This is an exquisite late 1920s, perhaps early 1930s sequin and net gown. The exterior of the dress is entirely covered with tightly spaced, hand applied sequins in cream and a gold. It is one of the most spectacular gowns from this period I have ever seen.The estate that it came out of was packed full of very high end and couture clothing. The original owner and her husband had strong ties to The Met Museum. I am almost reluctant to post this as I feel that it very well may be an early Haute Couture piece; Chanel or someone else of that era. It was entirely done by hand and despite its heavy covering of sequins, it is almost weightless. It is a true piece of art and a remarkable example of this time period. Rarely do you see dresses of this caliber from this time period anymore, especially when you consider that it is still string and wearable with care.

Sequin adorn every inch of its surface and each has been meticulously applied by hand. the hours put into this dress to do this is mind boggling. You would rarely see this level of handwork on a piece today and if you did it would be at Haute Couture level pricing. The dress goes from a solid cream sequin at the top to gold swirls that go to full density on the lower skirting. The sequins cover the entire dress on both the front and back. The cut is very simple with wide straps that curve up and over each shoulder. These suspended the dress as it falls in a sleek, slightly fitted  sheath, flaring out as it passes the waist and falls to the floor. The back is cut longer then the front for a slight trained effect and the back itself plunges to a low and sexy deep V. It is so well made that I suspect that you could easily wear the V at the front if you wished. The gold sequins are a rich muted tone with just the hint of an underlying green to the gold. I love how the sequins are set in curving patterns even in the solid colored portions. Normally you only see patterns made form rows. These curving sequin patterns would have added hours of planning and execution to the gown. It is a remarkable example of the fined hand work being done during this time period and is really a treasure. All the work is done by hand which you can clearly see on the back side of the fabric. Excellent, museum quality condition.

It is fully lined in a silk organza and slips on to wear with no closures. Hand finished and all the sequin work is hand done. There are a couple areas of sequins missing that I photoed. There are thousands up thousands of sequins and the small areas affected in no way detract. The lining is torn in places. with some repair work that loos older. I considered removing the lining altogether - it would be as stable without the lining as with - but have decided to leave it as found for the purists, and in case this in indeed an important designer couture piece as I suspect. At some point the hem was let down and there is a slight crease that circles the hem. I have left it at its full length. The edge is finished nicely so it works. So it is sent entirely original and as found. Carefully stored. For a piece that is almost 100 years old is it to be considered in outstanding, museum quality condition.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E637

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

Similar Fortuny gowns are held in museums and private collections world-wide and they are becoming increasingly hard to find. A version in green is a part of the permanent collection at The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (pictured). The description of that gown is so wonderful I thought I would share it with you here verbatim:

"Mariano Fortuny created a number of variations of his pleated silk gowns. In this model, he combined elements of the classical chiton and the peplos. A "tunic" is attached along its neckline to a long sleeveless underdress, suggesting the apoptygma of the classical peplos. This effect is further emphasized by the handkerchief points at either hip, which would have been seen on the sides of an authentic apoptygma. In the ancient Grecian peplos, the arm openings were positioned along the neckline edge rather than the sideseam edges. This resulted in a dipping hemline at either side of the garment when worn. Fortuny took this structural attribute and achieved the similar, purely decorative effect by cutting away at the tunic's front and back hem. Further, he interpreted the buttoned or pinned closings characteristic of a chiton's shoulder seams by connecting the topline seam of the tunic's sleeves with Venetian glass beads interlaced with silk "rat tail" cording. Fortuny was noted for his antiquarian intentions and scholarly treatment of classical dress, yet in the end, he invented rather than replicated a Hellenic style."

This beautiful version is a labeled Mariano Fortuny gown, circa 1907-1920. It is not perfect but still wearable and a wonderful example of his work. It's imperfections mean a huge difference in price. In hunting for a  comparable I found the very few examples out there to range from $10,500 - $16.500 and none were anywhere near this glorious color.

The dress is hand dyed to an deep raspberry, the pleated silk has a corded silk drawstring at the neck, short kimono style sleeves and an attached tunic with pointed side panels all of which are weighted with deep red, Venetian glass striped beads. The gown is in good condition. The silk is strong and wearable with no splits in the pleats. The pleats have softened throughout and this is the primary reason for the reduction in price. From a wearability point of view it has no effect and gives the gown a softer, more romantic, billowing feel. The beads that should lie along the arm to close it like the one you see from the Met are missing. You could tack the arm shut where a bead would be but I actually loved the open feel that gives it a modern look so chose to leave it as found. I see one spot that is lost in the folds and if held to the light perhaps a tiny pinhole or two but nothing alarming. Even the one from the MET seems to have the same softening of the pleats and I believe this occurs partly from age and partly as a result of the pleats being moved more in this area when worn. All the beads are present along the sides and bottom edge of the tunic. The color, style of sleeve and type of beads used place this in the very early years of Fortuny's career. It is signed along the tape at the seam.

It is 69" long from the mid neck at the back to the hem and the width will accommodate pretty much any size. The upper inside bodice is lined in a nude silk that is fully intact. Part of the seam was loose and I had it lightly tacked down along the edge.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2801

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 such a pretty little scarf and when you realize all the work that would have went into it it feels even more special. It is made from a fine "cobweb weave embroidered lace with a gild thread running through it. I love the edges and how they are left in points that pick up on the design. It is miles long and so fine and light that you can wrap and wear it almost anyway you can imagine. Excellent condition

Measures 86" x 19.5"

Item# A329

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 pretty little labeled hat made from a peach silk that has a touch of texture in its weave. The brim is slightly enforced so it has some shape once on, but it is really meant to "flop" and sit softly on the head. I love the little rosette braided detail that runs around the crown. It is a pretty little summer hat. Excellent condition

16-17" inner circumference but meant to sit on the top of the head so the circumference is almost unnecessary

Item# A328

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 exception 1920s cape by Adair is utterly amazing and a true work of art. The Adair atelier was based in Paris and made beaded pieces to export into the American market. The pieces were based on the Haute Couture ateliers of the day and the work was done entirely by hand. They were one step away from being couture pieces themselves but did not have the official designation by the La Chambre syndicale de la haute couture. The cape is made from a luxurious deep red silk that drapes to perfection once on. The collar is gathered and padded with a ruffled top so it stands up and frames the neck and face. This closes with a simple series of flat hooks at the front. From there the cape falls to the knee area in a cascade of silk. Onto this is a dense pattern done in a variety of glass tube beads in black, white and a silver and these absolutely pop off the red silk. It is stunning. They add the perfect bit of weight so the cape hangs perfectly. It is an absolute treasure of a find and such a rarity to find a piece this old and in this condition considering it is entirely original and so many of the pieces you see at market at this level of condition have had restoration work done to them. Excellent antique condition.

Unlined and closes at the neck with three hook & eye. I do see a small amount of beads missing here and there and a thinning of the fabric across each shoulder where I suspect it was hung at some point during its life. Please review the photos. For an original piece that is now almost 100 years old I would rate this as excellent overall condition

Length: 46" from neck to hem

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C438

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

A showstopping 1920s cut silk devore jacket that is really a work of art. The body of the jacket is completely covered with A silk velvet, stylized floral design that is applied over a silk crepe base. The effect of that dusky lavender against the taupe silk with a slight purple undertone mixed with the anchoring black cuffs, collar and fringe is amazing. No matter how wonderful it seems in the photos it is even better in person as the camera cannot capture the way the fabric catches the light or the ease and drape of the jacket when on. It has no closures (though I did pin at at the neck for the photos and on it has a more draped feel as it sits lower on the shoulder. The collars and cuffs have a thick finish of glossy black fur and the entire bottom hem is finished with a 8" black silk fringe. This was lovingly and properly stored and still look fresh and is string and wearable even almost 100 years later. This is of museum quality and very rare. Excellent condition

The fabric is self backed. You can see the original hand stitches but at some point someone carefully reinforced some of the seams. The fur has no shedding and shows very tiny wear at the back inside base of the neck and inner edges of the cuffs. This does not detract in anyway. The fringe is in excellent condition. Remarkable condition for a garment of this age. The open front will allow it to fit a variety of sizes

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28.5" from waist to hem (fringe adds 7.5" to length)

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C425

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 1920s French flapper dress is completely made by hand and a wonderful example of the level of craftsmanship being utilized during this time period. The base of the dress is a black silk netting that is still strong and sturdy. Onto this is a fantastic design of early gelatin sequins in a combination of purple, pink & turquoise that are all placed and attached by hand. Each little block of designs has three pink stylized "hearts" surrounded by an ring of abstract color. Real gold thread and gold beads make a square shape around each of these and they are then stacked in rows to cover the dress entirely. This combination of colored sequins, gold thread & beads is absolutely fantastic and when you think it was all made by hand it becomes even more so. There is an extra panel of netting inserted at each hip to give the skirt extra flare. It has its original Made In France label at the neck. The level of work in this piece would only be found in the highest couture of today and it is extraordinary dress. Excellent, museum quality.

The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear

Bust: 17" from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" from side seam to side seam
Total length: 40" from shoulder to bottom hem

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E290

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

This is another wonderful little hat from a small collection of flapper cloche hats from the 1920s that have been stored and cared for so well that they appear fresh and new. It is amazing to see items that are almost 100 years old look like they are fresh off the shelf. This one is made of a straw base that has a touch of a sheen to it, that is wrapped around in bands and sewn together to form the hat. I love the jaunty little swirl on the brim at the front that is caught up on a celluloid buckle embellished in rhinestones. Silk lined with no label. Excellent condition

I see no flaws with the exception of some very minor grubbiness to the interior lining.

Inner Circumference: 20"

Item# A280

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 from a small collection of flapper cloche hats from the 1920s that have been stored and cared for so well that they appear fresh and new. It is amazing to see items that are almost 100 years old look like they are fresh off the shelf. This one is made of a taupe silk base with extensive and detailed cord applique covering the crown. I love the jaunty little turned up brim at the front that is also made of cording. Silk lined and internally labeled "Krasley Originals". Excellent condition

I see no flaws. The lining was coming loose in a couple of tinyl areas so I had it stitched back into place otherwise the hat is exactly as found.

Inner circumference: 21"

Item# A268

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 from a small collection of flapper cloche hats from the 1920s that have been stored and cared for so well that they appear fresh and new. It is amazing ot see items that are almost 100 years old look like they are fresh off the shelf. This one is made of silk in two tones of a soft peach and pastel coral. On the front is a wonderful cord applique of flowers with beaded details interspersed. Silk lined and internally labeled "Gearhart Hats". Excellent condition

I see no flaws. The lining was coming loose in several areas so I had it stitched back into place otherwise the hat is exactly as found.

Inner circumference: 20"

Item# A266

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 gown is magnificent. I have never seen a gown from this period as pretty or romantic as this one and if not worn for a special event or winter gala, it could surely serve as a wedding gown for the bride looking to wear vintage. It is absolutely stunning. The bodice is a long dropped waist fitted affair that is entirely covered with hand done bead work. The silver glass tube beads cover every inch and glint and gleam in the light. Straps curve up and around the neck and the upper back is left bare. The cups are formed and highlighted with beautiful curving lines. Below these, the waist curves in and then curves back out and over the top of the hips. The skirt is divine - it is three full tiers of layered silk tulle. Each of the three tiers is a single gathered layer of tulle that circles the skirt. On each the tulle is of so fine a grade and light that at first glance you think that there must be layers and layers of fabric to create all that volume but it is just a testament to the quality of the fabric from this time period. I love the raw edges of the tulle layers giving the gown a slightly deconstructed feel. It is decadent and beautiful. It has no label but I feel it surely could have had one and a high end one at that  - it is that finely made and executed. Excellent condition.

The skirt is fully lined with a cream silk and the bodice is unlined. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and the halter slips over the head and looks to have been folded sewn to shorten. I see one tiny area of missing beads but the extensive amount of beading means this is only noticeable upon close inspection. You could easily steal a couple from an interior seam if you wished. Interior boning. The bead work is entirely done by hand. Hand work throughout. Note that is was photoed on a size 2-4 dress form and it would not close. On the proper sized girl it would of course close properly.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam at the bottom of the bead work bodice, open below that
Bodice: 23" from top of neck to dropped waist
Skirt: 39" from dropped waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# E590

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 pretty flapper cloche or skull cap that is completely hand beaded. It is getting harder and harder to find really exceptional pieces from this time period so when you do you know it is special! It is a pretty combination of seed and tube beads with little "pearl" beads mixed in. The hand work is easy to see from the interior and the beads densely cover the surface. The metallic hued interior of the beads have oxidized overtime giving the cap this lovely antiqued silver feel. The inside is ribbon edged but unlined and this allows you to easily see all the extensive hand work. It just sort of clamps into place and cut with one part curving up away form the head. On each end a separate and more densely beaded piece is placed for extra glamor. Excellent condition

Almost impossible to measure as it just sits on the head with no true circumference It has some flexibility built in and that makes it one size fits all. The mannequin it is shown on would be the same size as a normal average size girl.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: One Size Fits All

Item# A237

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

What a pretty bias cut, hand screened silk chiffon flapper dress this one is. The colors are a pretty mix of brown with the florals done in brighter colors that really pop off the background. It is constructed from almost weightless silk chiffon that allows the entire dress to have a very light and airy feel. This one is seamed so that the shape and seams create a tubular feel with an almost "sack" style looseness to it. A belt that is original to the dress gives just a hint of shape - it would have been meant to be worn loose and low on the hip during the period but could be cinched now if you wish. It is extraordinarily lovely and wearable with care. These where meant to float over a smaller frame so keep that in mind and allow a little extra in the measurements. A truly beautiful dress and wonderful example of the textiles from this era. Excellent condition. The dress is unlined and slips over the head. Hand finished. It is in what I would consider excellent shape with no real flaws to note. The silk appears sound and wearable. The belt is a simple slip buckle so can be adjusted to any size. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close)! It is after all almost 100 years old!

This is a wonderful bias cut, hand screened silk chiffon flapper dress. Constructed from an almost weightless silk chiffon, the entire dress floats and moves with the barest of movement on your part. The edges are finished with the tiniest of stitches and help give a subtle waving effect to them that makes it sit and move even better. The panels are all pieced and hand placed to create a tubular feel and then seaming allows the skirt to widen out and float with a little bit of volume. This same ruffled floating bottom effect is picked up at the end of each sleeve of the little matching jacket. It is extraordinarily lovely and wearable with care. These where meant to float over a smaller frame so when viewing the measurements look at them with leaving a bit of extra room in mind. A truly beautiful dress and wonderful example of the textiles from this era. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined and slips over the head. Hand finished edges. It is in what I would consider excellent shape with no real flaws to note. There was an area or two along the edges where a stitch or two might be missing but there are no true real flaws. The silk appears sound and wearable. The fabric is bias cut so does have some stretch form what is listed. Please remember that pieces of this age will have a natural patina and should not be expected to be absolutely perfect (though this is close). It is after all almost 100 years old!

Jacket
Sleeves: 17"
Shoulder: 14"
Bust: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 14" from mid neck at the back to bottom hem

Dress
Bust: 16-17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 48" from shoulder to bottom hem

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D533

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 late teens, early twenties silk chiffon and silk underlay dress that is heavily covered in a dense pattern of glossy black beads mixed with larger glass jet beads. The design is very extensive over the surface of the dress and the execution of the design very well done. It covers both the front and the back of the dress and the hand work involved would have encompassed hours of work. Even the sleeves have bead work applied. The dress itself is cut in that classic flapper form with a high neck and a long, tubular body with no defined waist. I love the the romantic touches with the wispy bits of silk chiffon that finish each sleeve and the similar floating panels of silk that sit on each hip. Around the dropped waist sits a heavily embellished belt that is made of large black glass beads. This circles around the dress and is caught up and finished with a silk and velvet pink flower for a small and important pop of color. It is incredibly beautiful and entirely done by hand. An amazing collector piece and beautiful example of the time period.

Has an inner dress of silk satin with the chiffon overlay. It slips on to wear. The shoulders are starting to show signs of aging - please see the photos. There may be other areas of weakness here and there as well. The bead and jet beads appear to be present but there may of course be the occasional one missing (most noted around the edge of the neck). The "belt" that wraps around the waist has no hook - I have twisted it in place for the photos. I think once the new owner gets it you should add a hook or secure it where it sits best on you. Some small areas of shattering on some of the inner silk petals of the flower. Even with these small defects the dress is remarkably sound and shockingly beautiful. It is almost 100 years old and is considered to be in museum quality condition.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41 from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E485

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