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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3458

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3460

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

I actually already own the twin of this dress and I love it. It is a gorgeous dress to wear in the warmer months. It is well made and has beautiful lines. When it came out it was sold out everywhere after it as featured in the ad campaign and being seen on the runway. Style icon Erica Pelosini had one as well and you can see just how gorgeous the dress is on an actual body in the several reference photos attached.

The dress has a simple design that has a bit of a vintage feel that I love. It is strapless and the top portion of the dress is very fitted to the body. This is achieved by seaming that curves to fit the bust and by light boning that runs down each side. The skirt is set in at the waist with a series of soft gathers that go all the way around the waist. This gives it some fullness and makes the waist look tiny. It billows out from there with quite a bit of volume, widening out as it nears the  hem. At the bottom of the skirt is a wide panel of the same fabric that is also attached with soft gathers so that you get an incredible amount of volume  and fullness. This perfectly balances out the more bare top and creates a beautiful silhouette. The fabric is a crisp, high end  cotton that almost has a starched feel to it. Excellent condition

The top is lined in the same fabric and the skirt is unlined. Closes with a hidden set side belt. Has inner bust and waist stays to help support and keep the dress. This one did not have the sash shown on the reference photos and priced accordingly. Was just under 3k new. Appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged modern 42

Bust: 17.5-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3420

Reference Photos: (1) S/S 2016 Salvatore Ferragamo, Look 36, Model: Julia Nobis.  /  (2) Maartje Verhoef for Salvatore Ferragamo Ad Campaign, S/S 2016.  /  (3) Backstage at S/S 2016 Salvatore Ferragamo Runway Show.  /   (4) Erica Pelosini in Ferragamo, Spring 2016, from her Instagram.

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3417

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

This Pauline Trigere dress is gorgeous and has been made with a very high level of construction and thought put into how the fabric was laid out to highlight the lines of the dress. It is constructed from a light weight lame fabric in gold and black. The huge matching scarf that it came with is made from the same fabric and I love that this gives the dress that little bit extra versatility. You can wear them together or use the scarf as an addition to pieces you already have in your wardrobe. The fabric of the pieces becomes an important part of the design as it allowed Trigere to give the dress the drape that it has. She also used the layout of the print to highlight the lines of the dress. The print combines a leopard feeling stripe with a small dot. The two patterns are placed beautifully over the surface of the dress. Over the bust and waist the seams are placed horizontally. Under that it falls to the floor in a graceful column that sees the panels of fabric used vertically to add length. The skirt is cut with a touch of fullness through the hip and it has a high slit set off side at the front. The waist is detailed with piping in the same gold fabric and a delicate little bow sits above the seam that the slit is placed along. The bodice has an inner fitted interior that hugs the body and keeps the dress in place. Over that, the silk is draped and hand placed across the bust to create the soft pleat work that you see. The shoulders and arms are left exposed. The workmanship is exquisite. Excellent condition with one minor note below

The skirt is fully lined in a black silk chiffon and the bodice in a black silk. Lightly boned through the sides. The shawl is unlined with hand finished turned under edges. Hand finishes throughout the dress. Note that the top edge of the bodice where the side set zipper is places does not perfectly line up. It does not affect the fit or comfort of the dress when worn so have left it as found with a price adjustment made accordingly. Please review the photo after the label shot. 

Dress
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 10"
Length: 43" from waist to hem

Shawl
53" x 52"

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3159

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

This dress is wonderful and even better once it is on an actual body. It is made of a lightweight metallic gold lame fabric. The fabric really elevates the dress and gives it an evening feel. The gold makes a strong statement and gives it that extra shot of glamour. The fabric is quite light in weight so despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not heavy to wear. It still does hold the intended shape fabulously. The bodice is cut in a strapless, rounded sweetheart finish that is very flattering. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with hand placed and gathered folds. Inside there is internal structure and light boning so that is stays perfectly in place. Under that the skirt is set into the bust to follow the angled line at the front. It is set in with soft gathers all around, giving the illusion that it is wrapped around you. The front overlaps and this allows a bit of leg to show when you walk. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper at the back. Light boning at each side of the bodice. Some light fading to the interior lining

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 7.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to longest point of the hem at the back. The front curves up slightly

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3410

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

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

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

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

Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 6.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to front hem, 40" to back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3394

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3393

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

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

This dress dates to the 1980s when Haslton was still in full control of his brand. At this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable.

The simplicity of this dress works against it when you see it on the hanger or even the dress form. It really needs to be on an actual body to really come to life. It needs movement for it to be truly appreciated. The dress is strapless with an inner construction that is boned to keep the dress in place and give support. Over this the outer layer of velvet skims over the body in a ling sheath. It falls to the floor and the skirt gradually widens out for a touch of volume. The velvet catches the light and adds texture and interest. It also helps to highlight the curves under it without the dress having to be skin tight. The bodice is cut fairly straight across and slightly dips at the back. On one side the dress is gathered along the seam. This allows the velvet to catch the light differently here and subtly accents the waist with having to seam it. It is beautifully constructed and has lots of hand finishes. Excellent condition

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

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD650

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

This stunning and rare gown was designed by Bob Mackie. Mackie shot for fame with the work he did dressing Cher. The best of his work is dramatic and opulent and he was a master at print and color. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis, where he drew Marilyn Monroe's famous 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress, prior to working as a costume designer and co-designing with Ray Aghayan. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In many ways it was his work and his creations that really defined their careers and helped to shape that entire idea of high glamour.

This is an extremely gorgeous Bob Mackie dress done in a vivid floral silk chiffon. The bodice is fully formed and molded inside and the silk is then draped and shaped over that inner support. It is set so that is created a large cross over at the front which highlights the shape of the bust and emphasizes the high peak of the front bust line. The skirt flows out from under there with panels of silk chiffon that float around you and cascade to the floor. There are literally yards and yards of fabric through that skirt and when you move it is just incredible. It is cut to cure up at the front and under the top print layer are two more layers of a solid coral silk chiffon. All the silk is cut on the bias so it has incredible movement. The dress comes with its original matching cape piece. This buttons at the neck and is cut to mimic the curve of the skirt. The color is a bright tropical feeling print and it is truly one of the best dresses of his that I have seen. Very high end and very dramatic. Excellent condition with one small note below

The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a red silk. The skirt has two inner layers of coral silk that follow the line of the outer layer. The bodice is shaped and and fully boned inside and has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. It then closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout and hand rolled edges. There are some small repairs to the edge of the hem of the cape

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of the high peaked bodice to bottom of inner waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to longest part of hem
Cape: approx 60"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3384

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3367

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

I had the twin of the dress ages ago and I was so pleased to find another recently. Ungaro recently passed away and that always makes you look at a designers work with a new appreciation. Ungaro launched his label in 1965 after stints at Balenciaga and Courrreges. His pret-a-porter line, Ungaro Parallele, was created in 1968. He was a brilliant designer who was known for his of colors and flamboyance.

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3353

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

This exquisite Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress is a stunning and very rare example of what the house was producing during this time period. It is true Haute Couture and has been entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. You can see a striking resemblance to the  Fall 1954 "Ecume" dress combined with elements from the "Clorinde" dress from that same season. There is also an even closer resemblance to that famous photo of the model and dress captured back stage by Mark Shaw that season. You can easily imagine that this dress was derived from the different elements of these, while tweaking the details to be more perfectly reflective of the clients personal style. It is wonderful and a joy to have it come into the shop.

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3344

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

This garment is sent in clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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

The gown is one of the best I have seen and is utterly amazing. The cut and line of it are pure heaven. It is strapless and has that famous dipped and peaked bodice edging that Vivienne is famous for. Inside is one of her boned and shaped corsets that are constructed to cinch you in and push up the breasts. On an actual body you will get that full Westwood effect from this and the bow that sits at the bust only emphasizes this. the bow is constricted so that it curves out from the body and just adds even more bust shape and size. below that the waist curves in with vertical seam and then it curves over the hips and then flares out in a beautiful flared shape. The construction of the skirt is almost architectural and reminds me of that famous Charles James gown in the way that it flares and curves outwards on each side. The fabric is a heavy black silk satin that seems the perfect choice for the cut and feel of the gown. It is incredible and a rare find. Excellent condition

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3343

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

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, , Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many, many more. His label gained international recognition known for his bright, clear color choices, ornate beading and daring cut-outs. He once stated; "When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite."

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3307

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

Loris Azzaro founded his label in 1967 and quickly was dressing women like Raquel Welch, , Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren, Marisa Berenson and many, many more. His label gained international recognition known for his bright, clear color choices, ornate beading and daring cut-outs. He once stated; "When a woman has found her style, she should stick to it. We forget too often that it is the dress that must serve the woman and not the opposite."

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3305

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

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

This lovely little dress combines a black silk faille with the signature pink used throughout the collection that year. The fabric choice gives it structure and shape and also the volume that you see in the ruffle detailing that wraps around the waist and hips. The bodice is strapless and cut to curve in a modified sweetheart neckline. It is also lightly boned on the inside so already has shape built in. This curves in to skim over the waist and curves back out for the hips. It falls in a sheath past the hips with a final flaring out at the hem. The hem is not as dramatically cut as the runway version but also feels more wearable as a result. It is cut slightly longer at the back hem and I love how there is a matching dip at the back of the bodice so that there is an illusion of added length created. The pink ruffle is of course the star of the show and this is attached at the back waist and then wraps and dips down and around the lower hip on the other side. It is precisely folded and set so that is also flares slightly out. Where it meets at the back hem it extends into two long and wide panels that are tied. You can let them hang from a simple knot as I have shown it or create a more elaborate bow. It is fabulous. Excellent condition wot a very minor note below.

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3276

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3260

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3256

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3214

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2630

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

This dress is incredible. It is by the French designer Isabelle Allard and it has that perfect French feel about it. It is made from the most incredible fabric and when you have it in the hand and on the body, it has a couture feel to it because of that amazing fabric and high end construction. The dress is strapless and constructed to hug and fit the body. The inner construction gives it shape and form. The skirt has no venting in it to give you extra room and this allows the lower hem to curve in and gives you even more of that hourglass shape. I love how the lace is left scalloped at the edges of the top of the dress, the hem and around the jacket. The fabric itself is a 3D feeling combination of lace and black silk ribbon set into intricate designs over the lace netted base. It comes with its matching cropped jacket that is shaped to also curve around the body. The jacket is deliberately left unlined so that you really get the full effect of the ribbon adorned lacework. Rounded shoulder pads are the perfect finish and give the jacket structure. This one is for my smaller frames girls and is a tiny one. It would not fit my dress forms and has been photoed flat so on an actual body it will of course have more shape. It is exceptional. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined with a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. It is boned and shaped through the inner bodice. The jacket us unlined and has no closures. Padding in the shoulders. Hand finishes through out and made to demi-couture standards. Tagged a vintage 38

Dress
Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33" from top of bust to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: set to extend beyond natural shoulder and have slight drop so 16" from seam to seam
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 16" from neck to hem at the back, the front curves uo shorter then that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3183

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3156

Reference Photo: Valentino Spring 1998 Haute Couture Collection

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