Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of  the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have a way of flattering the wearer. He knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is a gorgeous example of his work from this time period. It is beyond gorgeous and it is one of my favorites from him. I have had this dress in the shop before and at last we have been able to date it. It is from the Spring 1984 collection

I have had the twin of this dress in the shop in the past and I love it more every time I find it. The main body of the dress is made from a deep royal purple silk that has a vivid pink ruffle that runs all the way down one whole side. The way that the pink is attached to the dress gives the dress the feel that that it has been wrapped around the bust and then tied into a dramatic bow at the shoulder with the ties trailing down your side. It actually is all attached and a part of the dress but I love how it makes the dress feel. The pink is gathered and warps all the around the bust and then is caught up at side to create that gorgeous bow that you see. The other shoulder is left completely bare for a little skin to show. Under the bow the pink silk runs down the side of the dress in an extravagant ruffle finish all the way to the hem. The inner bust has boning to support you and there is a little hidden strap under the bow to keep it in place. The body of this is cut loose and easy and it widens out it falls to the floor. It is extraordinary. Even more beautiful in person. It appears to have been worn a very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep purple silk. The inner bodice closes with its own zipper and then the dress zips to close over that with a hidden set zipper. Lightly boned through the inner bodice.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam and the outer waist goes to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4109

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1984 Bill Blass Runway, Model Dalma Callado.  /  (3-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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

Isaac Mizrahi presented his first collection at a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman's in 1987. By 1992 Chanel had bought a stake in the company and Isaac's name was everywhere. He was doing custom work for clients and Hollywood on top of his mainline. In 1995 Isaac was the subject of the movie 'Unzipped' based on his Fall 1994 collection. He is known as much for his personality as he was for his clothing. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized him with the Perry Ellis Award (now called the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award) in 1988 and the women's wear designer of the year award in 1989. He loved to experiment and would often change his aesthetics from season to season. This comes directly from the client that worked with him one on one to create this dress. 

My client had this dress custom made and it is a gorgeous. I love the nod to Old Hollywood it has. The bodice cut into a V at the front and it does the same at the back. The silk has enough weight to hold the shape you see but it still feels light on the body. The pale purple colour is beautiful. In person it is a touch lighter then how it photoed and it is even better. It is cut to skims over the bust, waist and hips with the shape created by ling vertical seaming. At about the knee the lower skirt flares out in from an slightly angled seam. The way the seam is set helps to visually elongate the line of the dress to make the whole dress feel longer. At the back there is an oversized bow that is also set on an angle to follows the seam. It is fabulous. And l love that you can see that little bit of the bow peaking out from the front. The skirt is cut slightly longer at the back and there is a bit of extra fabric there so that it flares out behind you. It is even better in person. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined in a matching purple silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. There is a bit of grubbiness at the back hem. Please see the last photo after the label shot. 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A-B cup
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to front hem, 62" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3595

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

This dress is brand new with tags and was the production piece sold for Fall 2021 at Net-A-Porter. This collection was the one prior to Pieter Mulier's first for the house and the Alaia team did a special Editions collections based on the houses' vast archives. Vogue noted that Caroline Fabre Bazin, the Heritage and Editions director, and Alaïa CEO Myriam Serrano decided to focus on pieces they saw as being “important for the house, important in the history of fashion, that also speak of technique and timelessness.” Every runway piece was dated and had its backstory. Those pieces were then translated for the fall ready-to-wear line of which this dress is from. I have included the reference photos from the show where you can how this dress came about. I love this all black version and it is in perfect condition with all its tags.

This stunning Alaia piece is a testament how much Alaia's team loved him and were able to perfectly execute a collection without him because they were all on the same page and shared his vision so perfectly. A rare achievement post the founders passing it seems. Instead of trying to go off the rails in direction they just gave him a beautiful homage to what he did best. This is a dress that is meant to show off your curves. The top is made out of a butter soft black leather that is shaped and seamed to cup the breasts at the front. Wide straps curve over the shoulders to become part of that front molded cup. It dips into a low V and the entire bust area is shaped for support. A wide leather strap extends out horizontally under that and then there is another one wrapped around the waist. These are separated and open between the straps and bodice as it wraps around you so that you get a glimpse of skin between them. These wrap around to the back where they create a caged effect over the shoulder straps that have continued from the shoulder all the way down to meet the waist. Everywhere else at the back has been left bare and open. Attached to that is a long narrow skirt that falls to the floor. The skirt is made out of one of inky black hammered silk. It has structure and a touch of weight to it so that it shapes and holds the body underneath. It is cut in one long lean line that narrows in slightly as it reaches the hem. This creates the most flattering line on you possible. A high slit at one side allows you to walk and shows a flash of leg when you move or sit. It is very sexy, very chic and very Alaia. It has all of its original tags and has never been worn. Excellent condition.

The skirt is lined in a satin finish black silk and the inner part of the bodice is the same ultra soft leather as the exterior. It closes with a hidden set low zipper and the straps buckle to close above that. Tagged a modern 34 with all original shop and hang tags still attached.

Bust: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with A to small B cup
Waist: 11-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 47.5" from waist to hem and the slit is 31.5" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD4321

Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 2021 Alaia Presentation. Looks 5, 12 & 27.  /  (4) Net-a-porter image.

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

Dan Werle launched his label just after the end of World War II and by the 1950s he was dressing Hollywood starlets on a regular basis. He designmany of the looks worn by Loretta Young for her TV show 'The Loretta Young Show' that ran from 1953 to 1961. She often launched her show wearing one of his designs and it was that publicity that made his label thrive. His work tended to stay on the more simple side but they were still striking. You get the feeling that he made pieces for women to be able to wear over and over without tiring of them or made things that were to outlandish.

I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a brilliant blue silk and the colour is breathtaking. The choice of this silk gives it just enough structure to hold the shape but still keeps the dress light and comfortable to wear. That fabric choice mixed with the soft billowing cut that it has gives it feeling of high drama. The bodice is cut to skim over the torso and the neckline is extraordinary. The dress is meant to be worn off the shoulder for a bare expanse of skin to show across the top of the shoulders. The line there is set on a curve so that it dips down at the front and back into a V. This is then edged with a little matching silk ruffle all the way around the top for the prettiest detail.  The sleeves are unlined and are cut to be extremely full and wide so that they billow out to just past the elbow and above the elastic at each cuff. The bodice is cut to skim over you and the waist nips in. The dress comes with a matching long wide sash that you can use to cinch the waist in even more. The skirt is very long and full. It flows to the floor in a cascade of silk. I have shown it without any underskirts but you could easily add a crinoline if you wanted even more fullness. Pockets on each hip. The dress has a fantastic romantic feel but is still sexy and beautiful. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a matching silk, the sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a pale blue organza. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each cuff has elastic. Has its original matching sash belt. Hand finishes.

Sleeves: 19"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Bodice: approx 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4319

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 same print was used on dress from one of Thea's very first fashion shows that was held at her Greek street shop in London. But the label on this dress was unusual and did not match the ones that would have been used for that show so I reached out to fashion historian and author Laura McClaws Helms. Laura wrote the book on Thea Porter released a few years back and she also curated the museum exhibit on her work. She told me that in the very early days Thea would sometimes meet with boutique owners and agree to sell select pieces to them. This dress is from one of those collaborations and that makes this dress a very rare piece. Once that was known we ended up finding a photo of the twin of this dress within Laura's photo archives dating it to 1969. It is a stunning and early example of what was to come and it is just a beautiful dress besides.

The dress is stunning. It feels a bit like her 'Faye' dress in its design but with the addition of those incredible sleeves. I love the stark mix of black white and red and how the print is done in panels that run down the front and back of the dress. The the sleeves and side of the dress are made from a semi-transparent black silk chiffon and that touch of transparently is very sexy. The printed parts are also a silk chiffon that has been completely covered in a graphic swirling pattern of red, white and black. The body of the dress is backed in a layer of silk chiffon to make it slightly more opaque and wearable but the sleeves are a single layer of chiffon. Their volume is partly created by how they come out from the waist and because of how they are set from the waist like that you get a glimpse of the transparency along the sides of the bodice when you move which is just insanely sexy. It is still subtle though because of how full the sleeves are cut. Each one falls from the shoulder and connect down right to the waist. Each wrist is finished with a tie made from the printed chiffon. Once on they will sit up more and billow around you. There is banding at the slightly empire set waist and this extends out at the back into long ties that you can cinch to add more shape. The print runs down the front of the  entire dress, circles round the hem and then meets the panel that runs down the back. Beyond its rarity and place in fashion history it is just a gorgeous dress. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined in a black silk chiffon except for the sleeves which are unlined. The dress zips to close at the back. Stiffened tulle set into each shoulder to hold the shape. The band at the waist extend to ties that you can cinch in the waist as desired. Hand finishes throughout. One of the ties at the wrist has a tiny bit missing from its edge that you do not see when it is tied. I see a couple of tiny pinholes near one shoulder. Please see the photos after the label shot

Sleeves: approx 28"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: no true side seams
Seam under the bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3491

Reference Photo: (1) Model in Thea Porter, 1969. Photo courtesy of Laura McLaws Helms.

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 little jumpsuit has had the part of the label that tells the collection date removed at some point in its history but I believe it is from the late 1990s based on the styles and similarities to other dresses I have previously had in the shop from that period. Regardless of its exact date it is definitely Karl's work and it is a gorgeous example of his work. It is a very easy to wear piece and I love how unusual it is while still being utterly Chanel in feel.

I love that this little jumpsuit looks like a dress at first glance. It is just the cleverest thing and it has the added bonus of making it super easy to wear. It has that touch of a flapper feel to it that so many of his pieces have and it is just so pretty. The jumpsuit part is made out of a light in weight black silk that is soft and easy to the touch. It has that feel of the best of 1930s silk. Over that the skirt overlay is a black silk chiffon that has camellias and ribbon appliqued onto it for added detail. This mixing of fabrics give is a play on the different transparencies. It is light in weight and wonderfully easy to wear. Despite its light weight the fabric still has enough structure to hold the cut and give it the wonderful shape that you see. The top of the jumpsuit is sleeveless and cut to skim over you all the way down to the low dropped seam at the top of the hip. The neckline plunges into a V at the front and there is a row of silk covered decorative domed buttons underneath that. Where the bodice meets the skirt there is a wide gathered 4" band made from the same silk as the top. This band is pleated and I love the detail it adds. Under the skirt are attached legs that continue down from the top. These are done in a peg leg shape and they narrow down as they reach their hem. On the outside of each leg there is another row of tightly spaced buttons that match the ones on the bodice. Depending on your height they will probably be a bit of a cropped pant. The skirt falls over that from under the banding and it is made up of a silk chiffon that is softly gathered in around the waist. Onto the skirt are embroidered and silk cut out of the famous Chanel camellia and then it is finished all around the hem with ribbon. The lightness of the silk allows it to flare out and the movement that this creates once it is on is incredible. The construction is immaculate and it looks to have been worn very little if at all. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The cut is meant to be loose and easy through the body. The band around the waist buttons to close. The buttons on the top are decorative and the ones on the pants are functional. The easy cut should fit a range of sizes.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of bodice: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner pant hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 21" from top of shoulder to seam at bottom of bodice
Skirt: 30" from seam at bottom of bodice to hem
Pants: 32" from seam at bottom of bodice to hem
Inseam: 27"
Gusset: 29" from top of shoulder to inner back seam

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4315

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

This dress is by Arnold Scassi and I love the choice of sequin and net that he used for this one. Scaasi worked under Charles James at the start of his career and many of his dressed reflect this early influence. His boutique line was launched in 1984 and was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive. Pieces from it often have a demi-couture level finish and really are an extension of his couture line. This one is especially fabulous and just is one of those pieces that feel joyful to look at.

Yards and yards of a brilliantly coloured floral silk gazar have been used in this Arnold Scassi dress and it is just exceptional. This particular piece is a little extra fascinating because it actually has Bergdorf Goodman tag inside with the exact date this dress this dress was delivered so we know that it was is from 1986. I love that. This dress varies from his usual boutique pieces as it was an obvious special order piece and it has mote the feel and construction of his main couture line. I would get that it was based on one of his ready made pieces, but then was a special order it would've been a one of as far as measurements and perhaps she even changed the design as well. So it was most likely made in his atelier for this specific woman so is half way between his RTW and couture line. The silk used for this dress is just incredible. It is feather light but the gazar has enough structure to it that it holds that beautiful shape perfectly. All the fullness that you see are because if the fabric choice and the seam work and yet it sill moves and floats around you effortlessly once on. It is strapless and on the bodice the silk has been gathered over to one side. This adds detail and also is how he has shaped the dress to create and highlight the curves of the body. The bodice glides over the waist and then extends past and below the hip.Again a trick to exaggerates your curves. The skirt is set into the seam there and it has a wonderfully full feel. When you walk the movement that this creates is exceptional. It is as good inside too. The innermost skirt is made from layers of a fine green silk with a broad band of horsehair taping inside the bottom hem of both the exterior skirt and the inner silk lining to help hold the volume. Between those layers is a third layer whose bottom is finished with layers of silk net tulle. It is just exquisite. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine green silk organza and the skirt is lined as described above. Lightly boned through the bodice. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Hand finishes

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with room to a B or small C cup at the front
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52.5" from top of the bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4314

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

This dress is by Arnold Scassi and I love the choice of sequin and net that he used for this one. Scaasi worked under Charles James at the start of his career and many of his dressed reflect this early influence. His boutique line was launched in 1984 and was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive. Pieces from it often have a demi-couture level finish and really are an extension of his couture line. This one is with its heart print is just so pretty

The color of this dress is just outstanding. It is a true brilliant emerald that is beautiful to see. The colour alone would have been enough but the fabric also has these little hearts on it that are part of the fabric itself. The technique used to create the hearts is very unusual and really adds to the dress. Each of the hearts is a single chiffon layer that is transparent so that they add depth and interest to the green. It is almost like the way a silk devore is created but in chiffon and silk. It is quite brilliant. The dress is strapless and the bodice is lighting boned inside for structure and support. There is a full inner green silk dress inside and then that solid and transparent top layer falls over that from the top of the bodice to the hem. This gives the dress one long line as it falls to the floor in a cascade of fabric. The back has extra panel of fabric built in so that it is fuller there. The is gathered into a soft pleated curve that sits just under the small of the back and give the back skirting that extra fullness and volume. Just above that there are a series of four large bows set edge to edge across. It is just beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in green silk and closes with a back zipper. The inner waist stay hooks to close and the bodice is lightly boned. The skirt has an inner skirt made of two layers of silk and the outer layer is interlined in an organza. Both the inner and outer layer of the skirt have a wide banding of stiffened netting at the hem to help hold the shape.

Bust: to 17" flat across inside from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 52" from top of bodice hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4313

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

Irene Lentz dressed many of the stars in Hollywood during its heyday and her designs are still highly sought after. She started by doing made to order dresses and in 1947 added a ready to wear line. She had replaced Adrian Gilbert as the head of MGM costume design in 1942 so had built a large and loyal following in Hollywood which put her in the perfect position to launch this new part of her label. This is a stunning example of the work she was doing in the early part of the 1950s.

This pretty little dress has absolutely beautiful details. The skirt is a black silk taffeta and its cut comes over the hips and then widens out as it nears the hem. There is an overlay of the same fabric set over the inner skirt and this gives it more of a flare as it reaches the hem. The overlay is cut in so that the hem falls in soft curves all the way around you. At the back it meets on two curved panels and these just fold over. I feel like you could potentially tack them into the place that best works on you. The bodice is beautiful. There is a band of pale blue silk ribbon that wraps around you from the back to the front. At the front it is finished in a large flat bow that completely covers the bust area. Above that a nude mesh attaches that inner bodice to the shoulders so that it stays in place. That is then placed underneath a full bodice that is made of a fine black lace. The neckline is set wide across the shoulders and the sleeves extend out from there with no seaming along their tops to break the line. The lace falls loose and easy over the inner bodice and the back is scooped low for a touch of bare skin. It is so pretty. This is a very rare designer piece from this era. Excellent condition with a small note below

The skirt acts as the lining of the skirt as does the inner bodice of the top. It closes with a back metal zipper. I see stitch marks of where the back flaps may have been tacked into place at some point as described above. It's been left as found so you can place it where it works best on you. I also see evidence that the back bodice was lined in the nude chiffon but it has been removed at some point. I see a couple of storage marks on the inner nude chiffon of the front bodice and there is some grubbiness along the inner edge of the bodice. I see a very faint mark on the skirt at the side. These are all minor and it presents beautifully.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D641

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This is an exceptional example of the pretty sundresses that were being made in the late 1940s and into the 1950s. It has a touch of a Hawaiian dress influence and it is just the prettiest dress I have seen like this in a while. Really great examples of dresses from the forties are almost impossible to find anymore and this one is amazing. The fabric is very light and it feels almost weightless once on. The fabric is a deep blue - black silk crepe that has a pretty white flower print that runs over its surface. The print is set so that it wraps and curves around you and this only adds to the curves the dress creates. The dress is suspended from two wide straps made of the same silk and the bodice is cut to be fitted to your curves. The waist nips in and then the skirt curves over and hugs the hips and falls in a slim pencil cut to come out slightly at the hem. It has no vent which is how these dresses got their name... the bottom hem makes you have to take smaller steps hence the 'wiggle' that is created when you walk. Then, to up the glam, there are hand cut out flowers that are attached to the bodice and sprinkled around the waist and over the hip. These have been covered with hand applied sequins to catch the light. It is fantastic. Excellent condition with a small note below.

The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side metal zipper. The appliques are hand applied and sequinned. Each applique has a netted backing. There is a touch of sun fading to the top of one strap. Please see the photo after the label shot.

Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 32.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D642

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

Adolph Schuman started the Lilli Ann company in 1933 and named it after his wife Lillian. This dress is from one of the earlier labels and is from the earlier part of the 1940s. We know this because right after the second war ended Adolph went to Paris and the subsequent labels had 'Paris' added to them. The label was known for their beautiful work and this is a stunning early and rare example of their work.

This stunning little dress combines an inky black velvet that runs down the center of the dress and then the rest of the dress is a teal brocade that has an amazing detailing applied over its surface. The fabric is amazing. The detailing on it is a looped metallic ribbon that has a raised effect off of the fabric. It is set in swirling curves that follow the design in the brocade underneath. I’ve never seen anything like it. The swirling design gives an extra bit of detailing and adds a metallic glint to the entire surface. The cut of the dress is equally unusual. The two fabrics meet at the top of the shoulders with the black velvet set underneath. It is cut into a V at the front and the shoulders are set wide so they fall slightly to the edge of your shoulders. This then wraps around you to create another V at the back. At the front the wide panel of velvet extends down from there and runs down the center of the dress to the hem. The rest of the dress is made of the teal brocade and it comes up and wraps around the back of the neck. This creates this unique double neck and shoulder detailing that is gorgeous. It nips in at the waist and the black velvet at the center makes the waist feel even smaller. The skirt falls from under there and it is very full. I have shown it with a light crinoline underneath, but even without that, it is almost as full because there is so much fabric in the skirt. If you added more of an underskirt you could make it a true cupcake feeling dress. The colours are stunning and that fabric is beautiful. Excellent condition with a small note below.

The bodice is lined in a black silky rayon and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a back metal zipper and hooks to close at the back. I see a bit of flattening in the front velvet panel bit it is minor. It just makes the light catch the velvet in some spots differently than others. You can see it in the photos here.

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 29.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# D643

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

The lines of this dress are so unusual and interesting. It is made out of an emerald green matte satin that is bright and true. The neckline is squared off at the front and it falls into a V at the back for a bit of bare skin. The sleeves are capped and short and come off of the shoulder in an easy curve with no top seam to break the line. It skims over the bust and then nips in at the waist. The shaping is all done through the vertical seam work that you see. From there it is curved over the hips and the inner skirt flares out just a bit by the time it reaches the hem. Wrapped over the skirt are these elaborate panels of the same fabric. It starts at the seam on one side of the front then the panel wraps all the way around the body and back to the front where it curves underneath to create a crossed over feel. The pleats and the way that they are set onto the skirt give it this very bombshell hourglass silhouette. There is even built in tulle under the panel on each hip to help lift and shape it. This is a dress, that on a girl who fills it out properly, is going to look 10 times better than how it does on my dress form. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a combination of the same fabric and a black matte rayon. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Built in tulle at the hips as described above.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML -MED

Item# D646

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This is such a pretty spring dress from the David Hart label. It is just absolutely gorgeous and the fabric it is made out of is so unusual. The inner fabric is a cotton that has been printed with a swirling abstract flower design. This print is done in pretty spring colours and it covers the entire dress. Green, yellow and soft pinks are all mixed together in a floral explosion and it is quite beautiful. Then over and onto that is an attached outer layer of organza. This sits over the inner print and gives it that dreamy wash that softens the colour underneath. Sequins are then hand placed in a way that highlights the flower designs. These are scattered over the dress. This little extra detailing plays two purposes; It helps to keep the two layers of fabric perfectly together and it adds a sense of romance and softness to the dress. The neckline is set in a V that sits wide and right to the outer edges of the shoulders. The bodice skims over you and the nips in at the waist. The skirt is extremely full under that. I have added a light crinoline to show you the fullness to some of these photos. Even without that it is still very full in part because of the way it is seamed and it also has its own light underskirts built in. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the side with a metal zipper. The sequins are hand applied. Built in light underskirts. It appears to have been worn very little.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D645

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This stunning little dress is from the Jobere label out of New York and it is made from a bright emerald dress silk satin mixed with a cotton muslin and beaded detailing.  This is a fabulously beautiful little labelled 1950s piece. It is very well-made. The colour is spectacular and I love the contrast the green has with that detailing that runs around the top of the bodice. The panel there is made out of a pale nude cotton muslin. Its edges are finished with hand done bead-work and prong set glass rhinestones. The neckline sits wide across so that you see the collarbone. It curves up and over the shoulders to create tiny cap shoulders. The green falls under that and there’s a bit of an illusion that it’s extremely low busted by the way the green is curved underneath the bust. The waist nips in and then the skirt flares out. The dress has its own built in underskirts so it is full on its own. For some of these photos I added a light crinoline but it is full even without. It is very pretty and fresh feeling. Excellent condition with a note below.

The dress is fully lined and has its own attached inner tulle skirts. It closes with a back zipper. The beads and rhinestones are hand applied. Slightest barely fade at the edge under the arm. There is light fraying to the very edges of the shoulders - please see the photos after the label shot.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 42" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D644

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This stunning little dress is from the Jobere label out of New York and it is made from a deep blue silk mixed with silk chiffon and a pretty corded lace. It is beautifully made with detailing that runs around the upper portion of the bodice. It is cut wide across the shoulders so that it sits just on the outer edge of each shoulder. This leaves a bare expanse of skin across the neck and at the back it dips slightly lower. The bodice skims over you and then it nips in at waist with the shape there created by vertical seaming. The waist is detailed with panels of silk chiffon for a pretty softness. The skirt falls from under that and widens out as it nears the hem. I love the wide panel of silk that runs all the way around the hem and ends in a flat bow on one side. This wide ribbon finish at the bottom serves a dual purpose of not only adding detail but it also gives the hem extra structure so that the dress retains its shape once on.  At the very top of the bodice there is a wide nude colored added panel that covered with a deep blue cord lace. This adds the prettiest most romantic detail. It’s a lovely little dress. Overall great condition but it does have some small issues to review below.

The dress is fully lined in a copper coloured silky rayon and it closes with a back zipper. The lace hand applied. There is some separation to the lace throughout. It could be worm as is or the lace removed or replaced if you wished. There is also fraying at the very edges of the skirt here and there. Please see the photos after the label shot.

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D647

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 am very excited to bring you our latest mini capsule collection. This is one of nine dresses from a single owner collection. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. For this capsule we have moved forward to the 1940s and 1950s. Really good examples from this era are becoming increasingly hard to find and these are all gorgeous little examples of that time period. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This dress is beautiful. It as made in France and is made to a demi-couture level with hand finished inner seams. The lace that covers the dress is a beautiful French made lace and then under that is a nude silk inner layer. This keeps you fully covered but from a distance it has that nude illusion feel that you are perhaps not wearing under anything underneath. It is cut square across the top with a double strap that curves over the very top of the shoulders. The back scoops down just a touch. It is cut to skim and fall easy over the bodice. The waist is detailed with a wide black ribbon that ends in a flat bow at the front. The skirt skims over the hips and widens out slightly as it in nears the hem. The cut is simple and then it is the lace that gives it all the visual interest. It is a net lace that is covered in intricate medallions running over the entire dress. Each has a ruffle finish in a silk chiffon that stands up and away from the fabric for a 3D effect. As it gets near the hem the pattern in the lace and that extra applique becomes more dense. I love the play on transparency that this gives the dress. The same ruffle finish sits at the neckline and very bottom of the hem. This is an extremely well made dress and it is beautiful. Excellent condition.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML - MED

Item# D649

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 from my same client whose aunt purchased from Ady Couture who I explained in depth in this listing while she was living in Switzerland during the eighties and into the nineties. Prior to that, during the late sixties and into the early 80s her aunt lived in both France and Brussels where she purchased pieces from Louis Mies. Mies was a small independent couturier who did custom work for his clients to couture standards. He designed many piece for the Queen of Brussels and like Ady, he had permission from several of the Haute Couture ateliers to produce their Haute Couture pieces using the patterns and buying the fabric direct. This dress is based on the Fall 1974 gown that Yves Saint Laurent showed that season. The fabric has changed and I think this fabric is better then the silk moire taffeta of the runway piece. It is more wearable for a modern woman in this stunning rose detailed silk. It is beyond beautiful in person and one of my favourite personal pieces. 

All of the finishes  on the dress have been done by hand and it has all of those lovely details that you expect in a couture dress. It is made out of a black silk taffeta and this fabric choice helps it to hold its intended shape. On the main body of the dress the silk has been finished with hand embroidered roses. These are made with a chenille velvet thread that is worked through the silk to form those spectacular large roses that cover the entire dress. Scattered over and around the roses are dots that are made with the same chenille. This gives the dress an incredible 3D texture and they also add a lovely and romantic touch. The neckline is scooped low across the front and the it buttons to close under that. There is an elaborate set of snaps and hooks that follow the waist line and carry over to the side where there is a hidden set zipper. The top is so well made I think you could choose to wear the scoop to the back even. It skims over you and the waist nips in. The sleeves are gorgeous. Each is constructed in the proper tailoring manner and are set on a curve to follow the shape of the arm. At the shoulders there is a series of soft pleats that creates that bit of volume you see there. The skirt is equally well made. It curves out from the hips to fall to the floor, widening out beautifully as it nears the hem. Inside the skirt is a full built in silk under-skirt that gives the skirt the volume that you see. The inner skirt is finished with an edging of black silk ruffles and it set slight below the top skirt in length. So when you move a certain way or sit you get just a glimpse of the ruffles at the hem. I think my favourite detail though is the precise and unusual rolled pleats that circle the waist. Each is made by hand and each perfectly matches its neighbour. The hours of work that it would have taken to implement these would be mind boggling. All of the inner seams are finished by hand and I have included some shots of the inner seams for you to see how beautiful they are. It is extraordinary and the kind of quality and beauty that you will only find with vintage. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined through the bodice in a black silk crepe chiffon. There is a built in black silk taffeta inner skirt. It closes with silk covered button and loops down the front. At the waist there is an elaborate series of silk covered snaps and hooks that close along the waist line and then it zips at the side with a hidden set fine metal zipper. There is an inner waist stay that hooks to close. There is at least an inch and a bit of fabric on either side of each inner seams through the bodice to let it out if needed. The inside is all hand done and it is finished to couture standards. 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" 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 shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem with 3" turned under the hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3682

Reference Photos: Fall 1974 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.

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

Valentino launched his ready to wear label in 1962 just two years after opening his first salon in Rome. He eventually expanded and added other boutiques. His first New York boutique launched in the fall of 1970 and it caused a sensation. Traffic was backed up 3 blocks with everyone who was anyone trying to get in on opening night. More boutiques followed including one at Bergdorfs. He encouraged his couture clients to also shop in his boutiques. He wanted everyone to have the Valentino experience and noted that he often carried the lines he created for his Couture label into the boutique work. The fabric and construction details were still remarkably close in quality to his couture pieces at this point in time. The line between the two was often blurred and on this set you can see that in the hand finishing that is has. This is one of the most beautiful Valentino pieces I have had in the shop.

The dress is made out of a black silk taffeta that holds its shape and volume beautifully. This is a two piece set made up of a dress and its matching jacket. They are fantastically beautiful worn together but I also love that having the two pieces gives you more styling options and extends the life of this in your wardrobe. The dress is suspended by two tiny straps that curve up and over each shoulder. The bodice dips into a wide set V at the front and dips lower across at the back to leave a bare expanse of open skin. It is cut to be more fitted to the waist and then under that it is all volume and drama. The skirt has an incredible amount of volume to it that shows best when you move. The lightness of the silk causes the skirt to billow out and move around you as you move yet it still has enough weight that it holds that full feeling when you stand still. When this is on and you are walking the effect that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. The 13" ruffle that circles the entire lower hem is actually added on top of the skirt and not simple seamed onto the edge. That means the ruffle has the inner part of the skirt behind it and this extra weight and fabric helps to hold its shape. A very clever little construction detail. The ruffle also adds an extra touch of romance to the piece. And it has pockets. Over this pops the jacket and it is a thing of beauty in its own right. The body of the jacket widens out from the soft shoulder and curves around and up from the hem to the neckline. I love the ruffle finish that follows all the way around the edge. The sleeves are incredible and each is cut to be very wide by the time they reach their ends. The seam above the ruffle finish on them is a full 20" around and the ruffle makes it go beyond that even. It is absolutely beautiful. This is Valentino at his best and a tremendously beautiful dress and jacket. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in a black silk. The dress closes with a back zipper and there are two hidden hook and eye at the base of the jacket at the front. Tagged a size 6. 

Dress
Bust: to 16.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Jacket
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Sleeves: 22.5" long and 14" around the top part of the arm
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 17.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4054

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 opened his first boutique in 1950 in Cannes selling sundresses to the jet set. When Brigitte Bardot was photographed in a white pique and lace number, he became the darling of the fashion world. By 1956 he had moved to Paris and opened a couture atelier and in 1960s made his first official couture presentation. Ready to wear followed in 1970. He won the Golden Thimble in in 1978 and again in 1984. Women like Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot were huge fans of the label. This is a wonderful caftan dress from the early 1970s that shows his depth as a designer. It is just exceptional.

The dress is made out of a single layer of bias cut silk chiffon that sits over an inner layer of a nude silk chiffon. The inner layer is also bias cut and the two layers float over each other perfectly to drape over the body. The fabrics used are as light as a feather so that the caftan feels wonderful once on the body. It is incredible how light and airy this one feels. The neckline is a wide scoop that sits wide across the neck. From their falls in this extravagant swoosh of bias cut silk. It is cut very long and I love how one side is done to sit a little shorter then the other. This is a very clever detail as it not only emphasizes the pattern that you see but it also gives more movement to the dress as it moves and catches the air. It falls over you loose and easy for an almost caftan feel to it. The bias cut lets it swirl around the body underneath but at the same time it feels insanely comfortable on because the fabric weighs ounces. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut extremely wide and then has elastic at the wrist to create a bit of a balloon effect above. The pattern that covers the dress is like that of a huge silk scarf and this gives it its fabulously glamorous bohemian feel. It is immensely flattering once on and should work an a wide variety of shapes. This is a dress you will want to wear over and over for every summer occasion from day to evening. It is truly a remarkable dress that is hands down one of my favorite pieces ever. Excellent condition with one minor note below

The body of the dress is fully lined in a nude biased cut silk chiffon. The sleeves are unlined. To wear it you just slip it over the head. There is one tiny mark on one sleeve. Please see the photo after the label shot. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finishes

Sleeves: approx 30" to their longest points and will sit up more when on
Shoulders: no true defines seam
Bust: 16-27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 60" from the shoulder to the longest point of the hem, 48" to the shortest

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD4311

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

Arnold Scaasi was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal and the name Scassi is simply his own surname in reverse. He studied in Montreal and in Paris, apprenticed at the house of Paquin and then worked with the legendary Charles James. In 1964 he opened own couture salon. He dressed Hollywood stars like Lauren Bacall, Diahann Carroll and Elizabeth Taylor. He dressed several first ladies including Mamie Eisenhower, Hillary Clinton and both the Bush first ladies. He even once bragged that he refused to give Jackie clothes for free. He was the man behind the scandalous 1969 Barbra Streisand sheer trouser outfit that she collected her Oscar in, and he was presented with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. The dress is from his main label and these were extremely well made pieces. It is so dramatic and in being so also so very Scaasi.  He himself once said 'I am not a minimalist designer! Clothes with some adornment are more interesting to look at and more fun to wear.'

You can easily see the influence of Arnold having worked for Charles James in this piece. The lines are dramatic and yet elegant. The silk is that incredibly rich feeling silk that drapes and sits beautifully. The dress is strapless and is gathered from there to just past the hip. The gathers are all held in place along the side and this brings in the cut so that it follows and highlights your curves. The skirt is set under that and the seam is done on a slight angle to add visual length to the dress. On the opposite side that seam extends down and into a deep point to give the body length there as well. The skirt is quite full and the shape and volume that you see is held by the inner construction which is quite amazing. The innermost layer closest to you is a fine black silk that is finished at the hem with a broad inset band of stiffened netting so that the shape is kept. Over this lay four full layers of tulle netting and then the outermost layers sits over all of that and even that top layer is self-lined in a black silk organza. The final perfect touch is that extraordinary ruffle that is set along the side and runs down the front all the way to the bottom of the gathered bodice. The ruffle is black on one side and then the other is finished in a shocking pink silk. This unexpected shock of color is fantastic. I have placed it to one side but the dress is so well made that you could wear it almost anyway around and just change where the zipper sits and the back or sides.Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine black tissue silk. The bodice is lightly boned on the ruffle side and it closes with a back metal zipper on the opposite side. The inner skirt construction is described above. Hand finished throughout.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 18" from top of bodice to dropped seam
Skirt: 39" from dropped seam to hem with 4" turned under the top layer

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4305

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

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and his trademark look soon developed. He became know for his extravagant use of colour, beading, sequins 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 eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new cutting edge fabrics. This is a wonderful example of his work during this time period. We found a reference photo of an Azzaro dress with a very similar shoulder treatment and I think this one is even better.

This dress is nothing short of a bold and dramatic statement piece. The bodice is hand draped into soft rounded gathers over the bust. They continue all the way down under the bust to follow the curve of the body all the way to just below the hips. For this part of the dress he used a black stretch jersey that gives the dress it's fitted shape but also keeps it comfortable to wear. Inside the dress is one of his signature strapless underwire bras and this has been sewn into the dress for added support and shape. The top edge is shaped into a low sweetheart curve and the gathers are set to run horizontally down the body. Hand set vertical seams are tacked into place at points all the way around you to give the gathers a slight scooped feel and add length to offset the horizontal lines. It also keeps the gathers from adding bulk. Under that the skirt is set low and i is made out of a black textured silk that has a metallic finish. This is set over several layers of built in under skirting to help give and hold the volume you see in the skirt. On each outer side the panels of the skirt slightly lift up and away from the dress. To tie this into the top, the same fabric and swooping line is used to create that sweep of fabric on the one side of the bodice. I love how this flares out up and over the front portion of the shoulder. It is fabulous. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk with a built in bra though the bodice that hooks to close separately. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The interior bodice is boned. Layers of tulle and silk underskirts under the low set skirt. The flame/fan detailing on the bodice has wire inside to hold it up. It would be easy to add additional wire or stiffening inside if you wanted it to really hold even taller then it does now. Hand finished throughout

Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks slightly smaller then that
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3680

Reference Photo: Model in Loris Azzaro, L'Officiel No. 734, September 1987.

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 twin of this dress in a red colour walked the runway for the Spring 1987 show and its red twin was also used in the ad campaign that year. I am very happy to have those shots for you because it really shows how great this is once on the body. It is a gorgeous and very pretty example of the work that Mr Valentino was doing during the 1980s. Finding pieces from this time period in such immaculate condition is a rarity and I am very pleased to have this beautiful dress in the shop.

It is easy to see why this was chosen for the ad campaign that year. It is just so fabulous and so flattering. The dress is made from a bight pink silk chiffon that makes it as light as a feather. There is this fabulous black dot that covers the entire dress and adds to its charming feel. It is strapless and the upper bodice has a soft rounded shape to it. The silk is gathered over the bust in tiny intricate soft folds that run down to the waist and then continue past that to be more fitted and hug the top of the hips. Just under the bust there is a little ruffle of the chiffon with wired edges so that it curls and twists for a pretty added detailing. This same technique is at the bottom edge as well and I love this little added feminine touch. That stunning colour combined with the soft gathers creates the most gorgeous effect. The skirt falls from that bottom edge of that and it has a ton of volume to it that shows best when you move. It widens out quite a bit by the hem and it is made out of a three layers of silk. The lightness of these layers keeps it from looking bulky. The innermost layer is a silk organza in a pinky red tone. This is topped with a solid pink silk chiffon and the the top layer is the dotted silk chiffon. When this is on and you are walking the effect that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. It somehow manages to feel sexy, romantic and feminine all at once. It is a tremendously beautiful little dress. Excellent condition

There is a built in corset made of lingerie netting with seaming for added support and then the skirt is made of three layers of silk as described above. The inner corset hooks to close down one size with a tightly spaced series of lingerie hooks. There is light boning in the corset. The dress zips to close over that at the side. I see a tiny repair on the inside seam of the neckline and the fabric has soften a touch at the edge of the back. Tagged a vintage Valentino 12.

Bust: to 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam, seam under the bodice is 15.5"
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5" from top of bodice to seam under the bodice, 20" from top of the bodice to the seam above the hips
Skirt: 17" from waist to hem at its longest points

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4302

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1987 Valentino Runway. Models: Sonia Cole-Berry & Marpessa Hennink.  /  (2) Spring 1987 Valentino. Photo by Oliviero Toscani.

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

Bill Blass worked for the Maurice Retner label for 10 years as the chief designer. In 1968 the Bill Blass Inc label became a subsidiary of the Retner label. Then in 1970 he fully bought out his partners at the Maurice Retner label and re-launched it under his own name as Bill Blass Ltd. 1970 was the same year that he won his third Coty American Fashion Critics' Award and with it, his lifetime membership in the Coty Hall of Fame. By 1980 the company was doing 20 million dollars in revenue. He was arguably one of the most famous of all the American designers. By the eighties his work was even more ornate and luxurious than what he had done in the past. Prices for dresses could be as high as $5000 (which would be about $15,000 today). He was once asked why his clothes were so expensive and he replied, 'I'm an avid believer that we have to have clothes made in this country. Therefore we pay more money. ... The cost of labor and fabrication is what makes the clothing expensive.'

This is an exceptional dress. It is a stunning example of his work during this time period and these metallic pieces are among my favorites by him. This one even more so with its pretty pink colour and extraordinary fabric. The fabric is the perfect shade of soft pink used to create a floral design and that is mixed with a soft green for the leaves. Some of the pattern is raised and has been embroidered into the fabric. The thread used is incredibly soft and this adds yet another dimenesion to the dress. Woven over and through the silk is a muted gold lurex thread that give the fabric its metallic glitz and makes it gleam and glitter in the light. This same thread is also used to create the horizontal rows that you see. The gold covers the dress from head to toe. The neckline is a cut into a high V and the bodice crosses over itself and skims over you. This is then is balanced beautifully by those spectacular sleeves. Each sleeve is cut extra long so when it is on an actual body it will bunch up a bit on the arm for added texture. Set just under the bust is a wide band of the same fabric that wraps all the way around you and snaps and hooks into place. The crossed over bodice above and this wise high set belt is what gives the dress its nod to a kimono and obi. This tops the skirt that is set to widen out as it nears the floor. On one side and extending down from where it crosses on the bust it has a soft pleat that falls all the way to the floor. This adds a little extra detail and volume and it also hides a small pocket set along the inner seam. The hem has been let down at some point and it is supermodel long as a result. Blass did do a soft version of a kimono inspired dress for his inaugural Bill Blass label in 1970 that was photoed on Candice Bergen and I think that this dress is a predecessor to that one. This dress is an absolutely beautiful and dramatic piece of vintage couture. Excellent condition with a note below.

The fabric is self backed in a muslin throughout. You step into it and then it closes with a series of hidden snaps. The belt is attached and it snaps and hooks into place. Hand finishes. The hem was let down at some point and it is ribbon finished. It poufs a bit at the edge as there are spots where it was stitch in to sit proper when it is hemmed. If you needed the full length you could just take those out. It could be worn as is but I've left it so you could redo the hem to your perfect length. You can see a slight grubbiness here and there were the hem was. The hem was very deep and the length turned up under the sleeves is also very deep.

Sleeves: approx 25" w 3" turned under. It is 16" around the widest part of the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of shoulder to seam under the bust
Skirt: 52" from seam under the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4293

Referece photo: Candice Bergen Wearing A Bill Blass Dress, Vogue 1970

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

For the Chanel Spring 1985 collection Karl sent several versions of this dress down the runway. The closest to this one was worn by Jerry Hall, but I have included here all of the ones we found so you can get a great idea of how the dress is on the body. I love that there is even a shot of Karl with Ines! With so many version of the dress sent down the runway there is no doubt that this look was key to the collection that season. It is a gorgeous dress and a rare and early example of his work.

The dress is made from of a fine silk chiffon that is a deep ivory. The ivory has a touch of nude colour to it but it's very soft. The silk of the bodice has been gathered over it into tiny pleats that are set horizontally over it. These are extremely intricate and give the entire bodice a beautiful texture. The top edge at the front is peaked on both sides with an exaggerated angle that dips down to the center. The dress zips to close at the front but this is hidden by a series of silk covered buttons and loops. The sides of the waist angle down slightly on each side and the skirt flows out from under there. Two layers of bias cut silk chiffon flow over an inner silk lining. The skirt has tremendous movement when you move and the lightness of the silk allows it to float around you with the slightest bit of air. At the back the bodice dips on a curve to leave the upper back bare. Attached on one side of the front are two silk chiffon straps that curve up to tie behind the neck. Also attached there are two panels of silk chiffon. These are both tremendously wide and they gather in to that center point. They can be styled in several ways. You can cross them over each other at the front and float them over your shoulders in the way that Jerry Hall wore it to create a cape like effect that covers the arms and runs down the back. You can wear them more off the shoulder and have them just fall down the center of the back or you could wear them as a shoulder piece and tie it at the back which is pictured on the runway but that I did not style on the dress form. You can also wear them crossed and over the head. So many options! It is a beautiful example of his early work and an absolutely beautiful dress. This 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. Excellent condition with a small note below

The dress is lined in a taupey nude silk and closes with a hidden zipper behind the silk covered buttons down the front of the dress. The inner corset is boned and the straps wrap around your neck and tie. It is tagged a vintage 44. I see a couple tiny pin size marks scattered across the upper back skirt. Please see the photo after the label shot. I see a tiny repair only the very edge of the hem and one on one of the panels along with a couple tiny darkened marks. These are extremely minor and mentioned for accuracy. Hand finishes throughout.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
seam 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4287

Reference Photos: Spring 1985 Chanel Runway.

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

This is a very pretty dress. It is from the Spring 2009 collection and was Look 19 in the show. In 2009 Valentino was headed by Alessandra Facchinetti and this was her third collection for the label. It was also her last. Rumors were swirling about her departure and shortly after this show they were confirmed. The collection as a whole was not well received but there were a few pretty pieces and this is one of them. On the runway it was shown in a shorter length and I don't think that one works half as well as this longer commercially produced piece. Once the added length was added the dress is even prettier.

The dress is made out of a very fine ivory silk that is printed with a black dot print. It is strapless and the bodice is covered with draped silk that is gathered in towards the center and wraps over itself at the center. At the back it narrows down into a twist for a little extra detail there. The dress falls to the floor from under the empire seam. The skirt is cut on the bias and it is set into that seam under the bust so that you get a draped and curved effect at the center of both the back and front. An inner built in corset holds it all in place. The dress is lined with a light silk chiffon and this little bit of added structure gives it just enough weight to hold the shape you see. It falls softly over the body and moves with you when you move. There is a slit that runs up one side so that you get a flash of leg when you walk. You can see how beautifully the dress moves in the runway video here and it is even better in this longer length. To finish the dress she added an elaborate braided cord detail that sits just under the bust. The cord is braided into a box shape and then knotted. Huge glass crystals in pale colours have been hand applied onto the knot for a bit of glitz. It is striking. Excellent condition with one minor note below

There is a built in lingerie stretch net, wire cupped and boned corset that zips to close with its own zipper. The dress is then lined in a silk chiffon and this outer layer zips to close at the side with a hidden set zipper. I see some tiny small lines in the silk here and there is one small mark on a fold at the front silk. Please see the photo after the label shot.

Inner bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 54" from top of bodice to waist
Slit: 26" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4288

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2009 Valentino Runway, Look 19. Model Toni Garrn.

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

I have had the twin of this before and I was very pleased to have found a second. This dress beautifully showcases the genius of Oscar de la Renta and the work that he was doing in this time period. The attention to detail alone is fabulous. The dress 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 the earlier examples of it. You can see how many of the elements in this dress are a reflection of the standards he adhered to for his entire career and body of work.

The dress is made from multiple layers of a lightweight, slightly textured, silk chiffon in the most stunning deep sapphire blue colour. The bodice is gathered in an elaborate ruching of silk that meets in the center under a thick braided detailing. The braiding runs down the center of the bodice to the waist. The dress is strapless and the neckline is cut into a rounded sweetheart shape that is very flattering. The bodice is fitted and cinches in at the waist with interior boning to help hold the shape. The skirt cascades to the floor at the back and then curves up and around to be higher at the front so you get a flash of leg when you move. The skirt is made up of three layers of weightless silk chiffon and this lets the skirt float over and around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. The lightness of the silk gives it a gorgeous movement when you move and walk. This one comes with a matching huge silk chiffon shawl / cape piece that its twin was shown in the runway with that season. It has no closures and you can just float it over the shoulders and it billows out around you. It is fabulous. Overall excellent condition with a note below.

The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a hand set blue silk and the three layers of silk chiffon the skirt is made of serve as its lining. The dress closes with a side painted metal zipper. Hand finishes. I see an area on the skirt that has darkened. Please see the photo after the label shot.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 36" from top of the bodice to shortest part of the front hem, 51" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4276

Reference Photos: Spring 1990 Oscar de la Renta Runway.

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 three dresses I have for you today are more from that same single owner collection that I recently did two capsules from. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. The first two drops centered around the 1930s but we have expanded into her collection to add some other decades this time as well. Outstanding designs from these eras are increasingly hard to find. This one is drop dead gorgeous and even better in person.

This is such a pretty one. It is made of a beautiful light silk crepe and this fabric choice has held the colour beautifully all these years. The fabric alone is something you will never see in today's modern fabric production. If you are a collector of pieces from this time period you know what I'm talking about. The dress slips over the head and zips to close down one side. The silk is light in weight and is cut to skim over you. I love the vivid floral print that runs over the entire dress. The colours are amazingly bright still and it feels joyful just to look at. The coral and pinks just pop off the inky black backdrop. The neckline is squared off at both the front and back. The sleeves come out from the sides of the neckline and then float over the top of the shoulders. There is some volume to them and on the sides they cross over each other. It is really a pretty and unusual detail and one of those things that makes this so identifiable as being from the thirties. The waist is seamed with that pretty angled seaming of this time period and on one hip there is a gathered swag of silk that gives some extra volume there. You could belt the waist to add some shape. Two vents are at the bottom of the hem on each side so the dress has a little kick when you walk. This one is an absolute beauty. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a side zipper. Light hand made padding in each shoulder. Hand finishes throughout

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# PS031

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many more. His label gained international recognition and was known for his bright, clear colour choices and daring cuts. He once said in an interview; 'When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite.' He is one of my favourite designers to find and with all of the emphasis on recreating these looks from the eighties by many modern designers you can't beat these original vintage version on terms of cut, style and quality. 

I love how this dress combines the sexiness of the fitted strapless dress with the drama of that unusual skirt. The dress is made out of a deep blue printed with a white dot that covers the entire dress. The silk keeps it light in weight but at the same time is the perfect choice to help to hold the shape and give the dress structure. The top portion of the dress has been gathered in soft folds from the bust to the top of the hips. The folds are set to help to highlight the hourglass shape of the dress. They have the illusion of being wrapped around you and they are set in gathers all the way down to really emphasize the shape of the body underneath. The neckline is strapless and the top of it curves over the bust to make a sweetheart neckline. Inside the dress there is light boning at the sides for extra support. The waist nips in beneath this and then the skirt falls under that with just a touch of flare at the hem. The front of the skirt is gathered and stitched to suggest a flower. The sits just off side and adds volume and a visual interest that is fantastic. It is even better on an actual body. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from top peak of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4270

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 three dresses I have for you today are more from that same single owner collection that I recently did two capsules from. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. The first two drops centered around the 1930s but we have expanded into her collection to add some other decades this time as well. Outstanding designs from these eras are increasingly hard to find. Her collection represents some of the best of the era that I have seen in a very long time. Most are in excellent condition and the few included that do have some flaws are such outstanding designs that I feel there is still room for someone to love them and wear them as they are, or perhaps to put in the additional work to repair them.

This dress is from the late 1940s and is made from a ivory coloured silk twill. The silk fabric choice keeps the dress light and easy to wear while still holding the lines and volume of the dress. It is very pretty and 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. Wide straps curve from the back and are set so that they sit towards the outsides of the shoulder. This leaves the neckline set wider then normal before it dips down into a V at the front. It crosses over itself and is softly draped and gathers over the breasts.  I love how one of the roses has been cut out and appliqued by hand onto one side of the bodice so that it sits perfectly rather then a print that would get lost in the folds. This attention to detail is what makes dresses from this time period so special. The bust is shaped through seaming and the bodice is cut to curve around you and then it nips in just underneath to form the waist. The skirt falls from under that point and widens out quite a bit by the hem. I photoed it without anything underneath so you can see how it falls on its own. If you wanted to add a crinoline underneath you could make it incredibly full from here. The back is cut longer then the front to give it a slight trained feel and the silk is fuller there so that the volume is greater. It is a gorgeous dress and such a rarity to find such a spectacular sample from this time period anymore. Great overall condition with a notes to review below

The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Light built in boning through the back bodice. I see light foxing on the silk here and there but it is faint. I also see the edge just under the arm has a tiny bit of shattering and there is spot near the hem that has an area of shattering. The dress came through cleaning and these remained stable. Please see the final four photos here.

Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to front hem, 44" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# PS029

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

In 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 dress is absolutely gorgeous and has been in my archives for some time. It is just so striking. 

This dress dates to the late 1970s or early 1980s. It is absolutely gorgeous and as good as it looks in the photos, it is even better in person. The quality of the silk jersey fabric is remarkable and it glides effortlessly over the body and falls like a dream. The jersey is light and fine and this allows it to move and flow as you walk and move. The dress is suspended from a single strap that curves over one shoulder. At the front the jersey rises in a sharp peak to meet that strap at the top of the shoulder. It angle down low across to the other side and then wraps around to the back. The back is set on a softer angle to leave your upper back bare. This bare expanse of skin is broken only by that skinny silk strap that angles across you. The tiny strap against the bare expanse of skin is stunning. The entire top of the bodice, back and front, has been intricately pleated with rounded, fluted box pleats. These are one of the hardest pleats to execute and on this dress they're executed to perfection. A hand set tacked partial seam runs just under the bust and follows the angle above. From under that they open and flow into the silk of the skirt. The skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful column of silk. On either side of the waist there is a attached wide silk ribbon in a deep olive colour. This ribbon is attached through the seam on either side and then runs around the inside of the back. You tie it at the front and it brings the waist in and adds shape. At the back the silk falls in a loose column over the interior ribbon all the way down to the hem. The effect this has once on and when you move is fantastic. It is fabulous on the body. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined and it has some light interior structure. The rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a side zipper. Hand work throughout. The loose through the body should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Bust: covers to 16" flat across from side to side with no true side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam at the back where the ribbon creates a set size. The front is open and loose
Hips: open
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem with 2.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4264

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 Valentino dress that I have dated to Spring 2000 based on other examples of it we found when researching. It is beautifully made and a wonderful example of Valentino's main label and the work that he was doing during this time period. I love this one with its insanely low set sheer side panel. It is almost shocking to see it be that bare and from that time period. It is a little sexier then some of his work tends so be but it still has that refined elegance that you would expect from him combined with a bit of pure drama created in that moment when you first see the dress on and that huge expanse of skin covered with nothing but netting and sequins. 

This is a stunning Valentino and it is almost shocking when you realize how deep that side panel falls and that the entire half of the front is made of that same sheer netting. This is the kind of dress that you see in real life and it makes you swoon. As good as it looks in the photos it only really comes to life on the body. The dress is cut with a very soft and easy feel. The bodice is suspended from two tiny straps that curve over your shoulders and each strap is finished with a row of tiny black sequins. The center dips softly down at the front and a panel of netting is set on one half of the front. This netted panel has no backing so is sheer and transparent. It runs from the top of the neckline and then angles down the front all the way down the side to past the hip. The netting is completely finished with an intricate pattern of glossy black sequins that cover it entirely. It angles back up the back to meet the other strap and leave part of the back bare under the netting as well. It is like a long inverted triangle. Falling on either side of the triangle is a double layer of silk chiffon panels that create a ruffle that runs down the dress. At the front it starts around the waist area and at the back it falls from the top of the dress just under the strap. These create tremendous movement when you move. The rest of the dress is made from a light silk crepe that is entirely cut on the bias so that it drapes down and over the bust, waist and hips yet still shows off your curves. At the back the dress falls in a low scoop that leaves actual bare skin. The dress is loose and easy through the body to offset all that bareness. The hem widens out quite a bit which create lovely movement around the