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.

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks that often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there. That starting price point equals to around $26,000 USD in modern terms. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money.

This is a wonderful example of his work and the construction is on par with demi-couture. It is also a soft and romantic shade of pastel pink that I love. It is a color that is very flattering on most skin tones. The dress is constructed from layers of light weight silk chiffon. It is a strapless and the silk chiffon layers float over an inner, more fitted dress that is made of a silk crepe in a slightly more vibrant shade of pink. This inner dress has a corseted, boned inner bodice that keeps the dress in place. From there it skims over the body in a column to the floor. Over this interior structure are three full layers of a soft pink silk chiffon. It is cut so the back has an extra feel of volume and you get a more cascading almost caped feel. I love how the layers softly tier at the front breaking the line just a touch and giving the eye a bit of visual interest. It is very beautiful in person and better then how it has photographed. Excellent condition

Fully lined in pink silk crepe. The interior lining is constructed so it is like a full finished dress inside and out, over which the chiffon layers float. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout. The bodice has interior boning through the lining and smaller, fabric encased boning spaced around the bust area for a little additional support. The pink is a slightly softer pink in person. 

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam the inside dress
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam the inside dress
Length: 50" from top of bust to hem at the front, extending to 52" to the back

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3212

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.

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 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 its drape and 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 and the two are placed beautifully over the surface of the dress. It is used over the bust and waist with the seams 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.

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.

This dress is from the Spring 1996 collection as worn by Shalom Harlow for the runway show. It was actually the closing look of the show. Shalom also wore one for its appearance in Vogue Magazine. If that provenance was not enough, I lent this exact dress to stylist Penney Lovell who fitted it for Emily Deschanel's appearance at the 91st Academy Awards this year. Emily walked the red carpet in the dress. It is am amazing piece of fashion history and the dress is stunning.

The dress is a beautiful example of Ferre's work during his time as Creative Director for Dior. It was the highlight of the show for that season and was chosen to close the presentation. The dress is fitted through the bodice with a neckline that curves down in a slight scoop. This version as little straps that the dress is suspended from but if you prefer the strapless look of the runway you could easily tuck them in or remove them as the neckline is cut the same as the runway dress. There is now waist seam to break the line of the dress. All of the foundation work to hold the dress in place is done and hidden inside. On the exterior the dress curves down front he neckline in an unbroken line, curving in at the waist and then curving out and over the hips. Pockets sit on each hip and each is still tacked shut. The skirts flare out dramatically with a bit of a Spanish Flamenco feel and there is an elaborate set of built in underskirts to help achieve the flare and volume you see. These are made with a netted silk with lace finished edges and there are layers of the ruffles attached at the end of the inner hems. The skirt is cut shorter at the front and then flares out dramatically at the back. Emily is quite tall so on her the skirts lifted off of the ground but in a girl who is not quite as tall you would get a more trained effect. Note that the back of the dress curves around with a slight drop. On the shot of Emily from the back you can see that it is finished with a more V cut, this was a temp alter where the back was folded over and tacked as it suited Emily better that way. It was un-tacked and re-cleaned since the Oscar's and there is no evidence that it was ever down any longer other then the photo. Excellent condition 

Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to front hem, 60" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3155

Reference Photos: (1-4) Emily Deschanel at the 91st Academy Awards, Styled by Penny Lovell / (5) Shalom Harlow for Vogue, 1996 / (6) Dior SS 1996 Runway (7) Christian Dior Runway video, The Fashion Channel

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2596

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

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

Look 44 on the Fall 2006 Runway was worn by Natasha Poly and I have included that reference photo here so you can see how the dress will look on the body. Michael Vollbracht  was the designer of this collection and he told Vogue that he was looking to 'channel' the spirit of the label's namesake. Mr. Vollbracht only designed for the label from 2003 - 2007. I think this was one of the prettier pieces he designed while there and does indeed have that Blass feel to it. The dress is strapless with a more fitted inner dress that hugs the bodice and skims over the hips before gradually flaring out as it nears the hem. The hem of this inner dress is finished with a wide pleated detailing that gives a little extra texture though the top layer and also helps to add weight to hold the shape. Over this is a synthetic net layer that has a huge floral design covering its surface from bodice to hem. The flowers are made up of a black cord and a matte satin and this combination gives them a pretty 3D raised effect off of the netting. The back of this top layer is cut longer to form a small train and the netting also helps to give it a more ball gown feel with the extra volume created. There are little loops and buttons on the back so you can lift the skirts off the floor if you wish. It appears to have never been worn. Excellent condition

Fully lined and closes at the back with a zipper. The net layer closes over the zipper with a series of hidden snaps. The inner bodice is lightly boned and there is an inner waist stay that hooks to close. Fully lined in a silk. The exterior fabrics seem to be a combination of silk and synthetics. There are little loops and buttons on the back so you can lift the skirts off the floor if you wish. Tagged a modern 4

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" 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: 42" from waist to inner hem, 48" to back train if left unbuttoned and down

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3140

Reference photo: Fall 2006 Bill Blass runway, Look 44, 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.

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 and feather cape is from the Fall 2004 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway sample that was presented and worn on the runway, Look 35

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 absolutely stunning and neither the photos on the mannequin or the runway photos really do it full justice. In person the impact of the color of the blue silk and blue feathers of the cape is far more then what a photo could ever convey. It is made up of yards and yards of silk chiffon and this creates the most beautiful movement when you move. The silk is set to flow down from the structured bodice and is as light as the air so that it billows and flows around you as you move. It is very sexy and made more so by the way the silk is wrapped and secured to the base of the bodice structure. It is down to leave a slit that opens almost scandalously high when you walk or sit. .The silk through the skirt is also unlined so it has a sense of semi-transparency to it. It is meant to be worn with just a body suit underneath so that you are just draped in silk and nothing else. The bodice is highly structured and formed with a full inner structured boned and shaped bodice that zips to close at the back. It is highly corseted and structured inside to firmly hold the dress onto the body and give you shape. I absolutely love the way the back is shaped to be more like an attached cape then anything and it also creates a trained feeling behind you. Topping this masterpiece is a unstructured capelet that you just hold in place. It is covered in hand dyed feathers and adds the final touch of absolute glamour to an already high glamour ensemble. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition

The bodice is fully lined in a blue silk and closes with a back zipper. It is a highly structured, formed, boned and shaped corset and is wired around the inner top as well. The skirt is unlined. Hand work appropriate to runway sample level work throughout (see the photo after the tag for the way it is hand tacked onto the main corset. The hand written runway sample tag is present. The father cape is back in a black silk and the feathers are hand applied to a white organza on the front side. There is a little loop for your hand and for hanging it. It is Couture runway model size tiny - probably closest to a true zero or even less then that!

Bust: 14.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Inner corset: 10" from top of bodice to inner edge at the waist
Length: 57" from top of bodice to shortest point of the front hem, 61" from top of bodice to longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3122

Reference Photos: F/W 2004 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Collection.

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

This is the second example of this dress that I been able to source in a very short time period. This one is a little larger then the one I had in the shop before and has a slightly different cut. It is extremely beautiful and a gorgeous example of Yve’s work during this time period. Additionally, this dress was photoed by David Seidner in 1983, giving us an exact date on when it was made.

The dress is made from layers of a light silk voile that feels almost weightless once on the body.  The fabric has a stunning print made up of a combination of purple and green with pops of an off-white. The body of the dress is strapless and gathered in soft pleats from the top of the bodice to just below the hip. The seam at the hip is cut on a slight angle so the line of leaner and you don't get that 'chopped' effect you would if it was cut straight across. The skirt floats out from under that and is quite full. It falls to the floor in a beautiful curving swoop and has two layers for a light and airy feel. It is stunning in person and even better then how it has photoed. One of my favorite pieces ever. Excellent condition

Closes with a zipper at the side and is fully lined and layered in the same fabric. Through the body. The skirt is made up of two layers of the same fabric as well. Very well constructed. Tagged a YSL 42

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3119

Reference Photo: Yves Saint Laurent 1983, David Seidner Archives.

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3117

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

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

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.

Thierry Mugler created his first personal collection in 1973 and by the 1980s he was an international sensation, known as the enfant terrible of French fashion. In 1992 he became an official member of Haute Couture with his first couture collection presented that same year. He was known for his exaggerated, strong lines and his runway presentations were equally as dramatic. 'Mugler saw the fashion show as an opportunity to build new worlds of fantasy, to tell the story of a heroine on an extraordinary adventure each season.'Early pieces are particularly hard to find. This wonderful and very rare dress is from the the Spring 1985 collection. I have included several reference photos from the show of pieces that share similar fabric, pleating techniques and that amazing shell feel of the bust from the runway show that season.

The dress is a masterpiece. This is a design that has been referenced countless times since it was first made but there is nothing out there that can compare to the original. It is made from a lightweight gold lurex that is draped and shaped to cover a fitted inner corset. This inner corset shapes and molds the body, while the exterior of the dress seems to simply glide over your curves. The skirt is cut to be fitted and curves in at the hem. It is so fitted that it has a slit up the back to allow you to walk. The bodice is amazing. Weightless, knife pleated gold lurex is wrapped around the body to meet in the middle. The bottom portion of this extends and curves down and around the hips where it then flares out to exaggerate your curves. Each breast is held in a high set interior cup and the pleats wrap over these, flaring out in the suggestion of having the breasts cupped and held in place by two shells. A small gold fabric strap is suspended between the cups for lift and added support. The pleats then curve around the back to meet in the middle there mimicking the front and adding to that hourglass feel. Gold colored snaps close the back and under those lie hidden interior lingerie hooks to close the corseted portion of the interior. It is a masterpiece and showcases his extraordinary approach to the female form and his tendency to made living sculptures out of his models. Excellent condition with one small note below.

The skirt is fully lined in an ivory silk and the bodice lined in a the same gold lurex used on the exterior. The corset is lightly boned and with formed ad sculpted interior breast cups. Above the waist, the inner corset hooks to close with lingerie hooks at the back and then the exterior fabric snaps to close over that. A zipper is then set below that starting at the waist. There is a small repair along the top of the seam of the back  skirt slit. Tagged a vintage Mugler 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: (1-5) S/S 1985 Thierry Mugler Runway.  /  (6) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Quote in frist paragraph taken from the FIDM Museum Blog

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.