This a great little black dress by Yves Saint Laurent. It is strapless and cut to hug your curves. The fabric is a black cotton that is heavy enough to give the dress some structure. To put it on you first do up the bandeau that is inside the dress. This is made from a black muslin and this inside piece zips into place so that the dress is held securely around you. Then you simply button it up down the front. I love the flap finish that runs all the way around the top of the dress. There are two big pockets on each hip that are finished with that same exaggerated flap. They not only add detailing but also add the illusion of more shape. The flap at the top adds shape to the bust and the ones on the pockets help to give the hips a flare out for an hourglass feel. The hem is cut short to that you get miles of legs showing. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Unlined with an attached interior bandeau as described above. Buttons to close. Pockets are functional. The fabric has a very very slight fade feel to it at some or the edges that is a natural component of this fabric as it ages. 

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist at inner waist stay: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3641

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 2008 Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection was amazing and this was one of the stars of the show. One of my clients recognized the fabric on the skirt when I posted a preview photo of this dress in my instagram stories and she actually got married in the twin of this gown. She shared with me that the dress was just under $20,000 USD when she purchased it. Oscar launched his first bridal collection in October of 2002 and his wedding pieces have been worn by some of the most famous women in the world. He once said 'In the same manner that she fell in love with that man, I hope she's going to fall in love with that dress.' Countless brides have done just that and I think this may be one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have ever seen from him. It literally takes you breathe away when you see and hold it in person.

The dress is strapless and cut to hug your curves from the bust to below the hips. From there is flows into a stunning skirt that sweeps around you and trains outwards at the back. Inside is an intricately constructed corset with boning andand built in cups to shape and hold you and the dress in place. The fabric on this one is just extraordinary. The base is an ivory silk organza that has just a touch of transparency to it so it feels light and feminine. Onto this is a complex design that is made up of stiffen silk ribbon folded into flower like designs that run over the entirety of the dress. These are all placed so that they sit up and off the fabric so that it has this wonderful 3D feel to it. Interspersed around these are white thread embroidery and then more embroidery is done in the same ivory tone as the silk base. The ivory embroidered parts are a combination of knotting, to add to the dimension of the design, and flat embroidery work. The tiniest seed beads are then worked into this pattern to add yet another element to the design. The end result is that every inch is covered with this amazing hand work. The dress has a true old world haute couture feel to it and I have never seen a wedding gown done so elaborately over every bit of the fabric. No matter how good it looks in the photos it is better in person and on the body. It is wonderfully traditional in some ways but still feels fresh and modern. It is definitely a dress that will cause gasps when you walk down the aisle. It was never worn. Excellent condition with one note below 

Fully lined in an ivory silk. The bottom hem of the skirt is finished with a wide band of stiffened netting along the inner hem and the dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. It has a built in interior corset bodice that is boned and shaped all the way around. The interior corset closes with its own zipper. Finished to couture standards and tons of work by hand. There is a darkened mark on the back of the skirt and I have included a closer shot of the areas and also one where you can see the placement. You could wear it was is, replace the ribbon that is discoloured or it may come out with specialty cleaning. It was never worn. No size tag but best suited for a 0-2 or small busted/ narrow ribbed 4

Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 55" from top of bodice to hem at the front and the back extends to 70" 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3615

Reference Photos: 2008 Oscar De La Renta Bridal Collection.

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 more recent dress by Valentino and we found one that gave us the original price of $5690USD. This one looks to have never been worn and is just waiting for its new bride. The dress is a simple and elegant silhouette. It is done in an ivory silk that has a slight stretch to it that makes it very comfortable to wear. The dress is strapless and has seams that run horizontally across the dress for a subtle detailing. These also help to hold and shape the dress to your form. It falls from the strapless top, hugging the body to just past the hips, and then flares out to the skirt that swoops around you and then trains out at the back. It has a wonderfully minimalist feel that is broken by a large flat bow placed at the small of the back. This is the only added detailing other then the horizontal rows that wrap around the bodice. It is remarkably elegant and sophisticated while still being kept simple. It has all its original tags and was never worn. Excellent condition with one minor note below 

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. It has a built in binesed netted corset that closes with its own zipper. There is one tiny smudge of a mark on the bodice. The colour in person is a bit softer then how it photoed. The best colour is on the shot that shows the original hang tags still attached to the dress. Tagged a modern Valentino size 2. It is best suited for a size 0-2 

Bust: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of bodice to front hem, 70" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3617

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

Ferdinando Sarmi was an actual Italian Count and started his design career working for the Elizabeth Arden couture salon during the 1950s. In 1959 he ventured off on his own and launched his label. He designed for just over a decade before closing up shop. During those ten or so years he was especially known for his evening wear. The fabrics he chose were often opulent or very difficult to work with. This dress was obtained from the same source as the other Sarmi listing today and I have included that one's reference photo from 1964 here. Both dresses were purchased at the same time for a mother and her daughter. 

The dress is very representative of its time period. It has beautiful lines with a very full skirt that is feather light due to its fabric choice of an ivory silk chiffon. Using the silk chiffon for the dress gives it a feeling of lightness and fantasy as it floats around you once on the body. You can get a sense of just how much movement it has in that wonderful reference photo I have added here. The very top layer of the silk has a hint of transparency to it that adds to the feeling of lightness that is created as it floats over the other inner layers of cream silks that make up the skirt. The bodice is strapless and fitted and has been completely covered in a natural mink that wraps around the wearer. It dips down at the front in a sweetheart neckline. The waist is accented with a large chocolate coloured silk ribbon that is finished in bow at the front. From there the skirt gently widens to a beautiful fullness in a cascade of silk. It is very light and airy feeling when on but inside the construction is immaculate with a full inner corseted foundation made of lingerie netting to keep it perfectly in place. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk through the skirt and the bodice is finished in silk with an inner corset made of a cotton net. It closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper. Hand finished. Made to demi-couture standards. There is some very minor grubbiness to the hem here and there.  

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 6" from top of bodice to top of band and the decorative band is then 2" wide
Skirt: 47" from top of band  at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3607

Reference Photo: Brigitte Bauer in chiffon evening gown with mink bodice by Sarmi, photo by Howell Conant at the Lunar Fountain in New York's World Fair, 1964. Shown in Life Magazine, August 1964.

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

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. Fur pieces are final sale.

This is a dress that was sent to me by my couture client and this one was one that she had custom made for her for to attend an event in 1998. It is made out of a fine silk satin that has a slight sheen to it that goes perfectly with its icy blue tone. The colour is wonderful and in real life has a touch more depth and vibrancy to it. The photos are very close but it is even better in person. The dress is strapless and made to hug the bodice. It is completely boned and shaped inside and then the interior work is finished with a panel of the same fabric so that it is very comfortable to wear. The waist nips in and then the skirts very full and is cut so that the back is longer then the front for a grand, slightly trained, ball gown effect. The way that it is made is extraordinary. The silk has been set in seamed horizontal rows. Two for the bodice and four for the skirt. Within each of the rows the silk has been meticulously folded into wide set angled pleated lines that create a fascinating effect that runs over the entire dress. The skirt has several layers of attached underskirts that give the dress the shape that you see. I did not add any additional crinolines under the dress. The volume is all built in and it is fantastic. There is a spray of bead work done in silver thread and rhinestones at the waist for the perfect pretty finish. This would make an amazing bridal piece for someone not wanting to wear traditional white or as an alternate dress for an extended wedding weekend event. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined through the nodule and has full boning all the way around. It closes with a back zipper and the inner waist star hooks to close. There are multiple layers of skirting built in. Two silk layers finished with a stiffened label around the hem and then a multi-layer of tule between those. Some grubbiness to the inner hem only that you can see in the last photo here. It does close properly at the back - it was just a touch small on my dress form 

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with room to a B cup
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3590

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 quickly defined his trademark looks with colour, ornate beading, sequins, daring cut-outs and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a killer example of his work during this period. 

This brilliant red dress is over the top, dramatic and an absolute statement piece that will turn every head when you walk into a room. On the wrong girl this would overwhelm but on the right girl it will be stupendous and become legendary for its audacity and boldness. It is just stunning. The bodice is hand draped into soft rounded gathers. It  is constructed to follow the curves of the body from the top of the neckline to below the hips. For the upper portion of the dress he has used a red jersey that has a touch of a metallic feel to it so that it has a liquid effect. Inside is his signature black strapless underwire bralet that is sewn into the dress for support. The bodice is shaped into a low sweetheart curve and the gathers run horizontally down the body. Vertical hand done seams were then added all the way around to give the gathers a slight scooped feel so. This ensures that they don't add bulk but are simply emphasize your curves underneath. The low set skirt is made out of a metallic red textured silk that is set over layers of built in under skirting. The fabric of the lower skirt is placed to give the effect that it is wrapped and fanned around you. On each outer side the panels of the skirt lift up and away from the dress. These suggest flames in their shape and the colour. The same fabric and flame-like effect is then used to create a fan of fabric on one side of the bodice and this flares out dramatically up and over the front portion of the shoulder. It is very dramatic and OTT. In person the red and fabric are a touch richer and more textured feeling then how they photoed. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a red 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 stiffening fabric inside to hold it up and it does tend to fall a bit. It would be easy to add additional wire or stiffening inside if you wanted it to really hold tall. Hand finished throughout

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3587

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 comes directly from the original couture client and is in immaculate condition. This is an exceptional example of Valentino's Haute Couture work that he was doing during the 1980s. It is one of a group of dotted red chiffon dresses that Valentino showed on the runway that season. 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. I am also pleased to have found runway footage of the group of dresses that he did. The twin of this one was a runway piece and you just get the tiniest glimpse of it on the video I have added here. I have also included a gorgeous shot of Daniela Ghione wearing the dress that year. Style icon Nan Kempner was photoed wearing a different version of the dress which gives you another idea of how fantastic the dress will be on. It is an extraordinary and historically important piece of Valentino's couture work

This dress is divine. The lines of it are beautiful and as good as it looks on the dress form it is perfection on an actual body. The bodice of the dress is fitted and nipped in at the waist. It is cut in a sweetheart neckline that softly curves at the top and is strapless. The bodice is done in an extremely intricate manner. Panels of the silk chiffon have been cut on the biased and then shirred and diagonally crossed over each other to form that complicated pattern that wraps around the entire bodice. The little striped illusion effect that you see in each curving panel is actually the white dot in the silk hat has been meticulously lined up to precision with the one above and below. This painstaking pleating and gathering technique would have taken hours and hours to accomplish. This then forms a shaped bodice that runs down past the waist and molds over the top of the hips. From under that the skirt flares out to the floor and is made up of many yards of the same bias cut red and white dotted silk chiffon. The fabric is feather light so that your slightest movement cause the silk to flow around you. On one hip there are panels of silk that are set to run down that full side to give it an extra burst of volume and movement. The interior of the dress is made to couture standards with a full built in cupped corset that is boned and shaped to just past the waist. From under the bodice the skirt is made up of three full layers of silk; two of the dotted silk and a red silk inner layer. It is one of the most beautiful dresses I have seen and looks to have been worn very little if at all. It is an amazing example of his earlier Haute Couture work. Excellent condition. 

The bodice has a full built in boned corset made that hooks into place. The dress zippers to close over that. The skirt is made up of three layers as descried above. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques. Inner waist stay hooks to close.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 52" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3588

Reference Photos: (1) Daniela Ghione in Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1986. Photo by Oliviero Toscani.  /  (2) Valentino Haute Couture SS 1986. Photo by Lord Snowdon.  /  (3) Model in Valentino Haute Couture, Vogue Italia, March 1986. Photo by Albert Watson.  /  (4-5) Nan Kempner at Barbara Walters's Four Month Wedding Anniversary Celebration at The Pierre Hotel in New York, September 1986.

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

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he remained as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house officials shuttered is couture business altogether. This dress is from the Fall 2001 Haute Couture presentation and it is the actual runway sample that was worn on the runway. It was Look 7 In the presentation that day. I have included several runway reference photos for you so that you can see just how spectacular the dress is once on an actual body. 

Any Haute Couture piece to come into the shop is a reason to celebrate but to have the actual runway sample is even that much more amazing. The dress is a work of art and is entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards with the added touch of all those last minute adjustments done to perfectly fit the model to walk the runway that day. This is an amazing opportunity to see what few see; a dress straight from the atelier, overseen and fitted by the couturier himself for its debut on the runway. The entire dress is made from multiple panels of a red silk gazaar that are hand set to overlap themselves as they cascade down the length of the dress. The panels gradually become larger is they run downwards over the dress to the train at the back. They cover the entire dress from the strapless bodice to the very end of the train. By layering the panels the dress has a sense of depth and texture then even the photos can truly convey. Each panel is secured to the base fabric just along its edges so that there is a movement and lightness created when it is on and you move about. The inner part of the dress is cut to above the knee so that you get a long flash of leg at the front. The rest of the dress flows back and around you from there. At the back the train is very long and dramatic. The bodice is strapless and here the panels are set so that they form a peak upwards on one side. The interior is corseted and structured so that it firmly holds the dress onto the body and gives you shape. This is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture and would have been priced well into six figures when it was originally made. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

Fully lined in a fine red silk and closes with two zippers. One is on the interior corset and the second is on the outer layer of the dress. The interior corset is boned and shaped. The skirt is lined in a red silk taffeta. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques. The hand written runway sample tag is present. There is some deepening of the colour/ marks on some of the squares of silk that make up the train and some minor grubbiness from being worn for the runway and then stored. Nothing that detracts once the dress is on. It is close to a true zero and will zip properly in the back on the right sized person. 

Bust: 15-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner dress length: 26" from top of bodice to hem NOT including panels that go over the edge of the dress a bit above and blow the actual inner structure
Length including train to the very longest point:  Approx 92" from top of bodice to final tip of the train

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3054

Reference Photos: Fal 2001 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Show.

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 a version of this dress in the past in a paler icier blue so when I saw this one with it's deep sapphire blue colour I had to have it for the shop. It is a beautiful and romantic bias cut silk chiffon dress by the great American couturier Oscar de la Renta. It is constructed from multiple layers of a lightweight, slightly textured, silk chiffon in the most stunning deep sapphire colour. The bodice of the dress is gathered in an elaborate ruching of silk that meets in the center in a thick braided detailing. This runs down the centre of the front of the bodice. The strapless neckline above that 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 at the front it curves up higher so you get a flash of leg when you move. It is made up of three full layers of weightless silk chiffon that float over and around the body to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. The lightness of the silk gives it a billowing effect when you move and walk that is stupendous. A really lovely and romantic dress in one of the best blue colours I have seen. Excellent condition

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 one tiny area on the side off the skirt that has darkened. 

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 48" from top of strapless dress to back hem, 37" to the front hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3583

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 lovely dress by Reem Acra who for twenty years has been producing ready to wear and bridal collection. Her pieces tend to combine traditional elements with modern aesthetics and her work can be very beautiful. This was shown on the Spring 2006 runway with a slightly different bodice and then a version with sleeves and upper shoulders was used for the Bridal campaign ads that year and that one matches the bodice of the one I have in the shop today. 

The dress is very simple in cut and very flattering. It is made out of a pale silver grey silk chiffon through the skirting and then the bodice is a silk satin that is covered in a combination off seed beads and prong set rhinestones. The strapless bust is set in a high empire line and it is meant to be fitted and just cover the breasts. It is boned and formed inside to created that banded effect and to keep it in place. On to this is a lovely and intricate design that covers the entire bust all the way around. The design combines the tiniest of silver seed beads with small rhinestones. These catch the light and add a bit of glamour against the grey silk chiffon. Under the bust the skirt falls to the floor in a cascade of silk chiffon. It is feather light and made up of multiple layers of silk. There are two top layers of silk chiffon and then under that are two more layers of a silk dyed to the exact same colour. There are lots of little details that portray its high end origins. Each of the two pairs of layers of skirting are attached by little slips on the side so they hang perfectly in place. And at the back each layer closes with its own zipper and closure. It is very beautiful and even better in person as the camera doesn't quite capture the right shade of soft grey that it is or the glimmer of the rhinestones as they catch the light. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

Has a built in inner corset through the bust that is boned and closes with a back zipper. Another zipper closes a layer over that and then the outermost layer snaps into place. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 5.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3573

Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 2006 Reem Acra Runway Collection.  /  (3) 2006 Reem Acra Bridal.

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 found two versions of this dress when researching it. One was a Haute Couture version in a gold brocade from the Fall 1997-1998 runway. The Couture version took the formed and shaped bust-line to an even greater degree then this ready to wear version that I have here. Then there was an all black version shown for the Fall 1998 ready-to-wear show and you can see it has the same silhouette as this dress does. If you then combine the two, taking that same RTW shape and making it on the fabric from the Couture show, you have this dress. Finding runway references for Mugler's work is not always easy as he would often change designs for production and produced many pieces that were not shown on the runway. It's an extraordinary find.

I love the sharp fitted cut of the dress and that shaped bodice is exactly the kind of lines that we expect when we think of his work. That shaped, curved and pointed bust-line felt scandalous when they were first shown on the runway and still feel that way years later. This is classic Mugler and very collectible as a result. The dress is made out of a gold brocade that is heavy enough so that it was able to be sculpted into that curving shape. It molds and accentuates your curves. The curves through the hips are there whether it is on or off the body and he plays and exaggerates the female form through them. All of the shape is created through seaming to help to give the dress structure, shape and support. The waist nips in and the hips curve out and away from the body. The skirt is cut above the knee and curves in at the hem to further exaggerate the shape. The bust is spectacular. It is seamed and molded like a bra cup and then has those extensions that wing up into points on both sides. The cups are inset at the front so the shape is pushed to the front as you can see in the reference photos. You only have to look at the runway photos included to know how amazing this one is going to be on. The colour in person is a much stronger metallic gold feeling and really is better in real life. The fabric is also surprising soft. It's really fabulous. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a brown silky rayon and closes with a back zipper. Tagged a vintage Mugler 38. The cups will probably fit up to a B, maybe a small C. They are seamed and wired for shape.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from top of bodice to hem and the paint extend about
2.5” above the top of the bodice

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3567

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1997-98 Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Runway.  /  (2) Fall 1998 Thierry Mugler 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.

Isaac Mizrahi presented his first collection through 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 which was his ultimate downfall. After the fall 1998 show Chanel pulled its stake and the company folded. He did have a couple of subsequent come back attempts, but for collectors these early years are the most important pieces to find.

My client had this dress custom created for herself and worked one on one with Issac on it. It is a dress that really showcases his depth as a designer and it is stunningly beautiful. It is made to demi-couture standards and it looks to have never been worn. The bodice is amazing. It is strapless and is densely covered with large, glossy black beading mixed with large prong set glass crystal rhinestones. These are so heavily applied that you cannot see even a smidge of fabric between them. The size of the beads, combined with the ultra tight spacing of them give it a 3 dimensional effect. The beadwork wraps completely around you to the back. The top of the bodice curves in the most flattering of ways and to is molded to follow the curve of the breast. The dress falls from directly under the bust so that there is no line at the waist to break the beautiful curve of the skirt. The body of the dress is made from a fine black lace and he has set that over a inner nude silk lining. From a distance this gives the effect that you are covered in just a layer of lace. The skirt sweeps down from under that heavily beaded bust, skims past the waist and then starts to flare out from there. It is cut so that by the time it has reached the middle of your legs it flares out tremendously for the lower skirt. This combination of the flared out lower skirt and the black lace give it a touch of a Spanish feel I think. Extra tulle attached to the inner lining help to keep that gorgeous shape that you see. It is even better in person and once on an actual body it really comes to life as the skirts float and swish around you at the slightest movement. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a two layers of a golden nude silk. The innermost layer of the skirt has additional tulle around the hem to help hold the shape. The bodice has a built in inner corset that closes with its own set of lingerie hook and eye. The exterior layer closes over that with a back zipper. Some marks to the inside hems but otherwise it appears to have never been worn or worn very little. 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A-B cup
Inner waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 56" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3564

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

Glossy black sequins that are extra large in size have been densely applied to a structured and fitted base to make this amazing strapless dress. The sequins cover the entire surface of the fabric of the bodice. The dress is strapless and the neckline is cut into a sweetheart shape and the interior is boned and molded. The waist is nipped in and the sequin part curves over the top of the hips for a long and shaped line. Under that is a wide panel of glossy black feathers that gives volume that and movement. This fullness at the bottom adds shape so that your waist and curves are emphasized. It is cut very short and is an amazing vintage find. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined with a silky black rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Light boning through the bodice. The bust is shaped and would probably fit up to a C cup. Tagged a UK 12. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from top of the bodice to the bottom of the feathered hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3517

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

Vogue magazine raved about this collection saying in part; 'With pop chanteuse Regina Spektor at the grand piano in his 583 Park Avenue show space, the designer sent out a Fall collection of impeccable clothes for gals young and old who are accustomed to the good life' .... They then went on to mention this gown specifically; 'Come evening, the collection went two ways: understated, as with a trio of black columns in velvet, hammered satin, and silk crepe; or gala. Gustav Klimt's work was a reference point not only for a strapless floral chiffon embroidered dress accessorized with several strands of beads, but also for a pair of black gowns—one in a realistic (gold-) leaf motif and the other in a more abstract brushstroke style.' The twin of this dress was the brushstroke dress they referred to and was Look 61 on the runway.

The dress is made out of a very light weight black matte satin silk. The light weight of the fabric is absolutely intentional. It is just heavy enough to be able to hold and carry the hand painted brush strokes that have been applied onto it, but is still light enough that with every move it billows out around and behind you. I have included the clip of Jessica Stam walking the runway in it so that you can see the effect as it moves. The bodice is strapless and the fabric is hand gathered over it in soft folds. It is shaped to accentuate the bust. Below that, the skirt is very full and billows out and around you beautifully. It skims over the hip and then flows to the floor. At the back it is longer and extends out into a train. At the base of the back there is a large bow made out of the same fabric and even this is done in just a single layer of silk so that it too moves and flows with you as you walk. From the side this creates a beautiful curving angle from the waist to back hem. No matter what angle you see the dress it is stunning. The fabric itself has been hand painted with gold and copper brush strokes and to further highlight these there are little areas of hand applied gold sequins, others are detailed in a gold glitter and there are rhinestones scattered here and there as well. It is stunning. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk through the bodice and a black silk organza through the skirt. It closes with a back hidden set zipper.  Light boning through the bodice. Tagged a modern ODLR 8. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. All of the detailing has been done by hand

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 7" from top of bust to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to front hem, 51" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3508

Reference Photos: (1) Model Jessica Stam walks the F/W 2008 Oscar de la Renta Runway. Look 61.  /  (2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.
Reference Video below: F/W 2008 Oscar de la Renta Runway Show.

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

A dress in a similar cut in a blue metallic was worn by Iman on the Fall 1988 runway. Just behind her shoulder you can see one that was done ina black and gold colorway like this one is. This figure hugging bodice with a low-slung voluminous skirt was a trademark look for Ungar during this time period and this is a stunning example of his work at the time.

This is a dress made to hug and shape your figure into an hourglass. The metallic gold used is fantastic and pops against the black silk. The metallic thread catches the light and intensifies the feel of the gown. The fabric itself is quite light in weight but the construction of the dress is so elaborate that the dress has a decent weight to it on the hanger. Once on the body it feel balanced and light. The inside of the dress is quite structured for support and it is molded and boned to hold the shape that you see. The bodice is a modified strapless sweetheart neckline that curved and dips across the top. Through the body the dress is elaborately gathered with hand placed and gathered folds. These run from the bust right down and over the hips so your shape is very emphasized. Under that, the skirt is set with tiers and panels of a black silk, and each panel is individually set on an angle. This gives the low set skirt a huge amount of volume and movement. This technique also allows each panel that makes up the skirt to move freely so that whenever you move it does as well. A little box at the back is the perfect finishing detail. It is incredible and even more so once on. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and zips to close at the back. Tagged a vintage 8. Note that the zipper stops a few inches above the low seam of the hips so there is no give in that part of the measurement. Looks to have been worn very little if at all. Boned through the bodice.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 26" from top of bodice to low seam below hips
Length: 54" from top of the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3509

Reference Photo: Iman on the F/W 1988-89 Emanuel Ungaro 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.

My client purchased this spectacular Vivienne Westwood gown from her mothers shop. She wore it to a friends birthday gala and that was the only time it was ever worn. We narrowed down the date based on that info and also the reference photo of a similar gown that was shown for the Fall 1998 presentation.

The cut and line of this dress are pure heaven. It is strapless and has that famous dipped and front peaked bodice edging that Vivienne has become famous for. Inside the bodice is one of her boned and shaped corsets. This is constructed to cinch you in at the waist and push up the breasts. Once on an actual body you will get that full Westwood effect from that inner corseting. The large flat bow that sits at the top of bust only emphasizes this. The bow is constructed so that it curves out from the body and this adds more shape to the bust and gives the otherwise simple dress detailing. Below that, the waist curves in with vertical seaming. It then curves over the hips and flares out, widening out as it curves towards the floor. The construction of the skirt has an almost architectural feel to it and it reminds me of that famous Charles James gown in the way that it flares and curves outwards on each side. The fabric is a heavy black silk satin that gives the dress the stability it needs to hold that shape once on the body. It is incredible and a rare find. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk with an inner built in corseted bodice as shown. Inner wired peaks at the side of the bodice The corset zippers to close. The outer dress also zips to close with a hidden set zipper along the seam offset at the back. Tagged a vintage Uk 10

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 51" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3343

Reference Photo: F/W 1998 Vivienne Westwood Ready to Wear Runway Collection.

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

This gorgeous little dress is a version of the all pink dress that walked the runway and was featured in the ad campaign that featured Linda Evangelista. The 1987 collection with its pink bows and accents is one of my all time favourites and I am very pleased to have this wonderful example from it in the shop for you.

This gorgeous dress is made from a black silk faille base with a bright shot of the signature pink used throughout the collection that year. The ruffle is in the same fabric that has been specifically dyed to this exact colour of pink. This choice in  fabric gives the dress its structure and shape and also allows for the volume that you see in the ruffle detailing that wraps around the waist and hips. The bodice is strapless and cut to curve in a modified sweetheart neckline. It is lightly boned on the inside for a built in shape that molds your form to it. It then curves in to skim over the waist and curves back out for the hips. From there it falls past the hips and then gently flaring outwards at the hem. The hem is not as dramatically cut as the runway version but also feels more wearable as a result. It is cut slightly longer at the back and I love how there is a matching dip at the back of the bodice so that there is an illusion of added length created. The pink ruffle is the star of the show and makes a wonderful impact. It is attached starting at the back waist and then wraps and dips down and around the lower hip on the other side. It is precisely folded and set so that the ruffles flare outwards from the body. Where it meets at the back hem the fabric on each side extends into two long and wide panels. You can let them hang from a simple knot as I have shown it or create a more elaborate bow. It is fabulous. Excellent condition with a very minor note below.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. It has a built in inner bodice that is lightly boned and shaped. Inner waist stay that hooks to close with a flat hook & eye. Tagged a 38 and has no give. There is the teeniest bit of fading to the pink along the fold edge on the one hip. Please review the photo after the label shot.

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 47" from top of bodice to front hem, 49.5" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3276

Reference Photo: (1-2) S/S 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (3) Linda Evangelista for Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, March 1987.  /  (4) Linda Evangelista in Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue UK, March 1987. Photo by Hans Feurer.

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

Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing his own versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. He chose good fabrics and his designs were often very close interpretations of other designs but with his own unique twist when it came to colors, cut and fabrics.

This dress is striking with its stark red and black striping. It is definitely a dress for someone who wants all eye on her. Personally I love the bold mix of the red and black and the use of satin as his fabric choice just makes it better. It gives the dress the most amazing finish. The bodice is fitted and strapless and cut to curve around the bust. The waist nips in and the hips are emphasized by that wonderful attached peplum just below the waist seam. It also has its original tie belt in a matching fabric that allows you to cinch the waist in further. The skirt falls to the floor from there and there is quite a lot of fullness and volume created by the addition of an attached tulle underskirt inside. It falls to the floor in a gently widening curve. The fabric has just a touch of weight to it so helps to hold the shape. I love how the stripes are set on both horizontal and vertical lines to highlight and emphasize the different parts of the cut of the dress. It is really incredibly. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and the skirt has an attached later of tulle to help hold its shape. The bodice is fully lined and lightly boned.  The dress closes with a back zipper. Original matching fabric tie belt. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem with 3" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3458

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

Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. This dress for example is a version of what Yves Saint Laurent was doing in this time frame. Costa chose good fabrics for his designs and even though his work was often very close interpretations of other designs he did add his own unique twist when it came to colors, cut and fabrics.

This is one of my personal favorites of the Victor Costa pieces I have had come into the shop and the fact that it is a play on the work of YSL plays a part in that. It is well made and really great value for your dollar. He has chosen to use a silk taffeta for the dress and this choice gives it just enough weight and structure to be able to create the impressive lines and volume that you see but without making the dress heavy or bulky to wear. It also gives the dress the most amazing slightly iridescent finish. The bodice is fitted and strapless and cut to curve and shape the bust. Circling around the top portion of the bust is an elaborate ruffled finish that is made of two panels of taffeta. The waist nips in and it has its original tie belt in a matching fabric that allows you to cinch the waist in further. The skirt falls to the floor from there and has yards of fabric in it that create the fullness and volume that you see. The skirt falls in a gently widening line and is finished by a pleated ruffled that goes all the way around the hem. I love everything about the dress and how the ruffles are used to emphasize the romantic feel of the dress. It is really incredible. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a the same fabric through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. The bodice is lightly boned and shaped with stiffening fabric. The dress closes with a back zipper. Original matching fabric tie belt. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The color in person has a slightly more purple tone to it then how it photoed. It is even better in person.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice ruffles to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3460

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

When hunting for the date of this dress I found a strikingly similar dress from the runway that had additional shoulder detailing but is otherwise remarkably like this one. It gives you a great idea of how amazing this one will be once on an actual body. 

The fabric and color are fantastic. It is a metallic silk that blends a vivid coral with gold lame thread and if you love it the photos you will love it even more in real life. This fabric catches the light and intensifies the coral color. The fabric itself is quite light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not heavy to wear. Inside the dress is quite structured for support which means that despite the lightness of the actual fabric the intended shape is held in place. The bodice is cut with a strapless, modified sweetheart neckline and hugs the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. This was an Ungaro signature and really made his pieces flattering once on. On this one the gathers and shape run from the bust right down and over the hips so your shape is very emphasized. Under that the skirt is set with panels of fabric, each individual set on an angle to achieve that explosion of volume that you see. This technique also allows each piece to move freely so that whenever you move it does as well. A little box at the back is the perfect sweet detail. It is incredible. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a coral silk and closes with a back zipper and the bow snaps into place over the top of that. The bodice is boned. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 6 It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3417

Reference Photo: F/W 1988-89 Emanuel Ungaro Runway Collection.

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

Ferdinando Sarmi was an actual Italian Count and started his design career working for the Elizabeth Arden couture salon during the 1950s. In 1959 he ventured off on his own and launched his label. He designed for just over a decade before closing up shop. During those ten or so years he was known for his evening wear especially. The fabrics he chose were often opulent or very difficult to work with. This dress is very similar to the one photoed for Vogue in 1961, just with a different fabric design.

I love this dress. The volume through the skirt is expansive and the fabric choice is wonderful. Using the silk chiffon for the dress gives it a feeling of lightness and fantasy as it floats around you once on. You can get a sense of just how much movement it has in that wonderful photo for Vogue. The silk has a hint of transparency to it that gives it an interesting visual effect when the floral design falls over itself as the silk moves. The bodice is cut strapless and fitted and the silk there is gathered across the bust. The waist is accented with a large deep green silk bow at the front. From there the skirt gently widens to a beautiful fullness in a cascade of silk. It is very light and airy feeling when on but inside the construction is immaculate with a fully boned corseted foundation to keep it perfectly in place. I love the romantic feel of the floral print that covers the dress and the soft pastels are wonderful. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below

Fully lined in a pale yellow silk through the skirt and the bodice is finished in silk with an inner corset made of a cotton net. It closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper. Hand finished. Fully boned inner bodice. Made to demi-couture standards. There is a watermark in some areas down the front and there are repairs and grubbiness to the hem in areas. Because of the amount of fabric through the skirt you would never notice these once on. Please review the photos after the label. Marked well below what it would be otherwise regardless

Dress
Bust: 16" 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
Bodice: 6.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to front hem, 40" to back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3394

Reference Photo: Model on left in Sarmi dress, model on right in Scaasi, Vogue, February 1961. Photo by Bert Stern.

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

Jean-Louis Scherrer was on of the great French couturiers in the grand Parisian style. He counted Sophia Loren and Jackie Kennedy as fans in his heyday and his work in the 1970s especially was wonderful. Opulence, hand beading and rich passementerie were his trademarks. He launched his own Haute Couture house after working at Christian Dior and stayed there until his dismissal in 1992. By that time period he had sold out all but 10% of his company. In 1977, the year that this gown was made, he was just reaching the top of his game as a couturier.

This dress, with its matching ruffled silk shawl, is tiny but perfect. I love the soft yellow silk organza that has been used for the skirt and the shawl. This choice of fabric allows it to have the volume that you see but without adding any weight at all. The skirt is cut to skim over the hips and that drops to that first extravagant ruffle. There are three ruffles in total that circle the skirt and each is wide and has yards of fabric in them. The skirt under the ruffles gradually widens as it reaches the hem. The movement and airiness the skirt creates in person is amazing. The shawl is made of the same silk as the skirt and is very long and finished with the same ruffled treatment we see on the skirt. It can be wrapped or just lightly held. Once this is removed that bodice of the dress is revealed and here is the true magic. It is strapless and fitted to the bust which balances against the volume of the skirt perfectly. Tiny sequins are hand placed to create that stunning floral design that you see. The edges of the green sequin leaves are done in the smallest glass tube beads. Little glass crystals edge other parts of the design and create a border across the top of the bodice. The workmanship is exquisite and the care and time to have created the design using only the finest, smallest of beads and sequins is astonishing. The entire dress is finished to Haute Couture standards and it is even more beautiful in person. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in the same silk organza that is used on the exterior. All of the work throughout is done by hand done to the edgings of the inner seams. It zips to close with a painted metal zipper and the exterior skirt snaps to close over the zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The bodice is lightly boned. It will of course close all the way but was small on my dress form. I see one tiny dot of a mark just under the bodice seam and a tiny repair near the base of the back closure. Numbered tag 002576

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem
Shawl: 9' long x just over 5' wide

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3393

Reference Photos: (1) 1976-1977 Fall-Winter Women's haute couture runway show.  /  (2) Jean Louis Scherrer with model, 1977.

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 dates to the early 1980s during the last few years of when Halston was still in control of his brand. At this point in the Halston history, anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label.

When you see this dress on the hanger you are not as wowed with it as when you see it on. It really needs to be on an actual body to really come to life.Once on the cut and lines create a beautiful fluid movement. The dress is strapless with an inner construction though the bodice. The interior is boned to keep the dress perfectly in place and give you support. Over this, the outer layer of velvet skims over the body in a long sheath. It falls to the floor and the skirt gradually widens out for a touch of volume. The velvet catches the light and adds texture and interest. It also helps to highlight the curves of the body under it without the dress having to be skin tight. The bodice is cut fairly straight across the front bodice and then slightly dips and curves down at the back. The fabric is set so that it is softly gathered along the seam on the one side. This allows the velvet to catch the light differently here and subtly accents the waist. It is beautifully constructed. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk and closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Boning through the bodice. Hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all

Bust: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the inside back from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD650

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 Haute Couture tape hidden behind the label gives us the exact date on the amazing Emanuel Ungaro dress and jacket set. Ungaro recently passed away and that always makes you look at a designers work with a new appreciation. Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after stints at Balenciaga and Courrreges. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his of extravagant fabrics and flamboyance.

This two piece set is fantastic. The inner dress is signature Ungaro for this time period and is cut to hug every curve of your body once on. It is made out of a metallic silver velvet that has little bits of a silver lame thread worked through it. This is then hand gathered into soft pleats that run the full length of the dress. On the bodice they are set to curve and accentuate the bust with high peaks and a boned interior. The waist nips in and the skirt has more of these same gathers that add shape and emphasis to your curves. There is a thin strip of hand applied sequins that runs down each side of the dress. All applied by hand and incredible. Over this is an ivory silk jacket that has embroidery work, silk netting insets and applique work, in addition to the feathers that you see. The closer you get to that fabric the more astonishing it is. In the lace netting insets the netting is detailed with tiny rhinestones and pearls. These are all connected with the embroidery to give it a touch of a patchwork feel but in a very couture way. The shoulders are gathered and then the sleeves narrow as they reach the cuffs. The waist is shaped in so it almost has the curve of a dandy coat in feel. Then of course the feathers that wraps around the neck, down the front and around the hem, give it the most amazing finish. It is true numbered Haute Couture and remarkable. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The dress is hand lined in a ivory silk and closes with a hand set side zipper. Boning in the bodice of the dress and an interior waist stay that hooks to close.  The jacket has no closures and slips on wit padding in each shoulder. All made to Haute Couture standards and the dress has its Couture label and numbered /dated tape present. There is a slight bit of yellowing to the interior of the dress which of course does not show when on. Please see the last photo after the label shot

Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
Slightly extended shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from neck to hem, including the feathers

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3367

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 had the twin of the dress ages ago and I was so pleased to find another recently. Ungaro recently passed away and that always makes you look at a designers work with a new appreciation. Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after stints at Balenciaga and Courrreges. His pret-a-porter line, Ungaro Parallele, was created in 1968. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his of colors and flamboyance. I am very please to have found a reference photo of the couture version of this dress from the Fall 1985 collection which means this RTW version was probably released that same season or the season after. 

I absolutely love this Emanuel Ungaro dress. The color is wonderful. It is perfect shade of purple that is done on a fluid silk. He has used two types, a solid silk to create the pleated bust and for the skirt, the fabric has a wonderful secondary pattern of small dots woven through it. The fabric is quite light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not heavy to wear, but it does hold the intended shape fabulously. The bodice is cut with a strapless, peaked and plunged neckline. It is elaborately pleated and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds and internal structure and light wiring. Under that the skirt is set into the bust to follow the angled line at the front. It is set in with soft gathers all around, and then wraps and closes at the back. The bodice has a touch of asymmetry to it and the way the skirt is set in subtly plays on this At the back it wraps over itself and snaps into place with a series of snaps hidden along the lower edge of the bust. This allows a bit of leg to show at the back when you walk. It is incredible. Excellent overall condition with a note to review below

Fully lined in a purple silk chiffon and closes with a back zipper for the corseted interior and then the skirt snaps into place along the seam line. There is a touch of fading to the fabric along the edge of the back panel. Please see the photo after the label shot. The corset fully zippers open and if it's not caught right the teeth can open a touch I have left it as it works fine if you just re-zip it until they catch. The bodice is boned and shaped. Hand finished

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 54" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3353

Reference Photo: F/W 85/86 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture. Photo by Hiro.

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 exquisite Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress is a stunning and very rare example of what the house was producing during this time period. It is true Haute Couture and has been entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. I had originally dated it to the Fall 1954 collection but after posting it was sent the image of Renée Breton wearing the full gown length version for Spring 1956. I have left the earlier images as I found it interesting to see how his design progressed to get to this 1956 style and thought the person buying it might as well. You can see the resemblance to the  Fall 1954 "Ecume" dress combined with elements from the "Clorinde" dress from that same season and how these eventually become the silhouette you see here. There is also an even closer resemblance to that famous photo of the model and dress captured back stage by Mark Shaw that season. You can easily imagine how this dress was created through the seasons from the different elements of these and Balmain tweaking the details with the end result being this beautiful piece.

The dress is constructed from a hand made ivory Chantilly French lace that is outlined with a fine silk cording. The cord has been meticulously hand applied to the lace. It follows the outline of, and defines each delicate motif within the lace's pattern. The lace portion of the dress begins just under the high and defined waist and the entire lower portion of the exterior layer of the dress is done in that stunning lace. I love how at the very hem the lace edges have been meticulously hand stitched into a silk organza so that the hem is perfectly straight. The bodice is kept with a more simple silk jersey fabric to contrast the high level of workmanship that the lace has. It is strapless and the cups are shaped and molded underneath the jersey. The silk has been is hand draped so that is sits  in soft folds over the bust. The folds are set on a slight angle and one section in the middle has been used to create a wide open loop. Through that opening winds a wide black silk taffeta sash that drapes down at the front to follow the curved angle of the bust line and then ties at the back. I have tied it into a more formal bow but you could also leave this to trail down the back. The use of the contrasting black ribbon adds both a simple and romantic touch and also visually cinches in the waist area even more then the interior corseting already does. The skirt billows out to a beautiful fullness beneath the tapered in waist. The shape and fullness that you see is built into the skirt through layers and layers of silk netting and tulle underneath. The inner construction of the dress is absolutely exquisite with a boned and corseted interior made entirely made by hand and to Haute Couture standards. Under the skirt there are a three full layers of silk tulle and netted underskirts to achieve the shape that you see. I did not add any additional crinolines here but you could create an even fuller shape by adding a separate underskirt if you wished. It is a beautiful example of the very early work that the House of Balmain was doing and a wonderful example of the golden years of Haute Couture. Excellent condition with some small notes to review below.

Fully lined in a ivory silk with extensive boning, inner construction and skirting. It closes with an intricate combination of the Balmain signature, multiple chest and waist stays and two zippers. One to close the inner corset and the other to close the exterior dress The inner layers of the skirt are attached with some having addition half layers at their hems for additional volume. The innermost skirt is interlined with netting and the built in corset is made of lingerie netting and hand done padding. It is boned with metal boning. There is perhaps some very minor darkening to the lace here and there. Very small areas here and there of darkening to the inner bodice. On the exterior bodice there are areas of light yellowing that run across the sides. It is very faint and once on I think you would never even notice it as they are across the fabric and in the folds mainly. None of this compromises the strength or integrity of the dress and it is strong and wearable with the care. All of the photos to show the stunning details of the dress are before the shot of the label and the shots to show the sides of the bodice mentioned above are after the label shot. It really is in remarkable condition. Proper Haute Couture label and tape underneath, though the writing on the couture tape under the label has faded to almost nothing.

Bust: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam with cups built in that would fit an A or smaller
Waist: 11.5-12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 5" from top of bodice to seam under front cups
Skirt: 36" from seam under the cups to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3344

Reference Photos: (1) Renée Breton in Pierre Balmain, 1956. Photographed by Georges Saad.  /  (2) Model Ann Farrar in Pierre Balmain A/W 1954-55 "Ecume" Dress. Photo by Philippe Pottier.  /  (3) Backstage at Balmain, 1954. Photo by Mark Shaw.  /  (4) Marie-Thérèse in an evening dress called "Clorinde" by Pierre Balmain, Fall/Winter 1954-1955 Collection.

This garment is sent in clean, as found condition 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, many more. His label gained international recognition known for his bright, clear color choices, ornate beading and daring cut-outs. He once stated; "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."

Here he takes the drama of s short mini dress with a flirty littel skirt. This dress is from his Couture label and made to demi-couture standards. The fabric choice is a printed silk taffeta that combines pink and purple. It holds the shape perfectly and helps to give the dress its structure and shape. The bodice is set in soft gathers that wrap around the bust, around the waist and over the top of the hips. I love how the gathers are used to highlight the waist and give it a more cinched in feel. The neckline is strapless and formed into an exaggerated sweetheart that plunges in the center. Inside there is a strapless bra added for extra support. The waist nips in beneath this and the gathers hug over the top of the hips. Below that the skirt flares out in soft folds and volume. The dress is stunning on. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned and there is a strapless bar set into the bust for support. Hand finishes throughout to demi-couture standards.

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# DD3307

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, many more. His label gained international recognition known for his bright, clear color choices, ornate beading and daring cut-outs. He once stated; "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."

Here he takes the drama of pink to new heights with this bold and sexy mini dress from his Boutique label. The fabric choice is a vivid pink silk taffeta that holds the shape perfectly and helps to give the dress its structure. It is set in soft horizontal gathers that run from top to bottom of the dress and are lightly caught up down the center front and with an actual seam at the back. The neckline is strapless and formed into an exaggerated sweetheart that plunges in the center. The waist nips in beneath this and then the skirt hugs the hips and ends in a mini length. At the back is a modified bustle created with three panels of the same fabric that are almost like large half bows set on top of each other. They are set onto the back starting just under the low back and have inner netting to help give them a bit of pouf and shape. The dress is stunning on and pure unadulterated drama. I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pink silk and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is boned and the back bustle panels have in inner lining of netting for shape and snap into place over the zipper. Hand finishes.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from top peak of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3305

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 pleased to begin presenting a collection of Bill Blass pieces from a woman who was a close personal friend of Mr. Blass for many years. Many of these pieces were custom made or tweaked specifically for her and all of them are in exquisite condition, having been stored and cared for properly over the years. These are rare and hard to find example of his work from the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Some may be the only version of its kind that were made. The family would also like it to be known that their portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to charity.

This is a lovely example of Bill's work that has the added provenance of being featured in the September issue of Vogue that in 1986. It's twin was photographed on Paulina Porizkova and I have included that reference photo here. Both the dress and jacket are made out of the most extraordinary fabric. He has used a fine silk velvet that has gold thread lame running through it in the manner of a men's suiting. This gives both pieces an incredible sheen when combined with the velvet. As it catches the light it almost has the feel of a liquid running over you. The dress is strapless with a built in inner bodice that gives it structure internally but from the outside you only see the fabric falling in one smooth line. The bodice has carefully placed hand done gathers that give just the hint of detailing. Under that the skirt falls to the floor in one long lean line. There is no slit on this one, rather the fabric is cleverly laid out so there is hidden volume as it nears the hem. Over this is the remarkable jacket that has a more structured feel to it. The cut is pure Blass with the waist just a suggestion and the shoulders boxed and padded. The sleeves are long and each is finished at the cuff with a wide band of hand done bead and sequin work. This same incredible detailing runs around the collar, down the front and circles all around the hem of the jacket. It is incredible and very chic. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in silk. The dress closes with a double zipper at the back, with the inner one closing the inner corset. The inner corset is boned and shaped. The jacket closes with hidden snaps at the front and hook & eye at the neck and waist. The bead work is hand done and elaborate.

Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3260

Reference Photo: Paulina Porizkova in Bill Blass, Vogue UK, September 1986. Photo by Bill King.

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

If you have been looking for a statement dress for the season look no further then this incredible Emanuel Ungaro dress that is absolutely amazing. The color is wonderful. It is a metallic feeling blue on a silk taffeta. This fabric gives it a touch of a shimmer and depth as it catches the light. The fabric is quite light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not heavy to wear, but it does hold the intended shape fabulously. The bodice is cut with a strapless, modified sweetheart neckline and hugs the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. This was an Ungaro signature and really made his pieces flattering once on. An angled sash wraps and hooks into place to detail the waist even more. Under that the skirt explodes in a pouf of shape and volume. Elaborate gathers mold the shape so the skirt feel asymmetrical on one side and on the other there is a huge half bow that gives even more volume to that hip. The opening of the skirt at the very bottom is deliberately kept to be as minimal as possible, forcing you to move in a way that highlights the shape even more. It is incredible. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side zipper from the waist up and silk covered snaps under the wait. The bodice is boned. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 10 but cut small. It appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem but can be worn up as high as you wish because of the way the bottom opening is cut.
Skirt opening at the bottom hem 32" in total around

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3256

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 absolutely incredible and the workmanship that has been put into making it is just extraordinary. It really is one of the most phenomenal dresses I have ever had in the shop. Philip Hulitar designed under his own namesake label from 1949 to his retirement in 1964. He was known for his sophisticated cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Shortly after the launch of his label, a journalist wrote; 'The star of a gifted designer has risen recently on the fashion horizon'. Prior to launching his own label, Mr Hulitar was the in-house designer and head of the women's dress division for Bergdorf Goodmans for 18 years.

This dress is really a thing of beauty and shows the high level of meticulous care put into the execution of design during this time period. The fabric is a high end, luxurious silk in a pale dusty blue. Onto this is a hand screened  custom floral design. The print is set onto the silk in a soft washed feel like a watercolor painting. The silk has then been meticulously hand pleated into rows of sharp knife pleats that are stacked one upon each other. They are set so that the pleats are facing upwards rather then facing down as you would typically see. This gives the fabric a slightly surreal edgy feel and as gravity slightly pulls them and opens them the lines of the body are exaggerated. It is really spectacular in person. The bodice is strapless and fitted. Inside it is boned and shaped. The silk is draped into place by hand draping it to closely follow every curve. It cinches in at the waist and then follows the curve of the hips and narrows at the hem The back is spectacular with a large half bow that sits above a tightly gathered ruffle. This begins at the low back and slowly tapers out just above the knees. Everything on this dress is done to create that highly sculptural shape. Overall excellent condition with some notes to review below

Fully lined in a cream silky rayon and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. The interior bodice is boned. The back bow snaps into place. I see some extremely minor pinholes along the one part of the top pf the bodice at the fold and some very minor watermarks on the silk near the hem. It has a area of fading on one hip that I have photoed and placed after the label photo for your review. It can be seen in some of the photos before that as well. You could perhaps shorten it to remove this area or just wear it as is and not worry about it. It is marked a lot lower in price then it would be but for this area.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A to small B cup
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from top of the bodice to the front hem, 41" to the back hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3214

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 always so pleased to have a Helena Barbieri piece come into the shop as they are a rare label to find and each is very special. Her specialty was formal wear and her signature looks included decadent details and extremely fine, unusual fabrics. You would be hard pressed to find modern counterparts as finely done and constructed as far as the workmanship and detailing in one of her gowns has. This one is especially beautiful and it literally made me gasp out loud when I first saw it.

The fabric on this dress is a beautiful silk brocade that has a secondary gold design woven through its surface. This design runs over the entire dress and the silk seems to almost glow from within as a result of this color combination. The pink has a very rich and vibrant feel to it and in person, it has a more luminescent effect to it then how it photoed. I know the person who buys this will be very pleased once they see this one in real life. The bodice is strapless and it is cut to curve around the bust in a way that makes it appeared to be wrapped and tied into place. The waist is defined below this with a wide inset band of the same fabric. This tops a beautifully cut skirt that has pleats set along the hips so that you get a soft fullness there. Once you move you realize that there is also a good deal of fabric in that skirt and it moves wonderfully. It is cut to be slightly longer at the back. The construction of this dress is impeccable. It is also drop dead gorgeous. Excellent condition with one small note below to review.

Fully lined with pink silk organza through the skirt and a white muslin through the bodice. Ribbon finished seams  at the hem and boning through the bodice with a hook and eye interior waist stay. Hand finishes. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. There is the slightest loosening of the cross weft of the silk along the bodice edges on each side but it does not effect the appearance when on at all. I photoed each side and you can see these after the label photograph. The price has been reduced quite a bit as a result. It is very strong and wearable as is.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to front hem, 44" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2630

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

After much research I have narrowed this down to being a version of the dress that walked the 1998 Haute Couture Runway. It is very similar and you could easily see how a client could have modified that dress to become the one that we see here. It is not unusual for a client to have a dress completely customized to her in that world afterall. The cut and feel are so alike and everything else about the dress feels like Mr. Valentino's work during this time period. It is absolutely exquisite and the cut and fit are the sheer perfection that you would expect from a gown made to this degree.

This may be the perfect black dress. It mixes Valentino's unwavering sense of elegance with the high standards of Haute Couture. The dress is strapless with a fitted and sculpted bodice that wraps the wearer in wide flat pleats that are curved, placed and set by hand. The bodice is a masterpiece in shaping and couture techniques. The fabric has been shaped and molded by hand and immaculately stitched into place to create the soft pleats that curve over the bust and highlight your shape. Inside it is boned and shaped with an inner corset. The corset holds the dress perfectly in place but not to the point where it feels constrictive, just enough so that it shapes you perfectly. The pleats cross over the bust and wrap around the back. There they are sculpted into place and they fall to become a part of the skirt, overlapping the panel that comes from the front. This same technique is used at the front, but there the panel that extends into the skirt does not wrap over the other panel but is set more open to show the inner skirt off to its full advantage. The inner skirt is slim cut and falls to the floor. It is made of a silk netting, backed by silk chiffon, and the netting is completely covered with the finest bead and sequin work that I have seen. This is certainly the workmanship of Lesage and would have been made completely by hand  - worked that would have taken hours and hours and hours. What is truly incredible is that the entire inner skirt is finished with this hand done bead and sequin work even though you only see a touch of it from the front. In the second last photo before the inner bodice photos I lifted the back outer panels to show you how the inner skirt is finished all the way around. That is the level of work that you see only in couture.  This is the type of gown that Valentino excelled at. A refined elegance mixed with a luxurious fabric and finished with a master's touch of provocativeness and romance. The dress appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Excellent condition

The inner skirt is fully backed in a silk chiffon. The outer panels of the skirt are unlined. The inner bodice has a full couture level netted corset and this is boned and cupped. The bead work extend all the way up to just under the bodice on the inside. There is a zipper to close the corset and it also has a hooked waist stay. Another zipper lies over this to close the outer layer. Completely finished by hand work throughout.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to inner waist seam
Skirt: 40" from inner waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3156

Reference Photo: Valentino Spring 1998 Haute Couture Collection

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 launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. He was arguably one of the most famous of all the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seem to have a way of flattering the wearer even at their most extravagant.

A sketched pink version of this dress was used in the 1985 ad campaign and this version looks identical to that one except for the color. The dress is made from hand dyed silk in a deep yellow that is mixed with an off-white silk inset on the bodice and has a white dot print throughout. The cut is simple and elegant. A boned and strapless bodice tops a full, flowing silk skirt that falls to the floor. The bodice is a mix of solid white and the patterned yellow silk. The fabric is gathered and wrapped around the bust and the yellow and white contrast each other to highlight and shape the body. The skirt is set into the nipped in waist with soft gathers that give it both a romantic feel and allow the fabric to have volume and movement. A huge matching sash wraps around the waist and you can tie it where it is most flattering. I have tied it in a large bow that sits slightly off to the side here. The fabric is a light silk organza that holds the shape and volume magnificently and gives the dress its light and airy feel. I love the print on the yellow portions - it is a mix of a dot and an abstract wavy line that really ties everything together. Excellent condition with one minor note below

Fully lined in a white silk and closes with an offset, painted metal and nylon zipper that is set where the two fabrics meet at the back. Light boning through the bodice. Hand finished. Snaps has been added to keep the sash in place at the back but they were poorly added and not original. They were removed and there is the tiniest evidence of them on the fabric along the back opening. Please review the photo after the label shot and before the reference photo.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2596

Reference Photo: Illustration by Bill Blass, Vogue, April 1985.

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 collection is still one of the most memorable that Miuccia has done to date and this particular dress was the stand out piece of the season. I remember drooling over it as it hung in all its $15,000 dollar glory at the Prada boutique and it is a true pleasure to have an example of it in the shop. The dress sold out world-wide shortly after being released in extremely limited quantities. It was featured heavily in the ad campaign for that season, was worn by Lily Allen and it graced the cover of the January British Vogue on Eva Green.

The dress is an amazing testament to the couture level construction techniques that the house of Prada employs in its runway pieces. The bust is fitted to the body and the construction is quite remarkable. It has a built in, boned corseting inside to hold the dress in place. It zips down the front and then a secondary out layer of the silk buttons over that. The top of the outer layer at the front folds back to reveal the upper part of the zipper for a more modern twist on the traditional corset. The waist is nipped in with the boning and gives you shape despite the tremendous volume of the skirts below. The skirt is a masterpieces - it is meticulously shaped with great swoops of fabric that are draped and then caught up over each hip. The silk all swoops and curves up to meet in a pleated point that sits on either side of the front zipper. Under these draped panniers is an inner skirt that is finished with a very wide ruffled hem for extra flounce. The skirt is extremely full and if you wished you could add extra crinolines underneath for a more defined bell shape. It is absolutely gorgeous and a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

The corset is boned and made out of a semi sheer black silk organza. It has an inner waist stay and zips to close up the front. It has no size tag but I would guess that it is about a  Prada 42 but of course check the measurements below. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all and is in mint condition.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam, with room for a solid B, maybe small C cup
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3117

Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2008 Prada Collection, Final Look (Look 20).  /  (2-3) Prada Ad Campaign, Resort 2008.  /  (4) Eva Green in Prada for Vogue UK, January 2008. Photo by Patrick Demarchelier.  /  (5) Lily Allen at the National Portrait Gallery, February 2008.

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 walked the runway for the Fall 1987 collection and a version of it pink was used for the fall ad campaign that year. I love the pink version as well but think that the all black is perhaps even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions and the velvet gives it a more luxe evening feel.

The dress is lovely with its strapless, curved bodice and fitted silhouette. The main fabric that makes up the body of the dress is a rich, lush black velvet that gives it depth and texture. This is then mixed with black silk organza ruffles that detail the dress. I absolutely love the ruffle detailing that finishes the edges and the contrast of the two fabrics. This is a classic YSL touch and gives it a flirty, girlie feel that it would not have without that finish. The ruffles edge the curving neckline, curve around to highlight the bust area, and then go all the way around the back. At the hem he has used three full layers of the ruffle set almost on top of each other so that you get a little explosion of volume there. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the ruffles are set on the velvet to the fitted and curved lines of the body of the dress. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black cotton fabric and the interior bodice is lightly boned for shape and support. Inner waist stay that hooks to close  and the back closes with a fine metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 44

Waist at inner waist stay: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3092

Reference Photos: (1-2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.  /  (3) Naomi Campbell for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, F/W 1987.  /  (4) Fall 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Look Book.

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