Ruben Panis was known for his flair for drama. He started off his career designing costumes for showgirls in Las Vegas and eventually honed his skills by working for both James Galanos and Norman Norell. His gowns were worn by many Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor. At the height of his career he was charging up to $5000 for a dress which at the time was an exorbitant amount. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made

A light silk chiffon base through the majority of the dress makes this gown much lighter on than it may appear with that dense and heavy coverage of sequins. The way it is cut is very old Hollywood. The dress is sleeveless with and the bodice is plunged at both the front and the back, right to the seam that runs under the bust. Here the silver and black rows are set to angle down towards the center. This is then contrasted on the skirt where they are set on a angle that wraps around the body. The skirt is long and lean with a side slit to allow you to walk. All of the sequins are hand sewn into place in double rows of silver alternating with black. The overall effect - especially at a distance is really extraordinary. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made. Take particular note of the way that all of the rows line up at the seams whenever they can. That takes extra time, care and planning that gives you an idea of the quality of the dress. Excellent condition.

The bodice is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt is backed with a black chiffon. It closes with a back, painted metal & nylon zipper at the low back. Note that the back zips up a little more then shown, It was too small on the mannequin to zip the last 3-ish inches

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under bust: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17,5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to center front
Skirt: 44" from center waist seam to hem with another 2.5" turned up under hem
Side slit: 21" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3341

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 gorgeous golden set by Halston that combines his classic and easy to wear tunic with a more straight leg pant. Both pieces are made from a lightweight, bright gold metallic lurex lame fabric. It is almost weightless and feels effortless to wear. The ease of the pieces combined with the metallic fabric make this an easy way to be full on glamorous while still being entirely comfortable. This is the kind of outfit that will easily take you from a big evening event to entertaining at home with flats. You can wear the pieces together as shown, or as separates. The tunic is just long enough that you could probably get away with wearing it as a micro-mini. The pants are cut with straight, wide legs and slip on. Over that the tunic sits with a loose cut. Cinching in the waist with a belt would give you a whole other way to style it. Wonderful piece. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with elastic on the waist of the pants. Each cuff of the tunic has a loop and button to close. The fabric has a touch of transparency to it. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes.

Tunic
Sleeves: 25" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 33.5" from neck to hem

Pant
Waist: 12-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from waist to hem
Inseam: 27"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3340

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 Halston IV caftan, is a made from a stunning deep copper gold lurex lame and is an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still be entirely comfortable. The simple, classic design makes it is an easy way to be instantly dressed up and still entirely comfortable. I have seen Rachel Zoe wear the twin of this one around LA. I have also have had these in the shop in solid colored jersey, but the lame ones are just that little bit extra special I think. These easy to wear caftan dresses can go from the beach to entertaining at home with flats, to full on evening glamor. It is cut deceptively simple with a slit front neck and a second slit that goes up to the knee up the center seam at the front. The rest is loose and cut to skim over the body. The sleeves flow out from the body of the caftan and narrow down at the wrist. The skirt flows to the floor and widens out as it reaches the hem. You can wear this loose as I have photoed it here, or belt it if you want to add more shape and definition. This is a wonderful piece with all the lines you love from Halston. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has a slight transparency to it. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx. 22"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam and it widens to approx 26" around the hips
Length: 59" from shoulder to hem
Slit: 26" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3338

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 is one of my favorite designers and I love having his work in the shop. His clients included Elizabeth Taylor and opera singer Maria Callas and part of why they flocked to him was his ability to create stunning evening wear. His hallmark pieces were based on simple lines but with a masterful attention to construction. He shunned overt ornamentation and instead focused on cut and fabric to convey his vision for each piece. This is an amazing example of his work during this time period. His pieces were made by hand made and to demi-couture standards.

The dress is beautiful and comes with a matching capelet and an extra long sash. I love the lightness and airiness that is created by his use of the silk chiffon. The color is amazing in person. The photos are close, but don't quite capture the tone of the color. It is even better in person and the coral is a clearer brighter coral then how it photoed. The silk is cut on the bias and that gives the dress beautiful movement. The skirt has been constructed using four full layers of the silk. This creates beautiful volume and movement as the layers float over each other. The bodice is cut with a simple scooped front and another scoop at the back that is cut lower for a little extra bit of skin to show. The waist is seamed for a touch of definition but is still loose and comfortable to wear. If you want to add more definition you can cinch it in with the sash. The matching little cape sits over the shoulders. It stays in place with little hooks behind the buttons and you can wear those to either the back or front. Wearing it with the cape adds a pretty flowing feel to the dress. There is also a matching sash that comes with it. The sash is very long and you could wear it a multitude of ways, at the waist, as a turban or even substituting it for the cape and wearing it around the neck. It is very pretty and fresh feeling. Excellent condition

It is lined in multiple layers of the same coral silk chiffon. The dress closes with a hidden set, back painted metal and nylon zipper. The cape is unlined and hooks to close under the decorative buttons. I see one extremely faint area of darkening to the fabric about mid thigh on one side. I could not get it on camera it is so faint. The volume of fabric efficiently hides it. The silk is all bias cut and the measurements reflect the range it will go

Dress
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 39" from waist seam to hem
Cape: Length: 14.5" from top to bottom
Sash/Scarf: 120" x 30"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2488

Reference Photos: Shot for creative purposes by Nicole Ormerod  /  Stylist: Nadia Pizzimenti  /  Hair & Makeup:  Jodi Urichuk  /  models: Riley Young & Viktoria Light.

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 John Kloss piece is not 100% perfect but is too pretty to not put out there. I know there are collectors of his work and I hope someone falls in love with it as is. This would have been originally intended to be worn as lingerie piece. However, the recent trend towards wearing items more sheer and layered over inner foundation garments makes piece like this far more suitable as outwear now. This one walks the edge, as far as how sheer it is. It def has a touch of sheerness in a strong light but you could use it as a cover up, be daring and wear nothing but a slip under it, or layer it over just about anything underneath to the point where you can walk outside. The nylon is of a good quality and weight. The fabric is a pinky red color that I think is better in person then how it photoed even though the color is very close in these shots. It slips over the head with pretty cap sleeves that just cover the tops of the shoulder. The neckline is scooped and dips very low. I love the way that it is gathered under just the one side of the bust. It is so subtle and such an unusual detailing. There are a scattering of pinhead size dots at the front and a couple of the same down the front that are barely noticeable. The fabric itself is strong and otherwise in excellent condition

Unlined and slips on. Tagged M. The fabric does have some stretch. Dots on the front as per above. Please see the photo after the label shot for the area affected the most

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3336

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 Frank Usher dress is really wonderful. It is a full length maxi dress and the skirt falls to the floor with yards and yards of a bright orange based coral jersey for its fabric. The color is an instant showstopper and the fabric choice means that it drapes and moves fantastically. The skirt is cut on the bias and once it is on you get a better sense of just how much fabric has been used. The waist is set high and just under the bust. There are three long skinny ties made of the same fabric that loop through openings there. These allow you to cinch in the front and gather it a little more if you wish and then you can either leave the ties hanging on either side or tie them at the back. The top has two triangle halters that plunge to those front ties. They then curve up and extend into long straps that tie behind the neck. This leave the back completely bare. Excellent condition

The bodice is a double layer of the jersey and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a low back set zipper and also ties around the neck. Three ties runs through the front that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The color is a touch more coral then how it photoed in person

Bust: variable since it has no true side seams and has stretch
Underbust: to approx 14-16.5" flat across from side to side
Natural waist & hips: open
Length: somewhat adjustable but approx 58-60" from neck to hem it will vary a little depending on how you tie it at the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3335

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 absplutely love this Yves Saint Laurent piece.  I just had a blue version of this come in the shop a few weeks black and was very happy to find this black one. for you. The sequins are glossy and a true deep ink black and they cover every square inch of the piece. It is also a little extra special because it can play double duty. It can absolutely be worn as a tunic but if you are brave and don't mind showing off a mile of leg it is just long enough to be worn as a micro mini. Especially with the addition of a pair of tights underneath. The neckline is slightly scooped and set wide across the neck which allows for a little bit of skin to show on the top of your shoulders. The shoulders themselves are lightly padded so you get a touch of structure. The sleeves are long and the body of the tunic dress is cut to skim over the body in an easy, relaxed way. I love the detailing around the cuff of each sleeve and the bottom hem. It creates the impression of a ribbed sweater but this is all actually done with hand placed tube beads. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and slips on to wear with no closures. Light padding in each shoulder. Tagged a L but check measurements. The loose cut should fit a variety of sizes

Sleeves: 23.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3332

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 cape is from the Fall 1970 collection. A similar cut coat version with a shorter cape  and its twin was photoed on Francois Hardy for Vogue in 1970 and this cape has that same feel. That and the label it has tell us that it is from around that same time period. It is made of a gorgeous, deep purple wool and is cut to be fitted and sleek through the inner body. At the lower portion of the inner coat part, it flares out dramatically when you move because of two high slits that run up the hem on both sides. There are two pockets on each hip and it buttons up the front with big glossy domed buttons. This inner part is unlined so your arms are left free and easy. Over this is a wonderful and full cape that is attached around the neckline. This is cut so that it hangs longer at the center of both the front and back. There is a tin of fabric in it so that when you move you get wonderful movement from the fabric. It is a good weight and warm so practical as well. This is a very unusual and rare color that I have not seen before. Normally you see these in black or browns only. The cut is impeccable and it is a great piece of fashion history. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and buttons down the front to close. Pockets along the side hips. There is one teeny pinhole that is hidden under the cape when its on and a couple of tiny nips on the very top of the fabric near the shoulder. These are very faint. It should fit a variety of sizes

Inner bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from neck to hem
Slits at the sides: 21" from hem up
Cape: to 35" from neck to longest point

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C526

Reference Photo: (1) Francoise Hardy wearing a coachman's coat with small cape by Yves Saint Laurent for Vogue, August 1st, 1970.  /  (2) Yves Saint Laurent Cape, 1969.  /  (3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. (Cherie is also wearing a c.1997 YSL Hat - click here to shop that)

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 listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label. Was very happy to have a follower send me links to the 1972 Sonny and Cher album included here that dated this one and shows Cher wearing a simialar one! 

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a royal purple color that is a touch deeper and more vibrant in person then how it photoed here. I love the easy silhouette of the dress and how the front of the bodice has an elaborate and beautiful macrame detailing. This has been entirely done by hand and then hand applied to the dress. The front detailing is made an off white rope that is knotted into a thick braid and applied around the V neckline. It then falls from the base of the V into a dramatic cascade of long fringe knotted with wood beads. The  longest of the fringes go almost to the hem. This elaborate applique gives the simple cut of the dress an instant dose of high glamour. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. This one is unlabeled and has some small flaws but is in overall great condition. 

Unlined and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper. The macrame was hand made as a separate piece and then hand applied. The stitching is easily seen on the back of the fabric. The color is a touch more vibrant in person. Unlabeled. My cleaners managed to lighten the one spot on the side of the dress and then there are some small areas of color change to the purple. The last three photos show these areas. Sold as is and as final sale.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3326

Reference Photo: Cher in Bob Mackie, 1972 (from the Sonny & Cher 'Regreso' Album)

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 listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label.

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a stunning coral peach color that is a bit more vibrant in person then how it photoed here. I love the one shoulder silhouette and how the front of the bodice has an elaborate and beautiful beaded Native American feeling bird. All of the bead work is done by hand and has been hand applied to the dress. It is made entirely of turquoise, coral and wood beads and then it is edged in round silver beads. The tail of the bird is a dramatic cascade of long beaded fringe that goes almost to the hem. This elaborate applique gives the simple cut of the dress an instant dose of high glamour and the bird itself is like wearing a huge piece of jewelry. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. I have sold another example of this dress in a different color so was very familiar with this one. This one is unlabeled and has some small flaws but is in overall great condition. 

Unlined and closes with a hand set, slightly offset back painted metal zipper. The bird was beaded as a separate piece and then hand applied. The stitching is easily seen on the back of the fabric. The color is a touch more vibrant in person. Unlabeled. My cleaners managed to lighten the spots that were on the dress and the one that are left are very light now. The last three photos show the worst of them. Sold as is and as final sale.

Bust: 15-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3325

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 listing three of these early Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan dresses today and all are from the daughter of the original owner. All three have some degree of flaws to them but it was very important to my client to find new homes for these where they could be loved once again so all are priced very reasonably given the rarity of them. All are strong and wearable if you don't mind  that they are not 100% perfect. They are all from the early seventies and showcase the very beginning of Bob Mackie's career and this early collaboration that he had with Ray, who would end up being his life partner as well and was already an established, award winning costume designer in his own right. This label precedes Mackie's own label.

The dress is made out of a stretch silk jersey in a deep yellow color that photoed pretty bang on. I love the fitted silhouette of the dress and all that amazing sequin detailing. Running down the front are a series of different pieces of fruit that are all hand done using sequins, tiny tube beads and rhinestones. The dress is more fitted through the upper body and then flares out as it nears the hem. At the back there is a large cut out below the button and loop at the neck. This leaves a large expanse of bare skin across the back. And just above the butt is another cluster of strawberries for a little bit of a sassy finish. The fabric is cut on the bias and is insanely comfortable to wear so the contrast of that glamorous sequin detailing paired with a comfortable dress is irresistible. This is an amazing piece for the collector and these early duo label examples are very rare as they were made in extremely limited quantities. This one is labeled and does has some flaws but is otherwise in good condition. 

fully lined in a white stretch nylon lined and closes with a hand set back painted metal zipper and button at the back neck. The sequin work is all done by hand and hand applied. My cleaners managed to lighten the spot s on it some but they are still present. All are mainly on the back of the dress so the front presents as near perfect and the back shows all the staining with just one light spot on the front near the side seam and some faint areas on the edge of each cuff as well. . The photos after the label show show these areas. Sold as is and as final sale.

Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from top of neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3327

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 Lillie Rubin label was actually a chain of boutiques that sold mainly evening wear and carried other labels as well. Pieces often had both the Lillie Rubin shop label and the designer label. This dress has only its Lillie Rubin label but I have always wondered if it was perhaps a Halston. I have never been able to verify that. If it is not I think it was definitely inspired by the tie dye work that Halston was doing during this time period. I added a reference photo of a verified Halston tie dye caftan that was done in a similar color way to this dress. If this dress could be verified as one of his pieces then this is extremely good value for the person who buys it.

This dress is gorgeous. It is made out a light silk crepe that has been tie dyed for the prettiest effect. At the front two wide triangle panels are set into the low waist so that the cross over for coverage at the front and then tie behind the neck with skinny little silk straps. This leaves the back almost completely bare and it plunges right to the waist seam. The skirt flows to the floor under that in a double layer of the same silk. The waist is dropped and has elastic through it for an easy fit. It comes with a cleverly cut looped shawl piece that you can slip your arms though and it is sort of like a soft, loose half jacket. You could style this a number of ways. It is very pretty and an amazing set. Excellent condition

The bodice is unlined and slightly transparent, the skirt is a double layer of the fabric. It slips on the wear with elastic though the waist that is loose and easy set. The shawl has no closures, will fit any size and slip on

Bust: approx 17" across the front with open sides
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 19" from neck to dropped elastic waist
Skirt: 42" from dropped waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3310

Reference Photo: Halston Caftan.

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 wonderful cropped feather jacket that has no label but seems to be well made and is quite fabulous. The color of the feathers is a true black and they are wonderfully fluffy and soft. It has a fur hook to close it at the neck and the sleeves are long and cut fairly straight so that the balance the cropped cut of the jacket. I love this short cropped feel and the volume it creates to perfectly balance out wearing something slim underneath. Very rock and roll chic. It has that bit of a current Saint Laurent feel to it and the length means it can top just above anything. Excellent condition

The feathers are attached to a black chiffon base and then it is lined in a black satin. It has a fur hook at the neck to close and is open under that. hand finishes and tagged a Medium. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx 23" including feathers
Inside shoulders: 16"
Inside bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
At the hem: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 18.5" from neck to hem including feathers

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C525

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs, fur trimmed & feather pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. All fur coats, fur trimmed & feather pieces are final sale.

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

Ruben Panis was known for his flair for drama. He started off his career designing costumes for showgirls in Las Vegas and eventually honed his skills by working for both James Galanos and Norman Norell. His gowns were worn by many Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor. At the height of his career he was charging up to $5000 for a dress which at the time was an exorbitant amount. This is an excellent example of his work and very well made.

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk jersey that has been dyed to a clear, bright red. The way it is cut is very forties in feel with a bit of that old Hollywood charm. The bust is gathered in soft horizontal drapes that run from the top of the bodice to the top of the hip. Inside it is lightly boned. This gives it structure as well as creating a beautiful curving line that accentuates the body underneath. Running up and around the neck is a tiny strap made of the same jersey. This strap hooks into place at one side and you have the option of tucking it in and wearing the dress as a strapless piece. The skirt falls to the floor under that and the jersey gives it lots of swing and movement. To finish the dress, Panis added a little drama with elaborate beading that runs on each side of the dress. A large abstract flower with dangling bead in its center sits on each side. The petals are ling and curved. The effect is wonderful. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined in a red silky rayon and the skirt has an inner lining made of the same jersey fabric. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper and the strap hooks at one end. Light boning through the bodice and hand finishes.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of neck to natural waist, 20" to bottom of the draping
Skirt: approx 42" from natural waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3304

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 beading technique used on this dress is distinctive and it was this feature that led me to find the date of the collection. A dress from this same collection with a similar beading was photoed by Guy Bourdin for Vogue and a dress similar to that one was auctioned off at Sotherbys with the final hammer being 3000 euros. The dress I have here was actually donated to me by the owner who simply wanted it to find a great home. If this is sold at any time during this month, I have decided to donate the proceeds from this sale to Breast Cancer research in the spirit of paying it forward. Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. Their place in fashion history is even more so with his recent passing.

This dress is wonderful. In person it is even better then how it photoed, if that is possible, as it really molds to the body underneath it. The cut is simple but sexy with a wrapped feel to the bodice and a long skirt that falls to the floor. The dress is made out of a fine black silk crepe that has a slight give to it that allows it to fit to the body like it does. Onto the silk is that spectacular gold beaded design. The gold glass tube beads are hand applied and set so they climb up the bodice on the one side up and around the neckline and then wrap over the waist and trail down the side in two long curving points. This amazing design really emphasizes your curves. The neckline is high and the back curves and dips down quite low to leave the entire back bare. I love the wrapped illusion created by the way the beading is applied over the bodice and how the neckline curves up and around the neck in such a graceful line. The dress then skims over the hips and flares out once it reaches the hem with a touch of a fishtail effect at the back and a side vent that really allows it to flare out as you walk. It is magic once on an actual body. Excellent condition

Partially lined on the same black silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a side painted metal zipper. Hand finished interior to demi-couture standards.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to front hem, 46" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3293

Reference Photos: F/W 1973-74 Chloe by Guy Bourdin for French Vogue.

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 dress by designer Ted Lapidus. Lapidus began selling his designs in the 1950s in Paris. By 1963 his work garnered him a spot as a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and he added Haute Couture to his ready to wear lines. This is a beautiful and rare example of his Couture workmanship. It is unfortunately not perfect and so is sold as is and as a final sale. It could potentially be worn as is with care if you don't mind that your vintage is not perfectly perfect.

The dress is full length with a beautiful, ling line to it. The top is detailed with a very long and pointed collar which instantly gives it that 1970s feel. The neckline is set in a V under. It is more fitted through the top and this then skims over the waist and hips for shape. From there the skirt falls the floor, widening out quite a bit as it nears the hem. A ruffle runs down either side of the front center, from just under the collar all the way to the hem. It is split up the front of the skirt quite high so when you move or sit you get a flash of long legs. The sleeves are the cut with a touch of fullness above their cuffs and are not lined so the full impact of the dotted fabric is seen. The fabric is gorgeous. It is a silk chiffon with black, flat velvet dots cut and set into the silk. This is where some of the damage is as many of these around the upper shoulders have started to break away from the silk chiffon around them. Even with this small flaw this dress is incredible and pried far, far below what it would be otherwise for a piece of Haute Couture. Good overall condition through the body of the dress with some damage as described below.

Fully lined through the body in a back silk. Closes at the back with a fine black zipper. Hand finished through out and proper couture label intact. There are decently done repairs to the silk chiffon on the top of both shoulders and som eof the dots on the sleeves near the upper shoulder. But of you spread the fabric out you can see that other dots are coming away from the silk along the sleeves and I spotted at least one where it is happening near the arm of the main part of the dress and I may have missed some other small areas. There is also a small tear in the chiffon on the other side mar the arm. Sold as is and a final sale. Please review all provided photos shown after the labels shot.

Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: 25"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem
Slit: 27" from the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3289

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 great little unlabeled dress that has lots of impact. The main body of the dress is a black synthetic jersey that has just a bit of give to it for comfort. Finishing each sleeve is a wide cuff made up of glossy black feathers that really up the dramatic feel of the dress. The waist is defined by a high band inset of the same fabric. The front plunges to this band so you get a touch of skin there. At the back there are two ties, one at the back and the other set at the top of the zipper. In between is a curved, round cut out that leaves the back completely bare. The sleeves are long and lean so that those fantastic feather cuffs have even more contrast. The skirt falls to the floor from the band under the bust, skimming over the torso and hips and then flaring out at the hem. That play on the bare skin of the bodice paired with the high drama of the feathers make for a real show stopper. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the low back with a metal & nylon zipper and snaps at each cuff. The feathers are glossy and there is no shedding.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam, 13.5"-15" at the under-bust seam
Waist at second seam under the bust: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 110" from shoulder to first seam under the bust, 12" to the second
Skirt: 44" from second seam under the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E668

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

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

This gorgeous ball gown skirt and top set is a wonderful example of the work that Blass was doing in this time period. We were able to date it exactly with a family photo that my client shared with me. Additionally, a version of the skirt with a different top appeared in the September issue of Vogue that year on none other then Jerry Hall. The skirt is made out of a vivid hot pink silk satin that is edged in a wide black silk ribbon at the hem. The color in person is even better then how it photoed and has more depth and richness in real life. It has a detachable wide silk satin sash that has a large bow at the front and ties that trail almost to the hem of the skirt. The skirt is very full and I have styled it with a full length crinoline under the skirt for these shots (I also included a shot of it without so that you can see that it is still very full). The fullness that you see once it is sitting over the underskirt is all done through the way it is cut. The choice of the silk satin also helps it to hold the shape while still keeping it fairly light in weight. The top that goes with it is made out of a baby soft, light cashmere feeling wool that has a slight texture running through it. It is made with elastic through the waist which makes it insanely comfortable to wear. I love that you can wear it tucked in or with the hip peplum out and than add the belt for more shape to it regardless of which way you decide on.  Each sleeve is very full and voluminous. The cuffs end in a ruffle of the same fabric for a wonderful effect. The neckline is finished with that same ruffle and at the back it hooks into place down a long slit opening that runs from the neck to about midway down the back. You could probably even wear the top the other way around if you preferred. The volume and drama of the three pieces worn all together is amazing. Having the three pieces also makes it so versatile as you can wear it all together for the full Blass look, or mix and match with other modern pieces from your wardrobe. It is beautifully made and wonderfully extravagant. Excellent condition

The top is unlined and the skirt fully lined in a matching colored silk. The skirt closes with a metal and nylon zipper and a hook & eye at the waist. The top slips on with elastic through the waist. It has hook & eye down the back and each cuff buttons to close with a fabric covered button and loop. The sash closes with hook and eye.

Top
Sleeves: approx 26" with no defined shoulder seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 24" from neck to hem and the elastic waist falls at approx 17"

Skirt
Waist: 13.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46" from waist to hem
Matching cummerbund: 30" from end to end and the hooks could easily be moved up or down as needed

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3284

Reference Photos: (1) Jerry Hall in Bill Blass, Vogue US, September 1977. Photo by Chris Von Wagenheim.  /  (2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

Renato Balestra launched his couture label in Rome in 1951. His work quickly gained international fame and was one of the cornerstone ateliers of the Italian couture 'Alta Moda' movement. This is a beautiful example of his work and is in remarkable condition.

The dress is made from a fine silk chiffon that makes it feel feather light. Mixed with that is a fine black silk net that is then fused with a glitter that gives the dress is sparkle and glitz. The bodice is simple and perfect with a crossed over front that plunges into a deep V. There is no backing through the bodice at all and this gives it a semi-sheer transparency. The skirt is cut with a touch of fullness and is lined all through the part where it is the plain black chiffon. It is set so that it appears to wrap and tie around you but this is all created by clever seaming and cutting as it is actually all attached through the waist and then only open under that along the wrapped over edge. The top edges of the bodice and down each side are inset with that black netting. Onto that silk netting the glitter has been fused and this all is laid out in a beautiful and intricate design. The workmanship to attach the netting to the silk chiffon cannot be underplayed as this would have taken hours of meticulous hand work to accomplish. I love the effect of this one on the body. The bottom portion of the skirt picks on this same effect of the tops edging and it is finished with a full 17" panel of that wonderful fused glitter on net technique. I also love how the very bottom edging is finished to follow the pattern of the design and is done in the deep pointed scalloping that you see. A matching, attached silk chiffon sash cinches in the waist for added shape. The workmanship is exquisite and the play on transparencies is very sexy. Excellent condition

Unlined through the bodice and fully lined through the skirt from the waist to the top of where the netting begins on the lower skirt. Attached matching silk chiffon sash at the waist. It closes with a series of tiny snaps up the side and has an inner waist stay that closes with hook & eye.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to longest points of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3283

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 focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. 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 $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

This dress has the most unusual and wonderful fabric treatment that has been applied onto its surface. Hundreds and hundreds of little embroidered white triangles of fabric have been applied to the dress to cover it from shoulder to hem. These are sewn onto a fine white silk netting and then that is layered over an inner, more ivory toned, silk crepe. This play on tone give it more depth and visual interest. The triangles are set onto the fabric so that parts of the points flutter off the fabric, giving them a 3D quality. The actual dress under that amazing applique work is quite structured. The bodice has slim sleeves that taper in from the shoulder as they reach the ends, and the neckline is cut wide and squared off at the front. The shoulders have very light padding and they are set so they have a bit of high capped feel to them. At the back it is slightly scooped. The dress follows the body with has vertical seaming that bring it on at the waist a touch and then it falls to the floor. A high back vent is the perfect finish and gives a glimpse of leg. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk crepe and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Very well finished. In person it has a touch more of an ivory tone to the base.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3282

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This dress is made out of a fine Indian printed silk and that, along with that vivid color combo of the pink and green, give it a definite wow factor. The print that covers the dress has a gorgeous abstract curving design and this runs over every inch of the dress. There is also a secondary ribbon texture that is woven directly into the silk for added interest. I love the lightness and airiness of the dress created by the yards and yards of the ultra fine silk chiffon used. Working in this type of fabric is already difficult and this would have taken many hours of work to complete this dress. The silk is cut on the bias through the skirt and there are yards and yard of it. The tremendous amount of fabric that was used to make up the skirt allow it have wonderful movement and drape. It seems to float around you at the slightest movement. The neckline is squared off and cut low, with the bodice more fitted under that. The waist is nipped in for shape. The sleeves are cut so that they widen out to be quite full by the time they reach the wrist with a lovely flare shape, ending in a wide and full cut. At the back the dress scoops low for an expanse of skin to show. It has a matching sash that you can use at the waist, neck, or as a head scarf. It will also ship with an additional skinny belt covered int he same fabric (not pictured). Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below

Fully lined in bright green silk with the sleeves lined in silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set, painted metal & nylon zipper. Hand finishes. The sash has hand rolled edges The inner lining to the skirt has small nicks and thinning to it throughout. It seems stable and is completely wearable as is. No similar issues to the outer layer at all. Some grubbiness to the hem that gets lost in the print. I see one mark on the skirt that gets lost in the print.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at Inner lining: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem
Sash: 41" x 15.5

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3281

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

Jean-Louis Scherrer was a Parisian fashion designer and couturier. He trained under both Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent while at Dior. He worked briefly for Louis Feraud and then launched his own fashion house in 1962. From 1962 to 1992, Jean-Louis Scherrer dressed some of the most prestigious women in the world, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Paola of Belgium, Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch and many more. His work was known for known for  being opulent, with hand-beading, embroidered and lavish trimmings, all done on the very best of fabrics. It is wonderful to have such a beautiful piece of his work in the shop

This dress is exceptional and a remarkable example of Mr. Scherrer's work. The color is amazing. A bright spring green is mixed with a slightly deeper green and a white to create the floral print that you see. This is screened onto a fine silk gazar that has a secondary floral print woven directly into the silk, adding to the rich feel of the fabric. The skirt is wonderfully full with yards and yards of bias cut silk. This floats over a series of inner silk and tulle skirts that create shape and volume. The bodice is constructed so that it has the feel of a sculpted evening jacket but it is fully attached. The collar is set so that is sits slightly raised and frames the neck. It is also cut wider across so you get this lovely glimpse of the collar bones before it plunges into a mid-V at the front. Large bejeweled gripoix poured glass buttons detail the front. The sleeves taper in as they near each wrist. The waist curves in with a beautiful line and then flares over the hips, curving down and around the back. An attached half belt that is finished with a bow adds additional shaping through the lower back. It is beautiful and has a lovely formal feel but without feeling too stuffy. In excellent condition with one minor note to review below

Both pieces are fully lined in in a fine deep green silk. It closes with middle set zipper at the back and each sleeve has a zipper at its cuff. Under the buttons at the front are hidden hand set, silk covered snaps. The skirt has an two inner skirts, one of which has a tulle layer attached starting just under the hip. Hand finishes. There is one small repair and small marks near the hem of the back skirt near the side seam. Please see the last photo provided here

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Innermost lining hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3279

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 Jean Varon is amazing. It looks like it was never worn and is incredible condition. The fabric it is made out of is a taupe crepe jersey. This fabric choice really allows the dress to drape and move wonderfully as it has some weight to it and holds the intended lines wonderfully. It was quite obviously inspired by ancient Greek and and that combined with its seventies bareness gives it load of sex appeal. The skirt is cut on the bias so that it feels like a column when you stand still but when you move, it moves with you and you get a sense of the true amount of fabric that was used to construct the skirt. The top is fantastic with a halter cut at the front. Two triangles of fabric plunge to the just below the bust and curve over the shoulders. The first waist seam is set high and just under the bust. Fabric is gathered under this vertically and then a second seam hugs the natural waist to give the dress a Grecian feel. Under the second seam is a flaring hip peplum. The sides are left completely bare with the shoulders extending down into the low waist of the back. These cross over straps that extend from under the bust at the front to create a grid at the side and back that keep the dress in place but leave the sides and back completely bare. I love that the seams that define the bust and waist are highlight with cording in a combination of a metallic gold and taupe. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a low back set zipper and hook & eye to close each of the straps at the back. Note that it was too tiny for my dress form and of course zips and closes perfectly on the correct sized girl. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The color is slightly paler in person. Hand finished

Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to bottom of the waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SM

Item# DD3100

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