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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3304

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3293

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

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

Please do not buy - this item is now on Layaway

I had a very similar dress in the shop before that was a lilac color and am very pleased to have found an even more versatile black version. Halston is one of those rare labels that for whom the more time goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to look at this piece as both a treasured vintage collectible and a closet staple.

It is the kind of dress that you know that every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has a definitive Grecian goddess feel to it combined with his signature simplicity and masterful draping. It simply slips over the head with elastic running through the waist at the front. At the back the inner part is completely bare but there are ties that extend on either side of the waist that tie inside the back. This helps to create some shape at the front with the fabric draping all around you, but the ties keep it completely in place. The front drapes and plunges deeply but the way the fabric has been placed combined with that elastic waist and the inner ties make you feel safe wearing it. Over the shoulders and down the back is a single panel of fabric that creates a caped Grecian effect and incredible loops of draping down each hip. They are deep enough to tease that you might get a glimpse of bare skin at the sides but the cut and the inner ties make sure it doesn't bare too much. So sexy! The front high slit and way the skirting is cut also allows a flash of leg to show as one moves. Brilliantly Halston in every way and very easy to wear. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on with elastic through the front part of the waist. Attached nylon jersey ties on either side of where the front waist ends that tie at the back inside as photoed. Tagged a S but the fabric has some stretch and that combined with the drape, elastic waist and adjustable tie waist will allow almost any size

Shoulders: no seams and set to slouch off the shoulder
Bust: open
Waist: open
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to elastic waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to back hem though it does come up a bit when on depending on your build
Front slit: 25" from approx hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3292

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.

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3289

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E668

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3284

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

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3283

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3282

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3281

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3279

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SM

Item# DD3100

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

Geoffrey Beene is one of the great American designers and I actively look for his work, especially the earlier pieces from his Geoffrey Beene Boutique days. The Boutique label was introduced in 1967 as an high end ready to wear label that was an alternative to his couture pieces that he had been producing since his self-named label launched in 1963. It was replaced in 1974 by the Beene Bag label, a more affordable RTW line.

This dress is wonderful and you cannot help but think of the holidays when you see its bright red, green and blue plaid. The fabric is a fine silk taffeta and that choice of fabric helps to give it the wonderful full skirt shape that you see. There are no crinolines under the skirt. The volume you see is achieved by the fabric alone and the way that it is set into the waist. I have put it on the mannequin with the buttons and zipper at the back. I have seen a version of this dress styled the other way around and I think that you could wear it either way depending on how it sits best on you. The way I have done it leaves the front with a more simple and sleek feel and the back feels more elaborate and detailed. The neck is high with a black silk ribbon that you can tie as you wish. A panel of the plaid silk sits almost like a cape over the shoulders. Under that are slim cut sleeves and the waist nips in with another long black silk ribbon to accent it and pick up on the tie at the neck. The skirt billows out under that and widens as it falls to the floor. It has a wonderfully formal feel to it with its austere cut, but this is perfectly balance by the festive feel of the silk. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes to review below.

Fully interlined with a black silk netting through the bodice and skirt. It closes with a combination of a painted metal zipper below the waistline and hidden set snaps under the glossy black buttons above the waist to the neck. Note that the zipper sticks part way down. I have photoed how low it goes. It won't budge past that point but is otherwise fine. There is one tiny nick on the skirt and there is a nick out to he silk at the neck on the side. Both are minor and stable. Please review all three provided photos after the label shot.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3273

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

This collection was inspired by Zandra's trip to China. She came back with sketchbooks filled from her travels there and was particularly struck by "the trellises and fretwork used by the Chinese, framing everything, making squares, bordering each simple visual plane." This became the foundation for her 'Chinese Square" print that we see here on this dress. In between the angular print is her signature 'scribble heads' print that appeared in several earlier collections. The overdress part of this piece appears on page 158 of the book 'The Art of Zandra Rhodes with her catalogue identification of 79/89.

This is one of my favorite pieces by Zandra that I have had in the shop. The bold color combined with the historical significance of her work during this time period make it a string collection piece. The silk she has used for this dress is the red that she used throughout the collection that year. The shade was a very specific red that she developed and was based on the red that she fell in love during her trip. The outer layer of the dress is made from a red silk chiffon with a high rounded neckline that ties at the back. The sleeves fall to the elbow and I love how their shape is blocked out by the hand painted Chinese Squares print. Each sleeve is then finished with an edging of beads. More beads trim the edges around the panels that make up the top layer of the skirt. The bodice is cut loose and easy and is lined in silk. This inner silk lining at the top changes to a light jersey for the inner skirt. That jersey is then overlaid with a long printed silk panel that runs down the front and another down the back. At each hip there is a shorter panel of silk that ends just below the hip, somewhat like an exposed pannier. The way that these panels are set are a nod to the manner in which traditional Chinese skirts are constructed. Everything is attached at the elastic waist so that it just simply slips on. It is extremely easy to wear despite that it looks so highly structured and ornate. A remarkable and rare piece from one of her key collections. Excellent condition

The dress slips on the wear with an elastic waist and a tie at the back of the neck. Hand beaded and hand rolled hem. There are a couple of areas were the beads the edge the panels of the over skirt are missing or have lost their coating, but none so bad that you would notice unless specifically hunting for it.

Sleeves: 14" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2826

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

This amazing blue silk Halston dress is a beautiful example of his earlier work. Halston was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the very minimum of seaming. His pieces that were bias cut, like this one, seem to almost be shapeless and not very exciting when you see them on the hanger. But, once you slip them on, they drape and settle into place the way they were intended and the transformation is remarkable. There is true genius on their simple cuts and they are addictive. A similar dress in cut was photoed for Vogue in 1974 and that reference photo is included here.

This dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a beautiful royal blue that is flattering on most skin tones. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The cut through the body is extremely loose and easy, running in one long bias cut sheath to the floor. It is very long and I love the slits that run up each side of the dress. The bias cut gives the dress the slightest of shape as it drapes around your body. The neckline is cut into a V for some skin to show. The neckline, the sleeve edges and those slits on the skirt are all hand rolled and stitched. The work to get this as perfect as it is would have been astounding - there is no trickier fabric to hand stitch then this. Each sleeve is soft and full, the dress laid out flat is a T-shape and the sleeves when laid out are blocked out. Once on these fall in soft and flattering folds. I am pleased to have found a runway reference photo from the show that same year and also a photo of a similar version that was worn by Lauren Hutton. Excellent condition

The dress is constructed from one single layer of a liquid bias cut silk. It is entirely bias cut and just slips over the head to wear. Hand rolled and finished edges. The easy cut will allow it to fit a full range of sizes.

Sleeves: 18" from dropped shoulder seam
Slightly dropped shoulders: 18"
Bust: to 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of bodice to dropped waist
Slits: 20" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3271

Reference Photos: (1) Model Naomi Sims for Halston Runway Show, 68th St Salon, December 7, 1971. Photo: James Hamilton.  /  (2) Karen Graham, Halston Silk Caftan, Vogue, November 1971. Photo: Irving Penn.  /  (3-4) 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.

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

This gorgeous printed ball gown skirt and silk top set is a wonderful example of the work that Blass was doing in this time period. We were able to date it exactly with a family photo that my client shared with me. The skirt is made out of a fine silk taffeta. This was then printed with the most amazing floral print. The backdrop is a golden taupe and the flowers are a mix of soft muted pastels with pops of purple that pick up on the purple of the top. It has a detachable cummerbund in a muted burgundy earth color and the bottom pf the hem is finoshed in a wide strip of a copper colored silk satin. The skirt is very full and I have not used any crinolines under the skirt for these shots. The fullness that you see is all done through the way it is cut. The choice of the silk taffeta also helps it to hold the shape while still keeping it very light in weight. The top is a light silk that has a slight texture running through it. It is made with elastic all through the neckline so that you can wear it on or fully off the shoulders. More elastic is used at the waist which makes it insanely comfortable to wear. I love that you can wear it tucked in, loose and easy or with the belt to really cinch it in.  Each sleeve is very full and voluminous. and this just adds to the fabulous effect the full set has. Having the three pieces makes it so versatile as you can wear it all together for the full Blass look, or mix and match with modern pieces from your wardrobe. It is beautifully made and wonderfully extravagant. Excellent condition with one small note below

Both pieces are unlined. The skirt closes with a metal and nylon zipper and a flat hook & eye at the waist. The skirt's hem has some water staining to it. I photoed the worst area bit there are some more. You really don't notice them once it is one due tot he volume. Please review the photo after the label shot. The top slips on with elastic through the neckline/shoulders and also around the waist and each cuff. The cummerbund closes with hook and eye.

Top
Sleeves: approx 26"
Bust: 20-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 23"

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46.5" from waist to hem
Matching cummerbund: 30" from end to end

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3263

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

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

This gorgeous ball gown skirt and top set is a wonderful example of the work that Blass was doing in this time period. We were able to date it exactly based on a family photo that my client shared with me. He pulled out the stops in the creation of this set. It is made out of two silks, a silk taffeta for the skirt and sash in a brilliant lime green, and a textured silk for the top and detailing at the waist of the skirt in the most beautiful periwinkle color. The skirt is very full and I have not used any crinolines under the skirt for these shots. The fullness that you see is all done through the way it is cut. The choice of the silk taffeta also helps it to hold the shape while still keeping it very light in weight. The skirt has a double silk sash attached around the waist. One part is the same purple as top and the other a soft and pretty blue. The top is a light silk that has a slight texture running through it. It buttons down the front and the way that the buttons are set gives you just the peek of skin between the buttons. Each sleeve is very full and voluminous. It comes with a matching silk taffeta sash that is in the same green as the skirt and I have used it to create a large bow at the neck. You could style the sash a variety of ways other then this but I liked the balance of volume that it created. Having the three separate pieces makes it so versatile as you can wear it all together for the full Blass look, or mix and match with modern pieces from your wardrobe. It is beautifully made and wonderfully extravagant. Excellent condition with some minor notes below.

Both pieces are unlined. The skirt closes with a metal and nylon zipper and a flat hook & eye at the waist. The skirt's hem is finished with a 3/4" strip of horse hair dressmakers tape to give it some weight and structure. The top buttons to close as seen. The tie around the wast is attached and the tie at the neck is a separate sash. There are some faint, minor marks on the skirt and the top. Please review the photos after the label shot.

Top
Shoulders: 15"
Sleeves: 29"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem
Matching sash: 84" x 13"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3261

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.

James Galanos made couture-level gowns with a level of craftsmanship that were on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used couture techniques in the construction of his dresses and gowns.His work is held in all of the major museums and he is one of my personal favorites.

Here he has used a beautiful, fine silk chiffon that is completely covered with a large purple flower print. The skirt is cut to have a touch of a wrapped, sarong feel to it. It is attached but set into the waist so that a part of it wraps around you and then hooks into place at the side of the waist. This gives it that lovely curved line at the front and the draping down one side that you see. It also lets you see all three layers of silk that he has constructed the skirt from. There is the top floral printed layer, a middle layer that is a solid purple in the same tone, and then the innermost  layer under those is done in an unexpected shot of green. When you move you get flashes of that green and the effect is marvelous. The bodice has a slightly scooped neck and each sleeve billows out on a pouf of fabric above its cuff. The back  of the dress closes with a series of buttons that run from the nape of the neck to the waist. The bodice is constructed with an inner top with tiny straps and then the looser top layer lies over that. It has a long matching silk sash that you can use to define the waist, or you could tie it at the neck, or use as a head scarf. Excellent condition

The inner top of the bodice acts like the lining with the sleeves left unlined. The skirt has three layers of silk chiffon to it as described above. It closes with a low, hidden set painted metal zipper that is hand set onto the interior dress. The exterior layer over the bodice closes with silk covered buttons and hook and eye. Each sleeve closes with a zipper. Bias cut so there is a little  with the measurements whoch I have given below. Appears unworn.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulder: approx 14"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Scarf: 15" x approx 140"

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1855

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

John Anthony opened his label in 1971 and during the 1970s he became known for making pieces that were sleek & sexy but still felt sophisticated. His business was all done on a made to order basis. That means the majority of pieces found are a one-off, or if there are similar pieces, very few of each piece exist. This personal attention to each dress is clearly seen in the workmanship of his pieces and his work is a personal favorite.

This dress is exceptional and a wonderful example of his work during this time period. It is made from a black silk jersey that allows it to drape beautifully on the body. Its genius lies in its cut that allows for all of your curves to show, but in a way that drapes the jersey over you rather then tightly hug the body. This gives it an inherent sexiness despite the fact that you are covered from head to toe. The sleeves have a full cut at the wrists to create a poufed effect over the cuffs. The neckline is set high and with just a slight scoop. Set along that curve of the neck is a beautiful, hand beaded bird that seems to have been captured in mid-flight as it swoops around the neck. A second bird arches down the hip, drawing the eye down so you have an even longer line.  That second beaded bird also highlights the gathered panel of fabric that is set on that one hip. This panel serves to not only give the dress a bit of a forties feel with its nod to Old Hollywood glamour, it also hides a high cut slit that reveals almost your entire your leg when you walk or sit. It is really incredible and made to demi-couture standards. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back, hand set zipper. Each cuff buttons to close. The birds are hand beaded onto the dress. Appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finished. The fabric does have stretch so it should fit a range of sizes. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat.

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58.5" from neck to hem
Slit: 32" from hem to top of slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2973

Reference Photo: Jamie Mizrahi from her Instagram.

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

20% Off Use Code: EXTRA20

This is an extremely rare silk jersey, full length Hermes dress that dates to 1972. The print is by Julai Abadi and is an elaborate version her famous 'Cliquetis' design that has since become an iconic representation of the house and appears on an entire range of their silk scarves both then as now as a re-issue. It is exceedingly rare to find such a wonderful piece from this time period of the atelier's history that is as striking and beautiful as this dress is. This is very rare opportunity to own a rare piece of fashion history that is made even better by the sheer beauty of the dress itself!

The dress was most likely a custom made piece and has been cut supermodel long. It is made from a fine silk jersey that has incredible drape. The length, combined with the stunning lines of it, make you wonder what fabulous woman this must have been made for. The print is incredible and I was very please to have been able to both date and find the artist's name who created it. The dress has straight cut, just past the elbow, sleeves and the bodice drapes and crosses over itself at both the front and back. The crossing of it drops quite low. When I originally received it, it had been tacked into place on both sides but it was readily apparent that this had been added at some later point and it was not really a well done addition. I had it carefully removed as I feel that should its new owner wish to do that same, she should place the the new securing tack, or a hook and eye, where it falls best on her. If you use the inner strips of fabric that sit inside the shoulder and attach these around your undergarment, you may find needing to tack it is not necessary. The waist is cinched in with attached tie belts and leaving these looser or really cinching the waist in gives the dress a slightly different vibe. The skirt is marvelous, with yards and yards of silk jersey used on its construction, all printed with that stupendous design by Julia Abadi. It is absolutely incredible and a real work of art. It appears to heave been worn little and is one of the best vintage Hermes clothing pies I have ever seen. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a metal and nylon side set zipper. Has attached belts that wrap to cinch in the waist further. There are little straps that snap into place on the inner shoulders to go around your foundation garment snaps to help hold the dress in place on your shoulders. One set of the snap is missing on the one side and the snap that was there at some point is what discolored the label at the one end as you can see in the photo. I can add another snap before it ships upon request. The fabric has some stretch and the measurements below are the comfortable range of the fabric while lying flat. This will allow it to fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: approx 16"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 19" from shoulder to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3248

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

Victor Costa launched his own label in 1974 and was known for producing his own versions of what was seen on the Paris runways. He also looked to the Americans for inspiration as well. He used good fabrics and his designs were often very close interpretations of other designs but with his own unique twist when it came to colors and fabrics.

This dress is so pretty with its pale blue color mixed with white and its incredible fabric. The fabric seems simple at first glance but the closer you look the more you realize just how wonderful it is. That leaf pattern is not screened onto the fabric, rather it is a raised design that is woven through the fabric. It is quite fabulous as this gives the dress the most amazing texture. The neck and waist are then detailed with big tear drop plastic beads set within embroidered lace drops that mimic that same shape as the beads. The beads range from a deep milky white color to ones that have a teeniest touch of blue to them. Interspersed in that lace border that circles both the waist and neckline, are also little prong set rhinestones for the most subtle touch of glitz. The bodice is sleeveless with a scooped neckline. The waist is set just a touch high and the skirt goes to the floor in a gently widening curve. The fabric has just a touch of weight to it so helps to hold the shape. It is really incredibly pretty in real life and even better then how it photoed. Excellent condition

The skirt is unlined and the bodice is fully lined in a white silky rayon and closes with a back zipper and the velvet tie at the back of the neck.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3247

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used for the skirt. This is mixed with a low waist top that is constructed out of a ivory embroidered lace. To highlight the pattern that runs through the lace little iridescent clear beads have been hand set and scattered over it. The silk layers that make up the skirt are all cut on the bias and this gives it lovely movement. The bodice is sleeved and the neckline cut wide across with very light padding in the shoulders for shape. The back is cut into a V so you get a bit of skin showing there. The top layer of the bodice is made of an embroidered cut work lace done in a creamy ivory. Note that in person it is far more a true ivory that the deeper color it has photoed as. The waist has no defined seam and skims over to a the upper hips with gathers on either side. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Very well finished. In person it is a true ivory. The photos have given it a bit of a taupe feel and it is not that deep a color in person.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to longest points of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3254

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This top is fantastic and one of the best of hers that I have had in the shop. Plus, it had the added bonus of having the earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work.

This pretty little bohemian spirited top is made of a black crepe chiffon and simply slips on, wraps and then ties into place. There is a partially attaches tie belt that allows you to do this. This also adds some detail and shape to the back where it is attached. The wrapping of it give it a plunging front and makes the fit through the bust easy. Each sleeve is cuffed and slightly full above those. Under the waist it has a little peplum effect that is very pretty. Her signature embroidery covers this one in a dense pattern of silver and gold thread peacock feathers. These are highlighted with soft pop of pink too. I love how the edges pick up the silver of the feathers with a silver metallic cording. It's just wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a black chiffon. It slips on, wraps and then ties. There is some adjustment in size since it wraps so it could fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx 24"
Shoulders: no true seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# S877

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