The dress is strapless and curves up on the bodice. There is a black silk inner panel that is set behind the front panels that you see here. This let those front panels sit slightly off of the body and create the illusion of more bust.
- The fabric is gathered in along an angled seam under that to a wide band that defines the waist. I love how there is a bit of the same black silk that peeks out along one edge to tie all of the elements of the bodice together.
- The waist is cinched in and to achieve that beautiful hour glass silhouette there is a full built-in boned couture corset attached to the inside of the bodice. I have taken photos so you can see how beautifully and intricately this is constructed.
- From there the skirt expands outward over the hips and curves beautifully down to the floor. The front has a slightly more sleek feel to it and then the back has added fabric built into it down the centre so that you get a beautiful soft fullness there. It is cut slightly longer at the back to help to add to that feel of more fullness there. If you really wanted the skirt to be very full you could add an underskirt. There is more than enough room.
- It is an absolute extraordinarily beautiful early Couture peace from the most magical era of Couture.
- The skirt is backed with a netting and there is a built-in boned corset. It closes with a back zipper and an inner waist stay hooks to close. There is light discolouration to the inner corset. At some point, someone added fabric tape over some small holes in the netting of the interior skirt and I see some tiny ones without tape. None of this shows on the exterior. There is light fraying on part of the front hem. Please see the photos after the label shot. All of the interior work is done completely by hand to Couture standards.
- No size tag is present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent overall condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to bottom seam of the 3.25" waist band
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to front hem and the back hand extends another 6" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5531
Reference Photo: Spring 1953 Jacques Fath Haute Couture. Illustration by Pierre Simon.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
nina ricci
Exceptional Spring 1997 Nina Ricci by Gerard Pipart Haute Couture Runway Black & White Strapless w Beaded Details
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 1997 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gerard Pipart.
- The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris. In 1964 Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou, brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand.
- Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He headed the Couture division until 1998.
- This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture and would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The upper portion of the dress is a strapless and structured ivory that is made out of a beautiful silk that has a slight texture.
- At the waist it changes to a black silk to create that gorgeous skirt. The silk there also has a slight texture and enough weight to hold the intended draping but without being heavy.
- Deep silver beads are placed by hand to run up from the waist over the bodice and then more beading runs down from the waist with some parts ending just past the hips. It adds the perfect amount of glitz to the dress.
- The skirt curves outward over the hips and then widens out as it nears the hem. On one side of the skirt an added panel drapes down past the hem and appears to be caught up with the handset bow that sits there. This adds a beautiful little bit of extra movement and curving line to the dress. It is a design detail that is just brilliantly executed.
- It is fully lined in a white silk through the bodice with light boning for support. Through the skirt it is lined in a black silk. It closes with a side set zipper and has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. I see the very slightest bit of grubbiness around the upper edge of the bodice that is mentioned for accuracy.
- The proper Haute Couture label is present.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.25" from the top of the bodice to the waist
Total length: 52.5" from the top of the bodice to the shortest point of the hem, 57" to the longest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5532
Reference Photo: Spring 1997 Nina Ricci Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fantastic Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Unlabeled Black & White Print Plunge Dress
I Have a Question
-
A magnificent dress that is the twin of the one that walked the runway for the It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The famous socialite Nan Kempner owned its twin and we have included photos here so you can see how fabulous this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a printed silk that has a black abstract pattern covering it from head to toe.
- In the book Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: Catwalk they tell us that for the show Yves celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Couture house. The collection emphasize small waists counterbalance by wide shoulders that accentuated narrow hips. Many of the pieces were inspired by India and the craftsmanship that was available there. You can see the inspiration in the front set crystals. He used glass crystal rhinestones that were cut specifically to mimic the type of diamonds called Polki Diamonds that often seen in Indian jewellery and have a more raw cut feel to them.
- The dress is gathered at the shoulder but the gathers are brought down more towards the front. The shoulders are soft.
- The sleeves are extremely generous through the upper arm and are set into the top of the shoulder with a series of soft pleats that give them height and volume. They narrow down to the cuff where they close with a zipper.
- The entire front of the bodice is brought down into the centre waist in a series of soft pleats with a plunge that is fairly low but not too low.
- Set in the middle of the waist is that fantastic diamond shaped applique that has the glass crystal stones mixed with black stones and black glass tube beads. This catches the light fantastically.
- The skirt is gathered up and into that diamond to mimic what is happening on the bodice. It falls to the floor from there. There is a lot of fabric in the skirt because of the front pleating but it feels like it narrows in a bit to keep the silhouette long and narrow.
- At the back it falls in a simple sheath from shoulder to hem.
- All of the inner seams are finished by hand and the entire dress is made by hand to Haute Couture standards
- The dress is unlined and closes with a side set zipper. Zipper sit at each cuff. There is some evidence that the seams at the side of the waist were let out slightly. They could easily be brought back in. The piece is unlabelled.
- No size tag is present so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 28" and are 14" around the upper arm. They are 7" around the wrist.
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5533
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. / (2-6) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Couture Advance Preview. / (7) Nan Kempner in Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Prettiest Spring 1999 Thierry Mugler Curving Pale Pink Dress w Front Iridescent Embellishments
I Have a Question
- This is the ready-to-wear version of the dres referenced here from the Spring 1999 Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler
- The dress is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- The openings for the arms are cut inwards towards the neck and the neck line is set on a beautiful curve. All the seaming on the dress is set either vertically or on a curving angle so that it enhances and highlights the curves of the body.
- The bust and waist are created by the shaping of those beautifully curving vertical seams. I took a shot of the seams that curve over the hips as it is is really a part of what shapes the dress. Once on this emphasizes the curves of the body.
- It skims over the hips and then falls to the floor where the skirt widens out as it near the hem. The back hem of the skirt is cut on a slight downward curve so that it falls a little bit longer and gives a fantastic sweep at the back of the dress.
- The upper portion of the neck line is detailed with a double layered panel of nude mesh. Onto this is a fantastic design that combines iridescent clear tube beads with iridescent mother-of-pearl finished plastic pieces that vary in size. These are all set to curve outward slightly and are in different sizes. It is a really pretty effect.
- It is an extraordinary dress that is rare and beautiful.
- The dress is fully lined in the same fabric and closes with a hidden set back zipper. I see one tiny very faint mark on the fabric near the seam of the neck line. Please see the photo after the label shot. There is very minor grubbiness and a tiny bit of fading around the hem. I see a stitch at the very base of the mesh at the front where there may have been one more additional plastic piece. All of these are very minor but mentioned for accuracy. The colour is a bit more of a baby pink than how it photoed. It is in its original uncut length.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to the front hem, 63" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5525
Reference Photo: Spring 1999 Thierry Mugler Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Nude Pink Version Silk Plunge Runway Dress w Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1990 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- I love that it was photo with Yves himself. The model is carrying flowers and this may have been the piece used to close the show as the wedding dress.
- The fabric that the dress is made out of is a stunning pale nude ballet slipper pink that has a beautiful weight to it. This and the cut is what helps hold the draping perfectly in place.
- It has a very unusual design that is completely hidden at first glance. There is an inner bodice that one side of the outer dress hooks onto around the inner waist and then the other side drapes over that and hooks along the outer waist. This gives you coverage over the bust on the inside but still allows the bodice to feel loosely draped around you. It is what allows the plunge to be so low at the front while having it be completely secure while you are fully covered underneath.
- The sleeves are incredible. They are extremely full and each is lined with a pale pink silk chiffon to help hold the added volume of them. I love the way they drop over the cuff at the wrist to form that gorgeous puff at their ends.
- The inner waist closure holds the dress in place around you and then the silk drapes and skims past the waist and hips. The skirt flares out slightly as it nears the hem. The silk drapes over the waist for a bit of definition in shape even though there is no actual seam there. It is all masterful tailoring.
- The inner bodice zips at the front and then the dress hooks to close around it. The rest of the dress is unlined. I see one tiny faint mark along the edge of a fold of the top, some very minor faint marks at the hem and a tiny scuff in the fabric at the back hem. All very minor but mentioned for accuracy. Hand finishes. The colour is slightly more pastel soft pink than how it shot.
- The fit of the dress as it is currently is based almost completely on the measurements of the inner bodice piece but the outer dress is more generous. You could easily alter/add to the inner bodice to get more room if needed.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 38
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24.5"
Inner bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer bust measurement is very full and up to 22" across so if you needed more room you could easily add to the inner bodice to get more room.
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam with a similar note to above. The outer waist measures to 17"
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5526
Reference Photos: Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
1940s-1950s Possible Stage or Showgirl Strapless Dress Covered in Hand Placed Sequins & Beads
I Have a Question
- This is original dress from the 1950s, maybe the 1940s that is completely made by hand.
- It is an absolutely incredible example of the high level of hand work being done during that time period and you would be hard pressed to find anything modern done to this degree outside of true Couture pieces.
- I have no formal history on the dress but it does have a handwritten tag with the name Edith that sits inside the hem. The possibility of this being the name of the owner is fascinating and one wonders if it belonged to perhaps a showgirl, dancer or perhaps an actress who would have worn the dress. Having the name added like that certainly does imply that it was more of a stage piece as this was common in stage pieces from the era.
- The dress has hundreds of thousands of sequins and beads hand applied over every inch of its surface. The sequins are incredibly dense in the way that they have been applied. They are set so that they overlap each other to the point where they stand up and off the dress slightly. The black sequins were done in a swirling burst design and this lets it catch the light differently and creates the most amazing effect.
- Added to that is a floral design in pale pink, gold and greens that is also done in sequins. This wraps around the bodice and then runs down the entire skirt of the dress with the density of the design getting heavier as it near the hem.
- Then over all of that are over-sized faceted beads in a variety of colours that have been applied by hand to add an extra bit of detail and sparkle to the dress. They are all jewel tones mixed with gold and copper and it is just incredible to see.
- The dress does have weight to it but it is perfectly balanced once it is on the body.
- It has straps but can also be worn strapless. Inside there is a full built-in boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place and adds shape. The waist is brought in by this corset and then the dress skims over the hips. As it falls to the floor it narrows down. There is an overlapping curved slit at the back that allows you to be able to walk in it.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silky rayon. The dress has an inner corset that hooks into place with a double row of metal lingerie hooks. The inner corset is boned and cupped. It is lightly tacked into the dress. I see some wear on the inside of the corset here and there. The dress zips to close over that. It is completely made by hand.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition with the note above
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to hem
Back slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5524
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Chic Cruise 2020 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Runway Look 107 Metallic Print Dress w Full Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Cruise 2020 Dior show for Look 107.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- This collection was shown in Marrakech and Vogue review said the collection was "about luxury, globalism, and culture".
- I love the pieces from this collection that were made out of these metallic knit fabrics. They have the feel of some of fabrics from the seventies and are just magical.
- The fabric has more copper toned metallic thread running through a deep dusky blueish grey base with tones of deep, blues, and greens that form a print that is worked over the skirt.
- The metallic thread runs over the entire dress in a vertical pattern. Where it turns into a print, the metallic is used to highlight and edge the print. This gives the dress a subtle shimmer from every angle.
- The bodice of the dress is loose and easy with a keyhole slit that runs down the centre. The more generous cut allows for a more easy fit.
- The shoulders are soft and extend out into wonderfully full sleeves that pouf out over their cuffs.The sleeves are meant to sit between the elbow and wrist as you can see in the reference photos and each cup closes with little hidden set buttons.
- The waist it seamed but has a more generous feel. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt.
- The skirt is cut to be very full and wide. It is gathered in around the waist and this is what gives it the incredible fullness that it has. And it has pockets.
- It is a really an outstanding piece and beautifully constructed.
- The dress is unlined but comes with its original nude coloured silk chiffon slip that is worn underneath the dress. The inner slip closes with a hidden set side, zipper, and the outer dress closes with a hidden set box zipper, and a hidden set button at the front neck above the keyhole. Each cuff closes with two hidden set buttons. The label is on the slip. The metallic of the fabric has loose threads here and there over the dress. This is a natural occurrence with this type of fabric.
- The slip is tagged a modern Dior FR 42, GB 14, IT 46, US 10
- Excellent condition
Dress
Sleeves: approximately 23" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder hem
Slip
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MeD-LRG
Item# DD5523
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Cruise 2020 Christian Dior, Look 107. Model Evelyn Nagy. / (4) Bae Suzy at the SBS Drama Awards, 2019.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Fall 2019 Alessandra Rich Black Version of Runway Look 46 Bias Cut Silk & Sequin Lace Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress in white walked the runway for Look 46 for the Fall 2019 presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alessandra Rich.
- Leonie Hanne wore the twin of this dress to the fashion show in 2019.
- The silk that it is made out of is feather light and cut on the bias. It skims over the body to follow your curves all the way down in a beautiful and flattering way.
- The sleeves are cut with a high peak on the shoulder and there is a little bit of stiffening along their inner edges to help hold the shape that you see. They narrow down as they reach the cuffs and there is a lace and net inset at their ends that forms the cuffs.
- The front dips low and has a touch of transparency. It is a combination of lace and netting with a second cut out layer that sits over each breast to make it a bit more opaque. The lace plunged down to the waist so it has a very sexy feel.
- All of that front detailing is edged in sequins that pick up the light fantastically.
- The netting continues down the sides and the back is covered with a layer of the black netting and lace for a gorgeous exposure of skin through the lace netting.
- The skirt is cut longer at the back than the front for a bit of a sweeping feel behind you.
- Unlined and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Each cuff has a hidden set zipper. The fabric has stretch and the comfortable range of measurements are listed below when laying flat. The dress is new with its original tags and in its original uncut length. I see one tiny missed stitch in the netting at the back. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a modern 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 29" and are 17" around the upper arm
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back hem extends another 9"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5518
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2019 Alessandra Rich, Look 46. / (2) Leonie Hanne outside the Alessandra Rich Spring 2020 Fashion Show in Paris, September 2019. / (3) Josephine De La Baume 'Waiting for Anya' film premiere, Feb 2020.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
gucci
Prettiest 2017 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Black Dress w Lace Sleeves & Iridescent Crystal Bow Detailing
I Have a Question
- The dress is from 2017 and is a piece that was produced for the shops.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele.
- Lisa Vanderpump wore it's twin that season and I love that the reference photos we have included here allow you to see how great this is once on the body.
- The dress is made from a light in weight black crepe like fabric mixed with lace set down the bodice and for the sleeves. These fabric choices keeps it light in weight but still give it enough structure to hold that gorgeous shape that you see.
- The neck is cut high with a ruffle of lace running around the neck. A lace panel drops into a low V down the front. This leaves you completely covered but you still have a bit of the transparency that the lace provides.
- Each shoulder is set into the arms with a slight capped feel and then they narrow down to wide cuffs and a ribbed grosgrain. Each cuff closes with two button buttons covered in the same fabric. I love the way the lace of the sleeves picks up on that front panel and how they also have transparency through the lace pattern.
- The bodice is cut to skim over you to the waist that is banded for shape.
- The skirt curves out over the hips and then falls from there to the floor, flaring out as it reaches the hem. This gives it a wonderful movement when you move.
- It is at the very front that you get that signature excess that Alessandro is so well known for. Two large bows are formed out of iridescent silver crystals trimmed with tiny seed beads. These are attached directly to the dress and are stylistically a nod to the 1930s and 1940s. There is also a prong set row of the same crystals that run between the bows to suggest tiny buttons. All of the crystals catch the light beautifully and add a high amount of glamour to the dress.
- It is a beautiful dress representative of his time at the Gucci label.
- The dress is lined in a black chiffon through the bodice with the skirt and lace areas left unlined. It closes with a hidden back side zipper and hooks at the back of the neck. Each sleeve has a two buttons at the wrist. There is some stretch through the body so I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below.
- Tagged a Gucci S
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25.5" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Natural shoulders: approximately 15"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from neck to the top of the 4" band at the waistwaist
Total length: 58.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5516
Reference Photos: (1) From the Gucci website. / (2-3) Lisa Vanderpump in Gucci at the premiere of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, 2017.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Heirloom Level Exquisite 1950s Handmade Couture White Lace Wedding Dress w a Matching Veil
I Have a Question
- This dress was sourced from France and it was noted as being from the from the 1950s or earlier and into the 1930s or 1940s.
- The entire dress and its huge matching veil have been entirely made by hand and the lace itself is also handmade.
- Both of the veil and dress have been meticulously pieced together from larger sections of lace to create the shape of both pieces. That means all of the lace would have had to have been made and planned out ahead of time.
- The dress has higher neck and I love the soft scalloping around the edge.
- The shoulders are sloped and soft and extended into long sleeves that narrow at the cuff. Five little lace covered buttons and loops sit at the end of each sleeve.
- It is meant to to be more fitted over the bust and then comes in at the waist.
- From there it expands outward over the hips and is very full and open over the hips.
- The skirt is lovely and very full. It falls in beautiful soft rounded folds around you. There is enough room underneath that if you wanted it to feel very full, you could add a crinoline and/or additional under-skirting.
- The dress is made from a single layer of the lace so it does have transparency through the lace. This allows you to wear as little or as much of an undergarment underneath to be either daring or more conservative.
- The matching lace veil is two long continuous pieces of lace pieced perfectly together. It is narrow at one end and then opens up to be very wide by the other. A bride would have draped this over her head and then she could pin it into place or add flowers or some other decorations around the head to frame the face and hold the veil.
- This is an absolutely beautiful piece of history and an extremely rare thing of beauty.
- The amount of hours and work to have made this is staggering to think about.
- Both pieces are an excellent condition with perhaps a touch of very minor age related patina here and there on the lace. The colour in person is slightly more ivory.
- The dress is unlined and closes with a back zipper. Buttons and loops are at the end of each sleeve. I see a slight darkening to the fabric here and there but it is very minor. It makes it feel authentically vintage and does not detract in any way.
- There is no size tag present because it is a one off.
- Excellent condition
Dress
Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 58" from neck to hem
Veil
14" at the narrowest point at one end and 55" at its widest width at the other
It is 9 feet from end to end
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5514
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Outstanding Fall 2001 John Galliano Runway Look 41 Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Dress w Romantic Floral Print
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 2001 runway for a Look 41 and was worn by supermodel Stella Tenant in the show.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This is the actual dress worn by Caitlin Thompson to the 2024 Emmys
- Madison Headrick privately acquired the first example of this dress that we had in our archives and wore it as part of her wedding celebrations.
- Besides the runway photos, we have included photos of both Madison and Caitlin so you can see how spectacular this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a floral printed ivory silk chiffon that is feather light in weight.
- Soft pastel flowers done in shades of pale, pink and soft greens run over the entire dress and add to the ultra romantic feel that it has.
- Ruffled cap sleeves curve over the shoulders and they are set wide so that they sit at the very edge of your shoulder. This allows the chiffon to cascade over the top of each arm.
- The bodice is extensively gathered around the bust to the sides and into a seam that curves down just above the waist. All of the seam work on the dress is a heavy nod to the Couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. John Galliano often use those dresses as inspiration and you can clearly see that in this piece.
- Gathered ties extend out from the sides of the bodice to wrap and tie around you. They are very long so you can get creative in how they are tied. They add a touch of whimsy to the dress and are also a clever way to add shape through the waist.
- The dress curves back out and over the hips and then narrow down slightly to about the knee.
- The lower skirt is set into a curved seam and the volume below that is amazing. There is a tremendous amount of silk in the lower skirting so that it moves and floats fabulously around you when you move.
- Little added tiered ruffles of silk have been added along parts of the patterned seams for yet another extra romantic touch.
- The dress is completely cut on the bias so moves beautifully over the body. It makes it easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
- This is a spectacular example of his work and one of the most romantic prints from him that I have ever seen. This is an important early piece that is highly collectible.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and slips on with no closures. The easy cut and movement in the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The dress is in its original uncut length. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 65" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5509
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2001 Galliano Runway, Look 41. Model: Stella Tennant. / (3-6) Caitlin Thompson wearing this dress at the Emmys, 2024. / (7-11) Madison Headrick in in its twin from us on two different occasions.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Dreamiest Resort 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 23 Silk Chiffon Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The near twin of the dress was Look 23 in the Resort 2020 Valentino presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- Vogue said that 'Pierpaolo Piccioli had his Resort collection photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, a green oasis in the center of the city with giant bamboo stands and towering palm trees.' This is one of my favourite Valentino dresses of the collection and it is even dreamier in real life.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight ivory silk chiffon that has the teeniest palest touch of green to its undertone.
- Onto the entire dress is a beautiful floral pattern that gets larger as it near the hem. The flowers are done in pale greens and soft pinks with more vibrant pinks around the hem mixed with bands of colour.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves flutter over the very top of the arm. They are a single layer of the silk chiffon so have a beautiful delicacy to them.
- The dress skims over the bust from a high scooped neck and drapes easily over the body to the waist. Ruffles made out of the same silk sit behind vertical panels of the chiffon with lace ribbon insets. These run vertically down the centre of the top and there is a row of little functional buttons that runs down the middle.
- The dress comes with a long matching tie in the same fabric that you used to cinch around the waist for added shape.
- I love that parts of the print in the chiffon are signed Valentino.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is extremely full. It has a second ivory silk layer underneath so that it is opaque enough to wear. The excessive amount of fabric used through the skirt give it a ton of movement when you walk and move.
- The lightness of the silk and the way that it lays over the body allows it to move spectacularly over you and it will pick up the slightest bit of air. It really is even more stunning in person.
- The dress is lined through the bodice with an ivory silk chiffon and the skirt is fully lined in an ivory silk. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The buttons at the front are functional. Comes with its original matching tie belt in the same chiffon. In its original uncut length and it appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Shoulders: 14.75"
Bust: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5507
Reference Photo: Resort 2020 Valentino, Look 23.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean paul gaultier
Outstanding Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Black Bias Cut Jersey w Black Velvet Cuffs & Collar
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier collection.
-
It was made under the creative direction of Jean Paul Gaultier.
- Miley Cyrus famously wore the twin of this dress in 2013. I love that the reference photos of both her and the runway photos that give you an amazing idea of how this looks on the body.
- The dress is made from a black stretch jersey that has some movement and is very comfortable to wear and easy to fit.
- Contrasting with that or padded pipe bands of black velvet that circled the collar and each cuff.
- The velvet collar that circles around the neck is cut wider across in a true circle that sits up and off the body slightly as you can see in the photos.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are cut extra long. Each one flares out dramatically and is finished with that same round piped velvet finish that the collar has. Each cuff is also a full circle around and it is quite extraordinary and dramatic to see. They have fantastic movement once they are on the body and I love how they are set on an angle so that they fall longer at the back behind your hands.
- It skims over the bodice and is cut more generously through the waist. If you wanted to add more definition you could add a belt but it does falls beautifully in a sleek column when worn as intended.
- The jersey curves back out over the hips and then the skirt falls to the floor below that. The black jersey stretch fabric has incredible drape and movement around you as it flares out.
- This is a phenomenal and very well known piece of Jean Paul's work and highly collectible
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. The jersey does have some stretch to it and I have put the comfortable range of stretch below. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 21" to the shortest point and 30" to the longest. They are 9-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5506
Reference Photos/Videos: (1-2) Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier. / (3-7) Miley Cyrus in Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier at the Bambi Awards, 2013.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Suberb Fall 1970 Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan Minimalist Black Velvet Column Dressress
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous dress is a true couture piece from the Fall 1970 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
- The book Dior:Catwalk noted that the Vogue proclaimed that "Any woman anywhere on earth would want to own these total feminine clothes"
- In the few photos that survive of pieces from this collection, it is interesting to note that he showed most of these shift dresses under capes, which would be a lovely combination even now.
- This dress would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made out of a jet black silk velvet that is extremely soft to the touch and has beautiful drape.
- I love the nod to classic minimalism that the dress displays.
- Straps in a matching black velvet curve up and over your shoulders and then the front and back have just the most gentle bit of a scoop across. Just enough to take away the harshness a straight line would have.
- It skims over the bust and is cut more generously over the waist so that it falls in a perfect shift or column feel around you. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt or corded rope tie.
- It flares slightly out over the hips and then the skirt falls from there widening out as it near the hem.
- The dress closes down one side with glossy black buttons and I love the deliberate contrast in texture that it has against the black velvet. That pop of shine of the high gloss of the buttons is the perfect subtle detail against the inky texture of the velvet.
- The buttons close the dress down one side to just past the hip and then the rest of that seam is completely open all the way to the hem. When you walk, move or sit, you get a flash of bare leg all the way up that one side. It is almost startling to have that flash of bare skin against the column of black and I love this play between elegance and sexiness.
- It is a dress that appears to be so simple in shape but every seam and line of the dress was purposefully and masterfully executed and planned.
- This is an extraordinary example of his work during this time period and it is an absolutely stunning dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching hand set black silk and closes at the side with the row of buttons. All of the work is done by hand to Couture standards and it has its appropriately dated couture tag present. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem and the slit is 29" from the hem up to the last button.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5505
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Amazing Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Black Velvet Wrap Dress w Olive Silk Taffeta Ruffles
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- We were so pleased to find shots of it on because it really shows you just how much it comes to life when worn. It is extraordinary and it is a stunning example of his work during this time period.
- The wrap design of the dress is easy to fit and is also very flattering for so many body types.I love the soft and romantic lines that this dress has.
- It is made of a black velvet that has enough weight to hold the shape that you see but still feel light on the body.
- A wide ruffle in a deep olive coloured silk taffeta runs around the neck starting at the base of the front plunge. It curves up and around the neck and then comes back down across the front is caught up at the side and then falls all the way two the hem and around.
- This stunning framing of the entire front of your body is beautiful and gives the dress is dramatic feel.
- To wear the dress there is an inner strap that wraps around your waist and hooks into place and then a long attached silk tie in a matching green ties into place at the side.
- On the runway, this was shown tied into a bow, a signature Yves detail.
- The wrapping of the dress allows you to adjust the fit around you so that it sits perfectly on you.
- The skirt curves over the hip and falls to the hem and because of the wrap over design when you move or walk, you will see a flash of bare leg. The ruffles hide most of your leg but it does peak out as you walk . It is an insanely sexy detail that is in total contrast with the sweetness of the ruffles.
- As good as the dress looks on the dress form, it is even better in person and on a body. It looks remarkably simple yet is genius in its execution.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a inner strap that hooks around the waist. It ties to one side on the exterior as described above. A zipper at each cuff. I see a tiny bit of pressing of the velvet at the crease under the arms. The easy wrap cut makes it easy to fit a range of sizes. You could easily adjust the inner waist if needed.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 40
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 23.5" and they are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: both the inner and outer waist are 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from neck to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5504
Reference Photos: Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john galliano
Beautiful Fall 2005 John Galliano Bias Cut Soft Brown Cut Devore Velvet & Chiffon Floral Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2005 Galliano collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The dress is absolutely dreamy. It is meant to skim over the body and it has that beautiful movement that Galliano is so well known for.
- It is made out of a combination of a cut velvet floral fabric that has been applied to a printed bias cut brown backdrop. This gives it an amazing texture. Highlighting the seams are little inset panels of lace with more lace added around the hem and edges.
- The dress is suspended from the shoulders with two brown lace straps and the lace continues around the neckline. The front is set into a shallow V and the back repeats that same V finish.
- The silk is cut on the bias and the entire dress skims over the body in that perfect way that he always cut a piece.
- The bias cut allows it to be easy fitting over the bust, waist and hips. It is not tight at all but does drape and fall to accent your shape once it is on the body.
- The skirt is made up of panels set in and along angled seaming that is very reminiscent of Old Hollywood dresses from the twenties and thirties. The skirt is made of two panels that expand outwards and are open along the sides. So when you walk or move you get a bit of leg and extra kick along the lower skirting.
- Each panel has elaborate lace edging with ruffles made out of the lace for a pretty and feminine finish. I love how this ties all the elements of the dress together.
- The skirt has an amazing amount of fabric in it and the cut and open sides allow the smallest bit of air to catch the skirt and let it move around you as you move. When this is on and you are walking the movement it creates is absolutely gorgeous.
- This is John at his best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a brown silk and slips over the head with no closures. It is cut on the bias so we put the comfortable range of measurements when the dress is laying flat below. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Galliano FR44, GB16, US10
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5502
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
sybil connolly
Elegant Late 1950s Sybil Connolly Couture Pale Lavender Pleated Linen Strapless Dress w Shawl
I Have a Question
- Irish designer Sybil Connolly had her first major US fashion show in 1953. The American press dubbed her the 'Dublin's Dior'. Jacqueline Kennedy wore Connolly for her official White House portrait and Connolly was a particular favorite of Carmen Snow, the editor of Harper's Bazaar.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sybil Connolly
- The dress would've been made entirely by hand in her atelier in Ireland.
- In 1957 she launched her couture label. She created Haute Couture pieces made from Irish textiles and in particular she became famous for her distinctive use of pleated handkerchief linen.
- This excerpt from the FDIM Museum explains Sybil Connolly's techniques: "Sybil Connolly's trademark gowns required a tremendous amount of fabric. To construct one pleated evening dress required between 72 and 90 yards of Irish handkerchief linen. After undergoing a secret pleating process, this initial yardage became 7 to 10 yards of slightly irregular, narrow linen pleats. Like the early 20th century designer Mario Fortuny, Sybil Connolly was very protective of her pleating process, swearing that it was a secret she would "carry to the grave." In her designs, Connolly usually oriented the pleats horizontally, covering the seams with self-fabric cording. The cords also lengthen the overall line of the garment, providing a counterbalance to the horizontal pleats. As Connolly tended towards solid colors, the stiff cording also provides a necessary visual contrast to the soft linen pleats."
- She worked directly with the cloth on a model and rarely sketched beforehand.
- I found a quote that referred to the Irish linen she used to be 'of a quality so fine it was almost chiffon-like in weight' and that description is very accurate.
- The dress has a fairly simple line so that the pleating technique takes centre stage. The bodice is strapless and fitted and the pleated linen runs horizontally across the dress.
- The waist cinches in under that for shape and has a wide attached band done in a matching pale purple silk for added detailing.
- The skirt billows out from there and is very full. To help create the volume that you see the skirt has been set in and around the waist in soft cleats that open up into the fullness that you see as it falls to the floor. An incredible amount of fabric would have been used to create the skirt.
- The dress comes with its original matching shawl. This is cut into a simple triangle with loops set just inside the outer edges to slip your arms through and hold it in place.
- This is a wonderful and very rare example of her work. Most pieces are held in museums.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and boned through the bodice. It closes with a back zipper on the inner corset and then a second zipper closes over that on the outer layer of the dress. There are areas throughout where the fabric has faded. There are also areas where the it has slightly discoloured. Please see the photos after the label shot. The dress is sold as found and is not sold as perfect. A video can be sent upon request if needed.
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Overall great condition with the note aboce.
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to the bottom of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to hem with 2" turned under
Shawl: 41" across the widest point and 25" from the point to the top of the shawl.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5499
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- The twin of this extraordinary dress walked the Spring 2012 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexandre Vauthier
- Alexandre Vauthier launched his label in 2009. He started his fashion career in 1993 working for Thierry Mugler as an intern and working his way up to assistant designer to Mugler himself. In 1997 he joined Jean Paul Gaultier where he in charge of the Couture collections for the following eight years.
- He left in 2008 to open his own couture atelier showing his first collection in 2009. From 2011 to 2014 the label was a designated guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de haute couture and since December 2014 he has been a full Couture member. Vauthier departed the label in 2025 marking the end of the Couture division.
- This is the actual piece that was shown on the runway and may very well be the only one in existence. I love that we have both the runway reference photos and video. You can see how fantastically it moves and looks once on the body.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made from a pale lavender silk chiffon that is of extremely high-quality. It has the slightest bit of texture to it, and is all cut on the bias. The colour is even softer than how it photoed and better in person.
- The seam work on this dress is extraordinary. It is a strong nod back to Couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. I have taken some close-ups through the body so that you can see the extraordinary hand done piece-work that has gone into putting the various panels of the dress together to create the flowing masterpiece that you see.
- The dress is wonderfully simple in the way that it goes onto to the body. You simply slip it on and it hooks and snaps into place around the waist leaving it to flow freely over the body from shoulder to hem.
- This wrapping around you and hooking into place leaves a high slit up one side so that when you walk or move you see a flash of bare leg. You can see this in the reference photos and video.
- The bodice is cut to drape loosely over you and has a plunging V at the front, both sides, and at the back. On the runway it was shown over an inner nude piece for the minimum amount of modesty It could be worn like that in real life or a layered over something underneath if you wanted a bit more coverage.
- The waist is brought in with a wide doubled band of the same silk chiffon and the panels of the bodice blouse softly over the waist band all of the way around you. There is a second interior halter inside at the front that sits slightly more fitted to the body and adds one extra layer of chiffon.
- The dress curves out over the hips and then the beginning of the volume that you see for the lower skirts is all created by the inset panels that have all been hand placed and sewn.
- The amount of silk chiffon in the skirt is remarkable. It falls slightly shorter to the front and then curves out around you in a sweep of skirts that is just phenomenal. I love that we have runway videos so you can see how amazing this dress is once it is on and moving.
- The dress has a single layer interior halter bodice and the skirt is unlined. It slips on and then wraps and closes with a hook and hidden set clear snaps at the waist. This is the actual dress that was worn on the runway and is completely made by hand. It is the original runway sample dress. You could move and adjust the hook and snaps at the waist to get the perfect fit.
- There is no size tag present because it is Haute couture sample so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
On the runway, the dress was shown with a fur shrug. If you are interested in acquiring that I may be able to source that for you independent of this dress. Please touch base to chat further.
Bust: each inner halter covers to 7" flat across from side to side
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 16" from top of shoulder to waist and meant to blouse slightly over the 2.5" band around the waist
Total length: 69" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends up to another 17" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5498
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2012 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture, Look 23.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Beautiful Resort 2014 Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Backless & Caped Panel Ivory Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Resort collection from 2014.
- It was made under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci.
- I have had the dotted one version in the shop before and this all white version is one of the most beautiful pieces to have come out of his time at Givenchy. We have added a reference photo of the dotted one so you can see the fit.
- In Vogue's review of the show it was noted that just the week before the Resort collection was debuted Tisci had won the CFDA's International Award and he was quoted as saying at the time that "This year has been beautiful and amazing for me".
- The dress is magnificent. It is made out of a silk chiffon that is a very fine scarf weight silk that is very difficult to work with especially given the elaborate draping that has been done on this dress.
- The fabric has the slightest bit of texture worked into it. This helps to give the dress a little bit of lift and volume so that it seems to float around you when you move. It would have taken many hours and a high degree of technical skill to drape that silk so perfectly into place.
- The dress is cut to flow beautifully around the body. The neckline is set high with a band that curves around your neck. The bodice is gathered into that and then drapes down over your front in a series of soft gathers. These are then set into the the waist so that the top and skirt gather in a pretty way into the seam.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there widening out slightly as it near the hem. It is cut slightly longer at the back for a pretty sweep behind you as you move.
- The halter front leaves your entire back completely bare and the waist line at the back is curved downwards slightly and above that is nothing but a bare expanse of skin.
- Two long panels of silk are attached at each shoulder so that they drape dramatically over and down towards the floor. You can wear them over the shoulder more so that you get a more caped effect or wear them more towards the back so that they act like long panelled trains that billow out behind you.
- All of the silk and layers are cut on the bias so the dress really has the most spectacular movement when you move.
- It is simple and classic but has a high impact feel at the same time.
- The bodice and skirt are lined in an ivory silk chiffon and the dress closes with a low set back zipper and hooks to close at the back of the neck. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.
- Tagged a Givenchy 34.
- Excellent condition
Bust: should fit a variety of sizes because of the open back
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 58" from the neck to the front hem in the back extends another 4" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5493
Reference Photo: Credit Unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
lanvin
Gorgeous 2013 Lanvin Blanche by Alber Elbaz Strapless Ivory Silk Wedding Dress w Back Bow & Ruffle
I Have a Question
- This is an absolutely beautiful dress by Lanvin from the 2013 wedding collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz
- He did several variations of this dress and I've included a few of them because I think that it gives you an idea of how the dress will look like on the body. I have had some of these in the shop before and each is stunning.
- I love that it doesn't necessarily feel like a typical wedding gown. A client, who bought the last I had, wore it for an event that was nothing to do with a wedding.
- The dress is made from a fine silk detailed with ivory coloured silk ribbon.
- The bodice is strapless and the dress skims over the body from there to the hem.
- At the back it is gathered up in that elaborate ruffle and bow detailing. This gathering brings the dress in slightly under the hips and gives it a pretty interesting shape as it falls around you.
- The ruffles are tremendously beautiful. A large bow tops them at the back and then they fall and are set all the way down to trail down past the hips, down the skirt and trail past the hem. They are elaborate and caught up with hand placed stitching to hold them in place.
- One of his signature, larger exposed zippers is the perfect finishing Alber touch.
- The fabric has a slight texture running over it and is just thick enough to hold the shape that you see. It is gorgeous.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk with inner structure though the bodice that is lightly boned. An inner waist stay hooks to close. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper between the ruffles at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The colour is slightly richer and creamier in person.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: to 64" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5492
Reference Photo: 2013 Lanvin Blanche Collection.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding Fall 2009 Christian Dior by John Galliano Bias Cut Metallic Silver Floral Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2009 collection and the same fabric was seen on the runway in other pieces.
- It was created under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The show was inspired by 1920s and the 1920s Orientalism of couturier Paul Poiret and you can see that in the fabric of this dress and its nod to the metallic silk lames that were seen so prominently during that era.
- The dress is made from the most striking metallic silver & black fabric that has a subtle silver shimmer from head to toe. The photos capture the colour well, but it has a slightly more metallic feel in person that is really outstandingly beautiful.
- It is completely cut on the bias so that it falls and drapes beautifully over the body.
- The neck line is cut wide across and the shoulders extend slightly over the top of the arm. The bodice has angled darts that come out from the centre of the waist and it is cut to skim over you down to the waist area.
- The waist is shaped by a combination of the seam work there and the gathering at the front. After curving in around the waist it curves back out and over the hips.
- The skirt falls from there to the floor and I love how the bias cut narrows it in around the legs slightly and then the lower portion of skirt flares out dramatically. The back of the skirt is cut slightly longer than the front so you get this phenomenal sweeping feel behind you along with added movement as you walk and move.
- The way it is gathered in around the hips is a strong nod to pieces from the 1930s and 1940s. These are eras that John touched on quite often and that is showcased beautifully in this particular piece. There is a centre seam where all of the fabric has been gathered in towards to create shape and interest around the waist and the of the top of hips.
- The dress is in its original uncut length and just an incredible example of his work from time period.
- It is fully lined in black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. I see some faded marks to the interior lining around the hem. I think this is from storage. The exterior is pristine. When the dress is off the body, the inner lining hangs a bit past the hem but once it was on the dress form, it falls right. This is because of the bias cut of the inner lining - it doesn't shorten to match the exterior hem until there is a body in it.
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition.
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 2" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5491
Reference Photo: Fall 2009 Christian Dior Runway, Look 35.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Spring 2012 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Black Lace Dress w Fabulously Full Lower Skirting
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was featured in the Spring 2012 collection Lookbook sent out to select retailers.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- Lace was one of the primary fabrics that Sarah Burton used for the Spring 2012 collection and Vogue reported that "She based her collection on the three Gs: Grès for the pleating and draping, Gaudí for the architecture, and Gaia for the sense of all-encompassing oceanic life that infused the clothes, like the outfits composed of coral or shells."
- Pink wore its twin for an editorial shoot and Du Juan wore one on the red carpet.
- We have had a gold version in the shop before and I'm very pleased to have found this black one that matches the Lookbook and red carpets that it's twins appeared on.
- The dress is made out of a black lace that tops a pale nude silk underneath.
- The neckline is a scooped and the bodice is shaped to flow over your curves. The waist is a touch on the more easy side and you could easily add a wide corset belt to get the effect you see in the reference photos and really cinch it in.
- It curves over the hips to about the knee and then the lower skirts explodes out from there.
- Insets of the same lace with a layers of silk organza underskirts are set all the way around. If you lay the lower skirt out flat it has more volume than a full circle. This is what creates that incredibly full effect and the volume that the skirt has. We did not add any additional underskirts for these photos, all of that beautiful sweeping volume is all built-in.
- The back is cut slightly longer then the front so you get this beautiful sweeping effect behind you as you walk.
- This dress is Sarah at her best and a highly collectible piece.
- The dress is fully lined in a pale nude silk through the body of the dress and then silk organza is set under the lower skirts. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged McQueen 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 8" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5490
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 2012 Alexander McQueen Look Book. / (2-3) Pink photographed by Andrew MacPherson, Feb 2012. / (4) Du Juan at Deja Vu Screening, June 2012.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
adolfo
Incredible 1960s Adolfo Black Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress w Extensive Hand Bead & Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- This incredibally detailed dress dates to the 1960s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Adolfo Faustino Sardiña, who professionally known as Adolfo.
- Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and, like Halston, he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces.
- Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969.
- The base fabric is a fine black silk chiffon over a black silk and then it is lined in a silk and then onto that are thousands of beads and sequins.
- The extensive bead and sequin work is set onto the silk in a gorgeous design that runs over the dress from top to bottom. The designs are clustered and the work sits up and off the silk for a slight 3D effect. All of the work is done by hand.
- It drapes and sits on the body in a very balanced way despite the elaborate work on it.
- The cut of this dress is a very flattering one shoulder silhouette. The one side curves up and over the shoulder and then from there it curves gracefully across the back. The shoulder strap is an extension of all of the design, so there is no break to the eye.
- The edges of the neck, down and around the one arm opening, and all the way around the hem are all finished with tightly, spaced bead work that is incredible.
- It skims over the bust and there is no seam at the waist. Instead, it is shaped to curve in slightly for shape and then it curves back out and over the hips.
- The dress falls to the floor from there and the skirt widens out a touch as it nears the floor. The hem is on a slight angle and as it curves up to the one side, there is a slit runs up one side for a flash of leg to show as you move or sit.
- I love the contrast of the silver white beads against the black. They catch the light with your slightest movement and from every angle. It is just a spectacular dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side zipper. Hand finishes throughout. There is a tiny bare area between the beading on the shoulder and two small areas around the arm. Please see the photos after the label shot. Otherwise it looks as if it was worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem and the slit is 22" from the hem up.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5489
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding Spring 2000 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Silk Bias Cut Dress w Low Back
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2000 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This John Galliano dress is incredibly beautiful and it is a stunning example of his work. No matter how good you think that this dress looks like in photos it is even better in person and moving.
- The dress is made out of a hammered black silk that has a beautiful texture woven through the silk. I love how that the added texture it has catches the light as you move and adds an extra layer of visual interest to the dress.
- The dress is cut completely on the bias so it just glides over the body. It is made to perfectly fall over you in a sweep of bias cut fabric.
- It skims over the bust with a draped front that falls in a soft fold. Wide straps sweep up and over the shoulders and then extend down into the back.
- The back is truly incredible. It is scooped down into a very low open soft V that leaves most of your back bare.
- At the base of the scoop, it crosses over itself and has a bit of the same drape that you see at the front. It is so well-made that I think there is the possibility that you could wear it turned around back to front with the V at the front, depending on how it worked on your body and how daring you wish to be.
- The dress skims over the waist with a bit of a more generous feel. It continues past the hips and the bias cut of the silk lets it follows your curves and highlights the body underneath without it being too tight and fitted. Galliano was, and is, a genius when it came to this cut.
- Once past the hips the dress flares out as it nears the bottom hem so that it has beautiful movement when you move. One perfect angled seam runs down the front of a skirt for subtle detail and the very bottom of the lower skirt flares out slightly.
- A row of tightly spaced black silk covered buttons and loops run down one side to finish it with his signature detail.
- The dress is fully lined in a fine black silk and closes at the side with the buttons. It is all cut on the bias so the measurements given below are the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat. Being bias cut the length may come up a bit once on the body.
- Tagged a vintage Dior FR42, GB14, US10
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5485
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Fall 1982 Hubert de Givenchy Unlabeled Haute Couture Runway Dress w Feathers w Feather Collar
I Have a Question
- Due to new customs regulations this dress can only ship to a Canadian address. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this.
- This dress is from the Fall 1982 Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy.
- I believe this is the actual runway sample that walked the runway. The only photo that we have been able to find to verify its presence on the runway is one from the back but it is still a photo that shows that it is a runway piece.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
-
The dress is unlabelled and it is made by hand in the same level other of his runway samples that we have had in the shop.
- The bodice and sleeves are made from a black velvet with a flat pile finish. I love how it is cut to sit off shoulder and leave a bare expanse of skin across the top of your shoulders. Two little straps curve over the top of the shoulder to hold it perfectly in place and then the sleeves drop so your upper arm is bare.
- The neck line and the very top of each sleeve have a finish of black feathers that add an amazing feel to the dress.
- The sleeves have been tacked into place along the edge of the bodice and they have an elastic running around the top edge for an easy fit.
- The bodice comes in for shape around the waist and then curves back down to the top of the hip.
- The skirt is spectacular. It comes out from the bottom seam of the top and explodes outward around you with incredible volume
- The skirt is made out of a fine black and silver-grey striped silk that has a pretty red metallic dot woven through its surface. It is the perfect subtle touch of colour and contrast.
- The way the feathers fall around the sleeves and upper bodice is just incredible. They also create slight movements when you move. This is a superb example of his Couture abilities.
- The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt is lined with a black silk organza. It closes with a back zipper and each sleeve zippers to close at the wrist. It is finished a level appropriate to a runway sample and all of the work is by hand. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present given that it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 17" from their open top to the end and the elastic stretches from 8-10" around
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 59" from the top of the shoulder to the front hem and the back extends another 4 " past that. There is an additional. 5" of silk turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5484
Reference Photo: Fall 1982 Givenchy Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Chic Cruise 2007 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Knit & Lace Detailed Dress w Little Attached Mini Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Resort 2007 Chanel collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- Everything about this dress has that chic Chanel feel that makes many of Karl's designs forever classics.
- It is beautiful in person and the simple lines and cut make it the kind of dress that you can wear multiple times with the styling and accessories you add making it feel different each time.
- The dress is made of very light black knit that has different finishes depending on where the knit is placed on the dress. These help to define the various parts of the dress and add visual interest.
- On the bodice and the tiny sleeves the knit is done in a light ribbing. The ribbing is used again to circle around the skirt just under the hip area. In between the knit is a solid fine weave and that also carries down to the bottom portion of a skirt as well with a little cut out detail running all the way around the lower hem.
- Underneath the bottom hem there is an added double layer of a slightly stiffened lace for the prettiest detail. This same lace also tops each little sleeve.
- The dress has no closures. You simply slip it over the head and it drapes over the body perfectly once you have it on.
- The front and back necklines are scooped higher across and there is a little Chanel logo button on the top of each shoulder that holds the dress in place.
- It is meant to be more fitted over the bodice as the knit stretches over you. It runs past the waist and then the dress starts to widen out as it skims out and over the hips. It continues to gently widen out as it nears the hem.
- I love the little sleeves. They are attached along the side of the dress and the opening for the arm is cut a little lower than normal to accommodate this. They sit snuggly around the upper arm and add a pretty little detail.
- The dress is fully lined in a soft inner stretch knit layer and has no closures except for the two buttons at the top of the shoulders. The knit does have some stretch and I have put the range when laying flat below.
- Tagged a Chanel 34
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 6" and are just a touch over 7" around where the lace attaches. That is the area with the least amount of stretch.
Bust: 12-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approximately 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5483
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
I Have a Question
- This is an unlabelled piece that is made to a Demi-haute couture level
- The dress is made of a brilliant feather light pink silk.
- The bodice is cut with a simple feel and then the dress has a wide ruffle on each side that wraps around the shoulders and goes to the back for added drama.
- There is netting inside the ruffle that sits around the shoulders and this helps it to hold its shape and volume. You can also wear this more on the shoulder.
- It is more fitted through the body and has a ruffle that begins at the centre of the bodice extending to wrap down and around the skirt. The ruffle becomes wider as it nears the hem. The back falls longer than the front and it has a beautiful curving line around to the back. Because of the wrap over at the front. when you walk or move you get a flash of leg.
- It comes with its matching little waist band that hooks into place to add more shape to the waist
- It is fully lined in a handset silk and closes with a back zipper . There is an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The matching fabric belt hooks to close. There is one faint mark across the one side of the skirt at the back, near the arms, the hem and some very minor fading near the top of the zipper.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the note above.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 29" from top of shoulder to where it splits, 60" to longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5161
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Spring 1982 Givenchy by Hubert de Givenchy Strapless Pink Silk Dress w Floral Appliqued Bodice
I Have a Question
- A version with similar floral finishes walk the runway for the spring 1982 Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- In 1952, Hubert de Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodmans and was eventually made available at other retailers. The line was high end and extremely well made. This part of his brand was created specifically to appeal to his non-couture clients who wanted to be able to purchase a piece of the Givenchy dream. This label continued until 1992 when it was retired and re-branded as the Givenchy Couture label.
- This dress is from those early days of the label and it is one of the prettiest Givenchy dresses I have seen.
- The dress combines a brilliant pink silk skirt with a more fitted strapless bodice.
- The bodice on this one is so pretty. The base of it is a slightly off-white silk that has a white netting covering it. Onto that is an explosion of the prettiest little silk flowers in a range of pretty pastels mixed with pops of pink and purple.
- These are all placed over the bodice and so they cover it all the way around from the front to the back. They have been laid out flat beside each other and only the centres are sewn down onto the fabric so the petals sit off the fabric and move with the smallest bit of air. This gives it a touch of a 3D feel and pretty movement.
- The skirt is as fabulous and it is very full with the silk layer on the top and an inner silk chiffon layer underneath. The colour is a brilliant pink that perfectly picks up in the pink flowers in the bodice.
- There is a lot of fabric in the skirt and it is set into the waist in soft folds so that it really has fullness and movement when you move.
- The dress came with its original green silk covered belt that you can add if you wanted an extra pop of colour.
- The dress is fully lined in a ivory silk though the bodice and the skirt is lined in a pink silk. Light boning in the bodice. There is an inner waist stay and another under the bust and both hook to close. It closes with a metal side set zipper. There is a touch of grubbiness along the edges of the bodice around the arm areas and the flowers have softened over the years. There is some grubbiness and slight fading to the edge of the skirt hem and I see one tiny hole in the silk. The belt shows fading and wear. Please see the photos after the label shot
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent overall condition with the notes above
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to true inner waist
Total length: 43.5" from true inner waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5481
Reference Photos: Spring 1982 Lanvin Couture. Model Anna Bayle.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Sexiest 2003 Roberto Cavalli Laced Back Corset Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Dress w Stitched Panels
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2003 Cavalli collection and is a variation of Look 30
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli
- Leopard prints were predominant through the runway presentation and the backdrop of the catwalk was a giant wall of video screens. The runway equivalent to this dress was deeply plunged at the front but this production piece with its corset front is far more wearable and easy to fit in my opinion. We have included runway video and stills to show you the similar fit through the body and how it will move
- The dress is made of a leopard print bias cut silk chiffon that is phenomenal. Within the leopard print there are printed gold chains that run over the dress and accentuate the curves of the body underneath. They also build on the cut of the dress itself.
- The dress is suspended from two tiny straps in the same silk that curved up and over the shoulders. The straps have a touch of elastic inside to help it fit perfectly once on. At the back they curve slightly inwards and attach. The entire upper back is left bare and exposed.
- There is a built-in inner underwired bra that holds everything in place. This gives you the structure you need while still keeping the feel of a bias cut dress over that.
- The dress curves in at the waist with a combination of long curving vertical seams and ones set in peaked angles that curved downwards. It curves back out over the hips from there. Everything is cut on the bias and there are no horizontal seams to break the print or lines of the dress.
- The lower skirt flares out with quite a bit of fabric used for its construction. The back has extra fabric and is cut a little longer than the front so that you have a beautiful bit of fabric behind you as you move. The extra fabric also gives you wonderful movement as you walk.
- I love how all of the seams around the bodice are pieced together with an obvious brown thread stitching them together. The way this is done allows for a little bit of bare skin to show between the stitches. It is a subtle detail but a fantastic one.
- The final perfect finishing touch is the laced back. This allows you to adjust the fit perfectly to you and it gives the dress the perfect signature Cavalli sexiness.
- The dress is unlined and closes with the laces at the back. The straps have slight elastic in them and there is a built-in underwire bra to create a corset effect. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Cavalli Small
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam when it is tightly laced up. Loosening the laces would give you whatever extra room you needed around.
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: the very front centre is 60" from top of shoulder and then it starts to curve around to end up being 67" at the back.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5479
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2003 Roberto Cavalli, Look 30.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
jean louis scherrer
Gorgeous Spring 2007 Jean Louis Scherrer by Stephane Rolland Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2007 runway and it is an absolute stunner.
- It was made under the creative direction of Stephane Rolland.
- The dress is made of a beautifully printed feather light silk chiffon and the bow details are a brown silk.
- Wide straps extend up from the two front triangles and wrap and button at the back of the neck. This leaves a plunge right to the wide band that circles around the waist. The result is a low plunge, but because of the way the halter is cut and the width of each side, everything is held perfectly in place once on.
- The waist is defined by a wide band of the same fabric. It starts high up above the waist and is gathered horizontally around you ending at the top of the hip.
- All of the gathering through that area has all been hand tacked into place. I love the shape that it adds to the dress.
- The back is equally spectacular. It is completely bare and exposed from the strap that curves around the neck down to the top edge of the band that details and add shape to the waist.
- The skirt is spectacular. At the front there is a draped panel that falls down the centre and then is caught up with a deep brown bow underneath where is flounces. The lower tier of the skirt widens and flows out from there with extra fabric gathered in.
- The back of the skirt is cut so that it falls a little longer than the front. This creates a really pretty sweeping movement behind you as you walk.
- I love that the print is soft. All of the browns are more on the tawny feeling side to create this pretty softness over the dress. I think in person it feels even less of a contrast in the print than how it photos. It is very pretty.
- The dress has its original tag with its price of €4250 or just under €6500 in modern dollars.
- The dress is lined in a nude colour silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. There are three buttons at the neck. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Scherrer 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers approximately 7" flat across from side to side
Band under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to top of the 8.5" band at the waist
Total length: approx 68" from neck to front hem and the back ham extends another 5" beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5477
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2007 Jean Louis Scherrer.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Exceptional Spring 1999 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Bias Cut Silk Dress w Lace Detailing
I Have a Question
- This spectacular dress is a very rare piece from the Spring 1999 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- For this show the Dior Catwalk book noted that "Galliano took a trip on the Trans-Siberian railway and drew inspiration from Russian avant-garde as well as the Chinese red army."
- A shorter version of this dress was shown in the presentation and then a long all silk version without the lace inset at the front was presented. We have included both so you can see how this will fit on the body.
- This is one of his signature bias cut dresses and it is absolutely stunning.
- The dress falls from two straps that curve up and over the shoulders. The front falls in a soft curving drape and then the back is scooped low to leave your upper back bare. The draped front is a clever way to add shape while still keeping the entire dress soft and with little formal structure.
- Behind the draped silk of the bust is a second halter cut bodice made out of black lace. As the front drapes down this lace peeks out from behind it.
- Set just underneath the bust is an angled ribbon of lace that is just over an inch and a half wide. This angles up towards the centre of the bust and then runs around the back.
- Another panel of lace highlights the seam that the lower skirt is set into and then the entire hem is finished with the same lace. I love how the placement of lace is done to highlight your shape.
- None of the lace used has any backing so that once this is on the body you get a glimpse of skin through all of the lace parts of the dress. It is brilliant.
- The rest of the dress is made out of beautiful textured hammered black silk. The silk is a heavier weighted silk and it is completely cut on the bias. When you put it on it simply drapes over you and highlights every curve without ever being too tight anywhere.
- It skims over the bust, waist and hips and then comes in slightly to where the bottom lace inset is done. The lower skirt flares out substantially under that and there are yards of fabric in that part of the dress alone. This gives you incredible movement when you walk and finishes the dress beautifully. This flowing hourglass shape was a Galliano signature and this one is absolutely spectacular.
- The inner lining under the lower skirt is finished with yet another panel of black lace, and this peaks out from underneath the skirt. Perfectly tying everything together.
- The dress is an exceptional example from his very early days at Dior. A true piece of fashion history.
- The lace serves as the lining behind the draped front and then the rest of the dress is lined in a black silk except for behind the lace parts which are left unlined. It closes with hidden set side zipper. It is completely cut on the bias so there is a lot of movement and range to the fabric. It is an easy fit and the bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes I have put the range when laying flat in the measurements below. On a smaller frame it will drape more. I see a small scuff on the fabric here and there. Very minor and just mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a vintage Dior FR40, GB12, US8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from top of shoulder to lace under the bust
Total length: approx 65" from top of shoulder to hem. The length may come up a touch once on because of the bias cut.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5474
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 1999 Christian Dior.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
richard tyler
Outstanding 2000s Richard Tyler Black Silk Dress w Gathered Inserts & Scooped Open Back
I Have a Question
- The dress is from one of the 2000s Richard Tyler Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Richard Tyler.
- Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s and early 2000s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993. In 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson, and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and his dresses made regular appearances on the red carpet.
- Tyler was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes and at the time employed some of the best tailors and seamstresses in the business.
- The dress is made out of silk and is beautifully structured. It is cut to appear like it just drapes into place, but with its lining and infrastructure around the bodice area, it does have more structure than it appears at first glance.
- This gorgeous little number is in amazing condition and is cut beautifully. It is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps that curve over and down the back.
- The dress is cut to follow the curves of your body but without being super tight.
- The neckline dips into a wide cut V at the front that allows the straps to sit at the edges of your shoulders.
- There are ruffled gathered panels that are set over the dress to highlight the cut and shape. You see this across the front bodice as they follow the curve, shape and angle down towards the waist, and then start their angled descent down the length of the full dress.
- When you turn around, the back has a low scoop that leaves most of your back completely bare and exposed. It is very sexy.
- The shape through the waist is cleverly created by those inset panels that curve over the body.
- From there, it curves back out over the hips and then falls to the floor. The skirt comes in slightly around the knee area and then the lower part of the skirt widens out substantially as it reaches the hem. Extra fabric has been worked through the back of the skirt where it is cut on a curve that is longer than the front hem. This gives you a sweeping feel as you walk away.
- There are added weights around the lower skirt and the piping that finishes the bottom hem has a touch of padding and weight to it. This has all been done to help hold the shape and volume of the lower skirt around you.
- It looks so simple on my dress form but this is a dress that is a bombshell piece once it is on an actual body. It is so good.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. There is vertical boning on the sides of the bodice to help hold it in place. Perhaps a tiny bit of grubbiness and wear to the edge of the hem but this is extremely minor and only mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 6.5" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5476
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
roberto cavalli
Spring 2016 Roberto Cavalli by Peter Dundas Beaded & Rhinestone Snake Detail White Jersey Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 2016 Roberto Cavalli Collection and it is a piece that was produced for the shops.
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- The dress is made out of a white jersey that has some stretch to it which makes it very easy to wear and comfortable once it is on the body.
- The neckline is scooped with a slightly wider cut. The shoulders are soft and the single sleeve that the dress has is long and slightly tapered into the wrist.
- It skims over the bust and is gathered in along one side to add some shape to the waist. From there it curves back out and over the hips to fall to the floor in one long sweep of jersey. The dress is in its original uncut length.
- The detailing on the dress is phenomenal. A heavily detailed snake that combines gold tube beading with rectangular and round prong set rhinestones and tiny silver tube beads is set on top of a three dimensional padding. This gives the snake a rounded out shape so that it slightly sits up and off of the fabric.
- The tail of the snake starts on one side of the neckline, wraps around the back collar, and then runs down the front to follow the low cut opening that your arm slips through. It curves around and into the waist, back around the side of the hip, and then the head of the snake sits just above an extremely high slit at the side.
- The snake detail is incredible. I love how he dropped the depth of the arm hole on one side and then balanced that with the high slit on that same side. It feels very sexy but the placement of the snake and the structure that is added by the under padding holds everything perfectly in place once it is on. It is quite ingenious.
- The dress is fully lined through the body with a second layer of the same white jersey and the sleeve has no lining. It zips to close at the back with a hidden set zipper and there is a zipper at the cuff of the single sleeve. I see perhaps the tiniest bit of grubbiness along the inside collar and around the edge of the hem. There are a couple of teeny tiny pulls in the fabric. I have photoed one for you that is at the back near the zipper. Please see the photo after the label shot. These are all extremely minor and noted for accuracy. The fabric does have some stretch so I have put the comfortable range of measurements below.
- Tagged a modern Cavalli 44
- Excellent condition
Sleeve: 24.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Bust: covers to 15-17" flat across from side to side with no true seam on the side without the sleeve.
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to hem, the slit is 33" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5473
Reference Photo: credit unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding Cruise 2010 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Version in White Silk Chiffon Draped Dress
I Have a Question
- This is an incredible white, all silk chiffon, version of Look 16 from the Dior Cruise 2010 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The dress is made out of a soft ivory silk chiffon that is feather light in weight and moves beautifully.
- The chiffon has been gathered horizontally around the bust and inside the bodice there is built-in inner support. This part of the dress is opaque.
- A wide panel of chiffon is angled over to one side so that it can be draped down and over the shoulder or gathered up on top of the shoulder. I love the versatility of this because it allows you to put it how it suits you best. I think if you wanted a strapless look, you could also have it hang around and down one hip instead.
- On the other side opposite to that shoulder you have an expanse of bare ski showing. On that same side, you have the appearance of the chiffon panel being knotted into place with the ends, falling for pretty added detail.
- The skirt falls from underneath the bust in two stacked layers of silk chiffon. Even with the two layers of silk, the skirt has transparency to it, which gives you the flexibility of wearing different options underneath to be as bare or covered as you wish.
- I love how the back of the skirt curves around to trail out behind you. The double layer of chiffon and the added fabric there allow it to billow out around you as you move and walk.
- It is extraordinarily beautiful and a gorgeous piece of Galliano for Dior.
- The bodice area that you can see is more opaque is fully lined in a matching silk. The skirt is made of two stacked layers of chiffon, but does have some transparency as seen. The dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see one tiny nick in the fabric near the vertical edge of the skirt. Please see the photo after the label shot. It is otherwise appears to have been unworn.
- There was no size tag present, so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 7" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Total length: 58" from top of bodice to front hem, 76" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5472
Reference Photo: Resort 2010 Dior, Look 16.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
nina ricci
Ethereal 1990s Nina Ricci by Gerard Pipart Haute Couture Runway Silk Chiffon Dress w Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress is a beautiful example from Nina Ricci Haute Couture.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gerard Pipart.
- The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world.
- In 1964 Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou, brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand.
- Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He headed the Couture division until 1998 which makes this a dress from one of his final few seasons.
- This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture.
- It would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris ateliers.
- The dress is made out of layers of a deep blue bias cut silk chiffon that is feather light in weight.
- The bodice is strapless and it has an inner shaped corset that is lightly boned and shaped for light support. The top is slightly rounded above each breast and then dips down and into the centre.
- The silk chiffon has been gathered and softly draped by hand over the body from the bust to the top of the hips. The draping goes all the way around you and adds to the hourglass feel the dress has.
- The waist cinches in and the dress comes with its original matching silk sash that you can tie and style around your shoulders or neck.
- The skirt flows out from under there and it is made up of yards and yards of weightless silk chiffon that is all cut on the bias. The layers of chiffon create the most phenomenal movement as they float over each other.
- I love that added bit of glamour from the beautiful band of glass crystals, silver tube beads and silver sequins that run from the centre of the bust and then curve down and over one hip. It is like an added bit of jewellery to the dress and just beautiful.
- The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a hand set blue silk. The skirt has an inner layer of silk under the top layers of bias cut silk chiffon. The bodice is shaped and lightly boned inside with softly shaped cups. It closes with a hand set back zipper. The dress is entirely made by hand with its proper Haute Couture tag present. There are a couple of tiny repairs and tiny areas of thinning/pinholes here and there in the skirt. There is so much fabric you do not see them but this is mentioned for accuracy. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- There is no size tag present as it is true Haute Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the minor note above.
Bust: 14.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to the seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 44" from top of bodice to shortest point of the front hem and 56" to the back hem
Scarf: approx 20" x 80"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD5468
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Cruise 2010 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 33 Silk Chiffon Dress w Oversized Floral Print
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Chanel 2010 Cruise runway for Look 33.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- The show was set on the boardwalk of the Venice Lido at dusk. "Coco at Lido" is how Karl Lagerfeld described this cruise collection. Vogue described the scene as Karl "reinstating the long-lost leisurely sensation of a fashion show as an exceptional one-off experience. The 350 guests reclining on sun beds in the famous white tented cabanas certainly felt privileged to be witnessing the extreme glamour of the designer's learned-but-light invocation of an important part of Coco Chanel's biography." The location was "one of Coco Chanel's favourite summer haunts—she visited Venice for almost ten years beginning in 1919 and met Diaghilev here".
- The inspiration behind much of the show was the twenties and thirties and you can see that in the lines of this dress.
- The dress is made out of a feather light ultra fine silk chiffon whose weave gives it the feel of a fine netting or mesh.
- The silk is covered in a beautiful oversized floral print in dusky pastels done in a way that makes then look like they have been hand painted directly onto the fabric. The base colour is a deep blue-purple.
- The dress is sleeveless and the very upper portion of the bodice around the shoulders is a single layer of the chiffon so that it has a touch of transparency. It is cut to skim over the bodice down to the waist. An attached panel of the same fabric wraps around your waist and hooks into place at the back for added shape and subtle detailing.
- The dress falls from there in a swoop of feather light silk to the hem which widens out as it nears the floor. The back feels slightly fuller than the front so you get this pretty billowing effect around you when you walk. This is a signature Karl silhouette to give his dresses as much movement as possible.
- The famous double C logo is worked throughout the floral print of the dress making it clear that you are wearing Chanel.
- The dress is lined with the same fabric through the bodice and the skirt is lined with a layer of a deep blue silk. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper and has a hook and eye at the back of the neck with a keyhole between the two. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Chanel 36
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.25" from top of shoulder to waist
Total Length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5469
Reference Photos/Video: Resort 2010 Chanel, Look 33.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Incredible 1980s Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Strapless Blue Matte Silk Dress w Velvet Bow Detailing
I Have a Question
- This is an original Givenchy Haute Couture gown whose number tag dates it to approximatelywho's number tag dates it to approximately 1985 to 1987.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- If not for the tag inside and the number that seems to best place it in that time period we have assigned it to based on other Givenchy Couture pieces we've had in the shop, we would have absolutely thought this was a piece from the 1950s at first glance. It has all the beautiful lines you see in that golden era of Old Hollywood.
- It is made out of a deep blue matte silk that has a bit of a moire design running over its surface. It is a very unique fabric and because the dress is a couture piece it could very well have been specifically produced for this dress.
- The dress is strapless with a handmade built-in interior boned corset to hold it in place around you. It has a stay just under the bust and around the waist to hold it in place and it is lightly boned. I love the extensive hand work that you see inside that shows the high amount of detail that goes into a couture piece.
- The top of the bodice has a slate fullness to it with an added panel of fabric that wraps around the bodice that is gathered and stitched in place by hand to form soft curves and puffs.
- At the front of the bodice there is a large blue velvet bow that has been hand placed. Slightly smaller bows have been attached all the way around the skirt. The bows add a pretty and feminine detail and the contrast of the deeper blue of the velvet is the perfect highlight against the silk backdrop.
- The dress curves in at the waist and then flares out to be very full through the skirt as it falls to the floor.
- The shape through the upper portion of the dress has all been made from the immaculate piecing together of vertical panels. There are eight of them in total and each is shaped to create the curving feel over the bust and waist that you see.
- From there, the skirt curves back out over the hips to meet the first of two wide panels that make up the lower portion of the skirt and give it the volume that you see.
- Each of those panels is set into a seam attached to the panel above, and they are slightly gathered all the way around you. This ties in the feel that the very top of the bodice has and also adds to the volume of the skirt.
- Underneath that gorgeous top layer is a built-in silk underskirt. It has multiple layers of panels built-in around the hem area and more built-in just past the knee. These fall softly under the exterior skirt to help to hold its shape. The inner construction of this underscored is quite extensive and again is a nod to the meticulous detailing that you find in a true Couture piece.
- It is incredibly well made as one would expect for a piece of Couture.
- The dress has weight to it because of all the internal layers but it is balanced perfectly once on the body.
- A full built in bodice closes with its own zipper and the inner stays hook to close. Handmade light padding cups are built in at the bust. The rest of the dress is lined in layers of silk. The dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. All the work is by hand and to Haute Couture standards. The dress has its proper couture label and handwritten tape underneath in place. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 50.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5470
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
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