The label on this dress gives us a date range of 1953 to 1966 and I suspect this piece was designed somewhere during the turn of 1960. In the late 50s and into the very early 1960s she was known for her slim cut pants that were topped by exotic tunics - like this one. From my understanding these were sold separately so her clients could mix and match. She was greatly inspired by her travels and the exotic feel of the far east shows through in this design that we have here. The tunic dress is shockingly light - I know it looks like it should not be with that intricate pattern making it appear like it is a brocade or something along that line, but the fabric is actually a beautiful and very light chiffon. The pattern is fantastic - the intricate design is made from a fine gold metallic thread woven through the fabric. The upper bodice is cut with a high neckline and the sleeves are full and wide. The sleeves have been left unlined giving it a touch of contrast despite it being the same fabric. It is ling and sleek from there as it falls to the floor and each side is slit to the upper hip so whatever you choose to wear underneath will show with every movement. I especially love the inset of metallic brocade that runs down the inside of each slit. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined through the body in a neutral colored silk except for the sleeve which are unlined. It closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper. the color has a touch more of a blush undertone in person

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2813

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 also have listed a second, similar pant suit set that has a Micheal Novarese label and I was told by my client that that this one was also by him although it no longer has a label. (see the other one here). The fabric is signed on the inner hem salvage "Summer Day" by Boll Poole for Onondaga Silk - who were a US based silk mill that provided custom fabric for couture and high end design houses as far back as 1933.

This particular set is wonderful. The cut of both pieces is based entirely on the design that covers the fabric. The fabric itself is amazing. It is a rich, heavy silk with green base. Onto this is screened an intricate and detailed print that depicts a full meadow scene. Dragonflies and flowers adorn the surface of the silk. Both the dragonflies and flowers are completely made of sequins. The cuffs, hems and bottom of the pants are circled in green sequins that make the grass over which they fly. It is magical. The pants are flat fronted and have a slightly flared leg. The tunic sits over the pants, skimming the torso and flaring out at the hip. It has a high neck and long sleeves and how they pick up that same sequin pattern as the pants. I love that it is two pieces that you can break up and wear them separateif you want. Michael Novarese designed gowns for many of the stars during the 1960s through to the 1980s including Jane Russell, Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, Dinah Shore and Elizabeth Taylor.  I love his work and this is one of the best pieces I have seen of his. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in an off-white silk. The tunic closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and the pants close with a hand set zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Hand finished throughout. Made to demi-couture standards.

Tunic
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2210

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 amazing Pauline Trigere set is the absolutely stunning. It really is one of my favorites pieces by her that I have had come through my hands so far. It feels shockingly modern and I have seen similar pieces walking the runways recently. The skirt is supermodel length and has the perfect amount of fullness to it. The fabric has a fine ribbed texture to it and has been hand dyed a brilliant green. The silk has enough weight to it that it almost has the feel of like a light canvas type fabric. This allows it to hold the intended shape and fullness that you see but at the same time not be stiff or unwieldy. The skirt wraps over itself and closes with attached ties that wind through the waist band. The front of the skirt has a beautiful pleating detail and pockets sit along each seam at the hip. The halter top wraps up and around the neck and is cut to leave the back bare. I love the intricate seam and stitch detailing that runs over the front and follows the plunging neckline. It is gorgeous and a real statement piece. The set has its original hang tags and also has an envelope with an extra button for the halter neckline. Worn together it looks like a dress but the two pieces give you the extra versatility to wear it as separates. Excellent condition

The skirt is unlined and the top lined in a matching color polished cotton. The top closes with a fabric covered button at the neck and hidden flat hook and eye at the back waist. The skirt wraps and ties to close with a hidden hook & eye along the wrapped edge. Pockets on each side of the skirt. Note the the hook of the closure at the waist is set in just under 2" so you could adjust this easily to get more room. The  potential adjustments will allow it to fit a broader range of sizes.

Top
Bust: no true side seams so variable
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam (if you move the hook you could get to 14")
Length: 17.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: ties so adjustable - approx 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2292

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

Made of a beautiful pink silk chiffon mixed with a pink silk satin for the bodice this pretty pink dress has beautiful lines and very feminine feel. It is very well made and the quality of the silks are very good making me feel certain that it must be a designer piece. It does still have its Bonwit Teller department store tag but no other clues as to who originally designed it. I can only tell you that it is definitely a higher end piece. The bodice of the dress is fitted with a high, corset feel to it, and I love how the fabric twists at the front for extra detail. From under that bust detail, yards and yards of pink silk chiffon flow to the floor in a cascade of fabric. This exterior skirting lies over a more fitted sheath underskirt so when you move you really get a fantastic movement of the silk. It has a matching shawl that is very large and when it is worn over the shoulder it cascades almost the floor. It is made of a wide panel of the same silk chiffon with silk satin bands anchoring each end. The color is person is a far better pink then how it photoed - it is softer pink and has a more pastel pink feel to it then how the camera captured the color. It is very pretty and romantic in person. Excellent condition

The skirt is fully lined with an interior silk crepe skirt in a matching pink. The bodice is lined in the same silk satin as the bodice. It closes with a back painted metal zipper

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior skirting hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Shawl: 144" x 36"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2272

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

Pauline Trigere was known for her sophisticated pieces and her ability as a fine tailor. Her garments are often on par with demi-couture in how they are constructed and finished. Like Gres she was a master cutter and worked on a love pattern when pieces her patterns. She kept her business small and oversaw all the elements of it. This hands on philosophy shows in the quality of her pieces. This pink gown is absolutely wonderful and one of my favorite pieces to date by her that I have had in the shop.

The lines of this dress are beautiful and I fear that photos on a mannequin do not do it full justice. It marries color, simplicity and line perfectly. The silk is a good weight and dyed a vivid pink that instantly catches the eye. There are no embellishments on the dress so the color and line carry all the drama of it. The bodice is if fitted and with a V neckline and this then nips in at the waist before the skirt flows to the floor in a voluminous cascade of silk. The sleeves and their volume balance out the skirt.  Each is cut to sit just above the elbow and is fitted into the shoulders in a way that allows for that pouf effect. They are fabulous and serve as the focal point of the dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching colored silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished. Very high end construction

Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from top of bodice to side waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2100

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 beautiful and romantic bias cut black chiffon, full length cape by Adolfo. Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged form clients ranged from the Duchess of Windsor to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He won a Coty Award in 1969 for his head to toe women’s design. I love his work and though you most often see his more conservative suits here and there these days, he was actually quite flamboyant in his work during the early days. This spectacular cape is constructed from a lightweight black chiffon that falls all the way to the floor in a full length swoop of feather light fabric. At the neck are very long, attached ties in the same fabric and the neck is cut so that it sits wide at the shoulder instead of gathered up around the neck. The lightness of the silk gives it a billowing effect when you move and walk that is stupendous. A really lovely and romantic cape that will top just about anything. Excellent condition.

The cape is unlined and ties at the neck. It will fit any size

Length: approx 58-60" from neck to hem depending on where you let the neck sit on you

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C439

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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 deceptively simple Jean Patou silk dress in a lovely navy silk. Jean Patou once said "Certain dressmakers desire to pass for an artist. I have one ambition: that is to have good taste." and this dress is the very epitome of that statement despite its sexy lines. The dress is numbered and is true haute couture piece that has been made entirely by hand and represents countless hours of dedicated hand work within the atelier. Patou was one of the founders of the sportswear movement and the later designers of the house often hearkened back to this aesthetic. This dress for example, has the lines of the tennis dress, ramped up for evening.  It is constructed from a rich navy silk that is flattering on most skin tones. The bust is plunging halter whose straps curve and hook behind the neck. This leaves the back bare to the waist and offsets the simplicity of the color and cut at the front. The waist is detailed with a padded round piping. Under this the skirt falls in a swirl of fabric cut to flare out and swing. Inside the dress is all handwork and lined in a fine blue silk. Excellent condition.

A hand set silk lining throughout and hand finished seams. Finished to Haute Couture standards. Closes with hand set fine painted metal zipper at the low back. Built in and attached inner waist stay that hooks to close. Hooks to close at the back neck. Numbered label 96773 (or 96113).

Bust: open with no true side seams
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2775

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

Chiffon layers edged in prong set rhinestones give this pretty, pastel coral dress a light as a feather feel. The bodice curves over the bust and the chiffon is set in vertical pleats for detail. The neckline and high waist are banded and detailed with a scattering of [prong set rhinestones. The skirt swoops to the floor from there and there is actually quite a bit of fabric that has been used in its construction but because it is cut on the bias it feels more like a column when the wearer is standing still and only displays its wonderful fullness once you move or twirl. Over the chiffon of the skirt is a angled panel that balance the one shoulder bodice and this panel is also detailed with rhinestones along its edge. The shoulder from which the entire dress suspends is topped by a dramatic bow made of the same fabric and it is placed there and secured by a final double row of rhinestones. So pretty and romantic. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching silky rayon. It closes with a painted metal and nylon side zipper. It is unlabeled but did have one - you can see the outline of it where it was cut out unfortunately. In person it is a touch more towards the pastel hue of this coral then how it photoed.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to bottom of the band at waist
Skirt: 43" from bottom of the band at waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E632

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

Arnold Scaasi did absolutely exquisite and elaborate designs and the best of his work featured heavy adornment . His work is for when you want to have all eyes on you. He worked under Charles James at the beginning of his career and you can see that influence of that time in the lines of his own work. He cut and created his designs to extremely high standards and the workmanship is fabulous. This dress and jacket set combines the richness of a black cotton velvet with an elaborate and brilliant design. The work and attention to detail is incredible. Onto the velvet base is a dense application of gold braid, sequins and beads that are all hand applied and set in this amazing 3D design that covers both pieces. Many of the paillette used are shaped and colored to form flowers and petals. The dress is a strapless, sculpted piece that hugs the bodice and then falls away from the body in a pretty A-line. The jacket is cropped and sits over this and you can close it for a very fitted feel. It has pro[per curve cut sleeves and I love the pink lining. I love that the applique design is left off the very top and bottom of the dress so that it becomes a natural design element without having to add a third element to the design. The two pieces are is equally stunning worn together or as separates and adds to the versatility of the piece by being able to wear it together or separate. Scaasi dressed actresses, socialites and first ladies.  He also studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and you can see the evidence of that in work like this set. He was never an official member of the Chambre so even though this is made to couture standards it, like his other work from his main atelier, is considered demi-couture. Excellent condition.

The dress in fully interlined in a black silk through the bodice and hand finished and aslo has a second lining in the skirt. It closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper and a second metal zipper on the interior bodice. The bodice is boned. The jacket is fully lined in a fine, high end pink silk and is hand finished. It closes with fabric covered snaps. If you even remotely like it in the photos you will be extremely pleased in person as it is wonderful. There may be a missing or broken shaped sequin paillette here and there but nothing that needs to be pointed out as a jarring flaw. Someone cut the interior lining of the skirt at some pint so it now falls just past the hip and has an unfinished edge. It is left as found.

Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 29" from top of strapless bodice to hem

Jacket
Slightly dropped sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2762

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 exceptional Malcolm Starr dress is absolutely gorgeous and these far more elaborate pieces like this one, from this label, are getting harder and harder to come across. When woman do find them they are snatched up and tucked away The work is exceptional and you could not possibly get this level of bead and sequin work a modern day ready to wear equivalent. The base of the dress is made of a plush cotton velvet in an inky black and this has been cut into that perfect sixties sculpted shape. The velvet is then densely covered from top to bottom with a swirling design application of gold braiding, a mixed variety of beads and sequins that cover the dress in an intricate pattern. At the waist, cuffs and hem the sequins are applied to completely cover the fabric and highlight the lines of the dress. The bead work has a 3D quality to it so you really get this wonderful sense of texture. It is just beautiful. I love the simple shift shape and the way it glimmers in the light. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a black muslin and then has an interior lining of black silk. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hidden pockets along the inset front seams

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to second braid at waist
Skirt: 28" from second braid at waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2760

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 romantic dress with it's matching cape overlay has no label but is very well made and it was surely a designer piece. With no tag present it is  of course being sold as an anonymous piece so it is a tremendous bargain. the chiffon has huge blossoms screened over its surface and these are done in a pretty combination of coral and red. The inner dress is cut very simple with a scooped neckline at both the back and the front. It is suspended from two thin straps made of the same fabric and these curve over each shoulder. From there the dress cascades to the floor in a loose and easy cut that is very easy and forgiving. It simple flows in a widening silhouette to the ground, and there are yards and yard of chiffon that make up the body and lower portion of the dress.This creates a fantastically romantic and floating effect as the silk floats over the inner lining to give the dress the feel of airiness and lightness. Over this sits the matching long cape that is cut to the full length of the dress in the back and to the waist at the front. Amazing. Excellent condition

Fully lined in nude stretch jersey. The cape is unlined. The dress closes with a back painted metal zipper and the cape has a button closure at the back of the neck.Hand finishes. Everything under the top seam of the dress is pretty flexible so I have included that seam measurement below as it is the only part of the dress that has no give

Dress
Top of seam that sits under the arms (no give): 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Actual Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 59" from shoulder strap to hem

Cape
Length: 59" top to bottom

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E625

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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

Travilla began as a costume designer before opening his own custom atelier in the 1950s. One of his most famous dresses was the iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe scintillating for the movie The Seven Year Itch. He closed his label in 1970 and then re-opened it in Spain where he designed form 1977 to 1990 when he passed away. This dress dates to the earlier endeavor in America we know it is from the 1960s. His work during this time period can be considered demi-couture and this gown is almost entirely, if not entirely made by hand. This dress is extraordinary. It is exquisite in both cut and design. The fabric is beautiful and I love that it is entirely covered in sequins over every inch of the dress. Under that covering of hand sewn sequins is a silk organza with a pretty pattern in deep red and coral. Onto that is a dense covering of hand applied, clear glossy sequins that give the dress a subtle shimmer. The front plunges right to the velvet ribbon waist detailing and the back ends just below that same velvet ribbon that circles the waist. The interior is lined in a silk chiffon that has the same print as the exterior layer even though you would never see this once the dress is on. The lining is entirely hand set. From that plunging hater, the skirt is falls to the floor and is constructed from yards and yards of fabric. It is absolutely beautiful when you move. If you love it in the photos you will be delighted when you see it in person. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a high grade silk chiffon that is printed. Through the bodice and to the waist it is lined in an additional layer of silk that is the same print as the exterior chiffon. This double layer gives it a slight padding so you can go bare underneath. There are modesty panels sewn under each arm - these could be removed if you want the sides to plunge to the ribbon detailing like the front and back do. It closes at the front with a low zipper below the velvet banding and a series of hook & eye and snaps hidden under the front flat bow. Hand finished.

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist at band: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2280

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

This gorgeous dress is by Bob Mackie who is best known for dressing Cher and for his love of opulence and bead work. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis before starting his own label and his love for the big screen and glamor of Hollywood continued through his career. His work is always extravagant and glamorous in the best possible way. This silk chiffon dress in a beautiful ivory is a combination of silk chiffon and bead work. The bust is strapless and fitted to the body with hand applied rhinestones, silver and clear glass beads and dangling strands adorning its surface. It would not be a Bob Mackie without some glitz after all. Under that beautiful beaded bust, silk chiffon skirt flow the floor and swirl around you as you move. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk that is completely hand set, with a boned, slightly padded bust and waist stay interior. It closes with a back painted zipper. Hand finished throughout. Two layers of silk chiffon over the inner lining of the skirt. It is numbered by hand on one side of the interior. I see a couple of very minor marks and a small repair on the top layer of silk near one side at the back but you only spot these when it is laid out flat due to the yards and yards of fabric in the skirt. In person it is a touch more cream then how it photoed

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 49" from top of dress to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2748

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 one of my favorite pieces of Dior that I have had in the shop. It has both a very innovative design and is visually very beautiful. The fabric is a crisp polished silk with a romantic floral design screened over its surface. I love the soft cherry red mixed with the palest cafe au lait. Each flower and stem is also edged with a fine line in coral that highlights the design. The cut is genius. It nips in at the waist and the skirt is set in a series of soft gathers around the waist. This allows it to flare gently out without adding a large amount of volume. The bodice also gathers softy into the waist for just a hint of blousing and then curves up to a high, square cut neckline. At the back you have two layers to the construction, the interior layer has a single shoulder and curves down on the other side. Over this is a panel of fabric that hooks into place at the shoulder so it is sits deliberately out a touch from the dress. This gives it a wrap over effect that is very pretty. The matching fabric belt circles the waist to add shape. I adore the flat bow that sits at the top of the shoulder. The dress also came with a small length of finished fabric that I have tied in a bow at the waist on the opposite side which is where I believe it was intended. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Interlined in a fine white silk muslin and closes with a back handset painted metal zipper and that back panel closes with hook & eye at the shoulder. The belt is attached and hooks to close. Note the color in person is a soft combination of a red-pink and a soft cherry red. It photoed as a little more of a coral color and is much prettier in person. Appears to have never been worn 

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2744

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

The woman behind the Maggy Rouff label was Maggy Besançon de Wagner and she started her own label in 1928 after a working at the Haute Couture house of Drecoll. The Maggy Rouf house joined the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris in 1929 and continued to produce Haute Couture until 1965. Maggy gained early recognition by designing for the some of the Starlets of the day like Theda Barra, Pola Negri, and Greta Garbo. I found a photo of a garment from 1963 that has a similar, if not the same, fabric treatment dated 1963. 

This is a chic and deceptively simple dress that has the Haute Couture label of the Rouff atelier. The work is exceptional throughout and it is in immaculate condition. It is made of a pale blue silk that is topped by a pale metallic blue net. Onto the net are ombre dyed ribbon that are coiled and formed into flowers that are strewn across the surface of the dress. These also have a very slight metallic finish to them. Each is hand places and set with slightly curled edges so the flowers have a 3D feel. It is cut in a long column that skims over the bust and waist and then the skirt flares out as it nears the hem. The shape is created through vertical seaming that curves in from the waist and shapes the dress. The interior is a combination of net and silk and the hem is weighted all the way around. It is a dress made to last a lifetime with classic lines will forever remain in style. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Fully lined in silk and closes with a fine painted metal zipper at the side. Completely hand made and finished to Haute Couture standards. Weighted hem

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52.5" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2743

Reference photo: Model in a Maggy Rouf gown, 1963. (credits unknown)

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 had the twin of this dress in the past and its as good now as the first time. This is a fabulous little black Courreges shift dresses and it is one of his classic designs. The fabric is jet black, light wool with a fine ribbed texture running through it. It has little cap sleeves and a square neckline that is finished with a two button detail at the front. The skirt flares out at is nears the hem. I love the seaming detail that runs down the front and that there are hidden pockets set along those seams. It is impeccably constructed as one would expect. This is an instantly recognizable, classic Courreges design. Excellent condition.

Tagged a Courreges size 00. Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes and pockets at the front. It was a touch too small on the mannequin and does close perfectly at the back on the right size girl.

Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD2740

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

This stunning dress is a numbered haute couture gown by Balmain. It is a fantastic blend of green silk chiffon that is layered over a pale pink base. The effect of the two colors together is quite beautiful. The bodice, cuffs and hem are all heavily covered with hand applied embellishments in pink, gold and clear beads & sequins. Additionally, the upper portion of the bodice on both the back and front is covered with this hand bead work. The neckline is scooped and that same scooped shape is mirrored at the back but cut deeper with a thick panel of beading following the curve. The bead work at the wrist and hem is a full two inches deep. This not only adds detail but gives the hem and cuffs some weight so that the dress sits and drapes perfectly as Balmain intended. The sleeves billow out at the wrist adding the perfect feminine touch. There are endless couture level details - little straps set just inside the bodice to hold your underpinning perfectly in place; weights encased in silk near the back zipper so it falls just so - all perfectly and meticulously done. It is an amazing example of the fine workmanship and attention to detail of Haute Couture. It is a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a pale peachy pink grosgrain textured silk through the body and silk chiffon within the sleeves. The heavy beading detail that adorns the bodice, cuffs and hem are all applied on netting and there may be the occasional loose or missing bead and thread but it is so profusely done it does not deter. The numbered tag found under the main label is there but the writing has faded so I am not 100% certain of the number. Hand finished. It closes with a back, hand set, painted metal zipper and each cuff has a hidden painted metal zipper. There are two teeny areas on the front where the silk has thinned but they do not go all the way through the fabric.

Sleeves: 22"
Bust: 16" from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" from side seam to side seam
Total length: 49" from shoulder to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD456

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 magical coat and very unique. It is made from a beautiful royal blue velvet that has an extraordinary amount of embroidered applique work scattered over its surface and defining the edges and cuffs. These are bright and colorful and edged in gold giving it a regal feel. The cut is equally as wonderful and I love the volume and drama it has. The upper body and shoulders are cut rounded and loose, with the the torso and skirt of the coat having a lot of volume. The fabric choice holds this shape when on and the drama of the piece cannot be understated Absolutely wonderful. Truly a one of a kind, wonderful piece that is very ornate and well made. When I posted the video included here on my Instagram in a little preview of the piece the day I found it, a follower told me that it was called a Joma and is worn for weddings during the ceremony and dance in Israel. I have dated in as the 1960s based on the fabrics and stitching but it could be earlier. Excellent condition

Fully lined in blue with no front closures. The generous and loose size will work on a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 18.5"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C436

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 the color and the cut of this amazing Averardo Bessi dress. The brilliant pink colors used are spectacular and because it is screened onto two types of silk, it has a richness and contrast that is wonderful. His prints are reminiscent of Emilio Pucci but he tended to keep to a more one color pattern in most of his design. The influence of Pucci can not be denied however. The print used on this dress is a bright and vivid, pink-red hue that has smalls pops of a red mixed with pink and raspberry. I love the use of the contrasting border at the neck, waist, cuffs and hem that define and anchor the cut of the dress. The dress itself is made from a mix of three silks. The bodice is a silk jersey so is easy to wear and feels fabulous and comfortable on. The skirt is an airy and light silk chiffon in a matching print over a solid red silk interior skirt that is hemmed in a silk chiffon printed border. This mix of silks gives it a beautiful richness. It is truly a wonderful dress. Excellent condition

The bodice is unlined and the skirt lined in a red silk inner skirt. It closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice has some stretch.

Shoulders: 16"
Sleeves: 24"
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1188

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

The label on this wonderful Pulitzer dress dates it to the early sixties and it is one of her very earliest labels. She began designing and making her dresses in 1960 and her label was set when Jackie Kennedy wore one of her dresses in Life Magazine. Her bright colored, happy little shifts were favorites of Hampton society girls and they have become classics. Her dresses are bright and fresh and the early ones always incorporated lace details. This one does just that with an applique of lace that runs around the neck and down the front on either side of the buttons. There is also a ring of lace on each sleeve. I love the rounded neckline and long sleeves. It buttons right to the hem and the skirt widens out as it nears that hem. The print on this one is fantastic - it is a happy yellow and green floral print set on a crisp white backdrop. It looks to have never been worm and is a fantastic piece that still feels fresh even after all these years. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the front with buttons. Each cuff buttons to close with two buttons.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2736

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