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This Roberto Cavalli dress is from a more recent collection and it is the kind of dress that you slip on when you want to make a statement. It is an easy-to-wear dress and very flattering once on the body. The stretch jersey fabric and chic leopard print are the perfect combination. The lines are simple and it has that perfectly easy but sexy feel. You literally just slip this over your head and done. Once it is on, it moves with you and highlights your curves. The dress has a high neckline and long sleeves. Each sleeve widens out as it near it's end. You are fully covered at the front but then when you turn there is a large open cut out at the back for an expanse of bare skin to show. It skims over your waist and hips and then falls to the floor in a column of jersey. On one side of the skirt there is a high scooped out slit that allows almost the full leg to show as you walk or move. It is one of the dresses that you just slip into and walk out feeling like a million bucks. The leopard print acts like a neutral in many ways and you can pair just about any colour with this to change up the look of it. It is an amazing print that works on almost any skin tone. Very sexy on. Excellent condition
Unlined slips on to wear with no closures. Tagged a Cavalli 38. The fabric has stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range of that stretch when it's laying flat. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Sleeves: 28.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Slit: 32" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4832
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Ages ago we had a dress in the shop that was similar to this one in many ways and we have included the reference photo from that one that is of a Halston dress shot for Vogue in 1974. On the dress we had, the ruffles were set more towards the back of the neck and on this one they come all the way around, but I believe that this one is from about the same time period, if not the same collection.
Halston was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. His bias cut pieces, like this one, sometimes feel somewhat shapeless on the hanger or on a dress form and it is only when they are on a body that they drape and settle into place the way they were intended. They seem so very simple but they are not. The dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature that he was famous for. The colour is a beautiful deep blood red that is flattering on most skin tones. It is feather light and it weighs ounces once it is on. it comes with its original slip under dress and I love that because it is like you are getting two dresses in one. The under dress is backed in its own layers of a nude silk chiffon and you could wear the dress on its own as a slip dress. Popping the outer dress over it gives you the full on look and then you could also wear the outer dress over a different coloured slip to get a different feel. It is one of those dresses that gives you lots of styling options. The cut through the body of the outer dress is extremely loose and easy. There is an elastic at the waist and it allows you to wear the dress longer with the elastic more to the top of the hips, or you can pull it up to shorten the length and make it more of a day piece. The neckline is ruffled and it has a silk chiffon pipe length running through it that ties at the front. This lets you wear it more wide and off of the shoulders or you can wear it more closed and around the neck. Each sleeve is soft and full and end with a ruffle finish. The skirt is full and open. The matching inner silk dress is cut on the bias and it slips over the head and is suspended from nude silk chiffon straps. If worn more down, the dress will land between full length and ankle length, depending on your height. If pulled up at the waist, the length pulls up more to land between knee and calf. It is gorgeous and so versatile. Excellent condition
The outer dress is a single layer of silk chiffon and the separate inner slip dress has two layers of bias cut nude silk chiffon under the top red layer. Both pieces slip over the head to wear. The outer dress ties at the neck and has elastic at the waist. Each cuff is finished with elastic above the ruffled ends. Hand finishes.
Outer dress
Sleeves: approx 29"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 18-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 10-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: to 17" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Inner slip dress
Bust: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4831
Reference Photo: Model wearing Halston. Photo by Richard Avedon. Vogue US, December 1974.
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yves saint laurent
1994 Yves Saint Laurent Black Strapless Gold & Black Cord Dress w Side Bows
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This incredible dress is the Rive Gauche shorter version of the Fall 1994 famous Couture side bow dress. It is incredibly sexy and it feels very French. This one has the added modern provenance of being the actual dress worn Adria Arjona for the 2018 Gold Globes season. We have included a shot of her in the dress so you can see how it looks on the body along with the Couture dress that was the inspiration for this dress.
The dress is gorgeous and the fabric itself is part of what makes it so fabulous. The top layer of fabric is a black lace that has a silk cord applied on top of it to follow the pattern of the lace underneath. This sits over an inner lace that has metallic gold metal thread woven over its surface. The effect of the gold peeking out from underneath is gorgeous and I love the depth and interest that this creates. The dress is strapless and meant to hug and fit over the body. Inside there is a built in corset with boning that holds the dress in place around you. It hugs the bust and is shaped so that it curves in at the waist. There is no waist seaming, it just curves in for shape and then it skims over the hips and has a more pencil shape that will sit above the knee. How short it sits depends on your height. The dress has three pretty bows down one side. The top lace and cord layer is attached and it closes over the inner gold layer to the third bow. From the third bow to the hem that top layer is open so that when you walk and move you get a stronger feel of the gold underneath. It is absolutely fantastic and an instantly recognizable piece of YSL. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side set zipper and the top layer of lace hooks in place over the zipper. The inner bust is boned. Tagged a vintage YSL 38
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4827
Reference Photos: (1-2) Adria Arjona, wearing this dress, at the Vanity Fair x Instagram Golden Globes Party, January 2018. / (3) Fall 1994 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. / (4) Fall 1994 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture n° 67976 from Gros & Delettrez.
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roberto cavalli
Dreamy 2004 Roberto Cavalli Pale Pink & Copper / Gold Wire Embellished Dress
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This Roberto Cavalli dress is from 2004 and it is gorgeous. A close version to it was worn by Jaime Tisch that year and we have included a photo so that you can get an idea of how spectacular the dress will be once on the body as it is so similar. The dress I have in the shop today was worn and loved and it is not 100% perfect but it is still wearable if you don't mind wearing something that has a bit of a distressed feel to it.
No matter how good you think that this dress looks like in photos it is even better in person and moving. The heavy copper / gold coloured metal wire and rhinestones that were used to create the pattern on the silk catch the light from every angle when you move. The dress is made out of the palest ballet pink silk. The dress is cut on the bias so it just glides over the body. It buttons down the back in a row of tightly spaced silk covered buttons and it is cut to just fall over you in a sweep of bias cut silk. The dress is suspended from the shoulders by two tiny silk straps and the front falls over the bust with a V neck plunge at the front and the back. The dress skims over the waist and hips with seams that are reminiscent of the couture dresses of the thirties. All are done so that the bias cut of the silk follows your curves and highlights the body underneath without it being too tight and fitted. Once past the hips the dress flares out as it nears the bottom and it is incredibly full. A wide panel circles all the way around the lower skirt and there is stiffened netting placed behind it so that it holds the fullness around you. When you walk or move the skirt kicks out to add beautiful movement and volume. The final perfect detail is that spectacular design made out of a combination of metal wire in a deep copper gold tone. This is set so that it curves up and off the silk for a 3D effect. Prong set rhinestones are scattered in and among the designs on the bust and around the hips. These catch the light beautifully as you move. It is just wonderful. Over all great condition with a note below
Fully lined with a pale pink silk chiffon and closes with the buttons down the back. The measurements given below are the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat. The bias cut of the dress should work on a range of sizes. On smaller frames it will drape more and be more fitted on larger frames. The very slightest yellowing to the silk here and there and around the waist area in particular. You can see it in the photos presented and I would say the photos make it look worse than it is in real life. Tagged a Cavalli XS
Bust: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from top of shoulder to front hem, 70" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4825
Reference Photo: Jaime Tisch attends a preview gala dinner for the Metropolitan Museum's "Wild: Fashion Untamed" exhibition, hosted by fashion designer Robert Cavalli, on December 6, 2004.
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Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and then 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. This is a very chic and sexy example of his work from this time period and it is even better in person.
The dress is made out of a feather light silk chiffon that is bias cut and backed in a second layer of silk that has the same pretty print over its surface. This layering of the print creates a really pretty depth and added dimension to the dress. Both layers are cut on the bias and the layers float over each other perfectly to drape over the body. It is incredible. The dress is as light as a feather and feels like heaven once on the body. The dress curves over the shoulders and the neckline plunges down between the breasts with a pretty ruffle following the neckline. The back has the same V and ruffle treatment. It cleverly closes at the base of the V and you could probably wear this either way around. It skims over the bust and then from there the dress falls in an extravagant swoosh to the floor with an easy cut over the waist and hips. The bias cut lets it drape over the body underneath but at the same time it feels insanely comfortable on because the fabric weighs ounces. I have added a taupe grosgrain ribbon at the waist to cinch it in more but also shot it without so you could see that as well. It works either way. The skirt widens out as it nears the floor and there are extra long draping panels that extend past the hemline for the perfect and prettiest finish. Excellent condition.
Made from a layer of silk chiffon topping an inner silk layer as described above. It closes with a hidden set zipper. The ribbon at the waist is not original to the dress but will be included. The bias cut has some give and the comfortable range of measurements are listed below. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: 18-20" 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: 62" from the top of the shoulder to actual hem and then the panels extend up to 12" beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4823
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Alber joined Lanvin in 2001 and served as the labels Creative Director until 2015. His first break as a designer came when he landed the senior assistant role at Geoffrey Beene. He stayed there for seven years until he was recruited to design for the Guy Laroche label in 1996. in 1998 he took over the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear for Yves Saint Laurent for three short seasons. A stint at Krizia and then a break happened before his time with Lanvin. The Alber years for Lanvin are ones that are much loved by all and with his passing owning these pieces seems even more poignant. The twin of this dress was Look 23 on the Spring Runway and one was worn by Amanda Seyfield to her premiere that year.
This is one of those dresses that you just slip on and walk out the door feeling great in. The pleat detailing and loose and easy shape is obviously inspired by Issey Miyake and then Alber has put his own spin on it with the raw deconstructed edges the dress has and the zipper at the back. The sleeves extend out from the body of the dress and the bodice is meant to feel slightly oversized over you. He has shaped the dress into an hourglass so once it is on, you can wear it up on the waist more to create a bit of a blousing feel over top of the waist. If you are very tiny through the upper hip it would fall more like how it does on the runway and skim over your body. It curves out over the hips and then narrows down in at the hem. The edges all have raw fringed feel and at the back a chunky zipper sits under another raw finished edging. It is a super pretty and very light in weight dress that is easy to wear. Excellent condition.
Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper. Tagged a Lanvin 36
Sleeves: the arm opening are 12" around
Shoulders: no defined seam
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: 36" from neck to hem and will come up when on if bloused over at the waist
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4820
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 2011 Lanvin, Look 23. Model Sofie Roelens. / (3) Amanda Seyfried in Lanvin at the Premiere of Little Red Riding Hood, March 2011.
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This is an incredible dress that dates to the 1998-2002 era based on similar cuts that I have had in the shop and what was on the runways. The dress is easy to wear and very flattering once on the body.
This is a gorgeous dress. I love the open back and the scooped neckline at the front. It has the perfect amount of sexiness but still manages to feel elegant. Classic Valentino. It is a dress that really comes alive once on the body. It is very light and easy to wear. It is completely cut on the bias and this lets it skim over your body and highlight every curve, but not in a tight, constricting kind of way. It is made from a double layer of a feather light bias cut black silk chiffon that has ribbon and lace detailing. The dress falls from ribbon straps that are also used over the bodice to create that criss cross diamond shape. The ribbons add both a touch of structure and visual detail. At the back the straps cross over and the back dips into a low curve across the small of your back. This leaves the back almost completely bare. As the dress falls over you it widens out to be loose and easy over the hips and then falls to the floor. There is a ton of fabric in the skirt which creates beautiful movement as you move. The entire hem is finished with a wide 4.5" band of black lace that goes all the way around for the perfect final feminine detail. It is a beautiful example of Mr Valentino's work. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a black silk chiffon and closes with a back hidden zipper at the base of the scoop at the back.
Bust: the front covers to 15" flat across with no true side seams
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4817
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This is a gorgeous dress by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and its twin walked the runway for the Fall 1998 season. In the book 'Chanel Catwalk' the notes for the show say tell us that it "was meant to evoke the style and atmosphere of Coco Chanel's Deauville and Biarritz days in the late 1910 and early 1920s." A photo of the dress is included in that book and I also have runway photos so that you can see how fantastic this dress is on the body.
Everything about this dress has that chic Chanel feel that makes many of Karl's designs classics forever. Even without the fact that the Chanel logo literally covers every inch of the dress it still feels very Chanel. 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. It is made of very light black cotton mix netting that has the Chanel letters done in denser threads so that they stand out. These are scattered over the entire dress. Around the neckline, circling the arms, the waist, hips and around the bottom hem, there is a second net ribbon that has the Chanel name and double C logo. The dress is light in weight and it simply drapes over the body perfectly once you have it on. The front and back necklines are scooped and at the back it is scooped lower so that you get a bit of bare skin showing. The waist is loose and easy and then the dress starts to widen as it skims out over the hips. The skirt falls under that to the floor gently widening out as it nears the hem. It is that perfect easy dress but will the added impact of obviously being a Chanel. It is just stunning. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a soft brown crepe and it closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a Chanel 36. The easy cut and slight stretch of the dress should allow it to fit on a variety of sizes.
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from top of shoulder to top of band at the slightly dropped waist
Total length: 57.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4819
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1998 Chanel Runway. / (3) From the book "Chanel: Catwalk".
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
Spectacular Spring 2000 John Galliano Deep Pewter Coloured Bias Cut Silk Dress w Matching Fringed Shawl
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John Galliano began his own label in 1984 and he was instantly a bit of a 'boy wonder' in fashion. He was British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995. In 1991 he made his Paris catwalk debut. In 1995 he was asked to head Givenchy and then went to Dior in October of 1996. Unlike many designers he kept his own label going as well throughout the years at both those houses. His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from the Spring 2000 season and it is gorgeous. This dress was a piece made for production for retail but it has all the things we love about his work presented in a beautifully chic and minimalist package.
The dress is gorgeous. It definitely takes inspiration from the bias cut couture pieces of the 20s and 30s. The seam work and simplicity of this dress is stunning to see and it is even better on an actual body. It is made from a beautiful silk that has a matte satin finish. The colour is like a deep pewter silver with a touch of a taupe brown undertone to it. It has that same light in weight feel that the best of the 1930s pieces did that were made from similar fabrics. Like those liquid dresses of the thirties this is also completely cut on the bias. It is cut to flow over the body and skim its way over the bust, waist and hips as it falls to the floor. The dress falls from straps that curve up and over each shoulder. The straps have their own detail that I love. Each one is a double strap that is stitched together at the top of the shoulder, crosses over themselves, and then are attached to the dress with a round disk made out of the same fabric that has been piped and stitched into a circle. He has added this detail to the front and to the back of each strap. The neckline comes down into a V and it does the same thing at the back for a pretty exposure of skin. I love how the V of the neckline picks up with the V shapes created within each strap. It skims over the bodice with no seam at the waist on the front of the dress. At the back there is a low set angled seam that gives a bit of shape through the lower back. The skirt flows down to the floor, skimming over the hips and then flaring out as it reaches the hem. The flaring shape is achieved by the bias cut of the fabric rather then extensive seaming. This gives you some pretty movement around the lower skirt when you walk or move. It also adds to the hourglass shape the dress has. It is all done so that it sits in a certain way on your hips and then that in turn affects how the entire dress sits on your body. The dress comes with its matching shawl piece that is equally incredible. It is 26" at its widest point and just over 8 feet long. At each end, the fabric is gathered into one of those circular piped discs that you see on the base of the shoulder straps, and then they are finished with a beautiful 7 1/2" tasselled fringe. You can simply drape this over your shoulders and it adds that perfect touch for when you make your entrance in the dress. It becomes an integral design detail in itself. It is these subtle little details that Galliano put into his dresses that make them heads above other pieces. The dress is spectacular. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear with no true closures. Tagged a Galliano FR42, GB14, US8. The bias cut fabric does have some stretch. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dropped waist: 14-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from the top of the shoulder to hem
Shawl 26"w x 100" long end to end and including the tassels
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4814
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alexander mcqueen
Gorgeous Fall 2004 Alexander McQueen 'Pantheon Ad Lecum' Runway Off Shoulder Knit Dress
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This is a spectacular and rare dress from the Fall 2004 McQueen show and its twin walked the runway that season. On the runway it was shown with a sash wrapped around the hips and you could easily replicate this if you wished. It is equally as good on its own. The runway pieces were not produced in significant numbers and were often only found at the flagship stores in very limited quantities. For this collection McQueen was quoted as saying that he wanted to 'strip away all theatrics and focus purely on design'. The colours in the show focused on a nude palette and these taupe pieces were a predominant element in the collection. He also kept the embellishments to the bare minimum throughout the collection and this dress showcases that nod towards simplicity.
The dress is made from a very fine knit jersey that has a slight sheen to it. The seams are then either surged and top stitched, or have been covered and highlighted with a silk cording. This use of the seams as a way to create design details within the dress is a very McQueen feeling signature and it really highlights the cut of the piece. The neckline on the dress is a wide ribbed panel that has a lot of stretch available to it. You could wear it up and off the shoulders but it is best worn as shown on the runway, stretched and pulled down to leave the shoulders bare and exposed. The bodice is cut to skim over you and the sleeves are long. Each sleeve has some fullness above its 4" cuff. On the runway, they pulled the cuff up and inside so you just saw the part that blouses over and not the cuffs itself. A very clever styling trick. From there it continues past the hips to the floor. If you thought the way the seams have been detailed on the bodice is pretty, the skirt is magical. There are stacked side by side peaked panels whose tops sit at different heights around the entire skirt. Each has a touch of open cut work around their seams which gives the dress more depth and detail. This piecing of the side by side panels also allows the skirt to have more of a flare at its bottom. You can see how beautifully it moves in the runway video here. It is my understanding from my client that only a limited amount of these were produced. This is an iconic piece of McQueen's history. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Fully lined in an ivory stretch lingerie type fabric and slips over the head to wear. The knit jersey has stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat. I see a tiny area on the knit where it misses a stitch. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged a McQueen 38. Any change in colour you see is just the lighting. The stretch fabric should allow it to accommodate a variety of sizes.
Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: variable
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 60" from the top of the natural shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4816
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2004 Alexander McQueen.
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stavropoulos
Exceptional 1970s George Stavropoulos Pale Yellow Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Caftan Dress w Attached Panel
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George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns 'seemed to float on air'. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. The majority of his gowns are almost entirely made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s one of his evening dresses started at a cost of around $8500USD and they went up in cost from there. To put that in modern terms, that would be about thirty thousand dollars. It was an incredible amount of money at the time and yet women couldn't get enough of them. This one is especially beautiful.
This dress is drop dead gorgeous with its yards and yards of silk chiffon and draping. It is a little extra interesting because of the the attached top panels that allow you to wear the dress in multiple ways. If you look closely at the photos I have here you will see that I have styled it differently by wrapping the panels around the body in different ways to give the dress several looks. I think that you could probably come up with even more variations once it is on. The dress is made of an incredible six feather light layers of that beautiful bias cut silk chiffon. The inner five layers are stacked on top of each other and then the very top is a panel that wraps around on one side and has been caught up in a draping effect. To make sure that the drape that he wished to have is perfect, there is a little weight hidden inside the drape so that it hangs perfectly. I took a photo of it for you to see. Then on the other side it is open from under the arm down and that is the layer that you can tie and wrap in different ways. It is stunning to see in person. The effect of layering the chiffon gives it so much more movement and drape and it creates this beautiful movement when you move. The layers have just enough weight to stay in place when you are standing still and then when you move they move with you and the effect is gorgeous. The slightest bit of movement on your part or bit of air around you will cause it to move. This is a fabric that is notoriously difficult to work with and it shows just what a genius he was by the way that he was able to make it flow and sit so beautifully. The majority of work is all done by hand and it would have taken many, many hours of work to create this dress. The neckline is just slightly scooped and the sleeves are very full above their buttoned cuffs. The top overlay of the dress is attached around the neckline and runs under and around the sleeve on one side. On the other is opens and has a long tie extending out the front on that side. At the back it is connected across the top of the shoulder and then the entire panel is left free so that you can use it to wrap or drape it over your shoulder around your waist to cross your bodice. Inside the dress is a loose and easy cut that skims over you. The dress falls from the neckline, skims over the bust and waist and then the hips are open and easy. As it nears the hem it widens out considerably. This is a dress that must be on a body to really come to life. As good as it looks here it is nothing compared to it on and moving. It is also a technical masterpiece with all those layers of silk and the way he constructed it. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Made from several layers of silk chiffon as noted above. It zips to close at the back with a weight onside the drape. The top panels can then be tied or draped in a variety of ways as described above. Hand finishes. I see the tiniest bit of wear to the silk near the top of the shoulders. Please see the photo after the label shot. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes upwards and drapes more on a smaller size.
Sleeves: 28" and it is approx 20" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem and depending on how you style it, some of the overlay panel made drape beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4813
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gucci
Prettiest Pre-Fall 2020 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Yellow Silk Dress Caftan w Jewel Collar & Front
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The twin of the dress was shown for the Pre-Fall 2020 Gucci presentation for Look 51. Its twin was worn on the red carpet by Rachel and one was also photoed for Grazia Italie. This has always been one of my favourites from his work for the label and I am very pleased to have it in the shop. It is so pretty and the bright colour of it is gorgeous.
If you love an amazing caftan feeling moment then this is the dress for you. It is made out of a bright yellow silk and silk chiffon combination with a beautifully and densely covered jewelled front and collar. The neckline is high and finished with the most amazing yellow prong set glass crystal rhinestones and beads. These circle the neck in a wide 2” band and then more of them run down the sides of the front keyhole. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are very full above their cuffs. I love that the sleeves are left unlined so you almost don't notice that it has sleeves. The inner dress is cut into a simple sheath that skims past your bust, waist and hips to the floor. Panels of silk chiffon have been attached into the collar and around the openings for the sleeves. These fall over you to create the beautifully illusion of fullness that you see in these photos. The panels are split at the front and then cut to just about the top of the hips and then curved down to the floor. They do the same thing at the back and there is a layer of the same silk over the innermost silk sheath patt of the dress. When you move the silk chiffon catches the air and billows out around you for the most beautiful and dramatic effect. This is a dress that you just throw on and it instantly drapes and falls into place perfectly each time. It is very pretty and very easy to wear. It has its original tags attached and comes with its original dust bag and Gucci hanger. Excellent condition
The innermost silk layer of the dress acts as the lining. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper and each cuff has two silk covered buttons. Original hangtag is attached with extra beads/ rhinestones included. It will ship with its original hanger and garment bag. Tagged a modern Gucci 42. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Neck: 15" around
Sleeves: approx 25" and 18" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust-hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from the neck to the hem and then some of the top panels extend past that a few inches
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4811
Reference Photos: (1) Pre-Fall 2020 Gucci, Look 51. Model Bethann Hardison. / (2-3) Rachel Zoe in Gucci for the 'House of Gucci' Los Angeles Premiere, November 2021. / (4) Coco Rebecca Edogamhe in Gucci for Grazia Italia. Photo by Federico Barbieri.
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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This is an exquisite 1960s dress this is covered with an intricate hand applied design made out of beads and sequins in various sized and shapes. The base is made of two layers of a slightly stiffer pale green tinted netting that gives it enough weight to hold the shape of the dress and to support the weight of the added embellishments. You would rarely see this level of handwork on a piece today and if you did the cost to produce it would catapult it onto the world of couture. The design that covers the dress has been meticulously done by hand using the combination of sequins and beads. They are placed heavier around the neckline and edges of the sleeves and then are done in a heavier row down the front. Around the hem there are three dense rows stacked on top of each other. Everywhere else they are scattered to give the design a floral feel and cover the entire dress. It all has a raised 3D effect off of the netting and it is incredible. I took several detail shots so you can get an idea of the workmanship and also included a shot of the back of the fabric so that you can see the handwork through the netting. My client was sure it was a designer piece but women removed the labels during this time period so its no longer known who it is from. It is a remarkable example of the fine work being done during this time period regardless and is quite beautiful. I also love that you can change the look depending on the hue you wear under the netting. Excellent condition.
Made of two layers of the netting but is still slightly transparent. It closes with a series of buttons down the back. All of the work appears to be hand done.
Sleeves: 7" and are 12.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4805
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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I have had this dress in other colours before and I especially love it in this black. The black is fabulous and so easy to wear. Versions of Tice's one shoulder pieces sit in the closet of countless celebrities like Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie and even my own. This is one of those dresses that you know is going to work every time you put it on.
These are just the perfect, easy to wear and easy to travel with jersey caftan feeling dress. It is made from that liquid jersey you started to see in the late seventies and the fabric feels amazing on the body. The colour is deep inky black and it is super light in weight. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on with either flats or heels when you reach some far off destination and be perfectly ready to go. The inner dress is long and straight cut and then this is topped by a wrapped looser overlay that is cut on a curving angle. A slit runs up the inner side of the inner dress so you get a flash of leg when you walk or sit. At the top of the shoulder there is a large knotted flower detail. Both the flower and the neckline are edged and accented by gold lame ribbon. That little pop of gold against the black is the perfect amount of glamour. It is just gorgeous. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to wear. The easy fit should allows it to work on a variety of sizes. The fabric has a bit of stretch and I have put up to the comfortable range when laying flat below.
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4787
Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture in the peach version.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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These lovely little hand embroidered cotton Mexican dresses are works of art in my opinion and this one is an amazing example. These were made by hand by local artisans for the tourist market. I think this one is one of the prettiest I have ever seen and I think I will be sad to see it go once it sells.
The base fabric is a more crisp white cotton that has been top stitched with little vertical seams that cover the entire dress. These add visual detail and also let the dress be shaped so that it opens up the way that it does. Running between those long vertical stitches are a hand embroidered floral design. That is what adds the bright pops of colour to the dress that you see. It is incredible. Each sleeve is cut so that it expands out as it reaches its end and they are quite full. Each is a full 36" around the end of the sleeve. At the end of the sleeve you also see that they have added horizontal top stitching to form a bit of a grid pattern for added detail. The same grid pattern is done around the hem of the dress as well and I love it. The body of the dress is loose and easy. It skims over the bust and then gradually widens out to be very full by the time it reaches the hem. Everything about this dress is beautiful and it is rare to find one in white that is still so crisp and clean. It is a beautiful dress. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Sleeves: 22"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4786
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.
halston
Sexiest 1974 Halston Couture Deep Green Silk Jersey Backless Dress w Front Plunge & Long Ties
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We found a runway shot of a shorter version of this dress and I love that this lets you can see how fantastic this sits on the body. This is from his made order line and he may have done a long version for the show as well but unfortunately there are not full records available for this time period. The other possibility is that the client saw the shorter version and ordered it in this full length. Either way this is classic Halston from his main label couture line. It is instantly recognizable as one of his looks and it is an incredible example of his work from this time period. I love it.
This is an amazing couture Halston dress and a very rare and special find. It is entirely cut on the bias and utilizes his signature minimal seaming. Halston defined how woman dressed in the 1970s and these jersey dresses that he did were tremendously flattering to the body. It is also insanely sexy while still being extremely comfortable to wear. The fabric is a beautiful deep forest green silk jersey that moves and drapes beautifully. This one is especially interesting because unlike its later counterparts it is actually two layers of the same silk jersey. The two layers have been stacked over each other and joined along the top edges and the hem. This gives the dress an inner lining and helps to soften out any bumps underneath the top layer which makes it very flattering to wear. Later dresses were not made like this because it literally doubled the cost of fabric to make them this way. The dress is made to be one long tube that expands outwards at the hem and has two long ties that extend out from the top of the halter at the front. You simply tie it at the back of the neck and then the long ties trail down the exposed back. The depth of the plunge can be controlled by how tight you tie the ties. On my dress form I have left it fairly loose and in the photo from the runway it is tied a bit higher. The front plunges into a scoop and the sides are cut on a curve to a low scoop. This leave the entire back completely bare and exposed. The halter skims over the breasts and then falls over the waist and hips. The skirt flares out at it reaches the floor and it has a ton of movement when you move. It is spectacular. This is a rare example of Halston at his very best and it is easy to see why his work is the subject of so many books and retrospective shows at museums worldwide. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Constructed from two bias cut layers of silk jersey with the ties extending out from the neckline. The dress slips on to wear and ties at the back of the neck. Hand finished. It is all bias cut which should allow for a bit of range of sizing. I see teeny pinhead size dark mark on the bodice and a couple of tiny hard to spot areas on the skirt that will not photo. I am being pretty picky. The fabric has some stretch and I have put the comfortable range of measurements laying flat. You could probably get a little more if needed.
Bust: if you let the plunge go extremely low, each halter is 4" across just above the bottom of the scoop. The halter just below the scoop will cover 13" across un-stretched. Where it meets the seam from the back it measures 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from shoulder to hem, with 2" turned under the hem. The length can be adjusted by the ties at the neck
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-MED
Item# DD4781
Reference Photo: Spring 1974 Halston Made-to-Order Fashion Show.
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
Spectacular Cruise 2011 Christian Dior by John Galliano Pale Seafoam Silk Chiffon Embellished Caftan Dress
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The twin of this dress in a brighter green, and without any beading, was shown in the Sao Paulo presentation of the collection that year. We also found photos of Faye wearing one to Cannes that was in the same colour as this but that did not have any of the embellishments. It is my understanding that this version with its gorgeous beading and sequin work was a special edition pieces that was only sold in some locations and on a limited basis. It is an amazing example of his work and it is gorgeous. I think I might even say with some confidence that out of the three versions this is the best with its stunning added detailing. It might make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration and of course, it could be worn for a variety of other events as well.
This is a wonderfully easy dress to wear and very flattering once on. It is beautifully light in weight and it is extraordinary once it is on and moving. There is an inner silk sheath dress and then a layer of silk chiffon floats over that. This top layer is what gives the dress it's caftan feel. The neckline is scooped across and a band of tiny beads follows the neckline. Extending out from that edging you see a beautiful design trailing down the front, across the shoulders and around to the back. More beading runs down each sleeve to past the elbow. The design combines little white seed beads with semi-translucent white oval sequins and tiny clear sequins. Here and there you see a little extra bead popped into the design along with tiny tiny clear iridescent tube beads. The top layer has vertical seaming around the waist area that brings it in and gives it some added shape. A soft bow covered in embellishments sits at the front. Under that the dress falls to the floor and the hem opens out. The sleeves extend out from a very full panel of silk chiffon that runs down your back over the inner dress. From the front you have a more fitted shape through the body and then at the back it is full and open like a true caftan. The movement and drama this creates is extraordinary. When you walk and move the sleeves and back of the dress billow out and float around you. This is a dress that you slip on and feel completely comfortable when wearing and yet it has as much drama and beauty as you could ask for in a dress. I love it. Excellent condition with a minor note below
The inner dress acts of the lining and is made out of a matching colour silk. It closes with a back zipper on the inner dress and then the outer dress hooks to close above a key hole at the back. I see a touch of fraying near the base of the back keyhole, near the seam of the neck and there are two very light smudges on the fabric near the edge of the keyhole. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged a FR38, GB10, IT42, US6
Inner bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4780
Reference Photos: (1-3) Cruise 2011 Christian Dior in Sao Paulo Presentation. / (4) Faye in Dior at Cannes, 2011.
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
Beautiful 2010 Alexander McQueen Draped Silk Dress w Oversized Soft Floral Print & Deep Front Plunge
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This is such a beautiful dress from Alexander McQueen and I love how wonderfully romantic it feels. It is from his Spring 2010 collection and it is a dress that was produced for the shops. The dress does not have a single unnecessary seam and I think it is even prettier in person. Even with its simplicity it would still be a dress that is red carpet worthy or would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any other event. It is a fantastic example of his work.
The dress is made from a printed, soft liquid silk that is covered with one of the most beautiful and romantic floral prints I have ever seen on a dress. Oversized blossoms trail across the entire dress in a wonderful pale pastel design. The base colour is ivory and then the print is a soft wash of pink, pastel corals and soft taupe that cover the dress from shoulder to hem. Wide straps curved over the shoulders and extend down to form the halter feeling bust. The cut is very reminiscent of pieces from the 1920s and 1930s. The silk is all cut on the bias and the way that it falls over the body is beautiful to see. At the front there is a deep plunge and the fabric is gathered into a centre knot at the base of the plunge. Seams angle down from there across the hips and they actually hide little hidden slit pockets. A wonderful little detail. Those slanted seams are only on the front of the dress. At the back the dress falls in one swoop down from the shoulders. An extra panel of fabric is created from the front knot and then runs down the centre of the dress all the way down to the hem. It creates that beautiful draping and also gives the skirt incredible movement. There is actually a ton of silk through the skirt and the way that it is cut lets it billow and float around you when you move. It is in its original supermodel length and is unworn with its original hang tags attached. It is spectacularly beautiful. Excellent condition
Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a McQueen 40. The bias cut should allow it to work on a range of sizes. I have put the comfortable range of measurements below when laying flat. Original hang tag attached.
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with a B-C cup
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4777
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
Romantic Spring 2007 Alexander McQueen Stunning Bias Cut Floral Silk Dress w Low Open Back
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This is an incredible McQueen dress that is very beautiful. This was a dress that was produced for the shops and was most likely made in limited quantities. It is also rare in that it is a size 46 and it is always amazing to find a larger McQueen piece as you find so few. It is in pristine condition and appears to have been worn very little at all. It is an incredible dress. The dress does not have a single unnecessary seam. Even with its simplicity it would still be a dress that is red carpet worthy or would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any other event.
The dress is gorgeous. It definitely takes inspiration from the bias cut couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. McQueen was a master tailor and the seam work and simplicity of this dress are beautiful to see. It is made from a light in weight ivory silk that has that same feel that the best of the 1930s pieces did that were made from similar silks. Like those dresses of the thirties this is also cut on the bias but with a more structured and shaped silhouette because it is completely lined. I love that the fabric is heavy enough to hold the shape while still skimming and moving over the body. The neckline is set into a V at the front and angled darts give a touch of shape through the bust. The bias cut through the body lets it skim over your waist and hips in an easy way. The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is in its original uncut supermodel length. The lower skirt flares out as it reaches the hem. At the back there is extra fabric worked around the centre seam and the back skirt is also cut a little longer then the front. This gives you a bit of a sweeping feel behind you as you walk. The flaring out of the lower skirt and the extra fabric at the back also give you fabulous movement when you walk or move. The bare and open back is the fabulously unexpected finish to the dress. The back is cut out and squared off at the bottom of the opening. This leaves your entire back open and bare. It is shockingly sexy and the perfect McQueen touch on an otherwise perfectly pretty dress. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a McQueen 46. The bias cut fabric does have some movement. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It is in its original extra long length.
Bust: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 69" from neck to front hem, 72" to the back hem
Back plunge: 20" from shoulder to lowest part of the plunge
Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL
Item# DD4776
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
Dreamy Resort 2019 Givenchy by Clare Waight Keller Red Silk Dress w Sequins & Floor Length Sleeves
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This was Look 54 of the Resort collection and one of the best of the evening pieces from that collection. It was shown in black for the collection presentation and then it was also produced in this spectacular red version. I love Clare Waight Keller's time as Creative Director for Givenchy and even though her time there was short her work was wonderful. She designed many beautiful dresses during her time at the label and this is one of them. It is a show stopper. The fact that it is easy to wear is just bonus.
Clare said of the collection that year “There’s a powerful woman in there that I really love; she’s a very strong character who loves a strong shape—something that gives a real sense of fashion.”, and in the Vogue review of the resort collection, fashion journalist Amy Verner mentioned the black version of the dress in particular along with another comment from Clare; "This marks the first season since the passing of Monsieur de Givenchy in March and Waight Keller hinted that a more intentioned homage might be forthcoming. In the meantime, the collection’s evening looks—specifically the long-sleeved black dress showered with silver embroidery, and the gradient celadon and rust plissé lamé gown—further the couture spirit we’ve seen most recently at the Met Gala and at Cannes. “It’s a real joy to be able to work at both ends of the spectrum,” Keller said. “It’s what I believe in: everything from the really simple everyday to the absolutely fantastic and fabulous.”
The dress is amazing. It is made out of a light weight red silk crepe through the body of the dress and then it is finished with a lighter weight red silk for the inset on the lower skirt and feather light silk chiffon for those amazing sleeves. The red colour is gorgeous and it is that perfect red that will flatter most skin tones. The neckline is scooped high at the front and flat laying sequins add detail and some subtle sparkle to catch the light. The dress has a bit of a caftan feel to it and it is cut so that it skims over your bust, waist and hips. From there it falls to the floor and widens out quite a bit by the time it reaches the hem. The sequins on the bodice are set in vertical rows and each sequin is topped with a tiny round red seed bead. These run down from the shoulder to come to a point at the front. The very lower part of the skirt is a silk panel that runs across the full front of the skirt and is set on an upward angle. This perfectly balances out that downward angle of the sequins at the neckline. The sleeves are the star of the show. A silk chiffon caped sleeve falls over your arms from the shoulder and widens out to cascade all the way to slightly past the hem. They are open underneath which creates tremendous movement when you move. The slightest bit of air lets them billow around and behind you. It is the perfect touch of drama for the dress. The dress appears to have never been worn and it is in its original extra long supermodel length. It is absolutely amazing and it originally retailed at just under the 9k mark. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a red silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. The address is in its original length and appears to have never been worn. Tagged a modern Givenchy 36
Sleeves: 63"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4378
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2019 Givenchy, Look 54. / (2) 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.
oscar de la renta
Beautiful 1980s Oscar de la Renta Metallic Fused Velvet on Silk Chiffon Dress w Balloon Sleeves
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I had a dress similar to this in the past and I think I love it even more this time around. It is a beautiful example of the genius of Mr. de la Renta's work and his attention to detail. It has a beautiful elegance to it and is quite striking. This sense of refinement is a constant in Oscar's work and I particularly love these earlier examples of that aesthetic. You can see how many of the elements you see in pieces like this were carried forward through his entire body of work.
The dress is made from a sheer brown silk chiffon with a built in under-dress done in a lightweight brown silk chiffon. This gives the dress a touch of sheerness while keeping it wearable. It also allows the design that runs over the top layer of chiffon to have more of an impact because of that transparency on the top layer. The pattern on the outer fabric is made from bits of silk velvet that have been fused to the chiffon. The pattern this creates is scattered over the entire dress. The velvet buts themselves are quite fascinating. Depending on how the pile of the velvet is sitting, it looks to be either a deep charcoal grey or more taupe grey colour. Stitched in and around the velvet parts is a deep reddish copper metallic thread that gives the entire dress its subtle glint. The sleeves are incredible. They are unlined and they are incredibly full so that they pouf out above the cuffs. The bodice is cut to skim over you and then is brought in so that it blouses up and over the seam at the waist. The waist has elastic running through it so it is incredibly easy to wear. The skirt falls to the floor from there. The shape is fairly long and slim with just a touch of widening out at the hem for a lean silhouette. At the back there is an open keyhole from the hook at the back of the neck to the hooks that run up from the waist to cover the inner lining. I love this little unexpected and subtle flash of skin. It is a beautiful example of his work during this time period. Excellent condition.
Fully lined with an inner built in dress made of a nude and black silk chiffon stacked on top of each other. The sleeves are unlined. The inner dress closes at the back with a hand set snaps. The outer fabric snaps and hooks over that. Elastic through the waist and each cuff has elastic. Hand finished throughout. In its original uncut length. It looks to have been worn very little if at all
Sleeves: 26" and they are 26" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Inner bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 13-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to waist. The elastic at the waist will let you wear it up or down a bit as needed.
Total length: 64" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4764
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
Incredible Fall 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Silk & Silk Net Dress W Beaded Detailing
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During John Galliano's years from 1996-2011 at the house of Christian Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut and glamorous dresses in the house's history. His work often has a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties with their beautiful cuts. They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning. This is an amazing example of his work from Fall 2006 and it is gorgeous. Look 7 from the runway had similar bead work on the skirt and I have included that here for you to see. This version was made for the shops and like all more elaborate bead work would have only been released in limited quantities. It is a wonderful piece of his history and it is a really beautiful dress.
This striking and beautiful dress is so reminiscent of a twenties piece and I love that. The dress made from three layers that are all attached at the top of the shoulder and then float over each other. The innermost layer is a light weight black silk chiffon and then there is a layer of black silk tulle over that. The very top layer is a combination of silk netting and a black silk lace. The outer layer is pieced together in the most beautiful way with the lace placed at the top of the bodice and then again around the hem. The dress has a very loose and easy cut that picks up on a twenties feel. It skims over the body in a touch of a tubular shape without being overly tight anywhere. The bodice dips into a V at the front and it does the same at the back. The lace is set into the netting underneath in a pretty little curving scalloped design. I love how the edge of the neckline and the openings for the arms have the lace set so that the edges of the pattern adds a pretty detail. The lace around the hem is set in the same way. The way it is seamed gives it its slightly more generous cut through the body. Onto the skirt, starting just under the hip on one side, is a beautiful design that combines metal strands, tiny seed beads, larger tube beads and prong set crystal rhinestones. These are all set by hand and you can see that on the back as I have photoed here. These trail down the side and across the front of the hem as well as partway around the back hem. A tiny little slit sits on one side of the hem near the bead work and he has gathered it up with a stitch, which gives the hem a bit of an asymmetrical feel. I find that with almost all of John's work there is some small touch of something asymmetrical on the piece and this one is no exception. It is truly a special and beautiful example of his work. Excellent condition
The inner silk chiffon and middle tulle layer act as the lining underneath the top layer. The middle tulle layer has hidden set snaps down one side but the inner silk layer and top layer have no closures so that inner detail is more for design then functionality. You just slip it over the head to where. Tagged a F38 GB10 IT42 US6.
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4754
Reference Photo: Fall 2006 Christian Dior, Look 7. Model Doutzen Kroes.
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.
Intricate 1920s Unlabeled Gold Metallic Lame Thread & Sequin on Black Silk Net Flapper Dress
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This wonderful little 1920s flapper dress was completely made by hand and a wonderful example of the level of craftsmanship being utilized during this time period. It has its original Made in France label still present and these pieces were always a little higher quality then some examples you see from the time period. It has no other label but it is not hard to imagine that it might have been a designer piece as well. The base of the dress is a black silk netting that is strong and sturdy. Onto this is an intricate design made up of gelatin sequins set boxes. Each is a combination of purple, pink & turquoise in an alternating design. The placement of each sequin is by hand and it is amazing to think of the time it would have taken to make the fabric alone. The center of each block makes me think of a cluster of little pink "hearts" that are then surrounded by an abstract shape. A metal based gold lame thread and tiny little gold tubes beads are then shaped around each to make the block design that you see. These are then stacked in rows to cover the dress entirely with the black netting serving as the separation between each. This combination of colored sequins, gold thread & beads is absolutely fantastic. There is an extra panel of netting inserted at each hip to give the skirt extra flare. Excellent antique condition
The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. The edges of the side net panels are raw and at one time there may have an extension to them but it is now cut even with the hem. I see no other flaws and it appears to have been worn very little if at all and is wearble with the care it would deserve to be worn with. Even with that small defect the dress is remarkably sound and shockingly beautiful. It is almost 100 years old and is considered to be in museum quality condition.
Bust: 17" from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40" from shoulder to bottom hem
Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML
Item# E290
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loris azzaro
Spectacular Early 1970s Loris Azzaro Plunging Turquoise Silk Jersey w Open Rhinestone Rings
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Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. I am certain that this one is also from the early 1970s like the other Azzaro that I have in the shop today is. I have only ever seen one or two of these come available and never in this colour before. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.
This is a killer dress. It is really one that will come to life even more once on an actual body and you can see your bare skin peeking through the openings on the arms and down the front, never mind that low scooped back. The neckline is scooped across the front and then it is open right down to the low waist. To be able to wear it and keep it in place on you he has put three rhinestone encrusted open rings at the neckline, just below the breasts, and then at the base of the opening. This holds the dress in place but still allows the skin to peak through from top to bottom. It is very sexy. Each sleeve is long and has another series of three of those same rhinestone circles starting at the top of the shoulder and then running down their open cut lengths. So you can see that line of bare skin all the way down your arm. The back is opened and scooped. The dress is made from a turquoise silk jersey and it falls beautifully over the body. I love how it is gathered into the bottom circle at the front. This is what gives shape and lets the dress expands out over the hips and fall in that perfect line that you see. The skirt skims over the hips and then drapes beautifully around you. If there was ever a dress that needed a body inside of it to bring it to life, this is it. It is stupendous once on. Excellent condition with a small note below
Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures. Hand finishes throughout. I see a faint mark in the fold on one hip and it appears that at some point the hem was let down and you can see a faint line where the hem used to be. I have left it as is because it is nice to have that extra length. Hand written label inside a lower seam. Please see the photos after the label shot. The fabric does have some stretch and the measurement below are those comfortable while laying flat. The colour is a touch truer turquoise then how it photoed
Sleeves: approx 22" and are approx 12" around, but there is some flexibility in that because of the open sides
Shoulders: approx 14"
Bust: approx 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4739
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.
loris azzaro
Spring 1971 Loris Azzaro Turquoise Silk Jersey Dress w Dense Bead & Pailettes Embellishments
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Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during this period and we found a reference from the 1971 collection that utilized the same type of beading. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.
This is a killer dress. It is really one that will come to life even more once on an actual body. The jersey glides over your curves and is so flattering. I hope the photos convey just how fabulous it is because when worn and on an actual body this one will be even better. The neckline plunges in a V at the front and then it has elaborate border with a thick application of beads, sequins and paillettes. These start at the back of the neck and wrap around to follow the plunge at the front. From there it expands into a wide panel that ends in a almost medallion feeling embellishment that sits at the waist. The beads are densely applied to sit up and off the dress and it is quite incredible to see. The sleeves are long and each one expands on a curve to poof out just above the cuff. Then each cuff has the same incredible beaded detailing that you see at the front. The deep turquoise silk jersey glides over the bust and comes in at the waist for shaping. The skirt falls under that, skimming over the hips and then widening out to fall beautifully to the floor. It is the perfect combination of feeling covered yet sexy and the dress is incredibly easy and comfortable to wear. It is stupendous once on. Excellent condition with a small note below
Unlined and the dress closes with a hand set back set zipper. Each cuff snaps to close. I see a light bit of colour change to the fabric here and there. It is something that you noticed only when looking really close at the dress and it presents perfectly once on the body. It is there however, and it is priced accordingly. Please see the photos after the label shot for examples. The jersey does have some stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range when laying flat. The colour is a touch brighter turquoise then how it photoed. Hand finishes throughout
Sleeves: 26" and are 10-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem with 1.5" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4737
Reference Photo: Michèle Morgan in Azzaro at his workshop, April 1971.
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.
loris azzaro
1990s Loris Azzaro Black Stretch Jersey Dress w Chiffon Angel Sleeves & Black Sequin Detailing
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Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. This is a label that I really love and am always happy to find pieces of.
This is an easy dress to wear because of the fabrics that it is made out of. Making fabrics that were comfortable to wear on the body glamorous and luxurious was one of the core philosophies of how Azzaro designed. This dress is made out of a black jersey through the body, which allows it some give, and then the remarkable sleeves are made out of a fine black chiffon. The lightness of the fabric used for the sleeves gives them incredible movement once this is on the body. The neckline sits wide across the neck and then it is edged in a row of overlapping black sequins. It skims over the body from there, past the bust, waist and hips to open out slightly as it nears the hem. Onto the front of the dress are five curving seams that are highlighted with a band of sequins. They almost give the impression of slashes across the front of the dress. The final sequin band curves down to meet the top of a slit that allows for some bare leg to show when you walk. The sleeves fall over the shoulders and are completely open along their insides. Once on the body these cascade all the way down to the hem of the dress and create the most incredible moment. The chiffon that they are made of keeps them ultralight so as you move they catch the slightest bit of air to swirl and billow around you. It is an incredibly easy dress to wear and incredibly glamorous once on the body. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slips on to to wear with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The fabric does have some stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range when laying flat
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4725
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.
james galanos
Minimalist Early 1960s James Galanos Couture Larger One Shoulder Black Crepe Long Column Dress
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In 1951 a 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites. This is a wonderful example of how he could do perfect minimalist dress. The label inside is the one used from 1954-1963.
This is a dress that is extremely well made with a very high level of construction techniques despite its simple appearance. That alone makes it a fabulous piece for me but it has the added bonus of being a hard to find larger size on top. It is a joy to see dresses made to this fine level of workmanship. The dress is made from a black light weight wool crepe that adds a slight texture over the dress. It has just enough weight to hold the intended shape but feels wonderful once on. Everything about the cut is done to highlight and showcase the wonderful sculptural lines you see. The interior is a fine black silk and the combination of the two fabrics makes the dress feel amazing once on. The top edge of the neckline is cut straight across and then the fabric extends out into a wide stripe that curves up and over one shoulder. There is light boning inside the bodice to give you some support. It skims over the bust, past the waist and then widens out over the hips to fall to the floor in graceful A-line. There is a seam on one side that extends down from the strap and opens just past the bust to create an inverted pleat. This adds a little visual interest to the dress and is what allows it to open as it runs over the body. It also hides a slit on that side that runs up from the hem. Galanos is a designer who cut for the body not the hanger or a form and his work truly comes to life once on. The workmanship is exquisite and to demi-couture standards. Excellent condition.
Lined in a fine black silk through the bodice with light boning and the rest of the dress is lined in a black silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set side zipper. Hand finishes throughout and silk ribbon finished interior seams. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21.5 flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem with 2.75" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD4697
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
Beautiful 2000s Emilio Pucci Ivory Silk One Shoulder Caftan Dress w Gold & White Beaded Detail
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This is a fabulous Pucci that I think is a production piece for the shops from the Peter Dundas era at Pucci. It is an absolutely gorgeous dress that is easy to wear and very flattering on. I love that it is a beautiful ivory colour would allow it to be worn by a bride looking for something non-traditional or as part of a extended wedding weekend. Though it would also work for any fabulous occasion. It has an easy to wear caftan feel to it but at the same time there is a clever single seam that runs from just under the arm and down one side of the body that gives the dress just a touch of shape. The silk has been cut on the bias and this lets it move with you as you move. The ivory silk has enough weight to make it flattering as it skims and drapes over you but that is still light enough that it easily moves. The dress has the absolute minimal seaming and it is cut to simply fall from that one single shoulder in a cascade of fabric. The other shoulder is left bare and exposed. On the side that is covered the fabric falls over the arm and down to the floor on a slight angle that keeps it from feeling like too much fabric. Starting from under the one arm and running up and over the other shoulder is a wide band of white tube beads mixed with muted gold beading. These catch the light in a subtle way and add a little bit of extra glamour to the piece. The side that is set on an angle is open beneath that inner set seam that runs to just about the hip area so you get a flash of bare leg when you walk or sit. It a subtle bit of sexiness that is amazing. The dress moves like a dream and feels like it just floats around you as you move. It is just a fantastic dress. Excellent condition with one small note below.
Unlined and slips on to wear with a hidden set zipper under the arm. The easy fit should allows it to work on almost any size. Tagged a IT42 FR38 US8 UK10. In its original uncut supermodel length. I see some minor grubbiness around the hem area
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to that inner seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to that inner seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to that inner seam
Length: 65" from top of the shoulder to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD4695
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
Spectacular Fall 2003 John Galliano Bias Cut Mauve Purple Silk Dress w Draped Arm Panels
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This dress is from John Galliano's own label and is an incredible example of his work from this time period. This is a production piece that was not shown on the runway but would have been made in limited quantities for the shops. For this season he had emphasized a glamorous hourglass shape mixed with nods to pinup girl lingerie style dressing. These bias cut dresses always harken back to his love of the 1930s and 1940s and you can see that influence in them. This dress with its cut out detailing and that fantastic draping of fabric across the shoulders is absolutely beautiful. This is classic Galliano and is extremely flattering once on the body.
The dress is made out of a deep mauve purple silk that has a slight bit of texture to it. It is completely cut on the bias in that signature cut he does so well and that we all love. The dress falls from a delicate strap that curves up and behind the neck and then it drapes down and over the body to the floor. It is very beautiful. The bias cut of it allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that it shows every curve but is not overly fitted. The seaming is highly reminiscent of the work you see from the twenties and thirties. The fabric has been pieced together with dropped and angled panels throughout to create the beautiful shape that you see here. The dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and around the neck. The strap meets and then drops down the centre of the back and panels are suspended from it. These curving panels are fascinating. They can hang down and under the arms at the side or you can drape your arms through them to create that beautiful curving panel at the back that you see in some of the photos. We tried to style and show it in the various ways it can be worn and I love the versatility of it. I think that on a real body you might even be able to get clever and do some other styling tricks with them as well. The dress glides over the body past the bust, waist and hips and then flares out as it reaches the hem. On one side of the dress it buttons to close with a row of his signature tightly spaced buttons covered in the same silk and then on the other side the fabric is gathered in and up into a wired circle. The circle is open in the centre and the panels that gather into the circle have been cut out and opened so that it forms the shape of a flower trailing over one hip. The dress is lined in a crepe silk but you could choose to remove that lining and have that side be completely bare so that your skin showed through if you wished. I have seen this dress in another colour where someone did that and it made it that much more sexy. It is an incredible feat of patterning. The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn. Excellent condition with a minor note below.
Fully lined in a slightly deeper purple silk crepe and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. I see perhaps a tiny pull in the fabric here and there which happens with this fabric and a bit of shininess here and there from pressing near seams. All minor and mentioned for accuracy. Tagged a FR42, GB14, US8. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes with it just draping more in a smaller frame
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD4599
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 anthony
Exquisite Spring 1993 John Anthony Hand Beaded One Shoulder Dress on Pale Gold Silk Net
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John Anthony's business was all done on a made-to-order basis. That means that each piece is the only one that exists or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces only a very limited amount of pieces were made. And to make things even a little more special.... the pieces I have in the shop come directly from John's archive. He is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976. This spectacular dress is from his Spring 1993 collection and is the original sample from his archives. It is truly a special piece and it might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.
This dress is absolutely stunning. This is the kind of dress that you will only find with vintage or in modern day Haute Couture. The fabric is a fine pale gold coloured silk net that is cut on the bias. It is lined in a nude silk chiffon and then the entire dress has been hand beaded from top to bottom with thousands of tiny glass tube beads and seed beads in a mix of gold, clear and ivory beads onto the netting. The silk netting and chiffon lining are both feather light and the placement of the beads help it to hold the intended shape that John wanted it to have. The dress is suspended from a single shoulder that curves up and over the shoulder. It angles down in a soft line on the front and back. I love the beaded panel that falls from that shoulder and trails down the back. This adds a little extra detail and movement when the dress is on the body. The iridescent quality of the more clear beads mixed with those tiny metallic coloured ones catch the light and sparkle from every angle. The dress flows beautifully over the waist and hips. The bias cut lets it drape perfectly over you and shows off the body without being excessively tight. The skirt falls to the floor and gently widens out as it nears the hem. The back is cut longer then the front so you get a bit of a trained effect behind you as you walk. Around all of the edges including the hem is a dense border of the beadwork that gives the dress the perfect finishing touch. It also gives the skirt a touch of weight to hold the shape and volume as you walk and stand. It has this lovely feeling of being an heirloom piece and it is fantastically beautiful to see in person. It is a very special piece. Excellent condition with a minor note below
Fully lined in a nude silk chiffon and the outer netting is backed in a white netting. It closes with a hidden set side zipper slips over the head to wear. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. This is the original runway sample. Handwork throughout and cut on the bias.
Bust: 14-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to front hem, 69" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD4554
Reference Photos: Daria Strokous in this dress, May 2024.
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
Extraordinary Fall 2008 Alexander McQueen 'The Girl Who Lived in the Tree' Black Silk Chiffon Trained Corset Dress
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McQueen's Fall 2008 collection was called 'The Girl Who Lived in a Tree' and it was inspired by a combination of his trip to India and a 600 year old elm in his garden. I have included two photos from the runway that year and you can see how the elements from these pieces were combined to create this dress. The V&A Museum says of this collection: 'McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2008 collection centered on a fairy tale narrative devised by McQueen about a girl who descends from a tree to marry a prince and then become a queen. It was inspired by a 600-year-old elm tree in the garden of the designer’s Sussex home. At the center of the set stood a giant tree swathed in fabric, inspired by Bulgarian artist Christo, who is renowned for wrapping buildings with material.' This dress feels a bit like the embodiment of that centre piece they refer to above as you are wrapped and swathed in fabric once it is on. The way that the chiffon trails behind you is fantastic once on the body. This is an extraordinary example of his work and I am thrilled to share photos of Elle Fanning who wore the dress to her recent trip to a Venice with Cartier.
This dress is beautiful and rarely does one see this level of workmanship in ready to wear. The fabric is a silk chiffon with a soft almost waffle finish texture to the silk. It is feather light and once the dress in on it is magical. The cut is classic McQueen with a low cut squared off neckline at the front. Underneath the bodice where a seam would normally be there is a barely visible line of hand placed stitches. This tiny little detail adds the perfect suggestion of shape and gives the bodice its empire cut. The silk has been lightly gathered over the bust with the inside structured and supported. The inner support has been done with couture level seam work and the way the fabric is placed and shaped rather than extensive boning. It is genius. The skirt falls to the floor from beneath the bodice and there are yards and yards of silk used to create the skirt and train. Just under the bust on one side the silk extends out into a panel that drapes down the full length of the dress and then loops back up and around to attach to the top of the opposite shoulder. The effect this creates is fantastic and adds extra dimension to the dress. The skirts scoops up to floor length at the front so that you can walk and then starts to extend out at the sides to become the train that wafts out behind you at the back. The back skirts drop out from the upper seam of the back which creates a fantastic caped feel. As you walk this billows out behind you and it is extraordinary. This is a work of art from one of the greatest designers of our time. The dress is in its original uncut length. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in black silk satin through the bust and black silk chiffon through the skirt. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. The interior bust is shaped and lightly boned at the sides. Tagged a McQueen 38.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist-hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from shoulder to seam under bust
Length: approx 60" from shoulder to shortest point of the front hem, approx 90" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD3473
Reference Photos: (1-2) F/W 2008 Alexander McQueen Runway Collection (Look 7 & Look 27). / (3) Roxanne McKee at the National Television Awards in London, 2008. / (4-7) Elle Fannning in this dress for the Cartier Vienna Ball, May 2024.
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