This gorgeous dress is by Bob Mackie and from his main line which can be considered as demi-couture. He Mackie is best known for dressing Cher. His work showcases his love of over-the-top opulence and often showcase extensive bead work and applique work. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis before starting his own label. This early entry into costume design and the glamor of Hollywood continued to influence his work through his career. His designs are always extravagant and glamorous in the best possible way. Here we have a piece from the 1980s and it has that opulent feel in spades. The gown in made in delicious shades of metallic golds through the bodice mixed with a pastel coral based metallic silk for the skirt. The bust is strapless and has a gold cord embroidered "lace" applique that covers it all the way around. This is layered over the same silk the skirt is made up of. Scattered over this are gold and clear crystals that catch the light when you move. The skirt is fabulous and the silk is a nod to Fortuny in the pleating treatment. The silk here has a lame feel to it and seems to glow. The underskirt is a gold silk taffeta and there is a lot of fabric there so it really has fullness and movement when you move. The bodice is very structured and molded. It feels like couture once on. Extremely well made. Excellent condition with two small condition notes to review below.

Fully lined in a muted gold silk though the bodice and the silk taffeta underskirt is interlined in a silk organza. The bodice has a built in, molded bra and boned corset built in under the lining. There is also an inner waist stay. It closes with a back painted zipper. Hand finished throughout. There is a small repair to the silk near the hem at the front and another near the base of the zipper. The pleating treatment to the silk effectively hides these when on but mentioned for accuracy and I have photoed both.

Bust: 17.5-8" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and the inner waist stay hooks to fit a either a 26-27" waist, if you need the full 28" you can leave the stay undone or remove it
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to true inner waist
Skirt: 43.5" from true inner waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2814

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 beautiful dress by Arnold Scassi has the most wonderful and romantic fabric choice. The color is equally as great and those two elements combined with the strapless silhouette make for a beautiful gown. I love the brilliant green and how the silk is covered from bodice to hem with a scattering of little hearts that are finished in a slightly different shade of green. The technique used to create the hearts is very interesting and becomes a design element in itself. A layer of bias cut silk that has the hearts cut out of it, is fused over a second inner layer of silk chiffon. This gives the hearts that slightly 3D, layered window effect you see. The dress itself is cut to create a seamless column at the front. It falls to the floor in one unbroken swoop of fabric from the bodice to the hem. This creates an almost sculptural feel. The back is gathered in pleat work under the small of the back and giving it more fullness and volume. Above this, four flat bows have been added to give a little extra detailing. The interior of the dress has an inner corset so once on it feels fitted and secure. It is just beautiful. Excellent condition

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

Bust: to 18" flat across inside from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 52" from top of bodice hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1453

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 beautiful dress was created by Ceil Chapman who is often referred to as Marilyn Monroe's favorite designer. It is so beautiful in person and the level of detail put into the construction is wonderful. The dress is constructed from a blue silk crepe that has a touch of stretch to it which allows the dress to move and mold itself the the wearer. The silk is then covered in swirls of blue glass tube beads mixed with iridescent blue sequins that trail over and on top of the beads. Once on, the dress seems to be sculpted onto the body. The skirt hugs the hips and is cut close to the leg with a back vent to allow you to walk. The waist nips in to create that sexy hourglass silhouette. The bodice has an inner boning and a front tulle detail to bring all the attention to the bust. The shoulders, upper back and arms are left exposed. The workmanship is exquisite and it is absolutely stunning and provocative. What I love most is that is is very close in design to the dress that was worn by Marilyn to performing for the U.S troops in Korea, February 1954 (click here to see more on our blog). Excellent condition.

Fully lined in matching blue silky rayon. Boned through the front and back and the interior has hand finishes. It closes with a painted metal side zipper. Note that the color has a slight purple undertone that does not quite come across in the photos. Museum quality

Bust: 19" 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: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Length: 31" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1163

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 Hawaiian label Kamehameha was launched in 1936 and was named after King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian islands. They were famous for their brilliant tropical floral prints which they made for the tourist markets. They combined the feel and beauty of Hawaii with the current lines popular on the mainline. The items were manufactured on the island and the prints done in-house.  They primarily used cotton for their designs and this dress is no exception. The fabric is that crisp fifties cotton and it has been screened with a brilliant pattern of tropical leaves and flowers in blues and pops of deep pinks. The bodice is fitted and lined with a starched filler so that it has shape and molds to the bust. The waist is cinched with an attached blue sash whose colors match the piping details and straps of the dress The skirt is very full. I have photoed it without a crinoline but you would get a the full fifties cupcake effect if you decided to add one. As an added bonus, the straps each tie at the top of the shoulder, this allows for the perfect fit and also you can easily tuck these in and wear the dress strapless. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a white cotton and closes with a back metal zipper. The sash at the waist is attached at the front and ties at the back

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent:XS-SML

Item# DD2788

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 darling little dress from the 1950s with pretty lines. It is labelled - Jeannette Alexander of California - and is well made. It has a fitted, strapless bodice that has a pretty black velvet ribbon circling its upper edge for a little detail. I love how it glides into the skirt and the fullness of the skirt is created by the pleats set along the side of each hip and around the back. This gives the skirt lots of fullness but keeps the front from being bulky and unflattering. I have added a light crinoline and you could wear a far fuller one for e really "cupcake" look, or none for a more modern feel. It's light and airy despite the black of it and it is still in great shape.

Unlined and closes with a back metal zipper. light boning on each side. The fabric shows a touch of sheen from being pressed over the years but its is still in great condition

Bust: 16" 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 dress to waist seam and then it has a 4" band before the pleats at the side start
Skirt: 31" from waist seams to hem, 26" from the side pleats to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E635

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

Philip Hulitar only designed under his own label for a short time period - 1949-1964. Prior to that he was the in-house custom designer for Bergdorf's. His pieces are very beautiful and have an air of sophistication about them. Finding examples is hard due to the short period his label existed. This dress with its unique matching skirted 1/2 jacket is absolutely incredible. The fabric is exquisite - a fine silk chiffon in a vivid clear green that has a spray of pink and coral flowers screened onto the bodice and skirt. The bodice is quite wonderful with its meticulously constructed flat pleats. - a signature design element of Hulitar. At the waist is a silk satin bow in pink. The jacket that sits over the dress is made of that same bright pink silk satin. It slips over the dress with little cap sleeves and and long side panels that go the hem and end in a fine fringe. At the back it drapes inwards to a fringing detail. The lining is a green silk chiffon that perfectly picks up on the dress  and is so well made it is almost reversible. The skirt is cut long and lean with weighted discs set inside in the couture manner at the back hem to add weight and ensure that it falls perfectly. The bodice has a full built in corset that is lightly boned. All the draping and pleating have been done by hand and the work is on par with demi-couture. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a green tissue silk. The bodice has a full built in, boned corset. The hem of the dress is weighted. It closes with a back, hand-set painted metal zipper. The half jacket is made of a pink silk satin that matches the bow on the waist and is lined in green silk chiffon

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1263

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 soft pink silk chiffon gown from the ready-to-wear Scaasi Boutique line is beautiful. That elaborately pleated and thatched strapless bodice give it a touch of Grecian goddess feel. The draping details through the skirt and that stunning bodice work in combination with each other to really create a pretty and romantic feeling dress. The bias cut and layered chiffon skirt flows to the floor in a floating swoop of silk. At one side of the skirt a panel of silk loops and drapes in a soft curve to create a that beautiful detail you see. The bodice above the skirt molds itself to the torso and the hand placed, crossed and gathered chiffon is done in a crossed over check pattern. The silk lies over a structured inner bodice that gives it structure. The strapless silhouette leaves the shoulders bare and the peaks of the front are set high for a touch of drama. This dress really moves wonderfully when on and is quite beautiful. The color in person is more of a truer soft pastel pink then how it photoed. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching pink silk with some parts hand set through the bodice. Closes with a back nylon and painted metal zipper. Lightly boned through the bodice. The skirt has an inner silk layer with a layer of the chiffon over that.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2542

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

Norma Kamali opened her OMO shop in 1978 and I believe this to be one of the early labels from that before she moved to the non-italic script versions. It is not 100% perfect but such a early and representative piece form that time period of her work that it had to go into the shop for her fans and collectors to have access to.  Off the hanger the dress looks incredibly tiny but the T-short like fabric allows it a lot of stretch and it easily for on my mannequin. The dress is strapless and done in a brilliant red. The bodice is gathered and fits like a glove to the waist and then it flares out to form a hip peplum. Under that is a second layer of jersey that acts as the lining  and support for the bodice and also is a full fitted dress to the knee. I love the exaggerated and dramatic lines of the hip flare on that top tier. Over this is a tiny fitted bolero that is just curved fabric with sleeves, huge round padded shoulders and a collar. Really well done and the photos don't do it full justice at all. Present as excellent condition with notes to read below

Both pieces are unlined and slip on with no closures. The dress looks incredibly tiny off the body but does stretch quit a bit. The bolero has various storage marks on it - they are dark smudges. I have photoed the worst of them. It is still wearable as is but these are there. The T-short fabric shows a tiny amount of patina from being washed. 

Bolero
Sleeves: 17" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open
Length: 18" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: Will stretch to about a 34-35" bust max and fit anything under that
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from top of waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2782

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 seriously sexy, dramatic strapless dress that was made to hug and create curves whether a girl has then or not. It is all fitted and shaped to give you that Barbie Doll body with the bust and hips exaggerated in just the right way. The actual dress is a strapless little number that is cut above the knee and has a black cotton lace set over a nude base. Between the lace and the inner nude fabric is a layer of the same dotted tulle that makes up that dramatic skirting. This gives the lace an very interesting texture and depth. The sweetheart neckline tops the fitted silhouette of the dress. Circling the hip is a curving overlay of dotted tulle over two other tulle layers. These curve around and down and give the dress the suggestion of a full fifties skirt. Totally '80s and fabulous. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined in a nude silky rayon and closes with a back metal and nylon zipper.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from top of bodice to hem of dress, 36" to longest point of tulle overlay

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2773

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 cute and sexy little dress that combines a beautiful silk with a fun, multi-color dot pattern. It is from the D&G label which no longer exists. The cut is classic D&G with a fitted, curving cut that follows the body and is very flattering. The bodice has a full built in corset with cups that keep the dress in place. Over this, the silk skims and drapes, down and around the body. There is a ruffled detail that circles the sweetheart neckline and that ruffle then extends down from one side, curves over the waist, and then runs down one hip. The skirt is cut to come up slightly at the spot where the ruffle ends for a little extra leg. At the back is one of their signature, large chunky zippers and the silk is all set to drape inward towards that. Signature, adjustable, lingerie straps sit at the shoulder and can be removed to make it a strapless dress. It is fabulous on and I love the colorful dots. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined and closes with a back zipper. There is a full boned bra/net corset inside the bust area. Tagged a 42

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with approx an A-B cup
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 43" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2772

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 fun little 80s dress is made from a combination of ruffled lace and sequins. The bodice is fitted and strapless and set to hug your curves. It has a black lace base that has rows of glossy black sequins adorning its surface. More sequins are set around the upper hip to define the band above the skirt. From there the skirt mimics the fullness of the fifties and flares out in an explosion of black lace ruffles. The lace  from the bodice extends down and is again used for the base fabric of the skirt and then it also has panels of the same lace set on curving angles all around the skirt. These have wired edges so that the resulting ruffles have curving, curling edges and give the skirt even more fullness and flounce. Underneath the exterior of the skirt is a layer of tulle with an extra panel set around the hem for added fullness, and then a lining under that for comfort. It is very flirting and fun. Excellent condition.

Lined a silky black satin and the bodice is lightly boned. The skirt has an additional tulle layer between the lining and the top skirt layer. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 20" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2771

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 said of the S/S 2002 collection: "John Galliano's "Street Chic" collection took the form of a virtual world tour, with stops that included lavishly clad Bedouins, army recruits and girls in the 'hood. This was not the first time Dior has gone globetrotting, but Galliano injected, as always, new energy into his ethnic excursions. His bias-cut silk and lace dresses, embroidered jackets and sheer tops will work better than ever in this season of unbridled romanticism. Python jackets and low-slung hip-hop jeans also seem right for the moment, while the more eye-popping pieces—like the glittering pantsuit embroidered with kitschy Americana motifs—are just the thing for a starlet's weekend jaunt to Vegas."

This is a fabulous and sexy piece and it is looks like this one that defined the years that Galliano was at the head of Dior before his downfall. He was a master at contouring the body into the shapes he wanted and this is a beautiful example of how he combined both structure and flow in the same garment. The bodice is a structured corset that hooks down the front with flat hooks and is boned and shaped. The cups at the bust are padded and shaped to lift the breasts. Each cup is top stitched for extra detailing and this also offers contrast to the striped fabric. At the back the corset is laced so you can adjust it for the perfect cinched fit. Below this the silk chiffon skirt flows to the floor in a two sweeping layers of bias cut silk. It sweeps out as it nears the hem and has a slight train at the back. There is a slit up one side so you can see the the salmon pink silk chiffon layer under the top striped one when you move. Galliano designed fantasy pieces that combined historical references and pulled bits of design from a huge cross section of eras and somehow combined them to create very beautiful clothing. I remember seeing this dress everywhere that season and am sure there are more reference photos to be found for this dress. It really is one of his recognizable pieces. It is absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition

The dress is fully lined in silk through the bust with interior built in padded cups and boning.. It closes with a metal and nylon zipper at the side, laces at the back and hooks to close at the front. The skirt is lined with an attached second layer of silk. Tagged a US6, French 38. Because of the lacing on the back there is some adjustment possible for fit through the bust and waist.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 2-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2770

Reference Photos: Christian Dior S/S 2002. (1) Look 47. Model: Liudmilla Bakhmat.  /  (2) Look 44. Model: Karolina Kurkova.

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

Arnold Scaasi did absolutely exquisite and elaborate designs and the best of his work featured heavy adornment . His work is for when you want to have all eyes on you. He worked under Charles James at the beginning of his career and you can see that influence of that time in the lines of his own work. He cut and created his designs to extremely high standards and the workmanship is fabulous. This dress and jacket set combines the richness of a black cotton velvet with an elaborate and brilliant design. The work and attention to detail is incredible. Onto the velvet base is a dense application of gold braid, sequins and beads that are all hand applied and set in this amazing 3D design that covers both pieces. Many of the paillette used are shaped and colored to form flowers and petals. The dress is a strapless, sculpted piece that hugs the bodice and then falls away from the body in a pretty A-line. The jacket is cropped and sits over this and you can close it for a very fitted feel. It has pro[per curve cut sleeves and I love the pink lining. I love that the applique design is left off the very top and bottom of the dress so that it becomes a natural design element without having to add a third element to the design. The two pieces are is equally stunning worn together or as separates and adds to the versatility of the piece by being able to wear it together or separate. Scaasi dressed actresses, socialites and first ladies.  He also studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and you can see the evidence of that in work like this set. He was never an official member of the Chambre so even though this is made to couture standards it, like his other work from his main atelier, is considered demi-couture. Excellent condition.

The dress in fully interlined in a black silk through the bodice and hand finished and aslo has a second lining in the skirt. It closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper and a second metal zipper on the interior bodice. The bodice is boned. The jacket is fully lined in a fine, high end pink silk and is hand finished. It closes with fabric covered snaps. If you even remotely like it in the photos you will be extremely pleased in person as it is wonderful. There may be a missing or broken shaped sequin paillette here and there but nothing that needs to be pointed out as a jarring flaw. Someone cut the interior lining of the skirt at some pint so it now falls just past the hip and has an unfinished edge. It is left as found.

Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from top of strapless bodice to hem

Jacket
Slightly dropped sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2762

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 beautiful white jersey dress looks like it just walked off the rack. It is amazing when you discover a white piece in such great condition. At first glance you think it is a strapless dress but there is a lovely, single thin strap that extends out from the detailing on the bust that runs over one shoulder to hook in at the back. This pretty little detail elevates the dress somehow and makes it feel even more decadent. The top is molded to the body and features an abundance of gathers that highlight the shape of the torso and bust. I love the sweetheart neckline. At the waist, there is an extra tie of fabric attached for you to tie in a knot at the front for extra detail. The skirt is made of yards and yards of fabric thay swirl and move as you do. Frank Usher's draped jersey gowns are among the most coveted of all his designs and this one is particularly lovely in every way. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a white silky rayon through the bodice. The skirt has an underlying inner jersey skirt. Note that the hip measurement is taken from this inner skirt and if you needed more room through the hips it would be very easy to add some fabric and it would never show. Lightly boned through the bodice and closes with a painted metal back zipper. Appears to have never been worn

Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1594

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 dress is by Bob Mackie who is best known for dressing Cher and for his love of opulence and bead work. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis before starting his own label and his love for the big screen and glamor of Hollywood continued through his career. His work is always extravagant and glamorous in the best possible way. This silk chiffon dress in a beautiful ivory is a combination of silk chiffon and bead work. The bust is strapless and fitted to the body with hand applied rhinestones, silver and clear glass beads and dangling strands adorning its surface. It would not be a Bob Mackie without some glitz after all. Under that beautiful beaded bust, silk chiffon skirt flow the floor and swirl around you as you move. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk that is completely hand set, with a boned, slightly padded bust and waist stay interior. It closes with a back painted zipper. Hand finished throughout. Two layers of silk chiffon over the inner lining of the skirt. It is numbered by hand on one side of the interior. I see a couple of very minor marks and a small repair on the top layer of silk near one side at the back but you only spot these when it is laid out flat due to the yards and yards of fabric in the skirt. In person it is a touch more cream then how it photoed

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 49" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2748

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

Jacques Griffe was considered to be one of the great French couturiers and was one of very few designers capable of the complete design process from sketching to draping, cutting, and sewing the garments. He trained early on with a local tailor, and later, in Paris with Madeleine Vionnet from 1936-39. Vionnet exposed him to unique ways of cutting, and how techniques in draping that enhanced the female body. It is interesting to note that while working under Vionnet he also learned her technique of draping and cutting the fabric using a small jointed mannequin and like Vionnet, he designed by draping fabric directly onto a mannequin for the rest of his career. She actually presented him with a wooden mannequin for this purpose when he launched his own fashion house in 1941 and a ready to wear line in 1947. He continued to design until 1968.

This is a gown that showcases some of his signature design elements. The strapless bodice was a favored silhouette and the rich silk satin used is of very high quality and gives the otherwise simple piece an extra layer of texture and richness. The silhouette is that of a sheath, with a defined waist. The skirt wraps around itself and curves gently upwards at the back where the ends overlap each other giving it a graceful feel. The bodice is fitted and the inner construction is boned and has small front padding so the wearer can forego undergarments there is she wished. An attached panel in the same fabric gracefully curves up and over one shoulder to fall in a trail of silk satin behind you. The inner construction is entirely done by hand and the workmanship refined. This is a beautiful, graceful and exemplary example of one of the great Couturiers of our time. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined through the skirt and lined in a fine black silk through the bodice. There is wire boning and padding inside the bodice interior. The dress is entirely made by hand as Haute Couture demands. The zipper has separated from the dress in some parts. Since this a rare and fine, early Haute Couture example I have decided to leave it entirely original. If the new owner wishes, I can have this done by my tailor prior to shipping, however, some collectors prefer no new stitches be added so I leave the choice to the buyer. The silk satin shows normal patina for its age. There are no significant pulls or scuffs.

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 42.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2726

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 height of her popularity in the eighties Vicky Tiel was best known for her body hugging, sexy, fitted designs and her elaborate gathering of fabric on her dresses. This dress is from her couture line which by Couture standards would be considered as a demi-couture piece. Under the label is a second label that denotes the model name of the dress "Kaimak" along with other hand written information. It is very well made and with that signature fitted Vicky Tiel cut. The body of the dress is made of a beautifully and extensively draped silk net chiffon that is entirely hand set into place. This creates a head to toe gathering of soft drapes that cover the entire dress, back and front, top to bottom. It is cut to hug your every curve and shape the body. The bodice has interior boning to form and shape the bust. Set into the top is a panel of extensive bead work on a backdrop of black lace. This peeks put as if it is a separate undergarment and adds to the sensuality of the dress. Her best pieces have that old world, high glamour sense of the "Femme Fatale" and this dress has that in spades. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. Boned through the bodice. It has a 16" opening/slit up the back to allow for walking. Appears unworn. Tagged a 40 with handwritten tag. Hand finishes throughout

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length 53" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1384

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 Hardy Amies couture house launched in 1946 and he added RTW in 1950. In 1951 Amies was chosen to design some of the wardrobe for Princess Elizabeth’s tour of Canada. That led to Amies appointment as the Royal Dressmaker in 1955 after Elizabeth became the Queen. He was known for his fine, elegant lines and love of the best of the best fabrics. A signature touch of Amies is a slightly dropped waistline as he thought it was more flattering and elegant.

This is a early example form his couture line and it is exceptional. It would make a stunning wedding gown for the bride who wants to wear vintage but because it is not a stark white could easily be worn as a gown to any event. The construction is entirely by hand and this would date to the late 1940s, early 1950s. It is made from layers of silk. Two layers of a soft grey-white silk organza on top, with a third layer of a heavy silk for the interior lining in a soft taupe grey. The deeper color of the silk interior comes through the layers of the exterior so the gown has a slight grey cast to it that is very soft and pretty. The interior construction is fabulous with boning and structure through the bodice and built in cups. On the outer layer the bodice and skirt are all pleated with flat knife pleats, pressed and sewn into place by hand. I love the expanse of cotton lace that wraps around the skirt for contrast. The bodice is strapless and hugs the body. We see that signature dropped waist so that the bodice is curved and love. From there the skirt builds in volume as it nears the hem with excess fabric all through the bottom hem to create those stunning curves folds. It is truly exceptional and a fine example of his work. It presents well but does have some small flaws. Please review the noyes below.

Fully lined in a grey-taupe silk and closes with a side painted metal zipper with hook & eye and snaps on the layers of fabric over the interior zipper. The bodice is boned and it has built in cups. The hem of the interior skirt has a wide horsehair lining inside the hem line so it falls perfectly. The middle layer of silk has an unfinished hem. The outer hem is hand rolled and hand stitched. An inner waist stay closes with hook & eye. There is yellowing and discoloration to the lower hem and the edge of the hem. There is yellowing to the from inner edge of the bodice and fraying to the inner silk along the inner edge of the bodice. I feel that it is entirely wearable as is or if you wished to, would be a fairly simple job to make some changes to make it perfect again but is sold and priced as being all original.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of dress to true waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2657

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 signatures included embellishment and decadent details making them much desired even now. You would be hard pressed to find modern counterparts as far as the workmanship and detailing in most of them. This one is so beautiful it takes my breathe away and could easily be used as a wedding gown for the bride looking for an alternative or simply as the evening gown that it was meant to be originally. The fabric is a rich, luxurious silk satin, in a champagne color that has just the slightest undertone of pink to it. Over this is a trailing flower design that runs over the strapless bodice, under the band at the waist and trails down and across the dress. This design is hand applied and made of floral lace cut outs that have hand applied sequins over them with little clusters of prong set rhinestone crystals to form each center. The skirt is cut on a slight Aline with a little more fabric at the back between two long inverted pleats. A romantic and extravagant bow sits at the base of the low back draping softly over the back and down to just above the knee. The lace and flower work is so finely done and such a romantic touch that it is quite beautiful. Barbieri specialized in evening wear and it is easy to see why her pieces are so highly prized. The construction of this dress is impeccable. It is drop dead gorgeous and in excellent overall condition with a small note on that below.

Unlined with pinked seams and boning through the bodice. The applique work and finishes are all hand done. Closes with a back painted metal zipper and the bow hooks into place. The interior of the bow is finished with tulle to give it a touch of fullness. There is a tiny bit of foxing/storage marks on the bow that get lost in the folds once it is on and draping but there are there. Some slight scuffing/small marks to the silk satin. All minor and it is really a work of art.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 6" from top of bodice to seam under waist band
Length: 45" from seam under waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2553

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 Ungaro dress that is absolutely amazing. That dramatic color is the first thing you see - it's an amazing combination of green and gold and the metallic thread makes it shimmer and glint in the light from bodice to hem. The fabric is quite light in weight so despite the elaborate construction the dress is not heavy to wear but rather, feels amazing on the body. The entire torso of the dress is gathered and fitted around the body with body hugging, hand placed and gathered folds. This was an Ungaro signature and really made his pieces flattering once on. The gathered detailing extends all the way down the torso and past the waist to hug the hips and underneath the skirt it sits like a mini dress. Big fabric rosettes adorn the bodice and hip. The skirt is attached over the inner under dress and wraps the hips all the way around and then floats to the floor on an angle. The fabric here is knife pleated and these falls out like a sculpted fan over the legs. The side not open has extra panels of fabric at its middle so no matter what angle you are seen by there is some interesting element. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a green silk and closes with a side zipper. The bodice is lightly boned. Tagged a vintage Ungaro 8.

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
Length: 62" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2633

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