• This is the actual dress that walked the runway for Look 31 for the Fall 1992 collection as noted in its hand written tag.
• It was made under the creative direction of Paco Rabanne
• I love that we have runway video of this one so you can see how fantastically that it moves once it is on the body and you are moving.
• The piece would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris Atelier.
• There is an inner built in black silk sheath dress that skims over the body from the shoulder to the hem and then you have the multiple added layers of the black silk and silk chiffon placed over that by hand.
• The fabrics used are incredible. Both the silk and silk chiffon have had a metallic gold eyelash weave in a flat velvet applied that gives the dress an incredible bit of a metallic glint from every angle.
• The very top part of the dress that runs across the shoulders is made from a black silk and then the rest of the top layer of the dress is made out of a black silk chiffon. Both fabrics have the gold overlay done over their surfaces. 
• It has very full sleeves that have no lining so that you have a touch of transparency. They are set to poof out above a wide cuff at the wrist. Each cuff is made out of black silk and zips to close with a handset black zipper.
• The panels that cover the dress are extreme and extravagant. These are what give the piece the movement and volume that a caftan would have except it is all done in the most extravagant of ways. Long panels are split length ways and upwards to various degrees and this is what allows the silk to move with the slightest bit of air around you. This simple and ingenious extra detail with these vertical splits are really what add movement. It also breaks the pattern as you move, and then when you stand still the pattern, all settles back into place. It is quite genius. It also what gives the hem its pointed detailing.
• The neck is cut wide across the shoulders and then the entire top layer of the dress floats down and around you from there.
• The metallic gold pattern that covers the entire dress is perfectly mirrored from one side to the other. Each piece of fabric would have had to have been pre-planned and deliberately made to specifically piece together to achieve the final look of the dress.
• It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The upper portion of the bodice is not lined and the backing has an almost canvas feel to it. The inner sheath part of the dress is lined in a black silk. All of the work is done by hand to Couture standards.
• There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below. Note that it looks like the hem of the inner dress was taken up at some point so I have included how much has been turned under in the measurements below. I see some light marks on the inner dress that do not show but mention for accuracy.
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 30" and are 17" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Inner bust: 17-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to inner hem with 2.25" turned under. The outer dress extends another 10" past that.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5257

Reference Video: Fall 1992 Paco Rabanne Couture.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is the actual piece that walked the runway for Look 51 for the Fall 1993 collection as noted on its hand written tag. It may be the only one that exists. 
  
• It was made under the creative direction of Paco Rabanne
• The piece would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris Atelier.
• It is such an incredible statement piece and it is very light in weight which makes it so easy to wear.
• The fabric is gorgeous. The base black silk netting has been hand painted with a deep rich gold and then heavier coatings of the same gold creates patterns within the design. The outlines of each of the designs that cover the entire coat are highlighted with a hand applied gold cording. This combination is what makes that spectacular pattern that covers over the entire piece. Once you start looking closely, you see that he has used three different types of netting to achieve the final effect. The use of all that gold gives the coat an incredible glint from every angle.
• A single hook sits at the neck and the shoulders are soft and slightly gathered across their tops.
• It has very full sleeves and like the rest of the coat they have no lining so that you see a bit of skin underneath the netting. The sleeves widen out as they near their ends to be a full 38" around. This gives them incredible movement and it is just striking to have those beautiful wide sleeves.
• The rest of the coat is equally as extreme and extravagant. It falls outward as it drapes over you  to the floor and it is extremely wide and extremely full by the hem. You can see how beautifully this allows the pattern to fall in soft folds. It is also extremely long so that it trails and billows around you as you move. 
• The pattern that you see on the netting is perfectly mirrored from one side to the other. Everything would have had to have been pre-planned and deliberately made to specifically piece this together to achieve the final look of the piece.
• This is an incredible piece of true Haute Couture and is the perfect thing to add over any piece to add instant high drama and glamour.
• It has a single hook at the top of the neck. It would be very easy to add hidden set snaps or hooks down the front if you wanted to wear it fully closed and more as a caftan. It is unlined so has a touch of transparency. All of the work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards.
• There is no size tag present being Couture so please go by the listed measurements below. Its easy cut should it allow it to fit a full range of sizes.
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: approx 27" and are 17" around the upper arm
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust-hips: open
Total length: 63" from neck to hem. The back hem extends another 3" past that.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD5255

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• This is original Haute Couture piece dating to the late 1980s, early 1990s.
• The set was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
• This would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
  
• This is a stunning two piece set done in a pale pink silk that has a hint of a lavender undertone. The silk is very high-end quality.
• The top is a classic and easy tank cut. Wider set straps curve over the shoulder and the front is scooped. It has a full and generous cut through the body and flares out slightly at the hem. This is a piece you just slip on and it is very easy to wear. 
  
• Inside there are little handmade straps across the top of the shoulder that snap into placed to hold your undergarment perfectly. Every stitch is done by hand. Little hidden set hand covered silk snaps close the top up one side.
• The skirt has an inner band at the waist and it wraps over itself at the front. It closes with hand covered silk snaps and then has hook and eye at the side of the waist. It is gathered into soft pleats along the front and then is opened down its length where it wraps over itself at the front. When you sit or walk a certain way you get a bit of flash of bare leg. It is cut generously over the hips and then narrows down to the hem. The back is cut slightly longer than the front for a pretty line.
• The top is unlined and the skirt has a nude silk chiffon inner handset lining to just past the hips. The top has snaps up one side as described above and the skirt closes along the waist as described above. A teeny tiny bit of pulling here and there on the back of the skirt. All of the hand work is to Haute Couture standards throughout.
• There is no size tag present because it is couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition

Top
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam and widens to 21.5" by the hem
Total length: 22" from top of the shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam. 
Total length: 44" from the waist to the longest point of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5228

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1995 show.
• It was made under the creative direction of Todd Oldham.
• In an interview with Fashion TV Oldham said that the Fall 1995 show "was the biggest collection he had ever done, it was more well rounded, and that he thought he liked it better than any collection he had ever done... It is rich without being alienating"
  
• Todd Oldham showed his first collection in 1981 and officially launched his label in 1989. In 1991 he won the Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. By 1995 he was the darling of the media. His shows were extravagant and all of the reigning supermodels of the day walked his runways.
• Nothing from his label was being produced in great quantities and the more extravagant dresses like this one are extremely rare and hard to find because they were made in such limited quantities.
• The dress is made out of a black silk crepe that has a very slight ribbed texture to it. It has a sleek and simple feel to it that perfectly reflects the 1990s. At the same time it has a very elaborate crystal rhinestone detailing done for the straps that elevates the dress perfectly
• The upper bodice has attached silver metal linked chains that are flexible and have a series of hand set crystal rhinestones set side-by-side along the lengths of the chain and are held in place by prongs set on a mesh ribbon backdrop.
• The front sweeps up to the neck to a centre peak and the attached rhinestone chains wraps around the neck and then runs down the sides of the back to attach to back of the dress. The first chain is set along the top edge of the dress and runs closer to the neck before curving down the back. The second series of chains are set below that and follow the same line just a few inches apart. I love the crisscross shape that this creates at the front. You can see on the runway pictures how this sits on the body. It is interesting to know that there are no claps or closures. You have to put the dress on and then slip your arms through so that they sit on top of your shoulders.
• The chains are made out of big chunky glass crystal rhinestones that are very high quality. The pattern on each chain combines a large marquise shaped stone set between two stacked round rhinestones on either side. They are gorgeous.
• The dress skims over the bust and curves in at the waist. At the back the upper back is left bare and exposed.
• It curves back out over the hips and then the skirt falls to the floor and gently widens out to the hem. The bottom of the skirt flares out a touch and this gives it some extra fullness and movement as you walk
• The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper. There are little soft half cup sewn into the front bust area. Some of the ribbon backing of the chains has come loose where the glue has given out. It appears to sit properly once on regardless, but if you want my seamstress to look at this before sending let me know when you place your order. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand work throughout.
• Tagged a vintage Oldham medium
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-17" 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
Total length: 61" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5226

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 1995 Todd Oldham Runway.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This spectacular dress is true Haute Couture from the Spring 1992 collection and its twin walked the runway that season. 
• It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro.
• It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
• The dress has a beautiful structure to it and it is meant to have an hourglass feel once on the body with inner support and it's cut all done to achieve that goal.
• The dress is made out of an iridescent pink-burgundy-red silk taffeta that has a gorgeous subtle shimmer over it. That slight iridescent quality helps to highlight the cut, curve and draping in the dress.
• The top of the bodice is rounded and shaped to plunge between the breasts. It curves around the back from there to leave the upper back bare and exposed.
• The silk has been hand draped over the bodice and I love how it crosses over itself at the front. The shape of the bodice is very sexy and a nod to Old Hollywood.
• The draping continues down on an angle to the hip on the opposite side. The silk sweeps over the hips and one side falls to just above the knee. That is all gathered up and into the bow on one hip. This wrapping around the body with the deliberate placement and angling of the hand drape silk is what really gives you that hourglass feel.
  
• The oversized bow on one hip is made from the same silk with added handmade velvet flowers at its centre. The velvet flowers are handmade and have their own label.
• Set under the angled seam that makes the top portion of the dress is a spectacular tiered and ruffled lower skirt that is created by spiralling the silk around the body. This also allows it to have that beautiful flare that you see. When this is on and moving, the skirt kicks out around you and adds too the bombshell feel the dress has.
• The dress is fully lined in a matching silk. There is built in hidden support and boned structure through bodice. The dress closes with a back set zipper. Where some of the stitching is done and along the edges of where the zipper is set, you can see the under colour of the taffeta. Please see the photo after the label shot. There are some minor marks around the hem at the longest point. This is all very minor and mentioned for accuracy
• There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition

Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of the bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5222

Reference Photo: Fall 1991/92 Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture

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• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1990 collection.
• It was Made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
  
• The fabric that the dresses made out of is a stunning pale nude ballet slipper pink that has a beautiful weight to it. This and the cut is what helps hold the draping perfectly in place.
• It has a very unusual design hidden from the outside. There is an inner bodice that one side of the outer dress hooks onto around the inner waist and then the other side drapes over that and hooks along the outer waist. This gives you coverage over the bust on the inside but still allows the bodice to feel so loosely draped around you and allows the plunge to be so low at the front while still feeling secure and covered underneath.
• The sleeves are incredible. They are extremely full and each is lined with a pale pink silk chiffon to help hold the added volume of them. I love the way they drop over the cuff at the wrist to form that gorgeous puff at their ends.
• The inner waist closure holds the dress in place around you and then the exterior silk drapes and skims past the waist and hips. The skirt flares out slightly as it nears the hem. The silk drapes over the waist for a bit of definition in shape, even though there is no actual seam there.
  
• The inner bodice zips at the front and then the dress hooks to close around it. The rest of the dress is unlined. I see one tiny faint mark along the edge of a fold of the top, some very minor faint marks at the hem and a tiny scratch in the fabric at the back hem. All very minor but mentioned for accuracy. Hand finishes. The colour is slightly more pastel soft pink than how it shot.
• The fit of the dress as it is currently is based almost completely on the measurements of the inner bodice piece but the outer dress is more generous. You could easily alter/add to the inner bodice to get more room if needed.
• Tagged a vintage YSL 38 
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 24.5"
Inner bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer bust measurement is very full and up to 22" across so if you needed more room you could easily add to the inner bodice to get more room.
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam with a similar note to above. The outer waist measures to 17".
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML 

Item# DD5203

Reference Photos: Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1998 Versace show.
• It was made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace.
• This is a rare and early documented example of his work.
• The dresses made of two layers of silk. There is an inner silk layer that is a bright vivid pink and then this is topped with a black silk chiffon that has a touch of transparency. 
  
• Onto the top black layer is an elaborate pattern made of silver metallic thread and little tiny silver sequins. This adds a subtle sparkle over the entire dress.
• Two triangles sit at the front bust and they are brought inwards at the neck leaving an open keyhole underneath. The straps circle around both sides of your neck and then meet at the back. They curve outwards to meet the sides of a full open scoop that leaves most of your back bare and exposed. 
  
• It skims over the waist and hips from there and I love the lingerie effect created by having the black float over the inner pink layer.
  
• The inner pink silk layer acts as the lining. The neck of the dress slips over the head and then the dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. When the dress is off the body the pink under-layer appears to extend past the bottom by a couple of inches but it is bias cut so once on it lines up as shown in the photos here.
• Tagged a vintage Versace 40
• Excellent condition

Bust: each triangle covers up to 8" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 16" 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: approx 13" from neck to the seam under the bus
Total length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5194

Reference Photos: Spring 1998 Versace.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is an original Gianni Versace label piece most likely from the late 1990s 
  
• This would have been made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace.
• The dress is made out of a knit that has a gold Lurex thread running through it so that it has a fantastic metallic feel but still soft and easy to wear.
• The knit has a pretty chain stitch that gives it added texture combined with the gold metallic thread.
• The front neckline edge is ribbed and the straps curve up and over to meet the side of the back. The dress comes with its original laces that you can slip through little slit openings down the sides of the back to have the entire back have a laced up effect. You can also wear it without the laces for a completely open and bare back. The very low edge of the back and the hem are also finished with that same ribbing effect as the front edging. 
• One side of the dress is slit from the hem up and and you can lace that up as well or you can wear it without the laces. 
• The dress slips on to wear and is unlined. The knit has stretch and I have given the range of measurements below. The length may come up a touch once on depending on how it sits on you.
• Tagged a vintage Versace 42/8
• Excellent condition

Bust: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem. 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5178

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• This is an incredible Christian Lacroix dress whose tag dates it to 1997.
• The dress would have been made under the creative direction of Christian Lacroix. 
• This has all the wonderful detailing that you want to see in a Lacroix piece.
• The dress is made out of a black silk that has a very slight texture to it. Onto this are black velvet details along with netting adorned with rhinestones.
• The front sweeps up to the neck and an attached velvet strap wraps around the neck and hooks into place. A little bow sits on the very top of the neck. I love how the top angles down on the sides. It curves down and around to the back and this leaves your entire upper back bare and exposed.
• There are little insets of velvet that follow the curve of the top and these wrap around to create added detail at the back of the waist. Each side has a lace edging that has tiny little rhinestones and faceted black beads fused onto the lace.
• The waist seam at the front is cut on a pretty upwards curve and there is a second bow set at the centre of the waist. A lace peplum has been added to follow the curve of the waist seam and this wraps all the way down and around to the back. Onto the lace are more rhinestones and faceted beads and here they are a greater variety of sizes. I love this detail so much.
• The skirt falls to the floor and gently widens out to the hem. Running up the back is a inset of lace. This gives the back extra fullness and a pretty detail. It is cut slightly longer than the front hem so you get this bit of a sweeping feel behind you. There is an inner layer of silk inside the ski skirt so while the lace has a touch of transparency, it feels safe to wear because of the inner lining.
• The dress is fully lined and closes with a hidden set back zipper. The strap at the neck hooks to close
• Tagged a vintage Lacroix 44
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 54" from neck to front hem, 59" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5164

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1993 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
• He did an entire series of dresses in several variations for this collection. We have also added some other shots from the collection for you to see since this particular group of dresses were integral to the collection that year. 
• Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. This is an important piece of his fashion history. 
• The cut of the dress is simple but it is very sexy with its long silhouette and see through lower skirts.
• The dress is made out of a black crepe that has a slight bias cut to it that allows it to drape well over the body once on.
• The strap detailing that crosses over the body, edges the bust area, and is used for the straps that go up and around the neck, are all made from a wide cotton weave looking ribbon that is applied directly onto the dress.
• Black seed beads were applied onto that ribbon and they catch the light beautifully when you move. The bodice is extensively beaded, sequinned and embroidered. The colours are bright and brilliant and I love how they give the dress a fantastic pop of colour.
• The work completely covers each triangle of the front bust and then wraps all the way around the back. The straps are intricate and hook behind the neck and become a design detail in themselves. 
•  The dress skims over the body and then flares out with that inset of silk chiffon for the very lower part of the skirt.
• Fully lined in a black silk. The lower chiffon part of the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and hooks to close at the back of the neck. Hand finishes and beautifully constructed.
• Tagged a vintage Lagerfeld 40
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4901

Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Runway.  /  (6-7) Kristen McMenamy for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ready to Wear Advance.  /  (8) Helena Christensen for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ad Campaign.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is a rare two piece jacket and skirt set from the Fall 1999 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
• We have included several runway shots that we found that show various pieces made of the same fabrication and with similar silhouettes.
• Both pieces are ultra soft to touch. The angora/mohair and wool mix that both pieces are made of would have been specially created for the collection in order to get the pattern to lay so precisely. The fabric would have had to have been pre-planned out prior to making the final design.
• The jacket is phenomenal. It has soft shoulders and is meant to feel at touch more oversized through the upper bodice. The waist is cinched in with a single oversized hand carved button that sits at the front. From there  then it curves over the hips under that. This cut is what gives you that fantastic exaggerated hourglass feel that the suit has.
• The shawl collar is very wide and covers almost the upper bodice. It is finished with a bolder print and feels like a statement piece in itself. The body of the jacket has an angled black-and-white chevron print and I love how he has placed this to emphasize the shape even more.
• The sleeves are extra long and they are meant to bunch up slightly on the arm. They are finished with a wide band of the same design that details the collar.
• The skirt has a simple black piping at the waist and then it is cut in a long slim pencil shape. The upper portion of the skirt is done in that chevron pattern and then the lower part of the skirt picks up that amazing design that was used on the collar and ends of each sleeve.
• The jacket is lined in a black silk and buttons at the front to close as described above. The skirt is unlined and closes at the back with a zipper and hooks at the waist.
  
• Both pieces are tagged an early Galliano large.
• It appears to have never been worn.
• Excellent condition and so so very rare.

Jacket
Sleeves: 26.5" and are 14" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 17.5"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 22" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 35" from the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5130

Reference Photos: Fall 1999 John Galliano, Looks 1, 4 & 9.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• A fabulous dress from the late 1990s
• Made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace
• The dress is very sexy with its cut out and made of a stretch fabric that hugs and shapes the body.
• The colour is a bright chartreuse that is just exceptional.
• There is light padding in each shoulder, and this holds the dress and gives it a tapered field to the waist.
• It skims over the body and then is gathered in a long, one side all the way around. The other side has been left open and is meant to drape down on the top of one hip. This leaves a bear exposed cut out on that side that wraps around to the back.
• The fabric has been gathered under the hip on that side, and then the skirt falls from narrowing down as it reaches the ham.
• There is a high slit on one side that goes right to the bottom of the gathering on the hip and there is a little quirky gathering on the opposite side to that sitting several inches above the hem.
• All of these gatherings and cut out give it a really sculptural feel around the body.
• It's fully lined in a more Matt version of the same stretch material. The fabric does have stretch so the measurement below or the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat. It has no closures and slips on to wear.
• Tagged a vintage Versace 38
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56.5" from waist to hem
Slit: 33" but wraps over itself near the top

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5117

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• The twin of the dress that was worn on the runway for the Fall 1995 Karl Lagerfeld show.
• He launched his self-named label in 1984 and by the 1990s it was firmly established. Pieces from his personal label were far edgier then the work he did for Chanel. It was a label where he explored a more avant garde feel with his designs and pushed the envelope more. 
• The dress that is made out of a mix of a light weight black net that is backed in more layers of netting and silk chiffon.
• Onto that is a pattern made from black velvet fused onto the netting. The velvet is set to highlight the cut and lines of the dress.
• It has a slightly more bare and fitted feel through the upper bodice and then flares and widens out very dramatically to the hem.
• The fabric is light in weight but the layering underneath the top layer of netting gives it enough weight and structure to hold the shape.
• The bust drops into a V and the velvet details on the bodice are set on angles to work into a centre vertical velvet line. This same striping runs horizontally all the way around the hem. The line that runs down the centre of the bodice extends all the way to the hem and then more vertical lines go all the way around the skirt to break up it up into panels.
• The waist comes in a touch, but has a more generous feel to it, and the skirt swings in a a wide A-line.
• At the back, the dress completely opens with a series of silk covered buttons that run from neck to just above the hem.
• The bodice is lined in another layer of the same netting and the skirt has three more layers of netting under the top layer and an inner nude silk chiffon layer under those. It closes at the back with the series of buttons that you see. 
• Excellent condition.

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of the shoulder to waist
Total length: 55" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4926

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 1995 Karl Lagerfeld.

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• An inner waste state hooks to close. There's no there is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.An absolutely incredible piece from the 1990s. 
  
• Made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta 
  
• This might be one of my favourite dresses I have had in the shop. The photos do not do it full justice and it is only when you see it in person that you realize just how beautiful it is.
• It is made out of a fine black lace. The lace completely covers the dress and I would be astounded to know how many yards of lace went into making this dress.
• The inner bodice is strapless and meant to be fitted. It is lined in a fine tissue silk and boned for support. An outer layer of lace covers the bodice and forms tiny cap sleeves. I love how this lets the upper shoulders and shoulders feel unlined so you get a peak of skin through it.
• The inner back scoops down with that a single layer of lace exterior covering you. It is very elegant but still feels very sexy.
• The waist nips in and then the dress glides over the hips to falls to the floor.
• Inside there are three layers of silk organza. Two black layers directly under the lace and then nude innermost layer. The two innermost layers both have wide bands of stiffening around the hem and the layer that sits directly under the lace has three stacked stiffened bands going up the skirt. This is what helps to hold the incredible shape and volume that you see.
• The skirt is extremely full and has so many yards of lace in its construction. The volume that you see was all created by the sheer amount of fabric, the cut and the seven lace tiers that run over the entire lower portion of the skirt.
• I love the tiers of lace that cover the lower part of the skirt. Each is set to slightly overlap the next one down. No expense was spared on the lace in the dress. Even the area between the tiers are finished with lace despite that fact that you can’t see them. Each tier's lace is set to that the edges are scalloped to follow the pattern and shape of the designs in the lace. I took a photo where I hold the skirt up on one side and this will give you an idea of the amount of yardage the skirt has. It is incredible.
• The inner construction of this dress is as good as the exterior and it is made close to a demi-couture level.
  
• It closes with a back zipper where the inner corset starts. The neck hooks to close and there is a keyhole between. Boned through the bodice. An inner waist state hooks to close.
• There is no there is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: are 10" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true seams
Inner bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 64" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5088

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• A gorgeous and striking piece that can be worn as a jacket or a dress.
• Made under the creative direction of Christian Lacroix 
• The piece zips up at the front and fully opens. This is why it can play double duty as either a dress or a jacket.
• The fabric has a black backdrop and then has beautiful flowers woven through it in a deep red and an almost purple colour.
• It has no collar and the front is detailed with a wide band on either side of the zipper that has a swooping pattern made out of a cord applied onto the fabric. This panel extends down the back with more cording there as well.
• The waist is brought in and seamed and then the skirt under that is pleated into that seam. This allows it to be very full.
• Little pockets sit on each side of the hip so you can put your hands into the pockets and exaggerate the fullness of the skirt even more.
• The sleeves are wonderful. They are set into a slightly dropped shoulder and widen out to be quite wide by their ends.
• It is lined in a black silk and there is light rounded padding in each shoulder for shape. It zips to close at the front.
• Tagged a IT40, FR38, GB32, US6
• Excellent condition

Sleeves from the drop shoulder: 17" and are 13" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: 20"
Bust: 17" 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
Total length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD5081

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• Circa late 1990s
• Under the creative direction of Gianni Versace
• A muted pastel salmon colour that is more pastel feeling in real life than how it photoed here
• The dress has a wide gathered band around the waist and a piece that is attached and loops in and behind one of the panels that form the top
• The panels are one piece of fabric that loops around the neck and the down to attach into the waist. You cross it over itself so that it goes behind the neck. You can then wear them high up on the shoulder or have it cape and fall over the upper arm.
• This leaves your entire back open and exposed
• The skirt has an inner piece that acts a partial lining. The outer skirt drapes over that and forms those interesting pocket like pieces on each hip. It then drapes inwards and down to the hem with a centre slit up both the front and back of the skirt
• It is a very interesting and an avant garde design
• The bodice is made of two layers of the same fabric and the skirt has a partial lining through the hips and the rest of the skirt is unlined.
• Tag a vintage Versace 42
• Excellent condition

Bust: each panel is 11" flat across from side to side
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: adjust depending on how you twist to wear it
Total length: approx 62" from neck to hem
Slits: approx 25" from the longest point of the hem to the top of the slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5037

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Guy Laroche began working for Jean Desses in 1949 and eventually launched his own Haute Couture label in 1957 as a full member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Mode Parisienne.  He became known for his colour sense along with the young and sexy look of his clothing comparison to the older more established couturiers. In 1985 he won the Haute Couture Golden Thimble award and two years later he was awarded the insignia of Chevalier de L’Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur. His second Golden Thimble was given posthumously after his death in 1989. Michel Klein took over the couture division where he remained until 1996. This dress is from Klein's tenure and it is a beautiful example of the work he was doing during there. Laroche once was quoted as saying “It is my intention to try and adapt haute couture to modern requirements: to make dresses that are simple and chic.” and I feel that this dress tries to live up to that thought while still maintaining the feel that couture had during the mid-nineties.

This is the type of piece that is so bold and edgy that you will only ever find it in a Couture piece. It has some subtle differences from the runway version which is normal for couture since each piece is fitted to the client. The bodice is scooped wider across and the back skirt feels longer. A long panel has been added that falls down the back and matches the colour and fabric of the skirt. The pale taupe inner dress is a mini in length with a panel of silk attached at the side and back. The long skirt that is attached over that is done on a soft olive green silk. This part falls to the floor in a long smooth drape of fabric. A wide deep blue/black silk band wraps around the waist for shape. This narrows down at one end and hooks into place under a long swooping gold brooch which I believe is gold plated. A long panel is attached at the back and while I have left it extending down  you could probably be clever and tie it to create a bow if you wished to emulate the runway photo more. The sleeves are spectacular. They are the same deep blue-black colour but in a silk chiffon and are cut extra long. They are very wide and full and this lets the hem to fall at an angle when your arms are down. The softness and transparency the sleeves have are the perfect contrast to the rich silk the rest of the dress is made from. It is a very unusual and uniquely gorgeous dress. Excellent condition with a minor note below. 

Fully lined in hand set silk that matches the colours of the various exterior silks. The sleeves are unlined. The dress closes with a hand set hidden back zipper and then there is another zipper that closes the inner mini skirt. The sash at the waist wraps and hooks into place. The brooch is detachable and shows a sight patina. Proper couture label present. The dress is entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. The inner silk of the long skirt is scuffed near the hem and I see slight grubbiness along the hem on parts. Please see the shot after the label photo. 

Sleeves: 34" to the longest point
Inset shoulders: 12"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Mini dress length: 31" from top of shoulder to hem
Full Length: 60" from shoulder to longest point of the hem
Waist sash: 26.5" in length to where the hooks presently sit with an extension past that that wraps and hooks into place

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4012

Reference Photo: Fall 1994 Guy Laroche Haute Couture Runway Collection on Kirsty Hume.

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The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and quickly became one of the top couture ateliers in the world. In 1964 Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou, brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand. Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He headed the Couture division until 1998 which makes this a dress from one of his final few seasons. This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture. It is truly magical once on.

The dress is made out of layers of a deep blue bias cut silk chiffon. The bodice is strapless and it has an inner shaped corset that is lightly boned and shaped for light support. The top of the bodice is slightly rounded above each breast and then dips down and into the centre. The silk chiffon has been gathered and softly draped by hand over the body from the bust to the top of the hips. The draping goes all the way around you and adds to the hourglass feel the dress has. The waist cinches in and the dress comes with its original matching silk sash that you can tie and style around your shoulders or neck. The skirt flows out from under there and it is made up of yards and yards of feather light silk chiffon all cut on the bias. The layers of chiffon are feather light and the movement they create as they float over each other as you move is just incredible. It is incredible to see in person. I love that added bit of glamour from the beautiful band of glass crystals, silver tube beads and silver sequins that run from the centre of the bust to curve down and over one hip. It is like an added bit of jewellery to the dress and just beautiful. It is truly one of the best dresses of his that I have seen. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a  hand set blue silk. The skirt has an inner layer of silk under the top layers of bias cut silk chiffon. The bodice is shaped and lightly boned inside with softly shaped cups. It closes with a hand set back zipper. The dress is entirely made by hand with its proper Haute Couture tag present. There are a couple of tiny repairs and tiny areas of thinning/pinholes here and there in the skirt. There is so much fabric you do not see them but this is mentioned for accuracy. Please see the photos after the label shot.

Bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to the seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 44" from top of bodice to shortest point of the front hem and 56" to the back hem
Scarf: approx 20" x 80"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD4993

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The twin of this dress in a different colour walked the Fall 1990 runway and we have included the reference photos of that so that you can see just how fabulous this one is on the body. This dress is extra special as it  includes the incredible brooches on both the front and back of the dress just like the runway piece. It is unlabeled but came to me directly from the original couture client from whom many of the other Haute Couture pieces I have had in the shop. She was fitted by Christian himself for the dress which makes it that much more special. It is a stunning example of his Couture work during this time period. 

The dress is made out of an iridescent silk taffeta. I love how the colour changes depending on how the light hits it. It can go from a deep bronze to a more iridescent blue / purple tone. The  sleeves are long and there is a row of five silk covered buttons at each wrist. It is gathered at one side at the front with the first of two incredible jewelled brooches the dress came with. The brooch is hand made from a gold toned metal with large golden topaz glass crystals mixed with brilliant blue crystals. The neckline angles down and across your shoulder to leave one shoulder bare and exposed. At the back, the neckline dips dramatically down into a deep open V that leaves your skin bare and exposed. The second huge jewelled brooch sits at the base of that. A panel of silk flares out to one side to create a half bow, half bustle feel. The interior of that panel has extra structure so that it stays perfectly in place. The skirt falls below that and depending in your height will sit at about the knee or just above. It is fabulous. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a black silk organza and closes with an elaborate mix of a zipper, snaps and hooks at the back with one panel looping through the other over the inner closures. There is a fused strip of rubber ribbon along the inner neckline to help hold it in place and this has degraded a touch here and there. One stone is missing at the bottom of the front brooch. The brooches are tacked into place at present but are removable. You can see little marks on the fabric under them where the pin has been pushed through in different places. There are a couple teeny pinhead snags on the fabric where the brooches have caught on the silk near the brooches. These are all very minor and mentioned for accuracy. Sourced from the original couture client and Christian Lacroix told me through instagram that he remembers fitting her. 

Sleeves: 19.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3602

Reference Photos: Fall/Winter 1990 Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Runway.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1990 Haute Couture collection. Its twin was shown under a jacket on model Gloria Burgess and we found the original sketch of the dress in my YSL folio. I thought it interesting to see that Gloria was not the original model intended for the dress and that there was a change by Yves as to who wore it on the actual runway and you can see that interesting little detail in the sketch. I have included all the reference photos for you here and it gives you a beautiful idea of how fabulous this is once on the body. This is also the collection that the book 'Yves Saint Laurent: Catwalk' notes that "The end of this catwalk show was greeted by 10 minutes of a standing ovation, following Yves Saint Laurent's homage - via 119 designs - to the hugely talented men and women who had thus far influenced him and made an impression upon him". The dress is gorgeous and Yves always cut his couture pieces so perfectly. It really is a beautiful piece and in my opinion, owning a piece of his couture work is one of the ultimate vintage acquisitions.

The dress is amazing and showcases how wonderful Yves Saint Laurent could cut a dress to flatter a woman's body. It is made entirely by hand and the silk is that heavier richer silk that you only see in the very best pieces of couture. The top is cut to skim over you and blouse over the waist. The shoulders have padding to extend the line of them outwards a touch over the ends of the shoulder. The sleeves are cut full through the upper arms and then narrow to the wrists. Each cuff ends with four handmade silk covered buttons and loops and each button is perfectly functional. The neckline is set a touch wide across. The silk is gathered around the waist into soft folds to create a little extra bit of a detailing. The folds are set slightly off to the side and on an slight angle that visually helps to extend the body of the person wearing it. The waist is seamed but cut on the more generous side. To cinch it in we have added an ivory silk chiffon sash that is a beautiful match to the dress. The skirt falls under that in a simple shape that flares out as it nears the hem. It falls to just about the knee or above depending on your height and there are hidden pockets along each hip. The colour of the silk is beautiful creamy ivory. This is a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will fall in love with how good it is in person. It really shows how sometimes simplicity can have so much of an impact. It would be a dress that might make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice, for a day wedding, or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in an ivory silk and all the work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards. It closes with a hand set side zipper and a button at the back of the neck. An inner waist stay hooks to close. Each cuff has four hand made silk buttons and loop. Padding in each shoulder as described above. Completely made by hand. Proper Haute Couture numbered label present. The silk chiffon sash is not original to the dress but will be sent with it. Any change in colour that you see in the photos is lighting.

Sleeves: 22" and 14" around the upper arm
Slightly wide set shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist but mean to blouse a bit
Total length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem with 2" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4727

Reference Photo: Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway. Model Gloria Burgess.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

This is a very rare dress that is the twin of the dress that walked the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1992 Haute Couture runway. It is extremely well documented and I have included photos of the original sketch and swatches that I have here from the Saint Laurent couture archive book set that I own in addition to runway reference photos of it that we found. You can see just how fantastic it is on the body. This was Look 47 and part of the short evening segment of the collection.

This collection marked Yves' 30 year anniversary and it was presented on January 29 to coincide exactly with his first collection presented January 29, 1962. The book, Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk, notes that at the time people were expecting a retrospective but Yves actually surprised everyone by producing a full 91 piece collection. There was a definitive tribute aspect to his first 1962 collection. Flowers were a main motif and ran throughout the collection as did polka dots and stripes. Puff sleeve tops with balloons skirts were integral and dresses like this one were a key look. It is an exceptional to have such beautiful documentation on this stunning dress. Every piece of Saint Laurent Couture is a treasure but when it's as highly documented in from such an important collection as this, it is just that much more special.

The dress is exquisite. It is made from a combination of a white silk that has been hand embroidered with roses and leaves across the entire bodice. This is then combined with a silk faille skirt that has dots that appear to be hand painted onto the fabric. A silk organza bow is wrapped around the waist and I love the deeper mustard yellow tone of it. It perfectly offsets the black and white palette. The neckline is scooped across the front and the bodice is meant to skim over the body to the waist. The sleeves are fantastic and each insets into the bodice in a series of pleats across the top of the shoulders. This is what gives them the volume that you see. The edges of the neckline are finished with a black cord and this runs around the cuffs as well. Each cuff is brought into the arm with a button and loop and this bringing in at the arm also helps to exaggerate the puff above. The entire silk of the top is embroidered in this magical, dreamy, black rose embroidery that pops against the white of the silk. The embroidery is done onto the silk directly in some places and then in other places the leaves or roses have been cut out and hand stitched in place. The waist is seamed but it is more generously cut and the organza ribbon that circles it adds the perfect pop of color. Under that the skirt is fantastically full and the fulness is created by the pleats that are set into the waist and the way it has been wrapped in and under at the hem to attach to the skirt underneath. Between the those two layers of the skirt you can feel that there is tulle and some structure inside that helps hold that exaggerated shape. It is a fantastic magical piece of Haute Couture and an important piece from an important collection. Excellent condition with a note below.

The bodice is lined in an ivory silk and the sleeves are unlined. The belt at the waist is attached and wrapped and hooked into place. The skirt is lined in the same fabric as the outer skirt and there is stiffening between the layers as described above. It closes at the back with a button at the top of the neck and then there is a hidden set side zipper too close. The dress is unlabeled, but I have seen the original label that came with the dress. The dress had been let out at some point and my client had it brought back in and unfortunately when she had it altered back to its original size, the tailor lost the tag. I see some very minor evidence of that alteration on the bodice. There are some areas of stress near the embroidery and some minor reinforcements underneath the arms. I see slight dustiness on the fabric at the top the shoulders and there is a tiny chip on the button on one sleeve. Perhaps a slight grubbiness along the inner edge of the lining under the arm. The outside presents as clean and fresh and once on it looks immaculate. 

Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 18" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4509

Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1992 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  /  (5-6) From the book "Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: L'oeuvre Integral 1962-2002".

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Every so often I am contacted by someone and entrusted with something very special and this wedding set by Romeo Gigli absolutely fits that bill. This incredible set is a one of a kind, Haute Couture made to measure piece that comes directly from its original owner and she has graciously given all of the original documentation on it to share with you along with a full write up on her experience with Romeo and a scan of the Elle article that was written a year after her wedding. 

Romeo Gigli launched his label first in 1981 which failed. In 1983 he partnered with Carla Sozzani and in 1985 he presented a 25 piece collection in Milan. By 1986 he was an international sensation and his collections made world wide headlines. In 1989 he had his Paris debut. His work was romantic but dramatic. Hallmarks included shawl coats, which this set so perfectly displays, along with soft sloping shoulders and silhouettes that narrow as they come down the body. Historical references run through his work and his de-structured lines felt fresh and new.

This set has all of the original pieces that Marion wore on her wedding day and even includes the original boxes and silk bags that the set was delivered in. Every piece was made in studio by hand and when I tell you that my photos do not do the full set justice I have never been more honest as everything is more beautiful in person. This is a once in a life time opportunity to own this incredible and important piece of fashion history. The link to Marion's story is below and a short description of the pieces follows. 

Click here to see the full photo set of Marion in the fittings with Romeo, on her wedding day, see the Elle editorial, and read Marion's story about the experience >

The wedding ensemble consists of a pale pink silk chiffon top, a gold lace hobble skirt and a deep gold silk jacket or top that was worn over those two pieces. An incredible silk chiffon coat that is filled with silk flowers and flows behind you in a knotted train was worn over that. The original pale taupe velvet shoes in their original box are present along with the hand made hair sticks and pins. The two original pink raw silk hand made bags that the skirt and tops were delivered in are included and the entire ensemble comes in its original raw silk covered box. The final piece included is the little hand held green silk bag that Marion carried that day.

The skirt and inner top are the base of the outfit. The top is slightly cropped and made from a pale dusty peach pink silk chiffon. The chiffon has been hand gathered into soft pleats and crosses itself over the front and back. It wraps around you and closes on one side, inside, with a series of silk covered buttons and then the other side wraps over that and closes at the back outside with buttons as well. The skirt is made out of fine gold lace and is banded around the waist for shape. It drapes softly over the body with volume through the hips created by the layers. It narrows down at the ankles for a touch of a hobble skirt in appearance with the ends curving up and under. It is an incredible design.

An oversized silk top goes over this that has a bit of volume through the body. It is made from a deep copper gold silk with a burnished finish. The sleeves are incredibly long and are meant to be gather along the arms and follow the cut and curve of them. The collar is very high and wired so that it stands and frames the face beautifully. One side is longer then the other and you can shape the wire to give it a quirky little curve in the direction and way that works best for you. I love the open cut out just under the collar. It hints at the silk chiffon top underneath and adds an unexpected flash of skin.

The coat is utterly remarkable. It is thoroughly Romeo Gigli in spirit and it is one of the most beautiful, magical things I have ever seen. It has those beautiful sloped  shoulders he was known for and the front flips over into a deep shawl collar. It slips on over everything else with no front closures. It just falls over you in this exceptional drape of chiffon and flowers and then trails out behind you. The end has been knotted and I love this detail as it is absolutely Gigli at his best. The coat is made from a silk chiffon outer and inner layer that has a touch of transparency to it while inside and between the layers are thousands of silk flowers. Each would have been placed by hand one by one to form a solid layer of flowers that shows through the silk. It has weight yet it feels weightless. It has presence yet it feels ethereal.  The top layer of the chiffon is a pale dusty pink and then the inner layer is a pale taupe. The flowers float between the two and it make this light rustling sound as it moves that it magical. It is one of the best things I have ever personally seen.

Finally are the accessories. Her original velvet shoes that slide on and then tie in place, the little green silk bag that is held by the tied straps and the various hand made hair and stick pins in their original box.

The entire set will be sent in it original box hand covered in a deep dusty pink raw silk as it came to Marion from the Gigli ateliers.

Everything is in superb condition. I see a teeny smudge of discoloration under the arms of the inner silk chiffon top and the wear to the soles of the shoes giving away the clue that it was worn that day. The silk on the large box it came in has more wear as seen in the photos

This is a once in a life time, absolutely remarkable piece of fashion history.

Inner top
Shoulders: no true seams
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 14" from top of shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 47" from waist to hem and including the 4" waist band

Outer top
Sleeves: 39" from the dropped shoulder seam and are around 11" arond after the dropped shoulder
Shoulders: 27" across and meant to drop significantly
Bust: 30" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 27" flat across from side seam to side seam and narrows to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam by the hem
Length: 41" from neck hem
Neck: 13" around

Coat
Is about 36" flat across the inner bust and it is about 120" long from the neck to end past the knot and not including the deep shawl collar. It is pretty much OSFA

Bag
Approx 9.5" tall and about 5-7" in diameter

Shoes
Approx a 40-41

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED for the inner outfit and the coat is OSFA

Item# DD4458

Reference Photos: Courtesy of Marion Hume. (1-2) Fitting with Romeo Gigli.  /  (3-7) On the wedding day.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Geoffrey Beene was one of the most awarded designers in the US. There is a currently an exhibit running of his work for the 2023 year titled MOVE: The Modern Cut of Geoffrey Beene. I wanted to share the exhibit notes because they sum his career so well saying 'At his core, Beene was a fashion rebel who ignored trends, instead preferring to design garments that began as geometric shapes and evolved into silhouettes that moved naturally with the human form. His intuitive understanding of the body informed fashions that were unparalleled in their combination of luxury, thoughtful design, and comfort. Beene’s colorful, imaginative creations have been recognized with many accolades, including eight Coty American Fashion Critics Awards and three Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards. His work has also been celebrated through various exhibitions at institutions across the nation.'

This was a favoured silhouette of Geoffrey Beene that he was doing primarily through the late 1980s and into the very early 1990s. When looking through some of the images from the exhibit on his work there were dresses with very similar cuts from the 1990 season. It is a very pretty dress and very striking once on. The bodice is strapless and then it is completely covered in overlapping glossy black sequins at the front. At the back it is the same silk taffeta as the rest of the dress and I love how part of that extends and wraps around to the front just under the bust. This is all attached and adds a beautiful detail that really reflects his work from this time period. The bodice is meant to be fitted and has light boning inside to hold it in place. The top of it dips in the center and peaks slightly on either side to emphasize the bust. The waist is nipped in and then from there the skirt is cut beautifully full to the hem. The silk is all gathered into the waist and this is what helps give it that shape that you see. I love the oversized floral print that covers the silk and how there are these little woven dots running over the very top of the silk. These catch the light differently and are also a subtle nod to his love if dots in his work. Inside there is a black silk lining and the edge of that lining is finished with a sequin detailed lace. This peaks out from below the curving hem of the skirt  and ties all the elements of the dress together. The dress can be worn on its own or with the matching shawl piece that is original to the dress. This extra wide shawl is caught up at each end in an elaborate twisted fabric flower that anchors it and allows it to open between for the volume you see. It can be worn numerous ways and I have photoed some of those here. You could also wear it over the head for a very glamorous look. It is so pretty. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Ribbon finished hem. Light boning through the bodice. The shawl is unlined with no closures

Bust: 17-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top to waist
Skirt: 36" from waist to longest points of hem
Shawl: 100" x 46.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4353

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.