• The twin of this incredible dress walked the runway for the Spring 1991 collection.
• It was made under the original Mr. Valentino.
• I love that we have runway photos and video so that you can see how phenomenal this is once on the body. 
• Interestingly, for the Resort 2026 Valentino collection, we saw a version of the dress produced in a chiffon.
• This is just a really exceptional and rare dress that is a fantastic example of the work he was doing during this time period.
• The dress is made out of silk crepe that has a touch of texture to it. That fabric and it's pretty pastel colours make for a beautiful combination.
• The bodice is strapless and curves at the top. An almost bathing suit top feeling bandeau is caught up in a matching coloured fabric knot at its centre. A second knot gathers in the panel of fabric that runs just above the waist.
• This leaves a large open cut out at the front. At the back the fabric is gathered into a centre vertical seam with a second smaller open cut out mid back.
• The waist is seamed and the skirt is gathered into that all the way around. This allows the skirt to have a little bit of fullness as it falls to the floor. At the back of the skirt there is extra fabric so you have a little bit of kick as you walk.
• Once the dress is on you do not see the lining but I love that it is a brighter pastel grass green. It is like a little secret that only the person wearing it knows about.
• The dress is fully lined with handset silk through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. There is light boning through the bodice. A waist stay hooks to close and the dress closes with a side zipper. The entire construction of the inner bodice appears to have been done by hand. There is perhaps the lightest bit of fading here and there but I am being extremely picky.
• Tagged a vintage Valentino 8
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5358

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 1991 Valentino.  /  (4) Resort 2026 Valentino.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This dress is from the McQueen's Fall 2008 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Alexander McQueen.
• This is the actual dress worn by Connie Britton to the 2024 Emmys.
• The fall 2008 collection was called 'The Girl Who Lived in a Tree' and it was inspired by a combination of his trip to India and a 600 year old elm in his garden.
• The V&A Museum says of this collection: 'McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2008 collection centered on a fairy tale narrative devised by McQueen about a girl who descends from a tree to marry a prince and then become a queen. It was inspired by a 600-year-old elm tree in the garden of the designer’s Sussex home. At the center of the set stood a giant tree swathed in fabric, inspired by Bulgarian artist Christo, who is renowned for wrapping buildings with material.'
• You can see a similar swooping cut that the final pieces of this show had.
• The dress is made out of a beautiful rich black silk and is cut with a sculptural line combined with that bias cut draping.
• Inside there is a more fitted dress and then the length is created by a long panel of black silk that is attached around the neck line and drapes over the inner dress. 
• The dress is strapless and there is a full built-in cupped and boned corset that holds the dress in place and gives you support. The way that the silk panel is draped over the inner dress allows one side of the inner dress to be seen. 
• The part of the inner dress that can be seen was then elaborately finished with hand done embroidery and beads done in a stunning floral design. I took several photos holding the draped panel away from the inner part of the dress so you can see how the beading extends even underneath the panel that lies over top of it.
  
• The silk panel that sits over this beautifully constructed inner bodice falls around you all the way to the floor on one side. On the other side, the silk is gathered up so that it drapes down and around you. This is a classic and signature McQueen silhouette, and is absolutely stunning once on the body.
• The dress is a beautiful mix of exposing just enough of the shape of the body so you don't lose your shape completely while at the same time it showcases the exceptional tailoring skills that he excelled at and how he could control the draping exactly how he wished it to fall.
• I love how the draping slightly exaggerates the shape of the body. No matter what angle you see this dress from once it is on there is an interesting drape or an elaborate beaded detail.
• Inside, an inner black silk lining goes to just above the knee and there is a built in inner corset that is lightly boned and cupped. The corset has its own back zipper to close and then the dress zips to close over that with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged a McQueen 44
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of bodice to shortest point of hem at one side, 58" to the longest point on the other side

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5338

Reference Photos: Connie Britton in this dress at the 2024 Emmys.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This amazing sequin dress is from Mackie's 1980s boutique label.
• It was made under the creative direction of Bob Mackey.
• This is the actual dress that Sarah Snook wore to attend the Director Guild Awards in March 2022.
• Mackie was best known for dressing Cher and for his signature glamour. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis prior to entering costume design and he began by co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years before launching his own label.
• His work always has that touch of the best of Hollywood glamour.
• The dress has an incredible pattern done in sequins that allows the entire dress to catch the light from every angle.
• The sequins are a glossy black and are set in vertical rows set into rectangular sections over the dress. In between the sections he left bands of the fabric with no sequins to create horizontal and vertical lines.
• The sequins are set so that they slightly overlap the next sequin in line. There are thousands of sequins on this dress.
• The dress is strapless and it is cut to hug the body through the bodice. Inside the waist is cinched and the sequins curve over that inner structure. The inner corset is cupped and boned to hold the dress in place and add shape.
• The dress skims over the hips and falls to the floor, widening out as it nears the hem with a little flare. At the back it is cut longer with extra fabric there to create a little flare. So when you walk you get a little kick of fabric behind you.
• The fabric has a slight stretch to it so it is very easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
• It has a very classic Old Hollywood movie star feel to it. This is a dress that you just slip on and go.
• The bodice has a built in inner corset that is cupped and boned. The rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. When it was borrowed by Sarah's styling team they added a wide stay under the bust and another around the inner waist. Both hook to close and I have left them in place because it gives extra support. They also temporarily turned the hem up to accommodate her height and it has been let back down to be its full original length. There is one tiny area along the very top edge of the neckline near the zipper that has a couple missing sequins and perhaps a missing sequin here and there. Please see the photo after the label shot. 
• Tagged a vintage Bob Mackie 6.
• Excellent condition.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to inner waist
Total length: 52" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 6" past that.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5336

Reference Photos/Video: Sarah Snook in this Bob Mackie at the Director Guild Awards, March 2022.

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 Look 39 of the Spring 2004 Oscar de la Renta collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta
• In the review of the show Vogue said in part; "It’s virtually impossible not to get swept up in Oscar de la Renta’s confident vision of the luxurious life. The designer played to all of his strengths for spring, showing more of the pretty dresses, chic suits, and slim coats that have made him a touchstone of relaxed, modern elegance....Judging from the cuts and colors of this collection, de la Renta has Palm Beach on his mind." and for the evening pieces it was noted that; "Turning up the volume for evening, de la Renta progressed from a long, cool pour of pink charmeuse, to a giddy yellow satin strapless dress covered in nosegays of silk flowers, to embroidered and embellished showstoppers guaranteed to make it a memorable night—red carpet or not."
• This dress is absolutely dreamy. It is made out of the perfect pale pink silk that has been finished with a combination of black embroidery and black bead work that covers the entire dress. 
• The dress is strapless and the neckline has a soft rounded shape to it. The silk is shaped over the bust to give shape and curves. Inside it there is a full built-in corset that is cupped and shaped for support structure. 
• All of the panels that make up the dress are set vertically and he has use these to create the shape that you see. As it skims over the bust the panel panels narrow to create the shape through the waist. I love that there is no horizontal line to break the eye or the pattern that covers the dress.
• The skirt is spectacular. Here you see the true genius of Oscar. The panels that start at the top of the bus and narrowed into create the shape of the waist now expand into incredibly wide panels all the way around you. Each is over 30" wide by the time it reaches the hem and there are eight of them in total. This gives the skirt incredible volume that shows best when you move.
• Built in underneath that outer skirt is a second layer of the same silk. That layer has a stiffened edging all the way around it's ham and also is finished with a black chiffon ruffle that peaks out from underneath the top skirt as you move.
• The volume and lightness of the silk allows the skirt to move around you beautifully when you walk or move. When this is on and you are walking the effect that this creates is absolutely gorgeous. You can easily see that in the runway reference video.
• The final perfect detail is the extensive black embroidery and beadwork that covers the dress and highlights its shape and curves. I love how it is done in a deliberate pattern that follows the curves of the bodice and narrows in at the waist, giving the illusion of an even tinier waist.
• Dangling jetted beads circle all around the top edge of the dress and beads are worked through the embroidered pattern on the bodice. More embroidery is applied to each panel so that it circles around the entire skirt. When you move you glimpses of just how beautiful the embroidery is. 
• This little extra and pretty detail adds that perfect finishing element of romance and femininity. This is Oscar at his very best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress.
• Fully lined in a pink silk with a full built-in cupped corset inside the bodice. The corset closes with its own zipper and then the dress closes over that with a back set zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged ODLR 12
• Excellent condition 

Bust: 19-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to inner waist stay
Total length: 55.5" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5330

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2004 Oscar de la Renta, Look 39.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• Irish designer Sybil Connolly had her first major US fashion show in 1953. The American press dubbed her the 'Dublin's Dior'. Jacqueline Kennedy wore Connolly for her official White House portrait and Connolly was a particular favorite of Carmen Snow, the editor of Harper's Bazaar.
• It was made under the creative direction of Sybil Connolly
• The dress would've been made entirely by hand in her atelier in Ireland.
• In 1957 she launched her couture label. She created Haute Couture pieces made from Irish textiles and in particular she became famous for her distinctive use of  pleated handkerchief linen.
• This excerpt from the FDIM Museum explains Sybil Connolly's techniques: "Sybil Connolly's trademark gowns required a tremendous amount of fabric. To construct one pleated evening dress required between 72 and 90 yards of Irish handkerchief linen. After undergoing a secret pleating process, this initial yardage became 7 to 10 yards of slightly irregular, narrow linen pleats. Like the early 20th century designer Mario Fortuny, Sybil Connolly was very protective of her pleating process, swearing that it was a secret she would "carry to the grave." In her designs, Connolly usually oriented the pleats horizontally, covering the seams with self-fabric cording. The cords also lengthen the overall line of the garment, providing a counterbalance to the horizontal pleats. As Connolly tended towards solid colors, the stiff cording also provides a necessary visual contrast to the soft linen pleats."
• She worked directly with the cloth on a model and rarely sketched beforehand.
  
•  I found a quote that referred to the Irish linen she used to be 'of a quality so fine it was almost chiffon-like in weight' and that description is very accurate.
• The dress has a fairly simple line so that the pleating technique takes centre stage. The bodice is strapless and fitted and the pleated linen runs horizontally across the dress.
• The waist cinches in under that for shape and has a wide attached band done in a matching pale purple silk for added detailing.
• The skirt billows out from there and is very full. To help create the volume that you see the skirt has been set in and around the waist in soft cleats that open up into the fullness that you see as it falls to the floor. An incredible amount of fabric would have been used to create the skirt. 
  
• The dress comes with its original matching shawl. This is cut into a simple triangle with loops set just inside the outer edges to slip your arms through and hold it in place.
• This is a wonderful and very rare example of her work. Most pieces are held in museums.
• The gown is fully lined in an ivory silk and boned through the bodice. It closes with a back zipper on the inner corset and then a second zipper closes over that on the outer layer of the dress. There are areas throughout where the fabric has  softly faded. There are also areas where the it has slightly discoloured. Please see the photos after the label shot.
• There is no size tag present because it is Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
• 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: 8.5" from top of bodice to the bottom of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to hem with 2" turned under
Shawl: 41" across the widest point and 25" from the point to the top of the shawl.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD5319

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is a modern Valentino was made in homage to the very famous Valentino dress that walked the runway for Fall 2004. 
• This version was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli and the original 2004 version under Mr. Valentino
• The dress is strapless and made out of a red silk in the signature Valentino red.
• The dress is made out of long set vertical panels that run from the top of the bodice all the way to the hem. At the front the silk is gathered into both sides of the middle panel. The dress is shaped around the body by manipulating the width of the panels.
• One of the key signatures of this dress are the two large silk flowers in a marching red silk that sit on either side of the hip. On the original dress these top pockets are very shallow. The ones on this dress are slightly deeper so that you can slip your hands into.
• As the dress near the lower skirt the panels widen quite a bit to create that gorgeous flare that you see. Triangle shaped silk panels have been added on each side and all the way around the back of the skirt. This is what allows the skirt to flare out and sit in those exaggerated folds so beautifully that you see in the photos. They also allow a really beautiful and dramatic movement when you walk.
• The dress is fully lined in a red silk with an inner built-in lightly boned corset piece that zips on its own. The dress zips to close over that with a hidden set zipper that follows one of the back side seams. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged a modern Valentino 4
• Excellent condition 

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 49.5" from top of bodice to front hem, 53" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS 

Item# DD5308

Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Fall 2004 Valentino, Look 53. Model Caroline Trentini.  /  (6-7) Penelope Cruz in Valentino at the 2004 David Di Donatello Movie Awards.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• A dress that used the same print that is seen on this version walked the runway for the Fall 2013 Mary Katrantzou Collection for Look 18.
• It was made under the creative direction of Mary Katrantzou
• For this collection Mary "turned to landscape in the shadowy vistas of old black-and-white photography." Vogue stated that she wanted to shift away from the prints and colour that "have fuelled her meteoric rise, to a strong focus on shape and silhouette." Prints were inspired by the early-twentieth-century photogravures of Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz.
• These dresses were sold out worldwide and wait-listed. While this exact version did not appear on the runway that season its near twin in a different colour-way was worn by Naomi Harris. We added that to this listing as I love that this lets you see how great the silhouette of this is once on the body. The dress she is wearing is available in another listing from today.
• The dress is made out of a fabric that has almost the feel of a very lightweight neoprene. This allows it to perfectly hold the intended shape on and off the body.
• The body is strapless and shaped with vertical seams to fit and hug the bodice. While there is stiffening behind the seams at the front and back the only boning in the dress has been placed at the sides. This makes it extremely comfortable to wear while still fitting snug to the body.
• The waist is seamed for shape and then the skirt is fitted into that with a series of sloped pleats that round the skirt out and over the hips. Depending on your height, this should land at the knee or just above. I love how the skirt comes back in slightly at the hem.
• Hidden along those pleats on each side are pockets that sit on each hip.
• The print on this one is in a beautiful mix of colours depicting a more scenic view that runs over the entire dress. I love the phenomenal pop of colour that this gives this dress.
• The dress is fully lined in a silver toned silk and closes with a back set zipper. It was never worn.
• This one has no size tag but is from the same collection as the other and we believe it is a modern Katrantzou UK10, IT42, US6
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 30" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5302

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2013 Mary Katrantzou, Look 18. Model Lauren Bigelow.  /  (2-3) Naomie Harris at the Audi International Polo, July 2013.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• A dress that used the same print that is seen on this version walked the runway for the Fall 2013 Mary Katrantzou Collection for Look 7.
• It was made under the creative direction of Mary Katrantzou
• For this collection Mary "turned to landscape in the shadowy vistas of old black-and-white photography." Vogue stated that she wanted to shift away from the prints and colour that "have fuelled her meteoric rise, to a strong focus on shape and silhouette." Prints were inspired by the early-twentieth-century photogravures of Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz.
• These dresses were sold out worldwide and wait-listed. While this exact version did not appear on the runway that season its twin was worn by Naomi Harris. I love that this lets you see how great the silhouette of this is once on the body.
• The dress is made out of a fabric that has almost the feel of a very lightweight neoprene. This allows it to perfectly hold the intended shape on and off the body.
• The body is strapless and shaped with vertical seams to fit and hug the bodice. While there is stiffening behind the seams at the front and back the only boning in the dress has been placed at the sides. This makes it extremely comfortable to wear while still fitting snug to the body.
• The waist is seamed for shape and then the skirt is fitted into that with a series of sloped pleats that round the skirt out and over the hips. Depending on your height, this should land at the knee or just above. I love how the skirt comes back in slightly at the hem.
• Hidden along those pleats on each side or pockets that sit on each hip.
• The print is mainly done in a black and grey scale but does have that phenomenal pop of colour that runs across the bodice.
• The dress is fully lined in a white silk and closes with a back set zipper. It has its original tags still attached and is unworn.
• Tagged a modern Katrantzou UK10, IT42, US6
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 30" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5300

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2013 Mary Katrantzou, Look 7. Modle Bonnie Chen.  /  (2-3) Naomie Harris at the Audi International Polo, July 2013.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of the dress walk the runway for the Fall 1986 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
  
• On the runway it was shown in both this colour and also in a red. 
• The dress is constructed in a way that creates its unusual gathered velvet technique. It is also what gives it an amazing tactile feel when its touched.
• The colour of the velvet is a beautiful deep purple that in certain lights has a touch of a blue undertone. I love that.
• The dress is strapless with inner built in structure to help hold it in place once one the body. The back part of the bodice has a built-in elastic so the dress is easy to fit. It curves down and past the waist with no seam to break the eye. From there it curves back out and over the hips in a sleek pencil silhouette.
• The dress closes with a zipper that is set off to the side to follow a seam at the back. The inner bodice area is lined in a blue silk and the rest of the dress is unlined. An inner waist stay that hooks to close. You can clearly see the hand stitching on the back of the fabric done to create the pattern on the velvet.
• Tagged a vintage YSL 40
• Excellent condition

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 32" from top of bodice to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5295

Reference Photos: Fall 1986 Yves Saint Laurent.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• Victor Costa launched his label in 1974 and was known for producing versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. 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 colours, cut and fabrics.
• The dress is made out of a red synthetic feeling fabric with a slight sheen finish. The red colour is a good clear red that should be flattering on most skin tones.
• It is strapless and the neckline is cut into a rounded sweetheart shape that is very flattering. A band of fabric edges the entire neck line and where it meets in the centre it continues down the front to form a pretty panel to the waist.
• The bodice is gathered inwards towards that centre band giving a lovely added detail. Big domed silver buttons with six large rhinestones set within the dome are added down the centre of the front band for extra detail and a shot of glamour.
• The bodice is shaped with internal boning at the sides so that it cinches in at the waist.
• The skirt cascades outwards from there to fall very full all the way around you. Underneath the top layer of fabric there is a built-in layer of red netting with added panels that help to hold the shape. We did not add any extra crinolines under the skirt but there is definitely room to add more structure underneath if you wanted the dress to be extremely full and more in line with a 1950s shape.
  
• The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a red fabric and then that attaches to the tulle under skirt. The dress closes with a back zipper. 
• There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 50" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5280

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• We believe the dress is from the 1986 collection and Kim Kardashian wore its twin in 2008.
• It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
• The fabric that it is made out of is a light in weight metallic gold fabric that drapes beautifully and has a beautiful deep gold tone to it.
• The dress is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
• The bodice is strapless. One side is curved and is gathered in underneath the other side. There is a peaked panel that folds down to create a little flap on the other side.
• A panel of the metallic gold fabric extends out from the side with the peaked bodice and this buckles into a gold metal buckle belt coming around from the back. This creates a heavy gathering at that side that sweeps up and adds shape through the waist area.
• The buckle is metal and is signed at the back. These would have been specifically made for Mugler.
• The skirt falls under that with a bit of a curving hem at the front so that it is all brought upwards as you can see in the photos. It is meant to feel hourglass in shape.
• This is a spectacular and very rare example of his work.
  
• I love how the entire dress shimmers in the light because of the gold metallic fabric.
• The dress is lined through the bodice with a more structured fabric that creates an inner built-in corset that is boned and cupped. The skirt is fully lined in a lighter feeling silk. It closes at the back with a zipper and then buckles around the waist with the attached buckle belt. The actual interior of the Terry Mugler tag has been cut out.
• Tagged vintage Mugler 42
• Excellent condition with a bit of wear above the grommets and on the belt buckle.

Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam. 
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 33" from top of bodice to the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5137

Reference Photos: (1) Kim Kardashian in vintage Thierry Mugler at the 2008 Video Game Awards.  /  (2-4) Spring 1986 Thierry Mugler.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The dress is from the Spring 2010 wedding dress collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
• The twin of the dress was used for the ad campaign that season.
• The gown is made out of a pale ivory that combines silk organza and silk chiffon with a silk netting. The colour is very soft and flattering. The fabric itself is very light in weight and it is only the tremendous amount of fabric in the dress that adds any weight. The lightness of all of those layers allow it to move beautifully around you once on. 
  
• The bodice is strapless with a slight curve over the bust. A pretty double layer ruffle made of silk chiffon starts at the very top and then layers of ruffles continue all the way down the entire dress. Inside the bodice there is a full built-in cupped, wired and lightly boned stretch corset to hold everything in place.
• The layers run horizontally over the bust and waist in beautiful bands of silk chiffon that all overlap each other. The edges of each band are left raw so that it adds a touch of texture. It continues down and around the waist. By the top of the hip panels of silk organza that are caught wider start to be interest first in to the bands.
• The ruffles of the skirt start all the way up at the top of the hip and they continue down horizontally all the way to the hem. As you get lower down the skirt, the bands become wider and they start to mix a silk chiffon with a silk organza. This widening of the ruffles coincides with the widening of the lower skirt.
• I love how the volume increases as you go down the dress to give the lower skirts their massive volume and pretty romantic sweep.
• For the very lowest ruffles there is a white netting done in ruffles underneath circling the very bottom hem. Inside there are wide, weighted hymns with stiffening and this is all a clever way to help. Hold the shape around you when you stand and move.
• The back and sides extend out longer than the front so that the entire dress sweeps around and behind you beautifully.
• As beautiful as it looks in the photos this is a dress that is even better in person once moving and on an actual body.
• I love that they have made the little straps that you hang the dress on a hanger with out of a wite ribbon with the ODLR in a beautiful soft pale blue that instantly gives you a "something blue" already built into the dress.
• There is a full built-in corset that zips with its own zipper and has a inner waist stay that hooks to close. The dress is lined in a silk under that and there is an inner skirt supporting the volume of the skirt. The inner layer of the skirt is finished with stiffening around its hem to help hold the shape and volume. It closes with a back hidden set zipper. I see a bit of grubbiness along the very edge of the inner hem here and there. I think that is just from hitting the floor as it was hung in the past. It is very minor but mentioned for accuracy.The colour is slightly more ivory in person.
• Tagged and ODLR 8
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to inner waist
Total length: 54" from top of bodice to front hem in the back extends another 15" beyond that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5244

Reference Photos: Spring 2010 Oscar de la Renta Bridal. 

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The near twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2005 show for Look 82 and was worn by Erin Wasson. 
• It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
• Vogue said of the collection that "Valentino's couture touch brought exquisite workmanship to filmy lace blouses and brocade jackets as well as evening gowns that captured the seasons passion for Victorian and Edwardian effects." They went on to mention the feel of this gown specifically saying "courtly evening gowns had trains, composed of tiers of ruffles."
• On the runway they showed the dress with the ruffles backed in a silk taffeta in what looks to be a more coral red. When the dress was produced for shops this version has a pink behind the bows and it is lined in pink for just a hint of colour. The silk ruffles cascading down dress have no lining in a different colour. I think the dress is more striking this way. It is not so busy as how it looks and was presented on the runway.
• The dress is absolutely spectacular and showcases what made these original Valentino pieces so special under Mr. Valentino's direction.
• The dress is strapless and curves across you at the front and is fitted around the bust. Inside there is a built-in corset that is lightly boned to keep the dress perfectly in place.
• From there it is shaped so that comes in at the waist without any seams to break the eye. It curves back out to glide over the hips.
• The skirt widens out to be very full by the time it reaches the hem. The back of the skirt is cut longer than the front so that you get a beautiful sweeping feel behind you.
• Beginning just under the bust is the first ruffle. It is 7.5" wide and is set to curve down and around you before dipping lower at the back for a very pretty line. And its long longest point in the back it extends to 12". A bow in a matching silk sits at the top centre of the front and this is backed in a pink silk for a tiny touch of colour.
• The second ruffle begins just under the waist and this one follows that same beautiful curve around you. It dips lower and longer at the back to a full 21" at its longest point. This ruffle is also topped by a pretty black and pink silk bow at the front.
• Each of the tiers is gathered in lightly along where they are set into the dress so that they have lots of volume and movement. Under the last ruffle the entire lower skirt at the back widens out substantially and trails behind you in a swooping train. Under the skirt is a pink silk organza lining that is finished with a pink edging made of the same pink silk that the bows are backed with. When you move and your legs kick the dress outward you get a little hint of the pink and it all perfectly ties in with the pink of the bows.
• This is a truly spectacular dress and one that you will not see come around very often if ever again. 
• The dress has a built-in black silk corset that is lightly boned and zips with its own zipper. The dress closes with a hidden set zipper over that. Where the ruffle goes over the zipper, there is a series of hidden snaps to fully close the ruffle over the zipper so that it is all hidden. The skirt is lined in pink organza as described a book. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56.5" from top of the bodice to the front hem and the back extends another 9" past that.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5240

Reference Photos: Fall 2005 Valentino, Look 82. Model Erin Wasson.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This dress is a version of a series of these dresses that Yves sent down the runway for the Spring 1987 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
• I have included reference photos of similar dresses used for the ad campaign and shown on the runway so that you can get an idea of how great this dress will be on the body.
• The 1987 collection is one of my all time favourites and I am very pleased to have this wonderful example from it in the shop.
• The dress is made from a black silk base with a layer of dotted black silk netting applied over the bodice in horizontal bands. This choice in fabric gives the dress its structure and shape so that it holds the shape around you once on.
• The bodice is strapless and cut on a soft curve across the neckline. It is lightly boned on the inside to hold the dress perfectly in place. It curves in over the waist and then curves back out over the hips. From there the lower skirts flare outwards to the hem.
• The lower skirt is quite full and makes an incredible statement. It has a fishnet style lace for its top layer. Under that is a layer of dotted lace to subtly tie in the lace of the bodice. Under those layers two more layers of the fishnet lace to give it its incredible fullness.
• On the bodice the lace is separated by five wide bands made out of a black silk ribbon that give a beautiful and rich feel to the dress. I love the contrast between the texture of the silk and the dotted netting.
• Each ribbon is stacked to run from the very top of the bodice to the lowest seam above the skirt. Each ribbon is gathered into a little folded bow and has a round metal circle attached that is finished with  glossy black glass rhinestones. There are five of those big jewelled pieces in total and they add the perfect amount of glitz to the dress. The combination of the silk ribbon, the dotted lace, the jewelled circles and that stunning full lower skirt is just gorgeous to see and it is even better on the body.
• The dress fully lined in a crisp black cotton and closes with a side set zipper. The inner bodice is lightly boned and shaped. I see some minor repairs in the netting of the skirt. You only see them if you are looking for them because of the amount of fabric in the skirt and the black layers. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged a 40.
• Excellent condition

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A-small C cup built into the front
Waist: to 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from the top of the bodice to the inner waist, 24" to the bottom of the lowest seam above the skirt
Total length: 47" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD5242

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Ad Campaign  /  (2-3) Spring 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• We believe the dress to be from the Spring of 1983 based on the reference photo that we found with a similar design especially given the cut of the lower skirt of that dress.
• It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler 
• The fabric of the dress is a black raw silk which helps to hold the design and intended shape.
• The construction of the dress is quite brilliant. Long vertical panels of the fabric have been pieced together side-by-side from the top of the strapless bodice to the hem of the skirt. The long lines created by piecing the panels together like this become a part of the design and the entire dress has been shaped by the manipulation of the sizing and placement of the strips.
• The bodice is strapless and the tops of the ribbons are set at different heights all around the neck line. Where they rise above the top edge they are not sewn together so you get a very distinctive ribbon feel. I love the added detail this creates.
• It is meant to fit the bodice and then curves in at the waist. Inside there is for built-in corset that is lightly boned and holds the dress in place around you.
• From there it curves out and over the hips, comes in slightly just below the knee, and then flares outward again for the lower skirts.
• Just under the knee the panels open up and are no longer stitched together. This is what gives it the added volume there and creates a 'car wash' feel around you. Behind the panels are three layers of stacked black silk chiffon When you walk you get that bit of transparency between the the panels and it feel very interesting and unexpected. You get a sense of what that will be like in the runway reference photo.
• The dress is not 100% perfect but is wearable as is. Please make sure to read the condition notes below in full before purchasing.
• The inner nude silk corset acts as the lining behind the bodice. It is lightly boned and closes with its own side zipper. And attached waist hooks to close. Under that into the top of where the panels open on the skirt, it is lined in a black silk. Three layers of silk chiffon are attached behind the lower portion of the skirt as described above. The dress closes with a hidden set zipper placed over the inner corset zipper. I see fading on the fabric most notably around the the bodice and around the waist. Please see the photos after the label shot. It may be possible to dye the dress to a true black once again. It is wearable as is but the fading is present.  All of the fabric is sound.
• Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
• Excellent overall condition 

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: 10.5" from top of inner edge of the bodice to inner waist
Total length: 53" from top of inner edge of the bodice to hem and the ribbons extend beyond the top edge of the bodice from 1.5-2.5".

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5232

Reference Photos: Spring 1983 Thierry Mugler.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This spectacular dress is true Haute Couture from the Spring 1992 collection and its twin walked the runway that season. 
• It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
• It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
• The dress has a beautiful structure to it and it is meant to have an hourglass feel once on the body with inner support and it's cut all done to achieve that goal.
• The dress is made out of an iridescent pink-burgundy-red silk taffeta that has a gorgeous subtle shimmer over it. That slight iridescent quality helps to highlight the cut, curve and draping in the dress.
• The top of the bodice is rounded and shaped to plunge between the breasts. It curves around the back from there to leave the upper back bare and exposed.
• The silk has been hand draped over the bodice and I love how it crosses over itself at the front. The shape of the bodice is very sexy and a nod to Old Hollywood.
• The draping continues down on an angle to the hip on the opposite side. The silk sweeps over the hips and one side falls to just above the knee. That is all gathered up and into the bow on one hip. This wrapping around the body with the deliberate placement and angling of the hand drape silk is what really gives you that hourglass feel.
  
• The oversized bow on one hip is made from the same silk with added handmade velvet flowers at its centre. The velvet flowers are handmade and have their own label.
• Set under the angled seam that makes the top portion of the dress is a spectacular tiered and ruffled lower skirt that is created by spiralling the silk around the body. This also allows it to have that beautiful flare that you see. When this is on and moving, the skirt kicks out around you and adds too the bombshell feel the dress has.
• The dress is fully lined in a matching silk. There is built in hidden support and boned structure through bodice. The dress closes with a back set zipper. Where some of the stitching is done and along the edges of where the zipper is set, you can see the under colour of the taffeta. Please see the photo after the label shot. There are some minor marks around the hem at the longest point. This is all very minor and mentioned for accuracy
• There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of the bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5222

Reference Photo: Fall 1991/92 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is an exceptionally beautiful Jean Patou silk chiffon dress that is an absolute masterpiece. It is an important and early representation of both the house of Patou and the level of Haute Couture being produced during this time period. 
  
• Jean Patou once said "Certain dressmakers desire to pass for an artist. I have one ambition: that is to have good taste." and this dress is the very epitome of that statement.
• The dress is made entirely by hand and represents countless hours of dedicated hand work within the atelier. It is one of the most beautiful dresses that I have had come through my hands and the photos cannot begin to convey the detail and fine work that has gone into the creation of this piece.
• It is constructed from a fine black silk chiffon and the bust is fitted with a boned and shaped interior to hold the dress around you. The upper edge of the bust has a little silk chiffon ruffle that folds over for a pretty detail.
• It cinches in at the waist and the skirt flows down on a gentle curve. The waist seam curves upwards at the centre front and then curves downward towards the hip. The back seam continues curving downwards to to create a dip at the back.
• Under this the skirt falls in a cascade of silk chiffon tiered panels. There are three in total and each one overlaps the one underneath. Hidden in between the ruffles are panels of silk organza which helps to give the dress its volume. An extra panel sits under the very lowest tier. Inside the skirt is a layer of stiffened netting.
• The skirt follows the same curve the waist seam has with the front coming up a touch and the back sweeping out behind you.
• We have not added anything under the skirts. There is room to go fuller if you wanted to add a crinoline underneath you can go as full as you wish.
• A spray of pink silk flowers and black velvet leaves run down one side of the skirt.
• This is really an extraordinary piece of early golden era Haute Couture. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand.
• The bodice has a hand set silk lining and is boned. It closes with hand set back metal zipper. The skirt is lined as described above. I see some minor grubbiness around the hem of the interior lining. The tulle lining under the skirt is raw cut and there may be occasional little break near the hem here and there. There is light stress near the seams on the bodice around the waist area that indicate there was a belt or ribbon attached at some point. You could easily add a belt or ribbon and you would never see these. The flowers do not feel fresh. They are just tacked in place and they could be removed or replaced.
• Excellent overall condition.

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 12" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to front hem, 62" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5219

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is a pretty little Dior that is one that would have been made for the shops.
• The dress is made from a black silk net that has an intricate pattern laid over it that combines black silk ribbon, black cording and embroidery work.
• The bodice is strapless and has inner boning so that it hugs the body and stays in place.
• Ribbon and cording wrap horizontally around the top of the bodice and then under that are panels of lattice mixed with cross thatched netting and swirling bands of cording applied to it. All of the ribbon has been applied by hand and you can see all of the tiny stitches that have been done.
• The waist nips in and there is another silk and cord band to add definition. The skirt flares out from under that.
• The skirt is a little masterpiece in itself. It is very full and short and the netting gives it a touch of transparency over the inner silk chiffon lining. Long vertical bands of silk are combined the same lattice pattern from the bodice and then there is additional embroidery work over top of that. 
• Embroidered flowers are placed all around the bottom of the skirt for the perfect extra touch. We shot it without any extra underskirts but there is enough fabric that you could probably add a light crinoline if you really wanted more fullness. There is already an extra layer of tulle over the silk chiffon inner skirt that helps hold the volume. These multiple layers give the dress structure so that it holds the shape around you once on. 
• It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Fully lined in a combination of black silk and silk net. It closes with a hidden back side zipper. Lightly boned through the bodice with two inner stays under the bust and another at the waist that all hook to close. Hand finishes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged a modern Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4.
• Excellent condition

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 28" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5205

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress walked the runway for Fall 2004 and it is a very famous Valentino dress. 
• It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino
• Pierpaolo later remade this dress as an homage that was almost identical. I have had that dress as well and there are key differences. This is the original version.
• The dress is strapless and made out of a red silk in the signature Valentino red.
• The dress is made out of long set, vertical panels that run from the top of the bodice all the way to the hem. At the front the silk is gathered into both sides of the middle panel. The dress is shaped around the body by manipulating the width of the panels.
• One of the key signatures of this dress are the two large silk flowers that sit on either side of the hip. On the original dress these actually top pockets that you can slip your hands into. The pockets on this dress have their original tacking in place.
• As the dress falls over the body and near the skirt panels wide. There are also triangle shaped silk panels added in around the back of the skirt. This is what allows the skirt to flare out and move so dramatically when you walk.
• The dress is fully lined in a red silk with an inner built-in lightly boned corset piece that zips on its own. The dress zips to close over that with a hidden set zipper that follows one of the seams. I see some minor stress to the fabric on either side of the zipper and couple light dots on the front panel. Please see the photos after the label shot.
• There is no size tag present. The dress is very tiny and there is no give to the measurements. It would be very difficult to let this one out as the marks would show on the fabric.
• Excellent overall condition 

Bust: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS - this is tiny! 

Item# DD5181

Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Fall 2004 Valentino, Look 53. Model Caroline Trentini.  /  (6-7) Penelope Cruz in Valentino at the 2004 David Di Donatello Movie Awards.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress was shown as Look 7 for the Fall 2024 atelier collection
• It was made under the creative direction of Prabal Gurung
• He told Vogue that "We've always had a small private client business". He had soft-launched his Aterlier collection the previous year to bring more clients pieces that are focused around specific occasions and more traditional silhouettes. The Fall 2024 collection was the first publicly shown Atelier collection from Prabal. 
• This is an absolutely beautiful dress that showcases his love of a more traditional silhouette. Even though it is a modern piece it has that perfect feel of the 1950s Hollywood Golden Era in its silhouette.
• The dress is made out of a pale nude net that has a touch of pink to it. Little black chenille dots are fused onto the fabric for the perfect little detailing.
• The bodice is strapless and I love the soft curve to the top edge. Inside there is a boned and cupped built in corset to hold you perfectly in place. It is fitted and the waist comes in and then curves back out slightly.
• The skirt is phenomenal. There is a little peplum of the tulle with netting underneath that sits just under at the waist and then it falls in two more tiers to the floor. The middle tier has a a double layer of tulle under it and then there are more built-in layers under the entire skirt.The innermost layer is a more stiffened net that has bands of stiffening placed horizontally around the hem and through the body of the skirt to hold its volume. I did not add any crinolines under the dress. All the volume you see is because of the built-in construction.
• The back of the skirt trails out slightly behind you and is cut longer than the front.
• The fabric used is still very light so even with the intricate construction of the dress is still feels light and comfortable to wear.
• I love the little bow that falls down one hip. And I love that this is added with a little brooch pin so that if you choose to not wear it you can take it off completely or you can move it to where it suits you best.
• The dress is fully lined in netting as described above with a full built-in corset that is boned and cupped. A waist stay inside hooks to close. The corset closes with its own zipper and then the dress zippers to close over that with a hidden set zipper. The dress appears to have never been worn.
• Tagged a modern Gurung 6
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 13.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 59" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 6" beyond that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5177

Reference Photo: Fall 2024 Atelier Prabal Gurung, Look 7.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This amazing dress is from the Spring 1987 Haute Couture collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
• The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier. 
  
• The dress is made from a black French corded lace and this choice in fabric gives the dress its structure and shape. This is mixed with silk satin details across the top of the bottom, around the hip and finishing the hem.
• The bodice is strapless and is cut to curve across the front. Inside there is a full separate couture corset that is boned and shaped to hold the dress perfectly in place around you.
• It curves in to skim over the waist and curves back out for the hips. Sitting just under the hips there is an attached black silk ribbon that wraps around you and ties in a bow at the front.
• The skirt falls underneath that ribbon detailing to the floor. It widens out quite a bit around you for a lovely movement when you move. The skirt is cut longer at the back so you have extra fabric there and a bit of a sweeping feel behind you. I love how there is a matching dip at the back of the bodice so that there is an illusion of added length created.
• As with all couture pieces they only truly come to life once on the body. This dress looks so simple and easy but it is really a bit of an understated masterpiece in person.
• It is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The inner corset closes with its own zipper inside that. The corset is lightly boned through the bodice and shaped. An inner waist stay hooks to close.
• There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements list listed below.
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to front hem, 54" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5158

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This dress is from the Spring 1998 season.
• It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
• This is a really stunning dress that shows how beautifully Valentino emphasize the female body will always staying within a certain type of elegant.
• It is strapless and cut to curve over the top.
• Under that the dress is covered in a black netting that has little dots worked throughout the tulle. 
• An inner ivory silk layer gives the dress its structure and allows the pattern that you see on the netting to really take centre stage by acting as it's backdrop.
• The dress is gathered down the full length of each side. This is what creates the shape and gathers in the netting that you see. 
• Each side has a detail of a double row of tiny black seed beads running vertically all the way down for a little added glitz as you move.
• The very bottom of the inner skirt peeks out from underneath the netting. It is that so that it flares out with an elaborate pleated ruffle all the way around.
• The ivory acts as the lining through the body and then the bodice is lined with an additional layer of black silk satin. Lightly boned through the inner built-in bodice. It closes with a hidden set side zipper and the inner bodice piece has its own separate zipper. It has its original tag and appears to have never been worn.
• Tagged a vintage Valencia 40
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5159

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1989 Haute Couture Runway 
  
• It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro
• The dress is made out of a handmade French lace in a pale silver grey with ivory cord overlay and subtle silver thread woven throughout. It is extremely beautiful.
• It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris Atelier
• It is fitted and shaped through the bodice with internal boning and structure. I love the soft curve at the top edge.
• The lace has been hand draped over the bust and it is swept up to one hip with a tiny handmade flower in a matching lace. 
  
• It curves down and over the hips to the top of the thigh and the bottom of the full bodice is set on an angle.
• The skirt is gathered in and up underneath that. It is tightly gathered all the way around the lower portion of the dress which gives it incredible movement when you move.
  
• The dress is fully lined in a silver grey silk and closes with a hidden set, zipper, offset at the back and part of the fabric from the back extends and wraps to hook under the flower at the front. An inner waist stay hooks to close.
  
• Its proper Haute Couture label present
  
• There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below.
• Excellent condition and appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from top of bodice to shortest part of hem, 31" to the longest part of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5154

Reference Photo: Fall 1989 Emanuel Ungaro Couture.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 1989 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Patrick Kelly.
• The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosted an exhibit of the work of Patrick Kelly in 2014. The show notes state: "“I want my clothes to make you smile”—that was the goal of late African American designer Patrick Kelly in creating his bold, bright, and joyful creations. Kelly achieved this on the streets, nightclubs, and runways of New York, Paris, and beyond in the heady, inventive, and often-subversive urban milieu of the 1980s....Kelly’s work pushed racial and cultural boundaries with golliwog logos, Aunt Jemima bandana dresses, and his ubiquitous black baby-doll brooches. His playful looks were inspired by his muse, Josephine Baker, and admiration for couturiers Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others."
• Supermodel Iman wore the twin of this on the runway and I love how spectacular she was in it.
• The dress is made out of a fantastic stretch velour fabric that will stretch to hug your curves and show off every bit of the body. That said the velvet keeps it flattering and easy to wear as it gives support at the same time it molds to the body.  This combined with that leopard print is just fabulous.
• The cut through the body hugs your every curve and the dress is molded to your frame all the way down to the hem. The stretch the fabric and the way to lower hem flares out is what allows you to walk. 
• The back is completely open and the front extends out too long extended ties from both side sides. These ties are what allow you to style the bodice in multiple ways. I shot a few here for you and you might find that once it is on you that you can think of more. It makes it an incredibly versatile dress.
• Whether you wear it halter style, as a one shoulder dress, or strapless, as soon as you turn around you get that bare expanse of skin which is very sexy.
• It curves over the hips, narrows back inwards slightly and then flares out beautifully for the lower skirts. The front hem of the skirt curves up a touch and then the back is cut a little longer than the front. The shape once this is on the body is fabulous and it is very easy to fit because of the stretch.
• It is a showstopper and an amazing example of his work. I love everything about this dress and that it is a true piece of fashion history that is extremely well documented.
• The dress is unlined and you just slip it on and tie the top part  as you wish to wear it. At some point the bottom hem was let down and I have left it for that extra length.
• There is no size tag present and it does have stretch. I have put the comfortable range while laying flat below. You probably still have some extra room if needed because of the stretch of the fabric.
• Excellent condition

Bust: variable because of the way it can be tied in multiple ways. It should fit just about any size chest.
Waist: 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: the full height of the bodice is 20" from its top to the waist. When you tie it, it will drain or fold and is meant to give you that versatility. For the length I folded the bodice in half so it's 10" from the top to waist.
Total length: 54" from top of the bodice, when folded as noted above, to front hem and the back extends another 8" past that.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD5153

Reference Photos/Videos: Fall 1989 Patrick Kelly.

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• This is a spectacular and very recognizable Chanel whose twin walked the Fall 1986 runway.
• It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
• Karl's first collection for Chanel was in 1983 which makes this a piece from one of his early collections. I was happy to be able to find reference photos of the twin of this dress on the runway that season.
• Bella Hadid famously wore a version of this dress in 2022.
• The dress is made out of a beautiful deep blue netting mixed with a blue silk that has a gold metallic stripe running through it. These fabric choices give the dress the structure to hold the shape but still keeps it fairly light in weight once on the body.
• The bodice is strapless and there is inner boning for support. The boning continues down the sides and to the top of the hip for a beautiful fit. The waist curves in and then the skirt is set in just at the top of the hip.
  
• The entire bodice is finished with soft horizontal gathers and I love how this contrasts with the gold stripes in the fabric.
• The skirt is very long and full. The top layer sits over an inner second layer of netting and then there is a inner silk layer under that.
• The bottom hem is finished in a 12" band of the same striped silk used for the bodice to tie things altogether and add a bit of structure. 
• The sleeves are incredible. They are separate pieces from the dress. To wear them you slip them over your arm. They have stiffened tulle inside the part that puffs out which helps to hold that shape and then there is a more fitted sleeve attached that runs down the bottom of your arm. Each sleeve ends in a point to cover the top of your hand.
• It is incredibly hard to photo this on a dress form, so please take a moment to look at the photos on the runway as it really is the twin of that.
• The bodice is lined in a deep blue silk and the skirt is lined as described above. It closes with a back set zipper underneath a row of gold medal buttons and embossed with the Chanel perfume bottle. There is an extra spare button sewn into the lining inside. The sleeves have tulle inside to help hold the shape and elastic on the upper arm and the lower cuff zips to close.
• Tagged a vintage Chanel 38.
• Excellent condition.

Sleeves: approx 30" long. The elastic at the top will stretch to fit. 
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at top of hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 21.5"flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of the bodice to the low seam
Total length: 52" from top of the bodice to hem with an entire second width of the lower 12" hem turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5133

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1986 Chanel Runway.  /  (3-4) Bella Hadid in Fall 1986 Chanel, Cannes, 2022.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• We dated the dress to 1989 based on a very similar dress that is part of the MET Online Collection.
• Made under the creative direction of Vicky Tiel
  
• The dress has the added modern provenance of being worn by both Julianne Hough and by Liz Gillies. 
• The dress is made of a metallic gold lame fabric that is light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress. It is just heavy enough to hold the intended shape fabulously.
• The bodice is strapless and the entire dress is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds.
• There is a built in internal structure with light boning. The boning extends at the sides down and around the hips to help to hold the hourglass shape around the body.
• The waist is nipped in and then it curves out and over the hips.
• Under that the skirt falls in a straight long pencil silhouette with a vent up the back to allow you to walk and move.
• The gold glimmers in the light and it is one of the best Vicky Tiel dresses that I have ever had in the shop.
• Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper at the back. Boning through the bodice and sides.
• Tagged a vintage Tiel 38. 
• Excellent condition

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam w up to a B-small C at the front
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to hem with about 1.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4868

Reference Photo: (1) 1989 Vicky Tiel dress in the MET Collection.  /  (2) Julianne Hough in this dress at the NYC Ballet Spring Gala, 2023.  /  (3) Liz Gillies in this dress, November 2023.  

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress in red walked the runway for Look 53 and its an iconic piece. 
  
• Made under the Creative Direction of John Galliano. 
  
• This collection marked Dior's 60th anniversary and it was also Johns 10th year with the label. He celebrated those milestones with a show that was a nod to both the archives and Old Hollywood glamour. Pieces were wait-listed worldwide and both colour versions were produced in very limited quantities.
• The red has also been seen on the red carpet and we have included both runway and carpet photos here. It is a spectacular piece for the collector.
• The dress is made out of a luxurious black silk. John often chose this weight of silk because of the control it gave him to be able to drape and apply the level of seam work that he loved to do.
• It is all cut on the bias.
• The bodice is strapless with an inner boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place.
• Silk panels have been draped, gathered and hand stitched into place to create the dramatic sweeping detailing you see at the front.
• At the back he gathered all of the fabric down and into the centre line to meet in a little peak at the centre of the waist.
• From there his signature bias cut allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. As in many of his pieces the seaming has the feel  of the work you see from the twenties and thirties.
• The fabric has been pieced together with low dropped angled panels to create the widening of the lower skirt. It flares out at the bottom and at the back it is cut longer so that you get a sweeping feel behind you as you walk.
• A row of signature tightly spaced buttons & loops in the same silk run up one side.
• It is an incredible example of his work and looks to have been worn very little if at all.
• Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The inner boned and cupped corset hooks to close with two rows of lingerie hooks to choose from. The bias cut gives it some give in the measurements and I have given the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat below. 
  
• Excellent condition

Inner bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of the bodice to front hem, 78" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5114

Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2008 Christian Dior, Look 53. Model Morgane Dubled.  /  (5) Aishwarya at the IIFA 2008.  /  (6) Lucy Hale at the People's Choice Awards, 2024.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1988 show.
• Made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan for Christian Dior.
• The evening portion of the collection focused on short dresses that had a corseted waist and bust with wrapping techniques that gave the feel of a sarong. The dress is a wonderful example of that feel he was after and it is fantastic.
• We found a teeny slice of it or a very similar piece on the runway and even though the photo shows the model on an angle, it does give you an idea of how wonderful this will be on the body.
• This would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
• The fabric of this dress is fantastic. It is made out of a black silk organza that has been gathered so it has a slight 3D puffed effect. This creates an incredible texture over the dress.
• The fabric is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on.
• Inside the dress has a full proper corset with boning through the bodice to give you some support and built in cups. A wide grosgrain ribbon hooks in place around the inner waist to hold everything perfectly in place.
• All of the seams are finished by hand and it is really is a nod back to the early couture days in terms of it's construction.
• The bodice is cut with a curving sweetheart neckline and it is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with all of the gathered folds coming in to the seams that run over the bodice. This is all done to emphasize your curves and it make the dress very flattering once on.
• It nips in at the waist and there is a large and elaborate bow that sets at the base of an angle seem coming from the bust. I love how this is set to curve around the hip to the back. It instantly adds to the hourglass field the dress has.
• From under the bow, the skirt curves down and over with to wrap around you and then come back in and under that panel to give it that wrapped sarong feel.
• Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The interior of the bodice is boned and cupped for support. The inner corset closes with its own zipper and a wide band on the interior waist hooks to close. There is a tiny bit of lightening to some of the edges on the fabric. This is a natural aging of this type of fabric and I don't consider it to be a flaw, but it is mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.
• Excellent condition

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: qpprox 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 29.5" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5110

Reference Photos: Spring 1988 Christian Dior Haute Couture.

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• Arnold Scassi launched  his boutique line in 1984 and it was high end ready-to-wear and very expensive.
• Arnold Scaasi was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal and the name Scassi is simply his own surname in reverse. He studied in Montreal and in Paris, apprenticed at the house of Paquin and then worked with the legendary Charles James. In 1964 he opened own couture salon.
• The sleeved version of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 1987 collection. It's very rare to find documentation from this time period and I love having that say that you can see how amazing it is on. I think this strapless one is even better.
• You can easily see the influence of Arnold having worked for Charles James in this piece. The lines are dramatic and yet elegant. 
• The dress is strapless and the top portion of the dress is made from an inky black velvet. It is dramatically shaped at the front with wired peaks and a V plunge at the front. 
• It nips in at the waist and then angles down from one side low on the hip on the other. On the side that sits higher up, there is a large bow detail that gives the effect of holding all the gathers of the skirt in place.
• The skirt is set under that and the long angling seam on the opposite hip adds visual length to the dress as it extends down and into a deep point. The skirt is quite full and the shape and volume that you see is held by the inner construction which is quite amazing.
• Layers of tulle netting set underneath the outermost layer of silk. The green of the skirt is a true brilliant emerald. This unexpected shock of colour is fantastic.
• Fully lined in a green silky rayon. The bodice is lightly boned and it closes with a hidden set side zipper. Built in stiff tulle under skirts and the skirt is interlined in a green organza. 
• There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.4" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 51" from top of peaks on bodice to hem with 3" turned under the top layer

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5101

Reference Photos: Fall 1987 Arnold Scaasi.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is a variation on Look 52 that walked the runway for the Spring Prada 2004 show
• Made under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada
• Vogue said of this collection: "Over almost a decade of ground-breaking experimentalism, Miuccia Prada has explored everything from irony to deliberate ugliness to intellectual subversion. She’s been there, done that, and has the souvenirs to prove it. For Spring 2004, the designer turned her attention to the stiffest fashion challenge of the day: how to make feminine, happily nostalgic clothes without rehashing the clichés of vintage?“ It was about tourism and craftsmanship, many things,” she said of a show that revisited the optimistic fifties to bring back a full set of densely packed suitcases." 
  
• The dress is made of of an ultra fine, ultra light cotton in a deep ivory.
• It is strapless and the fabric has been done in extremely fine pleats with embroidered edges on some of the pleats. These sweep across and around the bodice. One one side the pleats are hand tacked down in a line that curves down one side. On the other side of that tacking the pleats begin to open up to sweep downwards and start to form the skirt. 
• The skirt is made of five tiers of the cotton with attached under layers of silk and netting. This creates an extraordinarily beautiful  draping all the way down the skirt.
• The cotton is printed with an ultra fine pattern made of fine little dots to form tiny clusters of flowers. These cover the entire dress. It is extremely beautiful and has a very delicate and feminine feel.
• Inside there is a net and cupped bodice that is lightly boned for support.
• It closes with a back zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. The construction of the dress is a nod to the dresses of the 1950s and it is very beautifully done.
• Tagged a Prada 42
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 36" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5090

Reference Photo: Spring 2004 Prada, Look 52. Model Elise Crombez.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• A very pretty little dress by the Chloe label
• The Fall 2006 collection was designed by the in-house team
• The dress is strapless and gathered across the bodice. The waist nips in under that and then the chiffon of the skirt flares out and is brought back in under the skirt.
• Underneath the edge of the skirt there is a pretty little scalloped ruffle set in three layers so you just see a touch of it peeking out from the edge of the hem.
• Some of the chiffon has been gathered along one side of the waist and then a wide, deeper ivory, panel of fabric wraps around the waist and is brought into a half bow on one side with the ends trailing down.
• An exposed zipper closes it at the back
• The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk 
  
• Tagged a Chloe 36
• I see some shallow marks under each arm and tiny bit of fraying along the edge. 
  

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 6.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 30" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5060

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• Unlabeled and came from the estate of a woman bought a lot of Oscar de la Renta, Fath, Versace and other high end labels and you can tell that this a dress of quality even without knowing its label.
• It is made out of a beautiful clear and true red silk
• The bodice is strapless and is fitted and shaped to accentuate your curves. The waist nips in and then it extends down one side into a sharp angle. I love how this lengthens the body and gives shape around the hip.
• Below that the skirt is very full and billows out and around you beautifully. The way it is set into the angle of the skirt in soft gathers gives it its fullness. From the side this creates a beautiful angle from the waist to hem.
• Fully lined in a red silk through the bodice and the skirt is lined in two layers of red silk
• It closes with a side set zipper and has light boning through the bodice
• Excellent condition

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 54" from top of bodice to hem with 3.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5042

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This is a special edition dress from 2012 and that same year its twin was worn by both Katy Perry and Sonam Kapoor. I love that this gives you the chance to see just how gorgeous this dress is once on and that it is a dress with incredible modern provenance given these two moments. Dolce and Gabbana launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s, they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. 

The dress is made out of a deep red velvet and that colour, combined with this fabric, gives it an extra depth and richness that it would not have in any other fabric choice. The top portion of the dress is treated in an almost corseted fashion. It is meant to be very fitted to the body. The bodice is peaked at the front and the velvet is placed over it to drape and wrap around the body in the most flattering way possible. Inside it is boned and shaped so that everything stays in place. The waist is cinched in and the illusion of a tiny waist is made even more so by the elaborate skirt that billows out all around you. The skirt is a work of art in itself. Layers and layers of net and tulle are built-in underneath that top velvet layer so that the volume you see in these photos is actually the volume that the dress has. You see that in the photos of Katie and Sonam as well. It is an extraordinary dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in red silk with boning and a cupped inner corset. Added layers under the skirt as described above. It closes with a back zipper and then the skirt snaps to close over that starting under the waist. The zipper pull was not present on the dress and we replaced it with twisted black rubber finished wire so you're able to zip the dress open and closed. Please see the photo after the shot of the label. Other than that one small detail, it appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage DG 36

Bust: 13-15"" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of the peak on the bodice to waist
Total length: 38" from top of the peak on the bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD5016

Reference Photos: (1-3) Katy Perry at the premiere of 'Part Of Me', July 2012.  /  (4) Sonam Kapoor at Cannes, 2012.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The twin of this dress walked the Fall 1987 runway and I love that we found a reference photo so you can see just how fantastic this is once on. It is one of those dresses that looks amazing on the dress form but is even better on an actual person. Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer. This dress is so unusual and I absolutely love it. It is truly one of the most spectacular of his dresses that I have had in the shop.

This dress is incredible. The fabric alone is a work of art. The base is a rich blue silk and then onto this is a fantastic design made of out a black velvet. The velvet is very soft to the touch with a chenille like finish that gives the design a beautiful texture and softness. The dress has the feel of an antique 18th century gown and I love this reference back to the past. The top is a fitted and strapless with a band of black silk wrapping around the breasts. The blue silk and black velvet fall from there to skim outward over the waist and hips and then narrow back down to the floor as it reaches the hem. This gives the front of the dress a more long and lean feel but with a hint that something special might happen as you turn. The back is the star of the show. Sitting over the top of the closure at the back is a large black velvet bow. This tops an added panel that has the feel of a bustle. I is made out of a tremendous sweep of the same fabric. It  expands outward and then loops back in to attach just under the hips. A second black velvet bow sits at the base of where it swoops in. The sheer volume of fabric used to create this nod to a bustle is fantastic. From every angle of the dress you get these wondrous sweeping views because of this unusual detail. There is a slit under that at the back to allow you to walk. The combination of the beautiful fabric and that extra detailing is just amazing. It is one of the most beautiful dresses I have seen from him. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper hidden under a seam and there is an inner hooked waist stay. Light boning through the bodice. Hand work throughout. 

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4995

Reference Photos: (1) Fall 1987 Bill Blass Runway.  /  (2-5) Mikey Madison wearing this dress to the Oscars Nominees DInner, February 2025.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world. In 1964 Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou, brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He headed the Couture division until 1998 which makes this a dress from one of his final few seasons. This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture. It is truly magical once on.

The dress is made out of layers of a deep blue bias cut silk chiffon. The bodice is strapless and it has an inner shaped corset that is lightly boned and shaped for light support. The top of the bodice is slightly rounded above each breast and then dips down and into the centre. The silk chiffon has been gathered and softly draped by hand over the body from the bust to the top of the hips. The draping goes all the way around you and adds to the hourglass feel the dress has. The waist cinches in and the dress comes with its original matching silk sash that you can tie and style around your shoulders or neck. The skirt flows out from under there and it is made up of yards and yards of feather light silk chiffon all cut on the bias. The layers of chiffon are feather light and the movement they create as they float over each other as you move is just incredible. It is incredible to see in person. I love that added bit of glamour from the beautiful band of glass crystals, silver tube beads and silver sequins that run from the centre of the bust to curve down and over one hip. It is like an added bit of jewellery to the dress and just beautiful. It is truly one of the best dresses of his that I have seen. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a  hand set blue silk. The skirt has an inner layer of silk under the top layers of bias cut silk chiffon. The bodice is shaped and lightly boned inside with softly shaped cups. It closes with a hand set back zipper. The dress is entirely made by hand with its proper Haute Couture tag present. There are a couple of tiny repairs and tiny areas of thinning/pinholes here and there in the skirt. There is so much fabric you do not see them but this is mentioned for accuracy. Please see the photos after the label shot.

Bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to the seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 44" from top of bodice to shortest point of the front hem and 56" to the back hem
Scarf: approx 20" x 80"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD4993

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Dolce and Gabban launched in 1985 by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana  who still run the label to this day. After a shaky start in the first few years, by the 1990s they they had started to open their own boutiques and had become a force in fashion. In 1993 Madonna chose them for her 1993 Girlie Show tour and they gained world wide recognition. They are known for their dramatic designs that are heavily inspired by their Sicilian heritage. This dress came to me from the same owner as the black 2008 one I just put in the shop and she told me it was purchased around the same time period. It is a dress that is incredibly beautiful. It would obviously make an amazing wedding piece for the bride looking to go the non-traditional route or as a part of a wedding weekend of events, but I think it is also a dress that could cross over and be worn to other events. We have found more history in this dress and you can see the story in our instagram by linking here. 

The dress is made from a pale nude silk tulle net that has a touch of a pink tine to it. This is then layered over inner layers of more tulle, lace netting and silk. The bodice is strapless and has a heavy application of cut out flowers added over the tulle all the way around you. They are placed to fall past the seam that sits under the bust and over onto the top of the tulle as it begins to flare out into that incredible top layer. As the dress moves down to the ham, you see more cut out flowers scattered over the entire dress. At the front, there is a cluster of soft silk chiffon flowers that add a beautiful detail. Small versions of these are also scattered over the top layer of the dress, all the way to the hem..This incredible treatment on the top layer of the dress really adds to the depth and texture of the dress. That entire top layer of tulle tents over the dress to create volume all the way around you and to sweep out behind you. Under those layers is an inner dress that has a dotted lace. I love the effect of this peeking out tulle. More layer sit under that. Besides the visual effect this creates, this technique of multiple layering also gives the dress some of its structure so that it holds the shape around you once on. The bodice is strapless and cut on a soft curve across the neckline. There is a built in boned corset on the inside for shape and to hold the dress in place on you. It curves in just slightly to skim over the waist and then curves back out for the hips. The top skirt is set to fall to the floor with all of the beautiful volume that you see in the photos. The top layer of the skirt gets progressively wider so that it is very full by the time it reaches the hem. The inner hem falls to the floor, but that top outer layer falls slightly longer all the way around you and then it sweeps out behind you. It is incredibly beautiful and romantic. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a soft nude pink silk. The innermost layer of stretch silk goes to just above the knee. It closes with a back zipper and then the tulle layer snaps over that to hide the zipper. Inside the bodice is a cupped and boned corset. I see one vertical repair in the tulle of the skirt at the back otherwise it appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a Dolce & Gabbana 36

Bust: 13-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with an approx A cup built into the front
Waist: 11-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 5.5" from top of bodice to seam under the bust
Total length: 60" from top of bodice to front hem, 69" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD4955

Reference Photo: Kylie Minogue for her 2012 release of the single ‘Flower’.

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The Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection was amazing and this was one of the star looks of the show. His wedding pieces range from about $10000-$20,000USD with the more elaborate ones like this tending to be in the upper range of that. 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.' 

The skirt on this dress is just magical. It is made from multiple yards of multiple layers of white tulle silk netting. The strapless bodice above the skirt is slightly more ivory in colour so that you get just a tiny bit of contrast between the two. The bodice is completely covered with delicate little scallops of a silk chiffon with embroidered edges. These sit on top of a lace fabric underneath. Following the top edge of each layer are tiny rows of ivory iridescent sequins. Little prong set rhinestones are also scattered over the bodice in little vertical rows so you get a subtle little glitter in the light. The front curves in a pretty sweetheart neckline and it has a full built in hidden corset inside the bodice. It nips in at the waist and is detailed with an elaborate applique design that wraps all the way around you. The runway dress only had a ribbon at the waist and I much prefer this more elaborate design that is made from faux pearls, silver tube beads and glass cut rhinestones in different shapes. The skirt is extremely full. There are 12 layers of tulle in the skirt and then an inner silk skirt. Under the top two layers of tulle some of the tulle layers have been gathered up in little drapes  I did not add any additional crinolines to the dress for these photos. It has enough built in layers in the  skirt already that it falls on its own perfectly. Every angle that you look at this dress from gives you drama and gorgeousness. It is cut longer at the back so that it flows out behind you when you walk. It is a very stunning dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The bodice is boned with padded inner cups for structure and support. The dress closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Multiple layers of built in tulle and skirting as described above. Minor grubbiness/marks to the inner hem and the tiniest bit of darkening to the colour of a couple of the scallops near the top edge at one side. The dress was already in the shop and it had some issues and I decided to pull it out for a bit and had it completely restored so it is now in beautiful condition for its future bride. Tagged an ODLR 8

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam if inner hook is closed 13" if left unhooked or the hooks moved
Hips: open
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to front hem, 50" to inner back hem and 5*" to the ends of the tulle at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4943

Reference Photos: (1-4) Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Bridal Collection, Look 5. 

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The twin of the dress was Look 34 in the Resort 2016 lineup. The show was designed by Peter Copping and if you count the bridal collection that he did for the label, this was his third show since being appointed Creative Director at that time. In the Vogue review they noted that Copping stated: "I wanted to embrace color, pattern, and the house's general joie de vivre." And as promised, the clothes were bright, generous with embroideries, and blooming with flowers and ruffles.' They went on to rave about the evening pieces saying that "they captured De la Renta's flair for drama but retained a youthful, playful spirit." This was the second last look of the show and for me, it was one of the strongest. It is an incredibly beautiful dress and a highlight from Copping's time at the label.

This is a dress that instantly captures your attention and I feel like the colours in person are far more striking than how they photoed. There is a richness and depth to them that wasn't quite captured on the camera. The top is strapless and made out of a deep pink silk. It is caught to hug the body and has one of his signature built-in boned and wire cupped corsets inside. I love how the cups at the front have an extra panel of the pink silk set over them. This gives the illusion of a slightly larger bust and also adds a bit of an old Hollywood feel to the top of the dress. At the back it curves beautifully around you. The waist is cinched for shape. On the runway, they showed it with a belt and as far as I am aware that was sold separately. I think the dress works perfectly well on its own without one, but it would be very easy to add a belt if you wanted more shape. The skirt skims over the hips below that and then falls to the floor in a fairly straight column of a spectacular emerald coloured silk. Running down the front on each side is a trailing floral and vine pattern. The vines are made from a thick raffia cord in a deep blue that has been embroidered onto the silk. The flowers are elaborately done and made from deep blue sequins and beads in various shapes and sizes. They are set so that they set up and off of the skirt for the gorgeous 3D effect. There is a high slit that runs up the back of the skirt to allow you to walk comfortably and show a flash of leg. The dress has its original hang tag in place, in its original uncut length and was never worn. It is phenomenal. Excellent condition.

The dress is lined through the bodice in a matching pink silk and has a built-in corset that is boned and cupped. The skirt is lined in a matching green silk. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back and the inner corset closes with its own zipper.  An inner waist stay hooks to close. Ribbon edge finished inner hem. Tagged a modern ODLR 8.

Bust: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 56.5" from top of bodice to hem with just over 1.5" turned under the hem
Back slit: 26" from the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4894

Reference Photo: Resort 2016 Oscar de la Renta, Look 34.

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The Richilene label was launched around 1970 and lasted to about 1990 or so from what I understand. It was a New York based label and was designed by Ilene Pacun and her husband Richard. The name came by combining their two first names which I only found out recently, and I thought was a cute little detail. They focused on party dresses for the most part and had a pretty wide range of options price wise. By the mid-1980s their prices ranged from about $200-$2000 and the higher and pieces were very well made. I can't help but think that this is a more attainable version of the famous 1986 Chanel with its removable sleeves. It has that same kind of vibe.

I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a beautiful deep blue netting that has little dots worked through the tulle. The choice of this particular fabric gives it the structure to hold the shape but still keeps it fairly light in weight once on the body. The bodice is strapless and the neckline is cut fairly straight across all around you. There's inner boning for support and the boning continues down the sides on either side to help hold the dress in place. The waist curves in a bit and then the skirt is set in just at the top of the hip. I love how this gives the illusion of extra length through the body. The entire bodice has been heavily detailed with iridescent, deep blue sequence that are sat in a curving swirling pattern. They are heavily set so that they overlap each other and this allows them to catch the light in different ways to create a really pretty effect. Onto this are embroidered and beaded flowers that have petals set up and off the dress for a slight 3-D effect. These go all the way around the upper bodice. The skirt is very long and full. It flows to the floor in a cascade of that beautiful daughter in and there are five layers making up the skirt. The top two layers are the blue netting and then there is a organza layer under that that has a shimmering finish to it. Under that is a black layer of stiffen netting and then there is a final blue layer inside and under that. The very top layer has an edging of stiffen netting all the way around it, and that helps hold the shape and give it a pretty finish all of the volume you see in these photos are from the skirt and all of these built in under skirts. The final touch is of course those incredible removable half sleeves that you just slip on and wear high on the upper arm. They have stiff and tool inside, which helps to give them that puff, and then there is elastic at each end for an easy fit. I have pushed them up so they're very full, but you could also wear them a little more stretched out if you wished. The dress has a bit of a fantasy princess feel that I love. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a deep blue muslin feeling fabric and the skirt is lined as described above. It closes with a back set zipper. The sleeves have a stiffen tool interior and elastic on each end so they just slip onto the arm. 

Sleeves: each sleeve is up to 14 inches long and can be worn to be up to half that size in length. The elastic at each end stretches up to approximately 20"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist:12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at bottom of bodice: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 24"flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12.5" from top of the bodice to the seam at the bottom of the bodice
Total length: 53" from top of the bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4879

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This dress is the Ready-to-Wear version of the Haute Couture Dior dress that walked the Fall 2021 show for Look 32. You can see the striking similarities to it from the similar metallic net fabric, to the cut. This version for the main line was produced for the shops in limited quantities and only sold at certain of certain Dior shops from what I understand. It is an absolutely stunning dress and I love knowing that it is based on that beautiful couture gown. It is truly a beautiful piece and it might even make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event.

The fabric on this dress is very unusual. A fine metallic gold thread is done in a grid cut out that creates a thatched pattern over the entire dress. This sits over a layer of a pale nude silk netting and then both of those sit over the inner layers of silk tulle and silk on the bodice. The skirt has multiple layers of tulle underneath that top metallic layer with an inner silk lining under them all. The skirt has a ton of fabric and I did not use any extras under-skirts in the photos. All of the volume that you see is created by all of the existing layers of tulle and silk. If you wanted the skirt to be even fuller you could add something underneath and turn it into a fairy-tale cupcake dress. The bodice is meant to be fitted and the fabric is wrapped and gathered all the way around you. Inside there are padded cups that create a sweetheart neckline and light boning to hold the dress in place and give you support. Tiny little half sleeves leave the shoulders bare and they wrap around your upper arms for a pretty feminine detail. The waist is cinched and then the skirt poufs out below that to create all that gorgeous volume that you see. The dress comes with its original Dior cloth garment bag and looks to have been worn very little at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in silk and constructed as described above. It closes with a back hidden set zipper and an inner waist stay hooks to close. The front cups are padded and there is light boning in the inner bodice. Hand finishes. Tagged a F36, GB8, I40 US4. The colour is slightly more metallic in person and better.

Sleeves: 11" and are 11" around the upper arm
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 57" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4733

Reference Photo: Fall 2021 Christian Dior Couture, Look 32. Model Mathilde Henning.

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In 1952, Hubert de Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodmans and was eventually made available at other retailers. The line was high end and extremely well made. This part of his brand was created specifically to appeal to his non-couture clients who wanted to be able to purchase a piece of the Givenchy dream. This label continued until 1992 when it was retired and re-branded as the Givenchy Couture label. This dress is from those early days of the label and it is one of the prettiest Givenchy dresses I have seen. 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4721

Reference Photos: Spring 1982 Lanvin Couture. Model Anna Bayle.

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"I have chosen today to say goodbye to the craft that I have loved so much. The next show to which I invite you, on Tuesday, 22nd January at 6 PM, at the centre of George's Pompano, will predominantly be a retrospective of my work… Some designs from the currencies will also be shown." This was how Yves the announced his intention to retire and leave the world of Haute Couture. That final show was over an hour long and was presented to a room of 1500 hand picked guests. To tell the story of his decades long career there was a total of 371 garments shown that day. The presentation began at the beginning of his career and the show was a full retrospective of his work that showed a highlight of all of his creations through the decades. There were also a small group of 11 new items for the 2002 season included about 2/3rds of the way into the show created as the Spring 2002 couture collection. All were pieces that were based on dresses from the past but done in new colours. They were all made of weightless chiffons and were in a variety of colours. This blending of past and present further evoked the idea of his journey and how his designs are truly timeless no matter when they were made. The twin of this black dress was included in that grouping and it is based on the green dress we have included a reference photo of for you here from the Spring 1991 collection. I love it even more in its black version. The dress has its own special couture tag that commemorates it as being a part of this final show. It is an extremely rare and wonderful piece.

This dress is stunning. It has a strapless bodice that is fitted perfectly to hold the dress on the body and then it falls from there to the floor in layers of weightless black silk chiffon. The silk of the bodice is gathered and set vertically and inside the bodice there is a full inner built-in corset that is shaped and seamed so the dress stays perfectly in place once on. A wide band of silk wraps underneath the breasts to the waist and there is a sash that ties in a soft bow off to one side. The ends of the sash trail all the way down the side to the floor and this helps to add to the beautiful movement this dress has once on. Below the beautiful shape through the bodice the skirt falls to the floor in a soft cascade of silk chiffon. The. side of the skirt that opens is slightly longer than the other and this is a clever way to give that side of the skirt even more movement. These are the tiny details in Couture that make a dress move the exact perfect way. The innermost layer of silk chiffon is set all the way around you and then the other layers of the skirt are set over this and slit right up to where the waistband meets the top of the skirt on that side. So when you walk and move you are covered by that single layer of silk chiffon underneath but you are still bare underneath the transparency of the chiffon. You can see this clearly in the video as the model walks. It is very sexy. The layers and open side of the skirt combined with the trailing ties from the waist are then what allow the dress to move so beautifully around you when you move. It is  absolutely perfect in every way. The workmanship is beautiful and the dress appears to have never been worn or worn very little. What a joy to have such an important dress from Yves very last collection. Excellent condition.

Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam with an A-B cup
Seam under the bust: 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam 
Inner waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 4.75" from top of bodice to seam under the bodice
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to shortest part of the hem, 54" to the longest

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD4624

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2002 Yves Saint Laurent Couture, Look 240.  /  (4) From the book “Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: CATWALK”  /  (5-6) Spring 1991 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture. 

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate fabrics and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work from the mid- to later part of the 1970s and is fantastically beautiful. No matter how good it looks on my dress form, in person and on the body it transforms into even more of a bombshell. It is spectacular. To give you an idea of the way the paper bodice fits I have included a photo of French singer Dalida and one if Raquel Welch both wear dresses similar to the bodice of this one. I think this one with its fantastical net tulle skirt is even more special 

This is a killer dress. It is one that will come to life even more once it is on an actual body because this is a dress that in person it is even better. The movement it has cannot truly be captured until it is on a body and moving. The first thing you see is that the entire body of the dress is covered in overlapping glossy black sequins that catch the light from every angle. This detailing alone takes your breath away when you see the dress in person. The dress is strapless and the bodice is cut with a rounded sweetheart neckline and has shaped cups with one of hi signature inner tacked in strapless bras.  It skims over the body from there gliding over the waist and hips. There is some shape at the waist but it is with a more easy feeling which keeps the dress feeling long and lean. Under that the skirt falls to the floor in an explosion of netted tulle that is set in ruffle layers that curve up and toward the centre front. The layers give the skirt so much volume and movement when you move and it is just incredible. When you move even the slightest, they move with you and it's gorgeous to see. It has a full underskirt in a black silk but the way the ruffle are set give the illusion of being more open at the front. I love how the dress curves around the hips and dips down slightly before turning into the tulle to give you maximum curves at the back as well. Above that the entire back is also left bare and open and it is as incredible from the back as it is from the front. The dress is wonderfully made. It is a stunning dress and you will definitely turn heads in it when you walk into the room. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and it closes with a zipper at the back. His signature copper strapless bra is tacked unsaid and you could remove or replace this is needed for a better fit. It is fuller through the waist and If you wanted a more hourglass feel you can alter the waist in. Elastic through the upper seam of the bodice. and the fabric has some give. Hand finished throughout.

Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with the current inner bra about a B to small C cup 
Waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item#DD4486

Reference Photos: (1) Raquel Welch with Loris Azzaro, 1978.  /  (2-3) Dalida in Azzaro, 1976. - First two photos from the book 'Azzaro: 50 Sparkling Years'.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Geoffrey Beene was one of the most awarded designers in the US. There is a currently an exhibit running of his work for the 2023 year titled MOVE: The Modern Cut of Geoffrey Beene. I wanted to share the exhibit notes because they sum his career so well saying 'At his core, Beene was a fashion rebel who ignored trends, instead preferring to design garments that began as geometric shapes and evolved into silhouettes that moved naturally with the human form. His intuitive understanding of the body informed fashions that were unparalleled in their combination of luxury, thoughtful design, and comfort. Beene’s colorful, imaginative creations have been recognized with many accolades, including eight Coty American Fashion Critics Awards and three Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards. His work has also been celebrated through various exhibitions at institutions across the nation.'

This was a favoured silhouette of Geoffrey Beene that he was doing primarily through the late 1980s and into the very early 1990s. When looking through some of the images from the exhibit on his work there were dresses with very similar cuts from the 1990 season. It is a very pretty dress and very striking once on. The bodice is strapless and then it is completely covered in overlapping glossy black sequins at the front. At the back it is the same silk taffeta as the rest of the dress and I love how part of that extends and wraps around to the front just under the bust. This is all attached and adds a beautiful detail that really reflects his work from this time period. The bodice is meant to be fitted and has light boning inside to hold it in place. The top of it dips in the center and peaks slightly on either side to emphasize the bust. The waist is nipped in and then from there the skirt is cut beautifully full to the hem. The silk is all gathered into the waist and this is what helps give it that shape that you see. I love the oversized floral print that covers the silk and how there are these little woven dots running over the very top of the silk. These catch the light differently and are also a subtle nod to his love if dots in his work. Inside there is a black silk lining and the edge of that lining is finished with a sequin detailed lace. This peaks out from below the curving hem of the skirt  and ties all the elements of the dress together. The dress can be worn on its own or with the matching shawl piece that is original to the dress. This extra wide shawl is caught up at each end in an elaborate twisted fabric flower that anchors it and allows it to open between for the volume you see. It can be worn numerous ways and I have photoed some of those here. You could also wear it over the head for a very glamorous look. It is so pretty. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Ribbon finished hem. Light boning through the bodice. The shawl is unlined with no closures

Bust: 17-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top to waist
Skirt: 36" from waist to longest points of hem
Shawl: 100" x 46.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4353

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.