Andre Courreges introduced his Hyperbole label in 1970 as a ready to wear line. The contrasting white with the vivid orange is a predominant theme and gave the pieces a more sporty look. The unusual colour choice combined with his signature cuts make them instantly recognizable as being his work. Similar examples are held in museums worldwide and I am always pleased to have his original work in the shop. 

This is a really great coat that has some weight to it making it warm and cozy to wear. It is belted for a slight touch of definition through the waist and the big flap pockets with those white buttons at the front act as both a design feature and give it a sense of sporty utility. Big round white buttons do up the front and at the back there is a row of them that run down the middle of the back. These are all functional buttons which is remarkable and shows you the level of quality in RTW back then. It is cut to skim over the body and be more fitted through the top and then the bottom portion is cut on a bit of a flare to the hem. The neckline is structured and set high with a collar that is set back to the sides and curls over. Epaulets sit on the top of shoulder with more button detailing. The seams are topstitched in a thread that is the same colour as the wool. Inside, the coat is finished with a quilted padding that keeps you warm. Courreges once commented when asked about how his fit and cuts came about, saying that it 'was somewhere between a youthful and optimistic inventiveness, and a concept of fashion embracing the platonic ideal of perfect form. What was needed was to apply new technical and aesthetic rules and to create a modern style that was easy to wear.'  Excellent overall condition with notes to review below

The jacket buttons to close at the front and it has its original belt that buttons into place. More buttons run down the back vent and are set at each cuff. The pockets button to close as seen. It is tagged a Courreges size 00. There are a few grazes out of the wool near the hem and on the lower portion of the coat. All are stable and do not go fully through and did not worsen after being dry cleaned. A minor mark to the interior lining. Please see all the photos after the label shot. It presents as excellent. 

Sleeves: 23"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C559

Reference Photo: Courreges (left) and Miss Dior (right) coats, L'officiel magazine, 1971.

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

Andre Courreges introduced his Hyperbole label in 1970 as a ready to wear line. The contrasting white with the vivid orange is a predominant theme and gave the pieces a more sporty look. The unusual colour choice combined with his signature cuts make them instantly recognizable as being his work. Finding a jumpsuit complete with its matching jacket is very rare and it is a fabulous set. His work is held in museums worldwide and I am always pleased to have his original work in the shop.

This is an amazing set that is made out of a wool that has a soft, almost fuzzy, feel to it. Andre was known for his unusual fabric choices and this would have been cutting edge at the time. The jumpsuit is cut to skim over the body and hips and then the legs are straight with a slight flare to them as they reach the hem. Depending on your height they will sit as a bit of a crop. Big round painted white snaps do up the front above a zipper. There is a double set of flap pockets stacked on top of each other. One set is at the waist and the other at the top of the hip. The jacket is cut in his classic cropped silhouettes. Big flap pockets sit on each side at the front and it closes with a huge chunky white zipper. This one has a belt that goes through big belt loops around the bottom of the jacket and then it closes in the front with a painted metal buckle. I love how once it is on it sits just above that lower flaps on the jumpsuit. White snaps close each cuff and perfectly tie into the snaps on the jumpsuit. It is an incredible piece and is even better on an actual person. This is a very rare example of his work. Presents as overall excellent condition with notes to review below

The jacket zippers to close at the front and it has its original belt that buckles into place. The jumpsuit closes at the front with snaps and a zipper under those. It is tagged a Courreges size B. The flap pockets are all decorative. The fabric shows minor pilling overall and this is a natural part of the aging of this type of fabric. There is a darkened mark on the inside of one leg and a couple of minor spots on the sleeves. Some yellowing to the inner lining of the pants at the inner seam. Minor paint loss to the zipper/snaps and buckle. Please see all the photos after the label shot. 

Jacket
Sleeves: 23.5"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to hem

Jumpsuit
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55.5" from shoulder to hem
Inseam: 28" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3610

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 fantastic piece by Yves Saint Laurent that manages to feel refined and chic, yet very bold at the same time. This is a piece that would have been produced in the early 1970s and shows all the hallmarks of his work during this time period. The body of the sweater is made of a wool mix and I love how it blends a deep rusty red with a darker taupe colour. This gives the piece a very chic country feel. It is cut to cut long and straight through the body with no waist so that it creates a simple line that stops at the top of the hips. If you wanted more shape you could easily belt it. Front pockets sit low on the front on eithor side of the buttons. The buttons themselves are round and thick and are a deep charcoal meant to highlight the fur trim. The fur circles around the tops of each arm and is a soft and supple black fox. This adds unexpected volume to the top. This came from a woman who was very fashionable and regularly bought couture and high end and her pieces were well stored. Excellent condition  

Unlined and closes down the front with the buttons you see. Tagged medium. The pockets at the front are shallow but functional. There is the slightest of wear to the edges of the fur but I am being extremely picky. 

Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust-hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S926

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 a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed 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. Fur pieces are final sale.

Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional. This set is a little extra special since it still has its matching jacket which gives you more versatility in how you can choose to wear it. Hanae Mori excelled at these beautiful floral prints and when I find pieces with one of her oversized florals done in a mix of her signature soft and dreamy pastels I am very happy. I feel that pieces like this are among the very best representations of her work.

This is everything you look for in a Hanae piece. It has that wonderful custom designed print screened onto feather light silk layers on both the exterior layer and on the inner dress. This allows the two prints on each layer to be slightly offset as they layer over each other. This gives the print an extra dimension of depth. Doing this is one of her signatures and she used two types of silks to achieve this effect. This one takes that concept even further with multiple layers used in its construction. The innermost layer is a silk twill that takes colour exceptionally well. This has been printed with the her customs design and then it is interlined in a layer of tissue silk. Then there is a layer of the palest pink silk chiffon that defuses the print between the top and bottom layer. The outermost top layer is a printed silk chiffon that gives the dress its light and airy feel and has a touch of transparency to it. The dress is suspended from the shoulder with two padded silk straps that curve up and over the shoulders. It dips into a wide flattened V at the front and scoops low at the back. From the neckline it cascades and skims loosely over the body, gently widening out until it reaches the hem. It is cut to be very long and I love how the pattern changes and gets more intricate as it nears the hem. Over this is a gorgeous little silk chiffon jacket. The sleeves are cut extra wide and have that same pale pink silk chiffon layer under the top layer. Slits run partway up the inner seam of each sleeve so that you get a very wide feel to them as you move your arms. The body of the jacket is loose and full with an inner pink silk lining and is cut to mirror the widening of the lower part of the dress. It has a high rounded collar and closes down the front with three large frog knots made out of the same silk chiffon over inner padding. It is a stunning example of her work and beautifully made. I have included a photo of the hand finished interior seams cut in the traditional couture manner. I love it. Excellent condition with a minor note below

The inner silk twill dress is interlined in tissue silk and then has two layers of silk chiffon over that. It closes with a back zipper and then each silk chiffon layer closes with her signature silk covered teeny snaps. The jacket closes with the frog knots at the front. The loose and easy bias cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. Hand finished throughout. Hand rolled edges. The very upper edge of the collar is starting to fray and I see the tiniest faintest of marks on the front that you would never see when on

Dress
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of straps to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3589

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 twin of this dress is held in the permanent archives of The Metropolitan Museum. It would not surprise me to find out that these were the only two samples of this dress in existence. True Haute Couture pieces were never produced in any significant quantities. The dress is as wearable now as it was when first made and feels very modern. It is entirely finished by hand and is from the time period when the house was run by Hubert de Givenchy himself. This is a wonderful and well documented piece showcasing Givenchy's work during this time period. I have included the dress that the MET has in the final shot here for your reference

The dress is made of a deep blue grey silk crepe. It is cut with a strong nod to the classic Grecian silhouette that leaves one shoulder exposed and bare. The construction details throughout the dress are exquisite. The bodice has been gathered by hand to create a series of soft pleats that run from the shoulder to the waist. These are set on a curving angle to follow the cut of the neckline as it works it way up towards the shoulder. The draping and soft pleat technique adds a beautiful detailing to the bodice of the dress. The waist is defined by a slim gold leather cord that wraps and ties to add shape. The skirt falls below this to the floor gently widening out a touch as it nears the hem. A second panel of fabric is draped over the skirt and set so that it angles softly down one side mirroring the angle of the shoulder. Slipping over this is a short cape that is made from the same fabric. It is cut on an angle to point down the front and the back and gives the dress a beautiful flowing feel. The colour is richer and deeper in person and on an actual body the entire dress really comes to life. Excellent condition with a few small notes below to review.

The dress is fully lined in a hand set blue silk of very high quality. There is a wide waist stay that hooks at the inner waist. It closes with a hand set, side painted metal zipper and from the waist down there are hidden set snaps that close the fabric of the skirt over the zipper. The bodice is lightly boned and there are small bust pads that are handset inside the bodice. The cape is unlined and slips over the head to wear. There are some light snags in the fabric here and there and some small areas pf darkening on the skirt overlay - the snags are most noticeably on the back of the skirt near the bottom - these are seen most when it is laid out flat but once on the color and placement make all of them negligible. Please see the two images after the label shots. All the interior work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards. Proper Couture tags on both pieces. Haute Couture tape label #55417

Dress
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Cape
39" from neck to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2767

Reference Photo: 1973 Givenchy Evening Dress from The MET Collection.

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

The Nina Ricci Haute Couture house was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and became one of the pre-eminent couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant who took over the atelier in 1954. Over the following three decades, his Haute Couture vision "celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day."

This dress is a wonderful example of Pipart's vision for the house and is a stunning example of the work that the atelier was producing during this time period. The dress is made of from a fine silk chiffon that has been dyed to the perfect red. Every stitch is done by hand and the hours that would have been put just into the hand rolling and stitching of all the edges on the various layers on the skirt alone is mind-boggling. The skirt is made of four full layers of bias cut silk that is layered over each other in cascading tiers of fabric. Each layer is cut to curve up slightly at the front and dip down longer at the back. The layers of silk create a beautiful sense of movement and lightness when you move. The bodice is beautiful. It is densely beaded by hand in a pretty floral pattern all the way around from front to back. Tiny silk straps curve up and over the shoulders. Along the very top edge of the neckline at the front is an attached panel of silk chiffon that wraps up and around the neck leaving the silk to trail down the back. This little extra detail creates a bit of high drama and intrigue to the design. The scarf is original to the dress but may have been attached at a later date. It would be an easy job to unattached it and have it as a separate piece again if you wished. It is stunning in person and on the body. Excellent condition with one small note below.

Fully lined in red silk chiffon and closes with a back hand set zipper. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely made by hand. There are two small areas of a darkened spots on both sides of the attached silk panel. Please see the two photos after the label shot. Depending on how this is tied and styled it does not necessarily show and if was unattached again you would have the option to not wear it with the dress. The proper Haute Couture label is present.

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2369

Quote and historical info on the house is taken from the Nina Ricci Website

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 cut of this dress is a very flattering one shoulder silhouette. The base fabric is a light silk that is cut on the bias so that the dress drapes and molds over you to skim and highlight your curves without having a super tight fit. This makes the dress extremely comfortable to wear. The one side curves up and over the shoulder where it hooks into place with a trio of hooks & eye. From there it curves gracefully across the back. The dress falls to the floor with a high slit running up one side so that when you move you get a flash of leg. The sequins are set flat and side by side onto the fabric in long vertical rows. They are an iridescent pink and catch the light at the slightest movement. Worked into the sequins are little graphic triangles that run in a line down the full length of both sides of the dress. The hem and neckline are edged in a band of silver tube beads. Each of the triangles are also edged in a double row of those same silver tube beads and the interior of each triangle has a pinky-coral glitter fused directly onto the silk. The glitter parts are actually multi-coloured and this creates a touch of a holographic feel to them. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a pink silk. It closes with a metal and nylon side zipper. It is tagged a vintage 8. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57.5" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3401

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 version of this set is held by the Liverpool Museum and was a key piece in the exhibit at the Walker Art Gallery Collection for the Fashion Icons: Celebrating Gay Designers exhibit. The show notes for their piece stated; 'Bill Gibb was born in Scotland and moved to London to study fashion design at St Martin’s School of Art. Between 1969 and 1972 he worked as a freelance designer for the fashion house of Baccarat before launching his own company. This evening dress, with its petal-shaped hemline, and glowing jewel-like colours, is typical of much of Gibb’s work in the early 1970s. In particular, his use of an exotic pattern and a metallic Lurex thread in the fabric shows how he was often influenced by rich historic fabrics and non-Western cultures.'

Gibb was one of the most influential and famous designers in 1970s Britain and his clothes were sought out and worn by the rich and famous. This set is a wonderful example of the kind of work he was doing during this time period. His use of these metallic lurex fabrics helped to add a fantastical twist to the story he was trying to tell through his clothing. This set has all four original pieces to it. There is a skirt, a sleeveless tank that buttons at the front, the most fabulous jacket and a matching belt. The skirt is cut to midi length and is made of a series of flat knife cut pleats that fall from a more fitted hip. The choice of the lightweight lurex lets it have a ton of movement when you move and the pleats swish around you when you walk. The sleeveless top tucks into that. It is made in the traditional tailoring manner with a panel of lining fabric attached all the way around the bottom. This is something you normally see in couture pieces. This additional panel of fabric is made so that when you tuck it into the skirt you are not adding any bulk or lines around the hip area. The top buttons down the front and closes with holographic faceted buttons. Topping these two pieces is the jacket. It is cut with high capped shoulders and has an over-sized dog eared collar. It cinches in at the waist by seaming and flares out below that to past the hip. There are big curved pockets on each hip and the same buttons close the jacket that are on the top. It almost has a slouchy cardigan feel to it. The set comes with its original belt that has an unusual finish of a flexible holograph strip on the front of it. This strip picks up on the buttons of the jacket and top. I have shown the belt over the skirt and top, and then also around the jacket, since it works either way. The colour in the lurex is a fabulous mix of a soft green with other colours running through. The heavy dose of glitter running over the lurex softens the fabrics and gives it a fairy tale quality. I love the nod to the forties that the set has and the fabric is truly incredible. This is a rare set from one of my personal favourite designers. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

The skirt is lined through the hips and then where the pleats start it is unlined. It closes with a side zipper. The top is unlined and buttons to close with of lining around the lower half that you tuck into the skirt. The jacket is lined in a green silk satin and buttons to close. Two buttons on each cuff. Pockets on each hip of the jacket. Original tie belt. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Jacket
Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 16" from waist to hem

Top
Bust: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21" from shoulder strap to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2739

Reference Photos: (1) Evening dress, Bill Gibb, 1973 from the Walker Art Gallery Collection, Fashion Icons: Celebrating Gay Designers" exhibit / (2) Evening dress, cellulose acetate, nylon and lurex, Bill Gibb, 1973, Liverpool Museum Archives. / (3) Charlotte Rampling wearing Bill Gibb for Harpers & Queen, February 1973. Photo by Barry McKinley.

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

In 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals.  By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. That said, his ready-to-wear was made to almost that of true couture and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in the construction of his dresses and gowns. Grace Kelly was an early fan. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. 

Here we have a piece that dates to the late 1970s or early 1980s. It is absolutely gorgeous and as good as it looks in the photos, know that it is even better in person. The texture and quality of the fabric should be seen and felt not just viewed on the screen. The skirt is remarkable. It is cut to be one long and lean line. It has a high 19" side slit that allows for a good amount of leg to show and for you to be able to walk with that curved and fitted cut. The fabric is very unusual. It it is a black silk jersey that is a puffed 3 dimensional quality to it created by hand stitching the pattern into the fabric. This adds incredible texture to the dress and is in direct contrast to the more restrained manner that the bodice has been pleat stitched. For the bodice the fabric has been seamed with teeny little pleats that are all set on a curve. These are then hand gathered and ruched over the inner corseting so that the fabric curves around you. Set into the silk of the bodice is a curved  panel of black lace. This is set in and not backed with any lining so that it is transparent and allows your skin to peek through. This curved bit of sensual lace begins just off the centre and between the breasts, curves under and then runs half way down the back on a beautiful sloping curve to expose a sliver of the waist and hip. It gives the dress just the slightest touch of a scandalous feel. Two skinny straps extend out from either side of the lace at the top and curve up and over the shoulder on a curving angle. It is insanely sexy. Exquisite to the last detail. It appears to have been worn very little it at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black and metallic stretch silk jersey through the bodice and it is lightly boned and formed. The fabric of the skirt is self-lined and the interior seams ribbon and piped finished. It closes with a side zipper. All hand work inside.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2510

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

Youseef joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favourites. While at Malcom Starr he designed pieces that had his name on it and the Malcolm Starr International label as well. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture drama and cut that he learned while in Paris with the color and vividness of his homeland.

The colors in this dress are amazing and when combined with the gold metallic thread that runs through the silk from top to bottom, the final effect is just beautiful. The exterior is made from a printed red silk chiffon. Woven through the silk are little golden dots made out of a metallic gold lurex. This adds a subtle shine to the entire dress. Picking up on that are curving bands of gold sequins that have been hand applied onto the silk. These follow the curving parts of the design on the silk. Some parts of the pattern have an even denser application of the sequins for added glitz and to highlight that part of the design. This multi-layered textural feeling makes the fabric feel rich and exotic. This is then layered over an interior red silk lining through the skirt and front bodice. The back and sleeves are not lined so you catch a glimpse of skin through the silk. The sleeves are wonderful. Each extends from the bodice in a wide swatch of fabric and then taper down as they reach the wrist so that they billow out. The neck is simple and slightly scooped. The skirt falls from the waist and gently widens out as it nears the floor. It is a beautiful, dramatic piece and it is even better on person and on an actual body. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a deep red silk with the sleeves, shoulders and upper back left unlined. It closes with a back painted metal zipper from the waist down and buttons above that to the neck. Each sleeve has a snap at the cuff.

Sleeves: approx 24" from natural shoulder
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: open with no defined side seams
Waist: 13" flat across the back from seam to seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across the back from seam to seam of the skirt's lining
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3224

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 and rare gown was designed by Bob Mackie. Mackie shot to fame with the work he did dressing Cher. The best of his work is dramatic and opulent and he was a master at print and color. He worked for both Edith Head and Jean Louis, where he drew Marilyn Monroe's famous 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress, prior to working as a costume designer and co-designing with fellow costume designer Ray Aghayan who would become his life partner. That led to his incredible journey in designing for stars like Cher and Diana Ross for many years. In many ways it was his work and his creations that really defined their careers and helped to shape that entire idea of high glamour on the small screen. How work is incredible and this dress is one of the favourites I have had in the shop and shows his range as a designer beyond his signature beaded pieces.

This is an extraordinary Bob Mackie dress that is made in a vivid coral silk chiffon. Onto the silk are huge pink and soft orange closers set among bright green leaves. This colour combination is stunning to see. The bodice is made into a corset that is hidden under the extensive draping of the silk the covers it. Inside it is fully formed and shaped for full support. The fabric at the front crosses over itself to highlight the shape of the bust and the top of the bodice is set in a  high peak. This visually cuts on the waist and adds length. The skirt flows out from under the waist and it is made up of yards and yards of silk set in individual panels priced together. This allows the silk to really move and the movement it creates as you move is just incredible. It is cut on a curve so the layers at the front are shorter which allows some leg to show when you walk. The skirt is made up of thee full layers of silk and under that top printed layer are two more layers of a solid coral silk chiffon. All the silk is cut on the bias. The dress comes with its original matching cape piece. This buttons at the neck and then flows down and around you. It is cut on that same curves line that angles down and back around you. The colour is a bright tropical feeling print and it is truly one of the best dresses of his that I have seen. Excellent condition with one small note below

The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a red silk. The skirt has two inner layers of coral silk that follow the line of the outer layer. The bodice is shaped and and fully boned inside and has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. It then closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout and hand rolled edges. There are some repairs to the edge of the hem of the cape and one small one near the hem of the dress

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of the high peaked bodice to bottom of inner waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to longest part of hem
Cape: approx 60"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3384

Reference Photos: 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.

Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. The twin of this dress was photoed a year later for the September issue of Vogue on Donna Mitchell and I think that this photo has become one of the most famous shots of her and one of the best shots done for Vogue period. To have this in the shop is a bit of a holy grail for me personally as it is such a beautiful dress that I  have always loved. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of  the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have a way of flattering the wearer. Even when the dress was as extravagant as this one is. He knew how to walk that line perfectly. This very early piece of his work and with its glamorous fabric, history and that dramatic feather collar, it is some of his very best work ever. 

The dress is stunning and besides the actual beauty of it as a dress, the fabric is one of the best textiles I have ever seen. It is a printed silk voile in a riotous colour palette of yellow, coral and black with dots of an extra soft plush chenille fused onto the surface. The chenille appliqué covers the entire dress from shoulder to hem and gives it the most amazing tactile feel. The dots also give the dress texture and a three dimensional quality. To offset the texture and extravagance of the print on that fabric, the actual lines of the dress are fairy simple The bodice skims over the bust to the seamed waist and the sleeves are long and straight with zippers at each cuff. The neckline is high and scooped. The skirt falls from the waist to the floor in a gentle widening line. At the neck it becomes all drama again. Here we see that famous feathered collar in all its glory. the collar is actually a separate piece on its own that hooks into place and I have provided photos of the dress with and without the collar. The feathers on the collar have been hand dyed to match the colours of the dress and there are hand dyed smaller feathers hand placed and attached onto the larger feathers to create the pattern that you see. The effect is amazing and it is even better on person and on an actual body as all the elements really come to life. It is really one of the most significant and dramatic pieces ever done by him. A true collectors piece. Excellent condition 

The entire dress including the sleeves is fully lined in a nude coloured silk. It closed with a back painted metal zipper and each cuff has a zipper to close. The collar is backed with a silk organza and hooks to close. There are a few tiny areas of thinning to the silk behind the feathers of the collar but these are extremely minor. Overall it appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Sleeves: 23.5"
Shoulders: 14"
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" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem with 3.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3562

Reference Photo: Donna Mitchell in Bill Blass, Shot by Richard Avedon, Vogue US, September 1971.

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

This is from the famous Russian collection from the Fall 1976 Collection and these are rare and hard to find. The now legendary 'Opéra Les Ballets Russes' Haute Couture collection by Yves Saint Laurent for that season was one that took the fashion world by storm and has been endlessly re-interpreted since. Stylist Catherine Baba has the twin of this coat and versions have been well documented. The Met has a fabric version in their collection and the suede version was photoed for Vogue that season. This was a key look of the season and highly collectible. 

The coat is in exceptional condition and looks to have been worn very little if at all. The leather is soft supple and the color is a deep chocolate. The inner bodice has been lined in a sheared sheepskin that is very soft and fine and has been dyed to a deep chocolate color to match the leather. The sheared sheepskin is set to follow the front edges and goes all the way around the neck and down the front. There is also a a band of it set within each cuff. The lines of the coat are pure Yves from this time period. The neckline is cut high on the front to curve gracefully around the neck. The shoulders are set high with gathers so that they have a slight capped feel to them. Under the top portion of the coat the lower portion of the jacket is set into the waist seam and done like a proper skirt would be with slight gathers along the top so that it has some fullness. Inside the coat the upper bodice is lined with the sheared fur and the lower part of the skirt is lined in a quilted fabric.  I love how all the edges are top stitched with a deep red thread, placed to emphasize the lines of the coat and add to its Russian feel. This wide panel of red top stitching runs all the way down the front, around the collar and finishes each cuff. Highly polished buttons close the coat down the front. It really transforms when on a real girl and is just wonderful. Amazing and rare piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

The upper bodice and cuffs are lined in fur and the sleeves and skirting of the coat are lined in quilting. It closes with the buttons at the front. Tagged a vintage YSL 44

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 47" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C404

Reference Photos: (1) The Peasant Collection 1976 as photographed by American Vogue  /  (2) Coat from the MET  /  (3) Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (4) Catherine Baba at the S/S 2017 Haute Couture Shows in Paris. (Top Photo by Nabile Quenum; Bottom Photo by Phil Oh)

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.

A version of this coat walked the runway for the Fall 1982 Haute Couture show and the cloth version was photoed for Vogue Italia that season. Most importantly, a photo of Catherine Deneuve was taken in a version of the coat allowing us to see just how wearable the coat is despite its avant grade and bold lines. The dramatic and huge sleeve detailing was an important element for that season. This is a rare and collectible piece. 

A version of this piece walked the Haute Couture runway that season and that combined with the other documentation on it are able to give you an idea of how spectacular the coat is in person. It is made out of a soft, supple leather that has been dyed to a deep brown. The bodice of the coat is meant to follow the lines of the body and then curve down into a slightly dropped waist seam. He has treated the lower portion of the coat like a true skirt and it is set into the seam of the waist in soft gathers. This helps to give it the fullness that you see in the photos. Pockets sit on each side of the hip. The collar is high and neat. It sits above a dramatic double row of polished hand carved wood buttons. They are large and sit in a double row of six buttons that down the front to just past the waist seam. These same buttons are then used on each sleeve. The sleeves are incredible and at the time were probably startling to see on the runway with their excessive fullness. They still feel dramatic even now. Each is cut on a rounded curve that starts at the shoulder and curves down the arm to the cuff. They are very full and wide. Six of the polished and hand carved wood buttons are hand set down the extended cuff whose overlapped edging goes right up to the elbow. Those sleeve and how they are cut are really a testament to his genius. Each button is fully functional which shows you just how much care and detail was put into the piece. Despite it being leather, the coat has been made with the same care as if it was fabric, which would have been a very innovative approach to leather for this time period. It is absolutely stunning and very rare. Excellent condition with a small note below.

Fully lined and closes at the front with the buttons as seen. All the buttons, including the ones on each sleeve are functional. Pockets on each hip. There is some minor discolouration on the inner lining. The fabric used for it tends to change colour over time so it is a natural progression of aging. One small and minor scuff to the leather next to the collar on the upper shoulder. Please see the photo after the label shot 

Sleeves: 27"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 47" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C402

Reference Photos: (1-2) Yves Saint Laurent F/W 1982 Runway.  /  (3) F/W 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Runway in the book "Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Catwalk".  /  (4) Outfits by Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue Italia, September 1981.  /  (5) Catherine Deneuve

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 fantastic and romantic gown by Alfred Bosand who was really one of the great American designers whose clothes where made to couture levels with lots of hand finishes and detailing to them. Bosand started his career after World War II by attending the Fashion Academy, New York City. He then worked with several designers before launching his own label. By the time he returned in 1986 he was one of New York's last privately owned couture designers with his own label. His work is of very high quality.

I love how the dress is beaded from the top of the straps to the hem. The base fabric is made from a beautiful black silk net that has a layer of silk chiffon backing it. Under this is a built in inner dress made out of a black silk satin backed crepe so that the dress is not transparent. The dress is suspended from the shoulder from two tiny straps. It is seamed just under the bust and the top edge has a bit of a scalloped effect by the lace net being allowed to peak up and over the seam there. The skirt cascades from the high set waist to the floor in a delicious sweep of fabric. As it nears the floor it widens out which gives the change of design there the perfect backdrop and space to really pop. The entire dress has been covered in beading, sequins and embroidery. The top part of the dress has little rows of gold tube beads that are each set on a slight curve and broken up with scatterings of gold sequins. These are all hand set and by laying them out in this more organic feel they are more visually interesting then to have just done straight vertical rows. The entire lower hem is covered in flowers. This takes up about 24" of the bottom of the dress and in person they have far more impact then on it looks in the photos and on the dress form. The colours used are a soft turquoise mixed with a deep pink and pops of gold. The design is made up of a combination of embroidery, tube and seed beads and gold metallic thread. I love that the bottom hem is scalloped all around the edge. It is very beautiful and even better in person. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk satin backed crepe and closes with a back set zipper. It looks to have been worn very little if at all 

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist - hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to seam under the bust 
Skirt: 45.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3549

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 twin of this set walked the runway for the Fall 1977 Christian Dior Haute Couture collection. It was also used in a Vogue editorial and photoed by Roland Bianchini that season. In the 'Dior Catwalk' book, journalist Alexander Fury references this suit specifically in his write up for that season saying; "The designers autumn/winter collections proposed a series of equally glamorous ensembles, including the 'white silk jacquard pants suit with the white fox, white pearls and bareness underneath - a soft white camisole' that Vogue predicted would be the 'sure fire' bestseller that season. Trouser suit aficionado Bianca Jagger was in the audience and 'said she loved everything''. It is exceptional and a wonderful example of the work that Marc Bohan was doing for the house during this time period.

The set is made from a beautiful ivory colored silk that has a secondary pattern woven through it. That pattern is made up of little abstract shapes and I love that every once in a while one of the shapes in that design look like a little heart. The pants are cut with a straight leg so that they have a soft flow to them. Pockets lie along the seams on each hip. The jacket is a simple, almost box cut that ends just at the hip to perfectly balance the line of the pants. It can be worn open like it was shown on the runway or fully closed. I love the clear lucite buttons with their little silver capped tops that run down the front. They are the only embellishment on the piece and give it a subtle bit of glitz. On the front of the jacket there are three top set pockets for detailing. Each sleeve buttons to close and on the runway these were left open and flipped back for an easy feel. This is a true piece of fashion history and an amazing example of Bohan's work during this time period. It is even better in person. All proper Haute Couture labels present. Excellent condition with some small notes to review below.

Both pieces are fully lined. The jacket in a rich cream silk satin and the pants are lined in a slightly lighter version of the same silk. The set is entirely made by hand. The jacket buttons to close and pants close with a front painted metal zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Pockets on the jacket and pants. The pants have a slight line of a yellow mark at the lower front right leg near the hem. The jacket shows slight discoloration under the arms on the inside lining that does not go through. There is the very slightest darkening to the edge of the collar. All minor and it presents as excellent. Please see the photos provided after the label shot

Jacket
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem with 2.25" turned under the hems
Inseam: 30.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior A/W Haute Couture 1977 Runway Show.  /  (2)  Christian Dior A/W Haute Couture 1977 Runway Show from the book "Dior Catwalk: The Complete Collections".  /  (3) Photo by Albert Watson, Vogue, October 1977.  /  (4) Photo by Roland Bianchini, Dior, 1977.

Item# DD2793

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

In 2015 Curator and Fashion Historian, Laura McLaws Helms contacted me about the upcoming exhibit at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London on Thea Porter's work that she had planned. She ended up borrowing a dozen Thea Porter pieces from me for use in the exhibit and for the accompanying book 'Thea Porter: Bohemian Chic'. A close up of the fabric from this dress appears on p.84 of the book to illustrate the collaborative efforts between Thea Porter and textile designer, Hannah Meckler. The pattern on this dress is the 'Wave' design and in the book this is clarified as being done by hand and "painted onto meters of silk chiffon that were made into evening dresses and Abayas". This dress has the added provenance of being the same print and fabric of a Thea Porter owned and worn by style icon, Kate Moss

This is a wonderful Thea Porter dress that has a bare back and halter neckline. This more fitted shape is a bit unusual for her but that is part of what I love about it. It shows the range that Thea had while still staying within her wheelhouse of that bohemian feel. Thea's pieces often created sensuality by combining full coverage and flowing fabrics, so to see a dress that has far more 'bareness' to it is a bit of an anomaly for her and really showcases how multi-faceted she was. The hand painted Hannah Meckler wave design that covers the silk is appropriately named for its beautiful blue tones that are reminiscent of the ocean. The pattern has been set to highlight the lines of the dress which would have required much pre-planning and a disregard for the extra fabric needed to achieve this. The skirt is made from many yards of the silk and is set on a bias cut so that the movement it has is incredible. The fabric choice gives the dress an airy, floating feel. The bodice is fitted and cut with a high halter neckline that curves up and around the neck to tie at the back. There is a second layer of silk there that ties over the inner strap and trails down the back. The back is left completely open with a wide expanse of bare skin showing. Curved pleats, done by hand, angle up to the silk chiffon rosette details the neckline. It is very beautiful. A wonderful example of Thea Porter's work and her collaborative efforts with textile designers of the time period. Excellent condition with minor notes to review below

Fully lined in pale blue tissue silk. It closes with a low, hand set, back painted metal zipper. The halter closes at the back with hook and there is a panel of silk chiffon that ties into place over that. Light boning on either side of the bodice. All hand work. There is a slight discoloration to the lining near the top edge, the waist and inner skirt. Tagged a vintage UK 10. Note that it was too small for my mannequin and it does of course zipper and close properly.

Bust: approx 16" flat across from side seam to side seam but there is some play here as the back is open
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to slight empire waist
Skirt: 45" from slight empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1108

Photo Credit: (1) From the Book Thea Porter; Bohemian Chic, p.84.  /  (2) Kate Moss in a dress with the same print

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 Rive gauche label was often derived from the couture pieces of the previous season and with this dress exemplifies that progression. A dress with a similar hemline treatment was shown in the 1979 Haute Couture collection. That couture look was then translated into silk taffeta gowns for the Rive Gauche spring collection of 1980. The twin of this dress was photoed in March 1980 backstage at YSL.  This is actually the second dress like this that one I have had in the shop and I am very pleased to have found another. This one is not perfect but its flaws are in a spot that still makes it very wearable and its a very good price as a result. 

The dress combines two of his signature fabrics, silk taffeta and velvet. He used these fabrics extensively during these years as they gave him the structure and volume he needed to pull off his designs while keeping the dresses to a reasonable weight. On this one, the silk he chose is a deep, rich magenta. The silk has an iridescent quality to it that catches the light and gives the silk different hues and tones. This is combined with a inky black velvet that he uses for the bodice. The top portion of the dress is cut to be more fitted and it has a ruffled collar in the same silk as the skirt. At the end of each sleeve is a ruffled finish that is also done in the silk. A wide, attached silk sash wraps and ties around the waist to cinch it in and add shape. The velvet extends down to the top of the hips and then the skirt falls from there. It is set high up on one side and then curves down and around the back. On the side that it is set high up on the hip the hem is cut to also follow that line making it shorter at the front and then falling long at the back. It is exceptionally full and the fabric choice keeps it light in feel while still giving it volume. I love the wide ruffle that circles the hem giving it an extra flounce and added movement. There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt. It is truly remarkable. Excellent overall condition with a note to review below 

Fully lined through the bodice and unlined through the skirt and sleeves. It closes with a side painted metal and nylon zipper. There are areas of thinning on the back ruffle of the hem. The volume of fabric makes these pretty much lost on the folds. Please see the photos after the label shot.  Tagged a vintage YSL 38

Sleeves: 25.5"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 51" from shoulder to shortest spot on the front hem, 61" to the longest part of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2854

Reference Photos: (1) 1979 Haute Couture Yves Saint Laurent  /  (2) Sayoko, wearing Yves Saint Laurent, in Paris, March 1980. Photo by Roxanne Lowit. 

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 that has a lot of impact and its feathered cuffs give it a shot of high glamour. It is made out of a black stretch jersey that has just a bit of give to it for maximum comfort when it is on. Each sleeve has a wide cuff made out of glossy black feathers. This simple addition to the cuffs is what  really ups 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 in a deep V. At the back there are two ties, one is set at the low back and the other ties just behind the neck. In between is a curved, round cut out that leaves the back completely bare. The sleeves are long and lean sand then end with that fabulous burst of feathers. The skirt falls to the floor from under the band at the bust, skims over the hips and then flares out as it nears the hem. Love the play of the bare skin of the bodice with the high drama of the feathers. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the low back with a metal & nylon zipper and snaps at each cuff.

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.

Dorian was a lingerie company so this was probably originally intended to be used as a hostess piece or as a robe worn over over an inner piece. For a modern girl it makes for an amazing wrap dress and you could also wear it layered over something else. The dress, or coat, depending on how you decide to wear it, is made out a black stretch jersey whose neckline is edged in a wide and dramatic panel of glossy black feathers. It is very reminiscent of pieces that you would have seen being produced for the Old Hollywood era of the twenties and thirties. It draws heavily on that silhouette but without feeling like a copy with the use of the modern jersey for the fabric choice. The sleeves are cut long and wide and they each flare dramatically with each is a full 27" around by the time they reach the ends. The body of the dress wraps and ties to close. This makes it so easy to wear and comfortable too. The feather panel is wide and curves around the neck and down the front to the waist. It is cut so very simply but yet is so very dramatic once on an actual body. Excellent condition.

Unlined and wraps and ties to close. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The jersey does have some stretch and the tie makes it very adjustable for sizing. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam but adjustable with the ties up or down several inches
Hips: open
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3542

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

James Galanos typifies that true American glamour. His work combines a chic sophistication with bold design and fabric choices. He was particularly known for his amazing evening wear. His work was executed to the highest standards and the workmanship is on par with couture. He is often called one of the great American couturiers and that title is well deserved in terms of construction and quality found in his pieces. He was a master at working with silk chiffon and his technique of layering the skirts with multiple panels of silk is a signature.

I love this dress. The color combination is very unusual and the silk chosen for the layers that make it up are of the highest quality. The dress is made out of several layers of silk chiffon. The inner pink dress is made out of four full layers that are stacked perfectly on top of each other. For the skirt each layer is attached at the side seam and waist which leaves the hem free and gives the dress movement when you move. The top portion is also made out of layers of the silk and here is it finished with inner elastic through the waist and all around the upper seam of the neckline. This makes the dress very easy to wear and comfortable. It simply slips on and falls perfectly in place over the body. Over the skirt is a panel of green that is set on both the front and the back of the skirt. This is attached around the waist with the side left open down the length of each side so that the pink of the skirt underneath shows. It has its original matching fabric tie belt that you can use to cinch the waist for added shape or use around the neck or even as a head wrap. The choice of these unexpected colors work surprisingly well with each other and it is made to the Galanos couture equivalent standards. The dress form does not do the dress justice as to how it works on an actual body. Excellent condition with one small note below.

The various layers of silk also act as the lining for the dress. It closes with a hand set, painted metal side zipper above the waist and then has elastic through the waist and around the upper edge of the bodice. Hidden pockets along the seams of each hip. Hand rolled edges and hand finishes throughout. It does have tiny straps that you could wear over the shoulders but I feel they are more to hang the dress so presented it as strapless. There is the faintest watermark in the silk at the waist. Please see the last photo

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16"
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD1199

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 Nina Ricci Haute Couture house was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and became one of the pre-eminent couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant who took over the atelier in 1954. Over the following three decades, his Haute Couture vision "celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day." This late seventies gown is a wonderful example of Pipart's vision for the house and is a stunning example of the work that the atelier was producing during this time period.

This dress is spectacular. It is one of the best Nina Ricci pieces I have seen. This is true Haute Couture label from the atelier and every stitch has been done by hand. The hours that would have been put into making this dress and ensuring that drape and line are perfect are mind-boggling. The dress is made out of a fine silk that has been dyed to the perfect clear red. In person it is perhaps a touch brighter and better then how it photoed. The silk that has been chosen for the fabric gives it that fantastic drape you see. The fabric is so light that the dress seems to  float around you when you move. The neckline is slightly scooped and the silk is gathered up on one shoulder. It skims over the waist and is gather into a low drape over the skirt. On the side opposite to the draped shoulder there is another gathering of the silk. The creates a lovely long line through the body. The skirt flows to the floor from under that. It is cut on an angle at the hem and one corner of the back skirt is left longer so that it trails down and past the lower hem to create a slight trained feel. There is a slit up the leg and above that, a tightly spaced row of buttons that run up the side and disappear under the drape of the bodice. The sleeves are amazing. They are each cut to drop to the floor and flow around you every time you move. Here Pipart has again played on the asymmetrical feel he has created for the dress and he has cut one sleeve to be longer then the other, with the longer one set on the same side that the skirt is longer. The final touch is that fabulous pleated double flower at the neckline that gives it the perfect finish. This little extra detail creates that last bit of high drama to the design. Excellent condition with some small notes to review below.

The body of the dress is fully lined in red silk crepe and the skirt and sleeve are unlined. It closes with a side, hand set, zipper and a second one at the top of the shoulder where the flowers are. Light padding in the shoulders. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely made by hand. Note that there is some grubbiness on the trailing parts of the silk panels and some very tiny areas of thinning/picking of the fabric on the lower trailing panel of the skirt especially. Some small areas of darkening on the sleeves. Once on these do not detract at all and the fabric and dress is strong and stable. This is more from not being stored properly prior to my acquiring of it. I have included photos after the label shot to review. It is cut on the boas so there is a little play on the measurements. Haute Couture label present and made to couture standards.

Sleeves: the left is approx 62", the right is 52"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from neck to front hem and the trailing panel extends another 15" longer

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3386

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 set by Giorgio Sant'Angelo that is a real statement piece. We found a photo of a similar jacket paired with a skirt and top that was used in his ad campaign that year. It gives you a great idea of how it looks on and how versatile it can be. 

 The red is a great crisp tone that will flatter most skin tines. The jacket slips on with no closures. It has no collar and the front curves down as it reaches the hem. I love the line this creates and how the hem has a little bit of a flare. The entire front is covered with a curving pattern made out a of a red cording . This curves up and around the shoulder and runs across the back neck. The edge of the front has domed gold studs set along along it. More of these, as well as red paste rhinestones are interspersed through the cording. More of the same circles each lower half of the sleeves. The pants have a banded waist and the legs are full and pouf above the cuffs. Each ends just around the knee and have a button to close each cuff.  Pockets along each hip. Excellent condition

The jacket is lined in a red silky rayon and has no closures. The pants button and zipper to close. Buttons on each cuff and pockets along the hips. Padding in each shoulder

Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 13" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Pant length: 30" from waist to bottom hem
Inseam: 18.5"
Pant cuffs" 14.25" around and you could move the button a bit of needed

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3536

Reference Photo: Giorgio Sant'Angelo Ad, Vogue, September 1981.

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

Kenzo Takada founded the Kenzo label in 1970 and the label is still in existense despite the loss of Takada on Oct 4, 2020. He was also the honorary president of the Asian Couture Federation. The Kenzo label was, and is, a great success, with a strong cult following and it is wonderful to find such and amazing vintage pieces.

Kenzo traveled the world and his designs often mixed in the influences from those travels. He would mix traditional Japanese cuts and tailoring methods with fabrics from around the world. The interior of the clothes were as important to him as to the exteriors and they are immaculately finished like this one is. This suit is fabulous. The fabric looks like it should be a heavy woven brocade but it is actually quite light. It is woven but it is very fine and soft. The skirt is cut quite full so that that when you move it has tremendous fullness. Yet because the fabric is so light it falls fairly straight with just a suggestion of that fullness when it is on the body. At the hem it is finished with a wide ruffle that adds to the pretty lines. The jacket is superb. It is cut to fit to be fitted to the body with full shoulders and sleeves that narrow in at the wrist. The front wraps over itself and buttons. The front panel is detailed with a large embroidered cluster of flowers set down the front. The waist nips in and then the hips flare out in a peplum. I love everything about it and these early pieces are even more collectible now. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

Both piece are unlined. The skirt slips on with an elastic waist and the jacket closes with the buttons at the front. Each cuff of the jacket closes with two buttons. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. 

Jacket
Shoulders: 14" across
Sleeves: 23" long
Bust: 16" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 13" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 21" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side to side
Hips: open
Length: 27" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1914

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

Ted 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 dress is from his more expensive ready to wear line and is beautifully made. 

This is a wonderful example of how romantic his work could be. It has a soft and flowing feel to it yet it is fitted through the waist and still gives you shape. It is made of a silk chiffon with a ribbon effect that is fused directly into the silk. This gives the fabric the texture that you see and really plays on the different transparencies of the dress. Where the dress is unlined through the upper bodice and sleeves you really see the square pattern it creates and how you get a glimpse of the skin under the silk. All thin strip of gold thread runs vertically through the silk along the edges of the ribbon that catche the light and give it a touch of glamour. The bodice has in inner more fitted silk  halter suspended by tiny straps and over that the outer layer is set to blouse over with a scooped neck and long sleeves. The waist nips in and the the skirt flows out from there to the floor. Yards of bias cut silk are used on the silk and it is very full when you move. A stunning floral print runs over the bodice and down the front and the back off the skirt and the colors of it absolutely pop off of the black. The dress is very well made and even better in person and on an actual body where the fabric can really move and flow as it was meant to. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a painted metal and nylon zipper on the interior and then the exterior buttons to close over that. Each sleeve buttons to close. This is the main label line not the boutique label

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14"
Inner bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist but meant to drape a touch
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2884

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

25% OFF TAKEN AUTOMATICALLY AT CHECK OUT!

Pauline Trigere launched her label in 1942. She had moved to the US from Paris in 1937 and her designs always have that bit of a French feel to them. By 1949 she had been awarded a Coty and won one again in both 1951 and 1959. The 1959 win coincided with being inducted into the Coty Fashion Hall of Fame. She as a pioneer in the use of cottons and wool for evening, In 1961 she made headlines for being the first major fashion house to use amply an African American model.

This dress is incredible and I love the lines of it. It is made out of fine black wool that has a hand painted design that is worked over the fabric in a variety of metallic paint. There is a gold, a blue and a red. The designs are clusters of little circles bunched in the various circles. Over each burst of color are hand placed and sewn sequins in the matching metallic color. Each sequin is then secured by a matching colored round bead. The fabric is just incredible and the overall effect this creates reminds me of perhaps fireworks. The cut of the dress is equally fabulous. The front plunges in a V and the bodice is more fitted with a curving seam just under the bust. The fabric skims over the wait and then flares out into a very full skirt that falls to about ankle length depending on your height. There is a lot of fabric in the skirt and when you move the movement of it is wonderful. The sleeves are gathered around each shoulder so they have volume and then they narrow down as they reach the wrist. It is even better on an actual body and one of the best Trigere pieces I have seen. It looks like it has been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. It looks like it has been worn very little if at all. Hand finishes

Sleeves: 21.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from shoulder to seam under the bust
Skirt: 41.5" from seam under the bust to hem with 2.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3535

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 vintage Lanvin dress has a brilliant color and print combination on a crisp white base. The jersey fabric it is made of was considered one of the new 'miracle fabrics' of the day as they gave women the option to wash and wear and travel with pieces that needed little or no ironing once you arrived at your destination. Lanvin began producing pieces from these jerseys in the early 1970s to appeal to their younger, jet set clients. I love when I find great examples of these for this time period in the label's history. The dress has long sleeves that pouf out slightly above their buttoned cuffs. It buttons all the way up the front so you have the option of wearing it fully open and over something underneath. The collar is oversized and ends in long points that sit almost in top of the shoulders when the top few buttons are left undone. It falls in a straight line to the hem, widening out very gradually as it nears the bottom. This leave the waist loose and easy. You could easily add a modern belt if you wanted more shape. I love the brilliant, over-sized floral print that covers the dress and the incredible colors that have been used. The fabric is easy to care for and this is a great piece to travel with. Excellent condition.

Unlined and buttons all the way down the front to close with fabric covered buttons. Each cuff buttons to close. The fabric does have some stretch. It appears to have been worn very little if at all

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" 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: 55" from neck to hem with 3" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3519

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

Glossy black sequins that are extra large in size have been densely applied to a structured and fitted base to make this amazing strapless dress. The sequins cover the entire surface of the fabric of the bodice. The dress is strapless and the neckline is cut into a sweetheart shape and the interior is boned and molded. The waist is nipped in and the sequin part curves over the top of the hips for a long and shaped line. Under that is a wide panel of glossy black feathers that gives volume that and movement. This fullness at the bottom adds shape so that your waist and curves are emphasized. It is cut very short and is an amazing vintage find. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined with a silky black rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Light boning through the bodice. The bust is shaped and would probably fit up to a C cup. Tagged a UK 12. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from top of the bodice to the bottom of the feathered hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3517

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 a personal favorite and it shows the range of what Hanae Mori was capable of. The dress is simple and beautiful but still striking. It dates to the late 1970s, early 1980s and it is an absolute work of art. Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York Runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her work is exceptional.

This dress is a wonderful example of her range as a designer. It also showcases her extraordinary and meticulous attention to detail. The inner construction on this one is partially finished to Haute Couture standards and I have included a photo of the hand finished inner seams. I think that it may have been a special order placed through Saks Fifth Avenue based on the level of detail on the inner finishes. The dress is as light as a feather to wear because of the silk chiffon she has chosen to make it out of. The silk was then woven through with a gold lame thread that creates that beautiful design of huge stylized flowers that cover the dress entirely. The gold gives the dress its impact and the lightness of the silk chiffon is easy to wear. The bodice is suspended from the shoulders and has an almost chemise feel to it with the straps set slightly inwards. It skims down and over the body to the waist. The back closes with a series of silk covered snaps and her signature tiny snaps. Below this the skirt falls to the floor in two tiers of chiffon layered over each other for just a touch of fullness. It is astonishingly beautiful. Even more beautiful in person and the photos cannot convey the quality and feel of the high grade silk and the lightness of the dress when on. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes at the back with silk covered snaps to the waist and a series of her signature tiny snaps under that. Hand finished to couture standards throughout the interior. Tagged a vintage Mori 10. It will fit more like a loose chemise on a smaller frame and more fitted through the bust on a larger

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam of the inner corset
Hips: open
Length: 59" from top of shoulders to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3244

Reference Photos: 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.

While researching this stunning dress I found the photo I included here of a dress from 1971 that the same lines and ruffle details. Based on the other work Mr. Givenchy was doing during this time period it makes perfect sense that this would be from that year's collection. In addition, I found a numbered tape inside the seam of the skirt and it may very well denote a special or custom order.

At first glance the fabric appears to be a metallic silk brocade, but as you go closer you realize it is even more special then that. It is actually a fine and very light weight woven netted lace with a blue metallic lurex thread running through the design. The play of the metallic thread against the non-metallic bits adds its own texture to the already textured lace. The fabric has just a touch of transparency to it and I love the unusual deep deep blue of it that has just a touch of purple to make it even richer in feel. Once you get past the sheer brilliance of the fabric you begin to notice the workmanship that has gone into constructing this. The bodice is cut to skim over the bust from the rounded neckline and then it cinches in at the waist. The dress comes with its original belt that can cinch the waist in more. The sleeves are long and are finished with a ruffled the wrist that creates a beautiful little bell shape. The skirt falls to the floor from the waist and gently widens out as is nears the hem. It is finished with a wide ruffled detail that ties on the ruffle on each cuff. It is stunning and even better in person. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The bodice is unlined and the skirt is fully lined with a blue silk organza. It closes at the back with a fine metal zipper. Inner waist stay hooks to close. The belt closes with hooks. There is the teeniest of marks along the inner edge under the seam at the inner arms but they do not show through. Please refer to the photo after the label shot. There is a numbered tape along the inner skirt seam that I also photoed. Note that if you required more length it would be possible to move the ruffle down as it is set higher up the skirt rather then at the very edge of the hem. I think you could get a good 6" more in length. The sleeves are set the same way.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3167

Reference Photo: Jours de France Issue 844, 1971. 

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

In 1962 Capucci opened his first atelier in Paris and took the fashion world by storm. In 1968 he went back to his native Rome and opened his atelier there. By 1972 his work was presented in a museum in Rome at the Museum of Etruscan Art. A remarkable achievement for a living designer. He exhibited again in 1990 and in 2005 he founded the Roberto Capucci Foundation to preserve his numerous drawing and archives. His pieces tend to be highly architectural and the ones you see in exhibits border on not being wearable, so it is a treat to find a beautiful and highly wearable example of his work.

From the late 1970s comes this fabulous little deep blue chiffon dress that is cut to flow and drape over the body. The neck is cut wide to give a glimpse of the upper shoulders and the sleeves flow from there in an expanse of volume and fullness to above the buttoned wrist. The skirt has yards and yards of chiffon and flows to the floor in a pretty, light expanse of fabric. The back and bodice are especially pretty with their pin tuck lattice design that is detailed with a little clear beads where each pin tuck crosses over the other. It is lovely and a rare example of a hard to find designers work. Excellent condition

Fully lined except for the sleeves and closes with a back zipper on the interior fabric and snaps on the outer. Each cuff closes with a hidden snap under a silk covered button detail. Hand finished inside and hand applied beads.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2753

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 likely the early work of Elinor Simmons before her name went on the labels. She designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972. You can see her influence in this classic feeling Malcolm Starr dress with its almost sculptural lines and addition of the rhinestone embellishments on the bodice.

At fist glance the fabric used almost looks quilted, but upon closer inspection you realize that the little quilting lines are pressed directly into the fabric. This gives the dress an instant shot of added texture that is very pretty. The fabric seems to be a cotton or cotton mix. This allows it holds the shape and the colour beautifully. The bodice skims over the torso with darling little capped sleeves. The waist line is defined with a seam and set just a touch higher then the natural waist for a hint of an empire feel. The neck is high with a notched front. The skirt neatly falls from the waist and gradually widens out to just about the knee or slightly under. The fabric is a pretty pinky red that has a bit of a cherry feel to it in person. I love the little sprays of flowers that cover the surface. The centres of the flowers are finished with little coloured rhinestones and this gives the dress a touch of glamour. The colours used are wonderful and the dress is gorgeous. I love that it has pockets hidden away along the seams of the skirt. It is really a lovely dress. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a red silk and it closes with a painted back metal zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Note that the colour is more a pink red in person and even better then how it photoed

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3506

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

This is the vintage fur everyone looks for. That simple box cut to just past the hip in a natural red fox. It was the jacket that every 'It girl' of the seventies wore. It has a strong nod to the 1940s in its cut and fits perfectly once on without overwhelming the body. The shoulders on this one are soft and rounded and the cut through the body is loose and generous. It has an almost swing jacket cut to it. All of the pelts run horizontally and I love how they all line up across the sleeves and through the body. Suede insets run between the pelts but the fur is so thick and plush that you don't see them once it is on - they are just there for a touch of structure. It has no collar and the neckline is cut a little wide across the top. Fur hooks are hidden down the front. The pelts are thick and glossy and it looks to have never been worn or worn very little. It is a stunning choice for the girl who believes that vintage fur is a sustainable choice. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a golden silky rayon and the lining is spotless. Closes with fur hooks down the front. It has been specialty cleaned. Perhaps the teeniest of wear near on the fur at the edges of the cuffs but very minor.

Sleeves: 22" 
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 32" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C548

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 a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed 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. Fur coats are final sale.

This has a very Bonnie Cashin vibe to it with those fantastic turn key brass closures that run down the front. That little addition of those fabulous details really gives this one an extra shot of style. The jacket has a simple box cut to just past the hip and it is made from a natural red fox. This is the jacket that every 'It girl' of the seventies wanted and wore. The shoulders on this one are soft and rounded and the cut through the body is loose and generous. All of the pelts run horizontally and I love how they all line up across the sleeves and through the body. Taupey leather insets run between the pelts but the fur is so thick and plush that you barely see them once it is on. They are just there for a touch of structure. You do see the leather that runs behind the turn keys at the front and there is a thick band of it used to finish each cuff. Another thick band of it runs up each side and down the insides of the sleeves. The collar is wide and pointed and backed in the same leather. The pelts are thick and glossy and it looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Pockets on each hip are the perfect finish. It is a stunning choice for the girl who believes that vintage fur is a sustainable choice. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a brown silky rayon and the lining is spotless. Closes with the turnkeys down the front. It has been specialty cleaned. Perhaps the finest bit of wear to the very edge of the back hem but nothing that detracts. 

Sleeves: 28" 
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 28" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C549

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 a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed 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. Fur coats are final sale.

The Snooty Hooty label was sold at a small independent boutique of the same name in Atlanta. The boutique was open in 1966 under the name Serendipity by Barbara Weiss and it wasn't until 1969 when the name was changed after a grumpy client called one of the salespeople snooty and Weiss paired it with Hooty. My client bought this dress right in the very early years of the shop name changing. 

I love this dress with its combination of colours and that amazing cut. The printed parts are made of a floral brocade fabric that has an almost canvas feel to it and that really helps it to hold the shape that you see, including the pouf of the incredible sleeves. That fabric is used all along the sides and back of the dress and then each sleeve has it for the lower portion where it really poufs out above the wrist. A dusky pink was used all the way down the front and for the upper portion of the sleeves for an added pop of colour. Where the two fabric meet there is an elaborate border of a black cotton lace that adds some texture. The front plunges quite low and laces in a way that leaves bare skin exposed between the laces. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition 

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal and nylon zipper and the front laces as shown. Elastic in each cuff. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. The pink is a little lighter in tone then how it photoed. 

Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 51" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D623

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

James Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer that was formally acknowledged as being a true Haute Couturier, he certainly produced clothing that had all of the hallmarks that define couture. This attention to detail and cut gave him the status as being known as one of the 'American Couturiers'. This dress is a fantastic example of his work and its twin is held in the permanent archives of the Goldstein Museum

This dress with its huge bright print that runs down the front is exceptional. I absolutely love the drama and high couture feel of it. The fabric is beautiful. It is a gorgeous black silk crepe that has a good weight to it so that the lines he wished the dress to have stay perfectly in place once it is on the body. The body is cut to skim over you and the neckline is cut in a wide low V. The width of that V leaves just a touch of collar bone exposed. The sleeves end at above the elbow and each puffs out above the piped cuff. The back dips into an even lower V which leaves a large expanse of skin exposed. The skirt falls from under the bodice and it is interesting how it is set on a curve under the bust at the front instead of a more standard straight seam. Tiny soft folds run around this curve and it wraps around the sides and part way at the back. This curve perfectly follows the top of the floral design that has the feel of a piece of art painted into the fabric. The one single huge flower runs the full length of the skirt to the just above the hem where the leaves of the flower peak out. The back is left a solid black so that you get this long unbroken line with just a hint of what is happening on the front from the bits of the print that peek out at the sides. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk. The inside seams are ribbon edge finished. Hand finished and closes with a hand set, back painted zipper that is offset to follow a seam

Shoulders: approx 16"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from shoulder to hem, with 4" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3489

Reference Photo: 1965-1975 James Galanos Dress at the Goldstein Museum of Design Collection.

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

Donald Brooks pieces are always very well made and the pieces from his Boutique line have a real sense of ease and fun about them that I love. Brooks launched his main line label in 1964. He only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He had a secondary, boutique line that he started in 1971 that also closed in 1973. This set is from the boutique line which gives us that small time period from 1971-1973 for its date.

This is a super cute and fun cropped skirt and top set that has that perfect seventies feel to it. This set is especially cute with its bright and cheerful print on a white cotton base that really lets the colors pop. The top has extra wide sleeves that come out from the bodice so they kind of slouch with an easy feel once on. It has no closures down the front at all, instead it has ties that extend out from the cropped bottom and then you tie it into place. This cropped length gives you an expanse of bare skin between the bottom of the top and the skirt. The skirt is long and is cut more on the fuller side with a banded waist and buttons that run all the way down the front. I love that it has pockets on each hip. On both pieces that pop of the bright colors against the white is just amazing. Excellent overall condition with a minor note to review below

Both the top and skirt are unlined. The top ties at the front to close and the skirt buttons down the front. Pocket on each hip of the skirt. There are some small faint marks at the front of the skirt and along the waist as well as one on the top. All minor. Please review the photos after the shot of the label

Top
Bodice: no true side seams
Waist: adjustable with the tie front
Length: 16" from neck to hem and you can tie to adjust shorter if you wish

Skirt
Waist: 13" from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 40" from waist seam to hem with 3.5" turned up

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3480

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