By Spring 2011 Isabel Marant was a force. This was only her fourth official runway show and her label was exploding. She told Vogue's Saran Mower that it had become hard to keep her New York store, which opened that spring, stocked with merchandise: "As soon as a new shipment comes in, pfff, it's gone." Mower's review of the collection went on to say that: "Marant took her first trip to California earlier this year and fell in love with its chill vibe. This collection, she said, was an ode to surfing and the early days of skateboarding. That seventies feeling meant there were cutoffs in denim or corduroy with everything from bright check button-downs to shrunken fisherman sweaters to lacy tanks. Sports references came fast and furious: A vintage-looking silk baseball jacket in embroidered washed silk was followed by nipped and fitted rugby-stripe dresses and slightly oversize football-jersey tees. On the more girly side, Marant's signature cropped jacket was cut from red bandanna fabric, and a strapless dress was smocked from a Liberty-esque purple floral print."

This is that purple dress mentioned in the review and it instantly sold out world wide and was wait listed everywhere. The furor caused by this dress was astonishing. It was worn by Anja Rubik for the runway and everyone wanted to emulate her look. It is the easiest dress to wear and the cut is very simple. The bodice is a stretch, elastic tube and the skirt is cut micro short. The seams are left raw and deconstructed, The skirt has three layers of ruffles and only the very top layer is seamed, the other two layers are left cut and raw. The sides are curved up so they are cut very high on the thigh, This also gives the skirt a pretty curve that is immensely flattering. It was shown on the runway belted, but can be work either way. Even after all this time this is a favorite piece from all her collections. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slip on to wear. The bodice stretches. Tagged a Marant size 2. The fabric is 100% Indian made silk. The stretch will allow a variety of sizes

Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: t 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length 24" from top of bodice to shortest pints at the sides, 26" to longest point of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3093

Reference Photos: S/S 2011 Isabel Marant Runway, Look 3. Model: Anja Rubik.

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

These little 1950s Hawaiian dresses are wonderful and are cut to give you curves. They have such a classic silhouette that they still feel fresh even after 50+ years. This one is unlabelled and would have most likely come directly out of Hawaii in the movement that was set up to cater directly to the thriving tourist market of that era. These sarong styled sun dresses were worn by Hollywood starlets and girls bought them in droves to emulate their favorite stars. I love the sarong style skirting with its attached illusion of a wrap skirt complete with a little tie of fabric that sits at the side of waist. This one is boned through the bodice for support and the neckline is slightly gathered at the bust for a touch of detailing. The print is a pretty mix of a right tropical orange against a brown and tan backdrop. It is very pretty and very flattering on. The fabric is still crisp and it appears to have never been worn. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined and has boning in the bust area It closes with a side painted metal zipper. Made of a crisp cotton and appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.

Bust: to 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" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D598

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 lovely little dress is closest in feel to the pink one used for the fall ad campaign for the Rive Gauche label that year. I love the pink version as well but think that the all black is perhaps even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions and the velvet gives it a more luxe evening feel.

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3092

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

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

This lovely little dress is one of the several versions that were produced that year for both the Haute Couture runway and the Rive Gauche line for Yves Saint Laurent. A version in pink and black was featured heavily in the  fall ad campaign for the Rive gauche line that year. I love the pink version as well but think that the all black is perhaps even more wearable for a larger variety of occasions.

The dress is lovely with its strapless, curved bodice and short, fitted silhouette. The main fabric that makes up the body of the dress has a slight bubbled textured feel to it which make it more of an interesting choice than a plain black fabric would have. I love the ruffle detailing that finishes the edges. This is a classic YSL touch and gives it a flirty, girlie feel that it would not have without that finish. The ruffles edge the curving neckline and go all the way around the back. Wider ruffles edge the hem and there he used three full layers of the ruffle set atop of each other so that there is a touch of volume and a flare to the skirt. At one hip is a large black bow done in the same silk taffeta that the ruffles are made from. This adds a saucy bit of volume at the hip. Everything about the cut of the dress is done to highlight the curves of the body from the way the hem is set to that final ruffle that sits curves across the back. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black cotton fabric and the interior bodice is lightly boned for shape and support. Inner waist stay that hooks to close  and the back closes with a fine metal zipper. Tagged a vintage YSL 38

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 31" from top of bodice to hem and the top ruffle adds 2.5 inches above the top seam of the bodice

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3090

Reference Photos: (1) Naomi Campbell for Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, F/W 1987.  /  (2-3) Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture S/S 1987 Runway.

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

I have wanted one of these in the shop forever but they are as rare as can be. I am so pleased to finally have one and it is wonderful. I have only ever seen these contributed as being from the 1980s but after some research I feel that it was a production piece based on the Spring 1985 collection. You can see the same fabric, pleating technique and bust treatment on the reference photos included from the runway show that season.

The dress is a masterpiece. This is a design that has been copied countless times over but there is nothing like the original. It is made form a lightweight gold lurex that covers an inner corset so that you are shaped and formed inside while the exterior of the dress seems to simply glide over your curves. The skirt is cut in a slim pencil shape with a slit up the back to allow you to walk. The bodice is amazing. Pleated gold wraps around you to meet in the middle. The bottom portion of this extends and curves down to the hips and flares out to add to the curves it creates. Each breast is held in a high set interior cup and the pleats wrap over these and flare out and over the bust. A small gold fabric strap is suspended between the cups to hold everything perfectly in place. The pleats open and curve around the back to meet in the middle there. Gold colored snaps hide interior hooks. This one is even rare that is a good decent size as all other examples I have seen in the past have been teeny tiny. This is one you will not see often so grab it while you can. Excellent condition with one tiny note to review below.

The skirt is fully lined in an ivory silk and the tip lined in a the same gold lurex. The corset is lightly boned and stiffened with formed cups. It hooks to close with lingerie hooks and then snaps over that. A zipper is set below that starting at the waist. There is a small repair along hte seam where it splits at the back. Very minor. Tagged a 42.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" 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 interior waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3057

Reference Photos: (1-4) S/S 1985 Thierry Mugler Runway.  /  (5) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he continued as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house closed is couture atelier. This gown is from the Fall 2001 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway defile sample presented and worn on the runway, Look 7.

I love when I have any Haute Couture piece in the shop and to have the actual runway sample is even that much more amazing. The dress is glorious and nether the photos on the mannequin or the runway photos really do it justice. In person the impact of the layering of the red silk gazaar panels that are hand set to overlap and cover the entire dress from bodice to train give it far more depth and texture then even the photos can convey. It also moves wonderfully and is very sexy. The main body of the dress is cut above the knee and then the dress forms and flows around this. Trailing out and behind you is a massive train of fabric that has an almost organic feel to it with its ever increasing sized patches of red covering its surface. The bodice peaks up on one side and is highly corseted and structured inside to firmly hold the dress onto the body and give you shape. The skirt is a masterpiece  with its beautiful lines and flowing cut. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with two zippers, one on the inner highly structured, formed, boned and shaped corset and the second on the outer layer of the dress. The skirt is lined in a red taffeta. Hand work throughout. The hand written runway sample tag is present. There is some deepening of the color/ marks on some of the squares of silk that make up the train and general grubbiness. Nothing that detracts once the gown is on. Otherwise it is immaculate. It is Couture runway model size tiny - probably closest to a true zero

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3054

Reference Photos: F/W 2001 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Show.

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

This wonderful strapless dress from Lanvin has a pretty and unusual design. It is made form a black silk that has enough weight to hold the shape intended. The bodice is strapless and lightly boned for structure. It has a high peaked front that sits over an inner structure to hold you in place. This peaked bust line scoops down at its center and is held in place by a small knot of silk so that the bodice has the look of a bow wrapped around you. The waist nips in and the skirt flares out from there. The skirt is quite interesting as it is actually made from two layers. There is an inner fitted pencil skirt that is a combination of a black silky rayon lining around the hips and then the bottom of that inner skirt is the same silk as the rest of the dress. Over this is a much fuller skirt that is shaped and cut to have the perfect amount of volume. It is very pretty.. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in black silky rayon and closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice is lightly boned. A single layer of tulle sits at the hip between the two layers of the skirt for added shaping. There is the tiniest bit of shininess from over pressing to the back zipper area and some seaming but very minimal.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 22" from waist to bottom of top hem, 26" to bottom of inner hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3045

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

Laura Ashley was a Welsh fashion designer who started making Victorian style, printed headscarves in 1953 with fabric she printed herself at her kitchen table. By 1961, she and her husband had opened their first shop, and by 1966 started to make the dresses she became known for. This dress is from a little later in their timeline and the date was verified by a follower on my Instagram who wore a pink version in 1985 to their prom.

It has that nostalgic feel to it that all the best of her work has. It is an interesting combination of a more formal silhouette but the fabric it is made from is a cotton. This gives it an interesting mix. The dress is strapless with a fitted and boned bodice that is finished with a small ruffled that runs around its upper edge. It dips into a sharp V at the front waist and then under that is one of the most fabulous skirts I have seen. I have styled it over a light crinoline but it has room to be far fuller even then how it looks and even with no crinoline the sheer volume of fabric gives it a wonderful fullness. It is made up of two layers, the inner layer that is a solid white cotton with a deep ruffle hem hidden under the top layer and then over that is a second layer of cotton. That top layer has that same ruffled edge finish as the bodice dies and is gathered up into little lifts all the way around the skirt. Each lift is finished with a tied bow and another bow ties just above that. This would make a gorgeous summer party dress, or even a wedding dress for someone not looking for a traditional gown. Excellent condition 

The bodice is lined in the same fabric and boned for support. It closes with a back metal and nylon zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The white is crisp and true.

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: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD3023

Reference Photo: From the Laura Ashley Bridal Catalog.

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 on a real body. It is made of a fluid scarf weight silk in a gorgeous red that has just a hint of a coral tone to it. The fabric has a secondary print of little triangles and flowers woven directly through the silk and then that is covered with a combination of oversized white dots and smaller blue & yellow dots. Long panels of the same  silk fabric wrap around the waist, tie and then flow down each hip. Each ends just above the hemline and this gives the skirt a really unusual effect and adds an interesting volume to each side without adding bulk. One of the side ties is attached along the side of the waist and the other is not attached at all. I am not 100% sure if originally both were meant to be attached and it will be sent as found. I think that having one free and loose gives you more styling options so prefer it that way myself. The skirt has a faux wrap effect so that when you move or sit you will get a sexy glimpse of bare leg showing. The top is strapless and lightly boned inside for support and shape. I love that this leaves your shoulders and arms bare. It has a very chic but sexy feel in that perfect Valentino way. Excellent condition

Fully lined in the same silk as the exterior but without the dots on the inner lining. Closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper at the back. Light boning trough the bodice and an Inner waist stay that hooks to close. Hand finished throughout with excellent construction.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from top waist seam, included 3: band at the waist to longest point of the hem at the back. The front curves up slightly

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3002

Reference Photos: (1) Iman for the Valentino ad campaign shot by Horst, 1983.  /  (2) Vibeke Knudsen in Valentino by Giampaolo Barbier, Vogue Italia, 1983

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 love Bill Blass pieces. Blass was pne of the premiere Americal designers and was known for his effortless chic. He won countless awards including seven Coty Awards and the Fashion Institute of Technology's Lifetime Achievement Award. This dress would have been made while he was still running the company and it has many of his hallmarks, A love of simplicity, the mixing of great fabrics and a bit of a subtle play on sexuality that never crossed the line. The body of the dress is made of a mix of fabrics that add to its visual interest. The skirt and draped panels on the bodice and back are a black silk chiffon that is hand set into place. This creates that feel of softness and lightness that the dress has. When you move the skirt twirls and moves with you. It is cut to hug your curves and shape the body. The bodice has interior boning to form and shape the bust. The base layer is a nude silk that gives the illusion from the distance that you are seeing bare skin through the black lace. The lace is a heavy thread that forms little 3D flowers set into the pattern. These peek out as if it is a separate piece set under the draping and adds to the sensuality of the dress. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black sueded silk and with a silk inner corseting that is boned and adds support. It closes with a back set zipper and the black chiffon panels wrap over it and hook down one side. Inner attached waist stay for added support.

Bust: 15-16" 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: 42" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2989

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

John Anthony opened his label in 1971 and during the 1970s he produced some really outstanding pieces at a couture level, that were sleek, sexy and sophisticated. His business was all done on a made to order basis. That means the majority of pieces found are a one-off, or if there are similar pieces, very few of each piece exist. This personal attention to each dress is clearly seen in the workmanship of his pieces and his work is a personal favorite. This dress is wonderful and is constructed from a fine brown colored lace that is placed over an double layer of nude silk chiffon. This layering effect gives it just enough coverage to keep it from being see-through but keeps it very light and easy to wear. It also give the allusion that the wearer has one less then she actually does. The combination of lace and silk give it a slight lingerie inspiration feel that i love. It is constructed to demi-couture standards and is hand finished with exquisite touches. The lace is detailed with clusters of round copper colored beads that are sewn into place by hand and scatted over the entire gown. The interior bust is supported by a built in bodice that is cleverly concealed by another layer of silk so seems to not exist when on the body. It hugs and molds to the body and the strapless silhouette is very flattering. The legs are given extra attention with a high cut side slit. All of the edges have the lace peaking over the inner seam work so you can see the scalloped edges. Excellent condition.

Fully lined with two layers of a fine nude colored silk chiffon and an additional layer of tissue silk through the bodice. It closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and the exterior lace closes over that and secures with hook & eye. Boning through the bodice. Hand sewn finishes and the bead work is hand placed and hand sewn.  Note that is does fully close at the back on the proper sized girl

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD1578

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

Roland Klein studied in Paris at the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture before joining Dior in 1960 under Yves Saint Laurent. In 1962 he left Dior to work as an assistant to Karl Lagerfeld at Jean Patou. He then did a stint at Marcel Fenez, eventually becoming the managing director. It wasn't until 1979 that he launched his own label where he was known for designing for Diana, Princess of Wales. His work is built on that solid background and I love finding his earlier pieces like this fabulous sequin dress. the cut is kept simple so that the impact of the glossy black sequins can take center stage. It is strapless and the base of the dress is elasticized so that it is like wearing a tube top. This sits above a sleek little skirt that is midi length which perfectly shows off a strong shoe. I love how the sequins are placed on horizontal rows across the top and vertically down the skirt.  It is an easy to wear dress with maximum impact. Excellent condition

Slips on the wear with elastic all through the top. Note that the very top widens as it nears the top and will best suit someone large busted or will require adjustment. Unlined through the bust and lined through the skirt in a black silky rayon. If you needed more room int he hips you could remove or expand the lining as the outer layer has the same stretch as the top

Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 8.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 31" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2957

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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

This Pauline Trigere dress is so well made with a very high level of construction and detailing put into its execution. It is constructed from a matte black silk satin that has a rich feel to it. The fabric itself becomes an important part of the design as it allowed Trigere to drape and mold the gown as she wished. The interior is constructed out a silk taffeta and the combination of the two silks makes the dress feel amazing once on. This double layer of silk also helps to give the gown the structure that you see. It drapes over the bust, skims the curves and falls to the floor in a graceful column once on. The skirt is cut with a touch of fullness through the hip and it has little hidden pockets along the side seam. The waist is detailed with soft gathered drapes of the fabric and it is nipped in to create shape. The bodice has an inner fitted, corset like 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 gathers that you see. The shoulders and arms are left exposed. The workmanship is exquisite and to demi-couture standards. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk taffeta with the bodice having a separate inner silk taffeta corset. Lightly boned through the sides and the interior is all hand finished. Hidden pockets along the seam and each pocket is lined in silk. Hand finishes throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 11"
Length: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1160

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

This is a stunning strapless silk and metallic dress by Oscar De La Renta. The floral pattern that runs over the black silk chiffon is so vibrant and beautiful. My photos do not begin to do the colors justice. These are bright metallic lame thread that is woven through the fabric from top to toe and the flowers seem to jump off the fabric. Oscar kept the silhouette simple and chic to balance that color and the dress has a simple strapless, fitted bodice that tops a long skirt that gathers up in a pretty curves at the front. The fabric of the skirt wraps around itself at the front and is cut on a curve on both sides. Both layers of the black chiffon lining are cut in the same way so that when you walk you get a flash of leg at the front. The chiffon is lightweight and that fabric choice allows the skirt to have lovely movement around you as you move. The top is fitted and the fabric gathered and ruched over the bust and then gathered into the back zipper. Really a lovely dress Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk chiffon, with two layers in the skirt. Closes with a back painted nylon zipper. Note that the bodice has lost one of the boning at one side. It stays in place easily if it fits just right.

Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from top of dress to waist seam
Skirt: 42" from waist seam to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2932

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

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This came in with a a clothing lot and I thought that it was super cute for a diffusion line piece. It was designed by Giambattista Valli for Macy's Impulse and is based on one of his best known designs. The dress is strapless with a built in under garment though the bust. The silk looking chiffon is draped over the bodice and is finished with a bow at the front. It comes with its original black ribbon that you tie into place for a pretty contrast as it trails to the hem of the dress. I have shown it at the front but you could tie it to trail down at the back as well. The skirt falls to the floor in a pretty cascade of rose covered fabric. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black rayon and closes with a back zipper. Original black ribbon tie and fully built in underwire cups. Tagged a modern 4

Bust: 14.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under Bust: 15.5"
Natural Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 51" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2929

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

Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 and was instantly adored and revered. A ready-to-wear line soon followed along with perfumes and menswear. His collections are always an exotic, lavish affair and his inspirations spanned the decades with their eccentric, exotic glamour. His atelier closed in 2009. This dress is from the Spring 2006 collection. I love that for production they went with this stunning full length version rather then the shorter dress as it was shown in for the presentation that season.

LaCroix was the master at creating pieces that combine color and textiles and this is a wonderful example of his work. The dress is strapless and fitted through the bodice and the silk voile applied so that it peeks up and over the upper edge. It is hand draped and shaped across the bust. Trailing down and across the bodice on a curved line are hand applied floral applique work that are edged in beads and anchor the silk over the bodice. That same applique is also used on the matching shawl along one corner. The bodice is fitted through to the waist and then the skirt flows out from there into yards and yards of fabric. At the back it trails out to create an expansive train. The back skirts are gathered at the small of the back and there is a tie that runs though for you to adjust how tightly this sits there. The print that runs over the gown is stunning and a beautiful combination of blues that give it an ocean feel. Presents as excellent condition with condition notes to review below.

Fully lined in black silk gazaar and it is lightly boned and shaped through the bodice. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. I see a some small repairs to the fabric at the waist on one side and around some of the lower edges of the flowers, near the base of the zipper and to the train near the back hem where a heel caught the fabric as some point. It presents extremely well once on. All areas have been photoed.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips of interior lining: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to interior corset waist
Skirt: 46" from interior corset waist to front hem, 58" to the back hem

Shawl: 23" x 78"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2908

Reference photo: Christian Lacroix Spring 2007 Runway Show, Look 50. Model: Natasha Poly.

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 exact dress did not appear on the spring 1987 runway (that we could find yet) but you can see that exact width and the same ribbon element that Karl used on the two reference photos I have included here from the runway presentation. I have seen a version of this dress with its white tag still attached so knew which collection to start hunting in.

The dress is strapless and made from a light silk wool mixthat has a touch of stretch to it so once in it is insanely comfortable. It also is made with wonderful interior details so it fits like a glove. On the exterior, black silk ribbon is cut on an angle at one end and then these are layered atop each other in rows all the way around the bodice and the hem. There are three rows across the top and five around the hem. At the center of each is a large bow for a little extra detail and there is also a detachable black Chanel Camellia flower pin that I have put at the hem for these photos but that you can place anywhere you wish or remove and wear separately. It is interesting to note that each of the ribbons is finished at the angled end so that the very edges are stiff. This gives each petal a tiny bit of added weight at the end so it lies perfectly in place. Additionally, each ribbon is perfectly lined up and overlaps its neighbor with perfect spacing. The same technique is repeated for each ribbon on the bottom 14" of the skirt as well - again each perfectly aligned and the exact size of the one next to it. Inside, the dress is finished immaculately with a built in net corset. I love the pocket detailing on the hip. This is only a design detail but adds to the hours glass shape of the dress. This is classic Chanel and wonderfully constructed. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in black silk and there is a full silk net corset built in. This is boned all and has a waist stay. It closes with a back hand-set zipper and the ribbons overlap at the back and close with hook & eye. Each ribbon is sewn onto a silk chiffon backing that is attached to the dress. Hand finished.

Bust: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam, room for an A- small B cup
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam on the exterior, 12" inside the corset with the waist stay closed, 12-14" with the waist stay left unhooked
Hips: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from the top of the bust to the longest points on bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD853

Reference Photos: Chanel Spring-Summer 1987 Collection.

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

This Oscar de la Renta piece is very unusual and such a striking piece. If you are looking for a true statement piece then this absolutely fits the bill. It is made out of a silk taffeta whose color changes in different lights. In most it seems to be a deep purple but every once in a while it has an almost midnight blue tone if the light is right. This play with light and color only add to it intrigue. The design is very unusual as well. The bodice is strapless but made out of silk covered, spaced boning that gives it a ribbed texture that wraps all the way around you. It has built in cups and very slight padding so there is no need for any undergarment through the top. This tops a figure hugging skirt that follows the curve of the hip and then wraps in towards the ankles with just enough room to be able to walk (but not with a very long stride). At the back it gathers in just under the butt, which creates that narrowing at the bottom. From this gather and down and around the hem it is detailed with overlapping pointed cuts out of the same silk. These run down the center of that back skirting and all the way around the hem. It is extraordinary and dramatic. Excellent condition with a small note to review below.

The bodice is lined and boned all the way around and closes with two zippers, one that closes the interior and a second that closes the exterior. Slight padding in each cup. Tagged a vintage 12 but these run small compared to a modern 12 so please check sizing below.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam, with B-Small C cup
Inner waist stay: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. you can go to 14" if stay not hooked
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to longest point of front hem, the back skirt extend to about 62" from waist to longest point

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2906

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

This dress is by Arnold Scassi and it has the most wonderful and romantic fabric choice. Scaasi worked under Charles James at the start of his career and many of his gowns reflect this early influence. His boutique line was launched in 1984 and was high end ready to wear and very expensive. Pieces from it often have a demi-couture level finish and really are an extension of his couture line.

I love the color of this dress and how the green silk is covered from the top of the strapless bodice to bottom hem with hearts in a different shade of green. The technique used to create the hearts is very interesting and deserves a special mention. Basically, a layer of bias cut silk that has the heart shapes stamped out, is fused onto an inner layer of silk chiffon. This attached, layered, fabric technique gives the heart design a slight 3D, layered 'window' feel. The lines of the dress are equally as wonderful and it is cut with no seams through the waist and with a smooth line to create an almost sculptural feel at the front. It falls to the floor in one unbroken swoop of fabric from the bodice to the hem. The back is where the detail has been concentrated and it has a gathered pleat that sits under the small of the back to give the back skirts extra fullness and volume. Just above that gathering sit four large bows in a line across. Inside, the interior of the dress has a built in inner corset for a perfectly fitted and secure feel. It is just beautiful. Excellent condition

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1453

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

This Helena Barbieri gown literally took my breathe away when I first saw it. The fabric is a beautiful pink 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. The pink in person is more luminescent and true then how it photoed and I know the person who buys this will be very pleased. The bodice is strapless and 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 and the skirt itself has a good amount of fullness that is only apparent once you move. It is cut to be slightly longer at the back. I am always so pleased to have a Helena Barbieri piece come into the shop as hers is a rare label to find and each is very special. She was known for her formal wear and her gowns were very well made to the point that they can be considered demi-couture by today's standards. You would be hard pressed to find modern counterparts as far as the workmanship and detailing. The construction of this dress is impeccable. It is also drop dead gorgeous. Excellent overall condition with a 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 at each side but it does not effect the appearance when on. Please see photos provided

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.

I am always so pleased to have a Helena Barbieri piece come into the shop as they are a rare label to find and each is very special. Her specialty was formal wear and her signatures included embellishment mixed with decadent details. 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. This one is absolutely beautiful and could easily be used as a wedding gown for the bride looking for an alternative to a modern gown. The fabric is a rich, luxurious silk satin, in a champagne color that has just the slightest undertone of pink to it. Onto this is a hand applied design that runs over the strapless bodice, under the band at the waist and runs down and across the skirt. The design is made of floral lace cut outs that have hand applied sequins added with little clusters of prong set rhinestone crystals to form each flower's center. The skirt is cut on a slight A-line with a little more fabric at the back between two long inverted pleats so you get a suggestion of a train. An extravagant bow sits at the base of the low back and drapes softly down to just above the knee. The construction of this dress is impeccable. It is drop dead gorgeous. Excellent overall condition with a small note to review below.

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2553

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