The label on this wonderful Pulitzer dress dates it to the early sixties and it is one of her very earliest labels. She began designing and making her dresses in 1960 and her label was set when Jackie Kennedy wore one of her dresses in Life Magazine. Her bright colored, happy little shifts were favorites of Hampton society girls and they have become classics. Her dresses are bright and fresh and the early ones always incorporated lace details. This one does just that with an applique of lace that runs around the neck and down the front on either side of the buttons. There is also a ring of lace on each sleeve. I love the rounded neckline and long sleeves. It buttons right to the hem and the skirt widens out as it nears that hem. The print on this one is fantastic - it is a happy yellow and green floral print set on a crisp white backdrop. It looks to have never been worm and is a fantastic piece that still feels fresh even after all these years. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the front with buttons. Each cuff buttons to close with two buttons.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2736

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

I love these little silk chiffon dresses from the legendary Emilio Pucci. They are a classic piece to have in your wardrobe and a have a different vibe then the silk jersey ones you see. When they are done in pink I feel they are that much better and have a romantic, feminine feel to them. The dress is superbly simple in cut which allows the beauty of that gorgeous print to shine. The colors are a beautiful combination of soft pinks and corals, all edged in fine black borders and on a creamy white backdrop. The fabric is also signed throughout with that famous Pucci signature. In person you will be even happier with it as the pictures are not correctly capturing the pinks and soft pastel feel that it has. The cut has a bit of a mod sixties feel complete with a low slung belt around the hip and shift shape. The dress is made of a light, fine silk chiffon that allows it to drape perfectly into wonderfully. His signature contrasting borders to show off the patterns to full effect are on place and highlight the lines of the dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in an off-white, fine silk chiffon crepe. It closes with hidden set front buttons and snaps and has a hand set side zipper. Silk covered buttons on each cuff. Hand finished. The belt closes with a snap and moving these will allow you to adjust it if needed. I see one pinhead size dot on the back and a teeny smudge on one hip near the seam but am being very picky.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2720

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

We do get double of pieces in the shop now and again, and sometimes it happens years apart and sometimes just a couple of weeks go by. I literally just listed (and sold) the twin of this just a few weeks ago. I was happy to have another land in the shop so soon.I have added a photo of one of our wonderful clients - Vi - who was shot in the version she bought for a styling feature she was in. I loved how to really took it outside the box and used it as a layering piece.

Beene is one of the great American designers and I always look for his work. When I find amazing pieces from his earliest, Geoffrey Beene Boutique, days I am even happier. This fabulous full length, fitted black dress is an amazing find and with its shiny contrasting black buttons running down the front and big over-sized pockets, it feels shockingly modern. There is a memory tugging at me that says maybe Chanel did something remarkably similar in the 1980s and the recent Balmain pieces have this same vibe as well but this is the original. It is made from a wool knit jersey fabric that has a good weight to it and feels "high end" when on and holds the shape wonderfully as well. The large black buttons that run down the front give the dress a surprisingly modern feel and because they end just about mid-though add a little sexiness when you walk or move in the dress. I love the squared off bust-line and skinny straps in a matching fabric - I feel that if you wished you could even wear this one strapless and it would work amazingly. The front has four flap pocket buttons and the placement along the upper edge of the bust is brilliant. They also are all functional giving it a little tongue in cheekiness that only you will know about. Its simplicity is part of its appeal and it looks amazing once on. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a high grade black silk and close with the front buttons. Proper tailored buttonholes and hand finished beautifully inside.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2693

Photo: From Vi's Instagram (@mysmallhours)

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

Donald Brooks launched his main label in 1964, added a Boutique line in 1971 but by 1973 had closed up shop completely. This rare Donald Brooks piece is from his main line and is the earliest label so I suspect it is from within the first couple of years that he launched his atelier. The fabric and print have his signature dramatic feel and the sculptural lines and heavy fabric are fantastic. The shape and flare are all created by seaming and clever pleating. There is no break at the waist, rather it is all one long panel of fabric with extra fabric worked through each side of the hip to give it volume. The bodice is to skim over the body and gradually widens through the waist and then into the skirt. The belt gives the waist detail but is not meant to really cinch it in (though you could also do that if you wish but I prefer the looser sixties line as shown). Big, domed glossy black buttons run down the front and each sleeve closes with another of those gorgeous buttons. I love the curbed top set pocket details on the front. Those details combined with the stark black and white graphic print make for a real showstopper. The fabric itself is also wonderful. It is a thick woven silk cotton mix with a quilting detail that runs over its surface. What an extraordinary piece. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a white silk organza with an additional off-white silk crepe lining. The top closes with a series of  buttons and fabric loops down the front, with each cuff having the same button and loop closures. The belt has snaps so can be easily adjusted if needed. Some very slight marks on the silk on the interior of the dress that do not show through when on. This dress is even better in person

Sleeves: 18"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2453

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

The design reins of the Norman Norell company was taken over from 1972 until its closure in 1976 by Gustave Tassell, who, like Norell, was also one of the great American couturiers. Gustave won a Coty award in 1962 and continued designing at a demi-couture basis even after the Norell label ended. You can see the nod to the Norell archives in this piece - in fact we have an earlier, shorter version in the shop right now.  For this version, Tassel extended the line to get that seventies silhouette and undated the cut to make it feel more modern. The silk he chose to use is a very fine grade so it drapes and falls fantastically. The finishing details are all done to couture standards so it is extremely well made. I love a red and white dot print which feels modern even now and is always appropriate no matter what era it is from. It has an extravagant attached tie that sits and extends from the base of the neck that you can use to create a dramatic bow as I have or simply loop it for a more casual feel. The skirt is long and lean and the waist defined by a narrow band of fabric. Very chic and feels fresh and modern when on. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in fine red silk including the sleeves. Closes down the front with a series of hand covered red silk buttons and then hidden snaps and hook & eye at the waist and below. Each sleeve has a hand set zipper. Hand finished. Note that the color is a true red in person and does not have that slight orange tone the photos show.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to center of waist
Skirt: 41" from center waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2136

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

This is a gorgeous Givenchy dress made of an absolutely exquisite fabric. It is a chocolate silk voile that has had these little soft lavender bits of silk fused directly into the fabric. The very outer edges of the little purple bits have been left with a sift raw delicate fringe so the appliqué work has a slight texture and depth to it. It is very unusual and beautiful. The color combination is also unusual and I love the two together. The top portion of the dress is cut to mimic a blouse with a button up front and sleeves are long and cut to slight puff out above their cuffs. The collar is kelpt neat and rounded and a yoke details runs across the shoulders. This tops a long skirt that widens out softly as it nears the ground and has hidden pockets along the tucked in front seaming. The original tie is present to cinch in the waist and create shape. It's extremely chic when on and I love that it buttons completely down the front so if you wish you can leave it open at the neck or skirt for a flash of skin to show. Presents as excellent condition with a small condition flaw to note below

Fully lined in a brown silk organza and has very well finished interiors. The dress buttons completely down the front and each cuffs buttons to close. The original waist tie belt is present. Note that there are some tiny scattering so of pinholes on the back of the dress. All seem stable and are barely noticeable. None worsened when it was cleaned. There is perhaps a light fading on the top of each sleeved shoulder. These are all very minor and not apparent once on. I have adjusted the price accordingly Hand finished

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 37.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2428

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

Louis Feraud Haute Couture pieces are very rare indeed. They are hard to find and this one is exceptional - a true treasure. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress also comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this. All of her dresses were bought in this general time period so the date on this may not be exact but it is certainly within a season or two of this date

The dress is amazing and and a classic silhouette. Ironically it feels extremely of this season when one thinks of what ateliers like Gucci are now doing. It is entirely done by hand and the silk is of the highest possible grade. It feels stupendous on. The top is loose fitting and the sleeves slightly voluminous above their cuffs. An attached tie goes around the neck and ties for a pretty touch. The entire dress is a masterpiece of pleat work and an example of how finely done a pleat can be - each is perfectly spaced and some are actually doubled with another pleat of fabric hidden under the top on - this technique uses an excessive amount of fabric - only in couture would this be as the cost would be prohibitive in RTW to so this. The color is a true rich pink - it has not photoed the exact pink and in person is will far exceed your expectation. It is truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition.

Fully lined through the skirt in a pink silk and unlined through the bodice and sleeves. All interior seams hand finished. It closes down the front with hand made silk covered buttons. It buttons from the neck to the waist. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture label present

Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 21" from neck to waist
Skirt: 30.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2353

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

We spotted the twin of this dress in the twitter feed of Lacy Schutz showing the dress from the archives of The Museum of the City of New York (see that here). From his very first label, this dress has a certain air of youth and experimentation  then did his later work. It is made out of a heavy cotton and there is literally yards of fabric in the dress. The fabric is printed with a colourful, vibrant patchwork design and this contrasts perfectly with the more formal cut of the dress. It buttons down the front with a series of multi colored buttons and has darling little cap sleeves. The waist nips in and the skirt flows to the floor in a cascade of fabric that has tremendous volume. The sheer yardage of the skirt causes this dress to feel heavy when it is off the body but once on, the weight balances perfectly and it does not feel cumbersome to wear. This dress feels completely fresh and modern now in light of what is happening on the cirrent runways, despite being almost 50 years old. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk and closes with buttons to the waist and handset, fabric covered snaps and hook & eye under that. I believe the top button has been replaced but cant be certain as it may have intentionally been different. Some minor discoloration to the inner lining of the skirt that cannot be seen when on nor does it go through the the exterior fabric. Mentioned for accuracy only. Note that it really is a touch too small on my mannequin - on the proper sized girl it will close properly at the front waist with no pulling. Hand finished, pockets on either hip

Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD2310

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

This fabulous black full length shift dress with its shiny contrasting black buttons running down the front and big over-sized pockets feels shockingly modern in that minimalist kind of way. This chic dress is designed by none other then the great Norman Norell who was known for his sharp tailored lines and use of the best possible fabrics. This particular dress is the perfect example of both. It is made from a heavy silk fabric that has a good weight to it and feels "high end" when on. The glossy black buttons, his signature, run down the front in a way that is both bold and also gives the dress a surprisingly modern feel. Long sleek sleeves, a back that dips unexpectedly and a bit of fullness to the way the back is cut. I love that the button front allows for a flash of leg. It does have its original belt which allows you to cinch in the waist but it works equally well without it. Its simplicity is part of its appeal. Excellent condition with a condition note below on the belt.

Fully lined in a high grade black silk and close with the front buttons. Proper tailored buttonholes and hand finished beautifully inside. The silk stain belt shows some wear to the edges of the buckle - you could easily have this recovered or just wear another belt (priced accordingly). I feel a skinny belt would also work amazing with this silhouette and perhaps feel more updated.

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2290

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

I just can't get enough of this fabulous little white shift dress with its shiny contrasting black buttons running down the front. This chic little dress is designed by none other then the great Normal Norell who was known for his sharp tailored lines and use of the best possible fabrics. This particular dress is the perfect example of both. It is made from a wonderful linen cotton mix fabric that has a nice crisp and clean feel to it. The tightly spaced, glossy black buttons down the front are bold and really give the dress a surprisingly modern feel even now. Little cap sleeves, a neat collar and just the hint of shape at the waist its simplicity is part of its appeal that allow the starkness of the black and white color and the girl wearing it to take center stage. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a high grade white silk and close with the front buttons. Proper tailored buttonholes and hand finished beautifully inside. Hidden pockets along the side seams. There is the faintest of a small spot near the buttons at the front. Super-size the photo to see - its very faint and was tough to capture. This may come out with additional cleaning. Priced accordingly

Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2232

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

The dress is amazing and finding anything from the ateliers of Chanel is special but the true Haute Couture pieces even more so. The gown is two pieces layered over each other and both are entirely done by hand by the masters at Chanel. My client tells me that this was the very first piece of Haute Couture that her mother purchased and that it was bought straight off the runway model.

The silk chiffon used on the exterior dress is of the highest possible grade and has a beautiful custom print in a red and white floral design - when layered over the interior silk dress that serves as a lining, the most interesting depth is created from the two versions of the same pattern layering over each other. The dress feels stupendous on as it is very light and the outer dress even more so. The sleeves are slightly voluminous above their sharp white silk organza cuffs. The neckline has a notched collar of that same organza and it is stiffened so it sits just so. It dips down the front and a classic Chanel Camellia sits smartly at the base. Remarkable both the cuffs and collar are set in place by snaps and can be taken off if you wish (I did not photo it without but you can easily imagine this). The skirt is a masterpiece of fine, flat pleat work around the hips and an example of how finely done a pleat can be - each is spaced perfectly and so finely done you hardly realize they are there until you look closely and realize that is what gives the skirt volume - only in couture would this be as the cost would be prohibitive in RTW to do this. An attached tie circles the waist to give it a touch more shape if you wish. The interior dress is a simple dress in a silk twill and acts as a lining. It is so well made it could be worn on its own so in effect you almost have two dresses! It is truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition.

Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special then modern ones. This dress also comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this.

The exterior dress is unlined with all interior seams hand finished. It closes with hidden hand placed and covered snaps down the front and hook & eye. The interior dress is unlined with hand finished edges to the interior seams and it closes with a handset side painted metal zip. The cuffs snap to close with a series of hand covered snaps hidden under the decorative buttons. The cuffs and collar come fully off. Note that the inner dress has color run under each arm  - I have photoed this. This does not show when the entire dress is on and there is no run to the exterior color at all.  Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture number 47638

Outer Dress
Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Inner Dress
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from neck to front hem, 55" at the bacl

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2116

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

I love both the chic little lines of this dress, in person you get a better sense of the subtle pleat work that runs down the front as well as that amazing print. It is Miss Dior and is constructed to extremely high standards - all hand finished and properly done with every stitch. It is cut on a slight A-line and has a nice sharp feel to its sheath dress lines. It is cut to have a bit of swing to it but also has a belt that you can choose to wear with it to add and define some shape. Made of a fine light challis that holds the shape and color beautifully but is not heavy or bulky at all. Really a jewel. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silky rayon that is hand finished. Buttons to close down the from just past the waist and with two buttons on each cuff. Attached tie at neck and original belt that is in excellent condition.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
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 neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2072

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

What a find! This beautiful black velvet dress by Givenchy Couture that reminds me of a vintage skating dress with its pretty full skirt and front button closure. And it has an extra special tie in as my client purchased this at the Nan Kempner charity sale held after her passing.

The skirt is full - there are actually several yards of fabric in there - and that fullness is made more apparent by the nipped in waist. The top is more fitted and buttons down the front with a band of flat piping along the row of buttons emphasizing the and adding length. The waist is cinched in and the buckle of the belt is large, acting as a draw of the eye and the shoulders lightly padded to squqre them off, again elements that further emphasize that illusion of a tiny waist. It will completely close right up and will create a high regal neckline if you wish. The velvet fabric used adds a nice texture to the dress and a visual interest without having to add pattern or design. The dress is in excellent condition. Please read below for full description notes

Fully lined in a black silk. It closes with the silk covered buttons and hidden hook & eye down the front and has an inner waist stay. Hidden set zippers on each wrist. The belt presents as good condition but there is some damage near one hole where it has been over tightened. Priced accordingly.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2055

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

This Chanel piece is not only a classic that will never go out of style, but it can be worn as both a shift dress or you can use it as a layering piece and make it more of a statement coat or jacket. So you are in a sense getting two pieces to play with and style. We have dated it to the 1996 collection and have found the video from the 1996-1997 fall runway. When presented there is was shown belted to give it shape and with gold cuffs layered over the sleeves. You can see it in the video below and in the screen shot included in the photos. (In the video you can catch a quick glimpse of it at about the 3:22 mark in the far right corner). The workmanship is of course impeccable. It is constructed from a fine wool crepe lined in a high grade silk that has those famous double Cs woven into the silk. It is cut very boxy with classic Chanel lines. Four pockets adorn the front and each is highlighted with one of the wonderful gold tone metal buttons you see. Those buttons instantly identify this as a Chanel piece. Buttons also adorn each sleeve and button down the front. There are 20 in all so it is almost like wearing a fine piece of Chanel jewelery. Excellent condition

Fully lined with silk and closes with the buttons as shown. Tagged a 46 but please go by actual listed measurements.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1980

Reference photo screen-grabbed from YouTube video.

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

Michaele Vollbrach pieces are so unusual and graphic - as time goes by they seem to get better and better. He loved silk and he loved to splash huge graphics across the fabric and then work that into a garment. I am actually a little sad at how this looks on the mannequin because it is really a fabulous set and I think it is better in person. The skirt falls to the floor and has a cinched waist and then quite a full shape without being too full. I love the waist to hem inverted pleat that runs down the front to give it more volume. The pockets are amazing and he purposely had the fabric custom screened to really show them off to the extreme. The top is full through the body and can be worn loose or ticked. The graphics and colors are amazing and I love the subtle dot pattern that runs through the silk! Excellent condition and in fact appears to have never been worn!

Top
Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 18" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 26" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from seam to seam
Hips: to 24" across Length: 32" from waist to hem

Both the top and skirt are unlined. The top closes with buttons down the front and an attached tie at the neck. Each sleeve has a row of tightly spaced, decorative buttons. The skirt closes with a zipper and flat hook & eye on the waistband.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# DD1040

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