On June 15, 1978 Lisa Najeeb Halaby wed King Hussein wed and she became the Queen of Jordan. She chose a Christian Dior gown, designed by Marc Bohan, for the ceremony and instantly became a style icon. Harper's Bazaar named the gown one of their 'The Most Iconic Royal Wedding Gowns of All Time'. That same year my client commissioned this version of that dress. I have also included a reference photo from the Metropolitan Museum of a top from the same collection that year that also has the open cut work 'ladder' technique. The dress for sale today comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client who had it commissioned.

The attention to detail shown in every hand done stitch is breathtaking. It is entirely done by hand and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather. The top floats over the torso for an easy fit and is left unlined, which makes it semi-transparent. There is a double row of that open 'ladder' stitch edging the top portion of the bodice. The skirt falls in a column of bias cut silk chiffon. Detailing the lower half of the skirt are six rows of that same open ladder design that is used on the bodice so that it is in perfect balance. It comes with the original flower belt. The belt combines an antique gold metal thread lame that is then detailed with a huge silk flower. You can wear around the waist as intended or even choose to wear at the neck or as a head piece. I also photoed it without the belt so that you can see how versatile it could be. There is also a square silk chiffon scarf that came with it that is not photoed but will be sent with the gown. It is truly a wonderful dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece and fit for a modern day queen. Excellent condition.

The skirt is lined in second layer of the same silk used on the exterior while the bodice is unlined. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a handset, low side painted metal zip below the waist and and above that the bodice closes with a series of hand set, silk covered snaps. Inner waist stay the hooks to close. Note there is no label but it is true Haute Couture Dior. Note the color has a slight hint of terra cotta to it in person

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from shoulder to waist but drapes to approx 15" when on
Skirt: 39.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2365

Reference Photos: (1-2) Queen Noor in a Christian Dior Gown & King Hussain of Jordan on their wedding day, 1978 (credits unknown)  /  (3-4) Dior Evening Ensemble from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Online Collection

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

A dress from this same 1976 collection was photoed on Tina Chow by David Bailey for Vogue. I have included those reference photos here and you can clearly see the same ribbon detailing and pleating technique used. Pieces at this level and beauty by Bill Gibb are extremely rare and it is a privilege to have such a gorgeous example of his work in the shop.

Bill Gibb was one of the most influential designers in 1970s Britain and his clothes were sought out and worn by the rich and famous. His work has a high fantasy element and he was crowned Designer of the Year in 1970. Much of his work verged on couture and he was unrelenting in striving for perfection. This dress set is amazing and I feel that it is a high couture, fantasy version, of the one worn by Ms. Chow. It is made up of two pieces  - a long maxi skirt and a top that has an attached, full length net jacket. The inner skirt is gorgeous in its own right. It is made out of a fine silk chiffon with a soft pink silk interior. The exterior silk chiffon is knife pleated so that it has a lot of movement. The outside layer is finished with that pretty ribbon finish made up of three stripes of silk satin ribbon in a pale blue, a pink and a mint green. This same striping edges the inner portion of the top. The inner top is made from the same silk and chiffon combination as the skirt and treated with that same knife pleating technique. Sitting over, and attached to this, is a long jacket and it is here that the high couture fantasy aspect of the piece goes into full play. The neckline is cut wide across so it almost sits off the shoulder. The fabric that sits over the inner silk top is a fine ivory netting that has a stunning design of flowers and vines that trail up from the hem to the top. They are denser around the hem. Each bit of that design is hand embroidered with a multi-colored pastel thread that has a metallic silver running through it so that it has a subtle glint. It is like wearing a literal work of art. The combination of the fine embroidery work and the metallic of the silver is incredibly beautiful and delicate in feel. All of the edges are all finished with silver cording and there is a ling tie of it at the neck. The sleeves are even more incredible. They are cut extra long and each has an inner pleated base made out of a pale pink silk chiffon that is knife pleated like the skirt and inner top are. Over this is a slightly more ivory toned silk netting that poufs out from the shoulder and is caught up just below the elbow. It then flares back out, widening as it reached the end of the sleeve. Each sleeve is densely hand embroidered with that same metallic thread as the body of the jacket. Long silver cords hang down from the seam at the elbow. This is a rare and absolutely amazing piece that is even better in person. It would even make a beautiful choice for a bride who is looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding gown. Excellent condition

Both piece are fully lined in a pale pink silk. The skirt closes with a metal and nylon zipper. The top slips on to wear with snaps and hook and eye at the very top of the inner most silk part. Museum quality and appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. The colors in person are softer and bit more pink feeling in person. So much better in real life.

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from waist seam to hem

Top/Overlay
Sleeves: approx 31"
Shoulder opening: approx 17"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 25" from top of shoulder to hem of inner top, 58" from shoulder to the full length hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3081

Reference Photos: Tina Chow in an ensemble by Bill Gibb. Photographed by David Bailey for British Vogue, April 1976.

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

The Nina Ricci Haute Couture house was founded in 1932, at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris and became one of the pre-eminent couture ateliers in the world. In 1964, Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant who took over the atelier in 1954. Over the following three decades, his Haute Couture vision "celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day." This gown is from the Fall 1994 collection under his creative direction and I have included the runway reference photo here. In an interview with WWD in 1995, Pipart mentioned the state of couture upon his arrival to Nina Ricci, "When I arrived everyone was predicting the death of couture, so I was keen to get in for what were meant to be the final few years. And, despite what people like Pierre Bergé and many others predicted, couture has lasted a lot longer than anyone ever thought." Pipart's designs were often focused on avant-garde structures like this amazing creation,

This gown, from the Fall 1994 collection, is a wonderful example of Pipart's vision for the house and is a stunning example of the work that the atelier was producing during this time period. The gown is created from a hand made, pale dusty pink lace. Each floral design in the lace has been outlined with a fine silver metallic cording and the interior of each flower detailed with a metallic pink cording. Every stitch is done by hand and the hours that would have been put just into the construction of the dress and the making of the lace are mind-boggling. The skirt is finished in a structured tulip style with the front crossing over itself and set on a beautiful upwards curve, so that when you walk you see a glimpse of leg. At the back is an inset of a matching colored pale pink silk. This inset of silk has has been sharply knife pleated and expands and opens into an extensive train. A decorative row of silk buttons details each sleeve and trail down the back for the perfect finish. My client purchased this fairly recently and wore it for her wedding dress, changing into another dress for the reception. It is the perfect choice for a bride who does not want a traditional wedding gown but would also be a stunning gown for a gala event. Excellent overall condition with notes to review below.

The gown is fully hand lined in pink silk and closes with a back, hand set, zipper.  Has an inner waist stay and has hand set snaps to close the train over the inner zipper. Zippers also run down each cuff behind the buttons. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely made by hand. The proper Haute Couture label is present. Note that the dress shows grubbiness and marks under the hem and along the train and the edge of the hem from where it hits the ground. There is some discoloration under each arm on the inner lining and a teeny spot where this shows through along the edge of the seam. It is not anywhere that would show in a photo once on. I have photoed all of these areas and they are provided here after the label photo. Note that my client wore this gown for the ceremony and then changed - all of the current marks on the dress were all present when she purchased it. She had the back silk train re-pleated and the side seams were let out slightly, all done by Madame Paulette's in NYC, work that was approximately $1500 to complete. Everything mentioned is very minor overall and it is stunningly beautiful in person. None of the items mentioned effect its presentation when on.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.25"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19.5" from top of bodice to dropped waist
Skirt: approx 26" from waist to shortest part where the front curves meet. It curves to 42" at the sides and drops to 49" at the longest part of the lace covered skirt at the back. The silk pleated train extends to 61" from the dropped waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3080

Reference Photo: F/W 1994 Nina Ricci Haute 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 is a a wonderful piece in that it can play double duty and be worn as a stand alone piece or layered to act more like a coat. It is from the days when Gianni Versace himself was the head of the atelier and it is everything you want in a Versace piece from this time period. It is constructed from a fine lightweight, black wool. It is cut in one long and lean line that is sculpted to shape the body. It has a slight military vibe to it with its fitted silhouette and top front pockets on both the hip and bust. I love the vertical seaming that runs down the front and back. These follow the curves of the design and emphasize your curves underneath. They also act as a detailing pint as they have a glossy black snakeskin running down each of them for the smallest little touch of texture and shine. The front is finished with a row of black matte buttons and each of these has the gold Versace crest embossed onto them for a touch of gold to break the starkness of the black. These buttons run all the way down the front and allow you to open it fully which gives you that versatility of wearing or open and layered or closed and on its own. Beautifully finished. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and close with buttons down the front as seen. Tagged a vintage Versace 42.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3074

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 an important piece from the 'Les Chinoises' Collection from Fall 1977.  This collection corresponded with the launch of Yves Saint Laurent’s new fragrance that year - Opium. The Musee Yves Saint Laurent site says of this collection: "China served as the couturier’s new source of inspiration, and its folklore fed his imagination. Saint Laurent drew on the colors, shapes, and materials of such places as Africa, Russia, Spain, and China for his own extraordinary creative journeys. Yves Saint Laurent, told in Elle Magazine in December 25, 1995; 'Beijing, however, remains a dazzling memory. The China that I had so often interpreted in my designs was exactly as I had imagined it. All I need for my imagine to blend into a place or a landscape is a picture book. … I don’t feel any need to go there. I have already dreamt about it so much.'" It is interesting to see that the fabric that was used for this dress was repeated on several pieces through out the collection showing he love for this particular pattern.

At first glance the dress seems very full but don't let its volume fool you, these can still be immensely flattering on if the proportions are kept in balance once on the body and styled properly. The silk used for the main portion of the dress is very light and fine so that it moves with the body when you move and shows off the curves underneath unexpectedly. It is seamed at the waist but this is dropped and does not bring it in shape wise but rather adds to the volume. The collar is magnificent and it is structured in stark contrast to the silk underneath. It almost feels like a piece of armor as it sit across the shoulders. It is made of a black velvet and detailed with heavy gold and black silk cording that edges the neckline and the outer edge of the velvet. Three huge tassels dangle off the front to give it movement and tie in the 'Les Chinoises' theme. At the back it closes with two knotted cord buttons and below that is a slit that runs down to past the waist for an unexpected flash of bare skin. The body is full and loose with the skirt brought in a bit around the knee for shape. It can be belted for a more defined shape. Each sleeve is cut full to pouf out above the cuff.  The deep copper gold print of the silk is gorgeous silk and the color almost seem to have an inner glow to it. It is truly a brilliant Haure Couture dress and it is from one of the most important of all of Yves' collections. A masterpiece. In excellent condition.

Unlined through the body and the collar is backed in silk with inner stiffening. All the interior seams are hand finished to Haute Couture standards. It closes at the back neck with two knotted cord buttons. Each cuff has hidden hook & eye to close. Small hidden pockets along the side seams at the hip. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. Haute Couture label present and numbered 42477. The open cut will allow for a range of sizes

Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: approx 15" and the velvet extends past that about an inch
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3073

Reference Photos: (1) Yves Saint Laurent A/W 1977 Haute Couture Collection.  /  (2) At right, model Lisa Taylor, wearing a long chrysanthemum print crepe de chine robe over an ankle-length skirt by St. Laurent; at left, model Beverly Johnson, touching Lisa's hair, wearing a floral print gown in crepe de chine over a back-wrapped blouson dress in black silk jacquard, by Yves Saint Laurent. Photo by Albert Watson for Vogue, 1977.  /  (3) Yves Saint Laurent Ensemble, autumn/winter 1977–78 haute couture, Polychrome printed black silk damask. Courtesy of Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo by Lia Chang.  /  (4) Collection board. Autumn-winter 1977 haute couture collection. © Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

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 gown is exceptional and it is a testament to the tailoring skills and vision and the man who would become the appointed designer to the Queen of England. Norman Hartnell was one of the British Couturiers who dressed the royals and the aristocrats. London's couture industry established itself after the 1st World War and distinguished themselves from the court dressmakers by presenting seasonal collections. Hartnell opened his couture house in 1923. By 1947 his house was thriving and he was dressing the British Royalty, Hollywood starlets and socialites. He once said “I despise simplicity. It is the negation of all that is beautiful”

Hartnell was known for his opulent yet elegant designs, lavishly adorned embroidery, and use of intricate details. and this dress is a perfect example of that high attention to detail. The dress is made out of a fine black silk taffeta and has the sweeping lines that he was renowned for during this period. The top is cut to slightly pouf off of the body with wide straps that curve up and over the shoulder. They are set so that they will sit slightly off the shoulder if you wish. The skirt sweeps to the floor and literally has yards and yard of silk that make it up. At its hem it sweeps up and under to create a wonderful 'bubble' skirt effect. This gives it so much shape, volume and movement once on the body. It is incredible. The dress is finely pleated through the waist line and up into the bodice and then down into the top portion of the skirt. Scattered over the entire upper portion of the dress and the straps are hundreds of hand set crystal rhinestones in various sizes. These catch even the smallest bit of light. I always feel that he meant to capture the night time sky full of stars whenever I look at this dress. It is very romantic and very beautiful and a true piece of fashion history. An extraordinary example of couture from this time period. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back metal zipper. There is an additional hook & eye closure just inside the zipper area and an inner waist stay. All the inner seams are hand finished to Haute Couture standards. The inner skirt is silk and has a tulle finish to the bottom half. There is an additional layer of tulle in the inside of the outer skirt. Each prong set rhinestone has been had placed and hand set. Hand finished throughout

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: approx 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3071

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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 Sorelle Fontana label was started by three sisters in 1943. They prodiuced high end Alta Moda Couture and quickly beacame a favorite of the jet set with stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey hepburn, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedt Onanssis among their clientelle. They were an integral part of establishing the high end "Made in Italy" tradition still known to this day and were one of the forefronts of the tradition of the independent Italian couturier.

This dress is is a spectacular example of the couture work being produced by the Sorelle Fontana atelier during this time period. Rarely do such fine examples of their work from this time period, with this level of glamour, come to market anymore. The cut is simple but dramatic. It is cut in a supermodel long sheath that was made to hug every curve but without clinging. Rather it creates a long lean silhouette that suggests the body underneath and gives the illusion of height. The neckline is cut simply at the front and the back with just the a shallow scoop. The base fabric is a stretch knit  and this glides over the bust and waist. The hips are cut with a slight curve to follow the curve of the body and the skirt falls to the floor from there. The entire dress is densely covered with hand placed iridescent blue sequins. These are so heavily applied that they overlap each other and cover the entire surface. Worked in among the sequins are a looped design that gives the dress a secondary pattern. Over this are hundreds of hand done beaded tassels that follow those curving bead detailing. Each of these dangle a full four inches off the dress and are finished with two faux pearls. The effect that these create whenever you move is jaw dropping. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a blue silk and closes with a back metal zipper. There is another good 5" turned up inside the hem if you need more length. All the sequins, pearls and beads are completely hand sewn into place. It weighs several pounds. There are some minor repairs to the inside lining near the inner hem but of course these are not seen when on. The stretch knit base will allow for a range of sizes. You could probably get a bit more then even the greater range below.

Bust: 17-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3060

Reference photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon

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

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he continued as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house closed is couture atelier. This gown is from the Spring 2000 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway defile sample presented and worn on the runway, Look 16. This particular collection is very poorly documented and I have included reference photos of a similar gown using comparable techniques from the Fall collection of the season before so that you can get a sense of how it sits on the body.

I love when I have any Haute Couture piece in the shop and to have the actual runway sample is always wonderful as it truly represents the designer's vision. The dress is even more stunning in person and the photos really can't do the impact that the head to toe silver mesh and sequins justice. In person the entire dress shimmers and seems like some kind of fantastical second skin as it flows over the body. It has the slightest hint of transparency to it which is very sexy and adds to the allure of the gown. The fabric is an actual silver metal mesh with hundreds of thousands of silver sequins hand applied to cover every inch. It is cut with a classic one shoulder silhouette from which the dress flows down and over the body to highlight every curve. It is cut long and with a slight train that add to the illusion of height. The bodice curves up and over one shoulder and then the mesh acts like a bias cut fabric on the body and hugs and moves with you as you move. Onto the dress are hand applied, ivory dyed horsehair detailing that cure around the body and create a Haute Couture fantasy. The dress is a masterpiece  with its beautiful lines and flowing cut. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with hidden set back zipper.  Hand work throughout. Unlabeled. This is the actual runway sample worn on the presentation. The fabric gives it the flexibility of a bias cut so has a bit more range of sizing them a more structured piece would have. It weighs several pounds because of the metal mesh used.

Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 63" from top of shoulder to the front hem, approx 69 to the back hem including the train to the very longest point

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3058

Reference Photos: F/W 1999 Haute Couture Jean Louis Scherrer Runway Collection.

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

At the age of 31, Stephane Rolland took over as Artistic Director for the Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture atelier, making him the youngest of the 20 official couturiers at the time. That was in 1997 and he continued as the head of the Couture division until the last showing in 2005 when the house closed is couture atelier. This gown is from the Fall 2001 Haute Couture presentation and is the actual runway defile sample presented and worn on the runway, Look 7.

I love when I have any Haute Couture piece in the shop and to have the actual runway sample is even that much more amazing. The dress is glorious and nether the photos on the mannequin or the runway photos really do it justice. In person the impact of the layering of the red silk gazaar panels that are hand set to overlap and cover the entire dress from bodice to train give it far more depth and texture then even the photos can convey. It also moves wonderfully and is very sexy. The main body of the dress is cut above the knee and then the dress forms and flows around this. Trailing out and behind you is a massive train of fabric that has an almost organic feel to it with its ever increasing sized patches of red covering its surface. The bodice peaks up on one side and is highly corseted and structured inside to firmly hold the dress onto the body and give you shape. The skirt is a masterpiece  with its beautiful lines and flowing cut. It is an incredible piece of modern Haute Couture. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

Fully lined in a red silk and closes with two zippers, one on the inner highly structured, formed, boned and shaped corset and the second on the outer layer of the dress. The skirt is lined in a red taffeta. Hand work throughout. The hand written runway sample tag is present. There is some deepening of the color/ marks on some of the squares of silk that make up the train and general grubbiness. Nothing that detracts once the gown is on. Otherwise it is immaculate. It is Couture runway model size tiny - probably closest to a true zero

Bust: 15-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner dress length: 26" from top of bodice to hem NOT including panels that go over the edge of the dress a bit above and blow the actual inner structure
Length including train to the very longest point:  Approx 92" from top of bodice to final tip of the train

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3054

Reference Photos: F/W 2001 Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Runway Show.

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

This is an incredible dress by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior from the 1978 Fall Haute Couture collection. It is very dramatic with extra long, extended and trained sleeves. Gowns like this really define the fantasy nature of Haute Couture. It has both the dated and numbered couture label from the atelier and  the original hand written tag from Neiman Marcus where it would have been ordered through directly from the atelier in France. That tag identifies it as being Look #54 from the runway and with an original price of $7,975 which converts to $29,434.97 in modern dollars. A sum that would still be well below the price in a modern day couture garment. I have also included editorial reference photos from that year as it was widely documented

The dress is made of a vivid blue, liquid feeling silk satin, reminiscent of the silks used in the 1930s. The fabric drapes exceptionally well, feels almost weightless once on and holds the vibrancy of the color exceptionally well. The neckline is cut square and highlighted with a wide band of the same fabric that is top stitched for contrast. The dress flows from there to the floor in a bias cut column of silk with no defined waist. The sleeves are attached to the top part of the shoulder and they then drape over the arm with the inner edges left open to create a caped effect.  Little open loops lie along the edge near your hands and along the bottom. These allow you to slip a finger through to control the placement of the sleeve if you do not wish them to hang down so much. You can see that in one of the reference photos they have draped the sleeves s an option. The full length of each sleeves from the shoulder to hem is approximately 7 1/2 feet so you have a lot of fabric to play with and style. It is an incredible piece of fashion history. It present as in good condition but does have some notes below to review.

Fully lined through the body in a blue tissue silk and closes with hidden set painted metal zipper at the side and a series of hook & eye just above that. Hand finished to Haute Couture standards. The fabric shows some slight areas of fading and slight discoloration throughout and there is a small area under each arm that shows discoloration (this does not show when on because of the cut of the sleeves) and also yellowing to the fabric here and there, most noticeably at the back. I have photoed the largest area which is about 1/4 the way up the back from the hem. Some darkening/storage marks to the sleeves that are minor. Sold as found

Sleeves: 87" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from waist to hem (sleeves add 28" to length)
Slit at the side: 31" from hem to top of slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2566

Reference Photos: (1) Dior, 1978. Photo by Patrick Bertrand. Hair by Carita.  /  (2) L'Officiel n.645, 1978. Photo by Michel Picard.

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2743

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

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

The notes for the 1972 collection in the book 'Dior, The Catwalk' state that The New York Times declared Bohan's collection for Dior as 'the best of the season in Paris'  that year. The same notes on to say that the full records for Bohan's collection did not survive the passages of time. Having a dress from this collection that is so very well documented is that much more special as a result. The dress is exceptional.

The caption on the photo of Vogue editorial that I have included here says it best: "Pretty. That's really the word for it - the softness of everything at Dior. So feminine at night especially...The flirt of the sleeves on a short dress for evening...black mousseline, covered at the neck and yet...revealing lots of skin beneath and lots of leg below". Of course on this version, the dress has a crossed over V neck that I prefer to the higher tied neckline. A Haute Couture client would have ordered the dress in a variation that suited them best and often a change like this would not be allowed to be repeated. This design also allows the unusual sleeves to really be showcased and become the highlight of the dress. Each sleeve is semi-sheer to the elbow and is full and poufed underneath until the cuff cinched it in at the wrist. Lying over the lower portion of the sleeve is a circle of silk that that circles around each sleeve and lies over the lower half of the sleeve. It is a very unusual treatment to the sleeves and instantly catches the eye. You can see why it would have been pulled to be used for editorials that season. The skirt is full and has two soft and floating layers of black silk chiffon over a slimmer  inner skirt. The shape this creates mimics the detailing on the sleeve perfectly. The back is left entirely transparent for an unexpected touch of sensuality. Dated and numbered with it Dior Haute Couture label. This is a rare piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silk chiffon except for the sleeves and upper back above the waist. The back closes with a low set, fine metal zipper and then the dress snaps to close with a series of tiny snaps up the back of the dress that run over the zipper, past the waist to the neck. Each cuff buttons to close. Entirely made by hand. The Haute Couture label is present and the dress is numbered 01340

Sleeves: 27" (poufs up when on)
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3031

Reference Photos: (1) Karen Graham in a chiffon dress by Marc Bohan for Dior, Autumn/Winter Collection 1972, photo by Richard Avedon, July 1972.  /  (2) Dior dress in Vogue, September 1972.

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

After much searching I have settled on the Spring 1973 as the most likely collection that this is from. That collection also featured snap closures instead of the buttons he used more often in earlier collections. It also had the same side placement of the snaps that the skirt has. This very rare numbered couture label piece from Courreges and its absolutely stunning.

The blue color of the piece is slightly deeper than what is showing and in person is more a true navy blue. The fabric that the suit is made out of is that classic Courreges wool. It has enough weight to hold the sharp lines of his pieces but without adding bulk or feeling to heavy to wear for a modern wardrobe. It has a slight texture to it and that, combined with the superb seaming, are all that is needed to highlight the suit design. The jacket is wonderful with its fitted shape and snap front. It curves in at the waist for added shape and to highlight the waistline. The sleeves are kept short and I love the seaming detail that runs down each of them. The skirt is done in a sharp little A-line cut. It has a double row of snaps that run down each hip and both sides open all the way up to the waist. That means you can leave them as open as you want and create as high a slit up each leg as you wish too. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in cream silk and close with the snaps as described above. Note that the last two snaps above the hem on either side of the skirt are both snap tops only so do not fasten. There is a repair to the inside lining of the skirt at the back but of course it does not show when worn. tagged a vintage Courreges 00

Jacket
Shoulders: 12" across
Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 18" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 17" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 22.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS

Item# DD1091

Reference photo: Andre Courreges Haute Couture Spring 1973

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

This is a stunning Pierre Balmain suit that is constructed from a deep blue suiting fabric that has a touch of texture to it. I believe that is a mix of a fine wool and silk and this combination gives it enough weight to hold the line but without it feeling bulky or too heavy for a modern wardrobe. We found similar pieces from the 1960 collection and have included those here. The suit has a beautiful sculptural feel with an exaggerated and dramatic swing back cut to the jacket. From the from, when the jacket is buttoned, it nips in slightly at the waist to give it just a hint of a curved in shape. The back of the jacket is gorgeous. It dramatically swings out from the shoulders in a sweep of volume that is wonderful. It is slit with a two button detailed closure and the slit runs from just below the mid-back to the hem. This tops a little A-line skirt whose simplicity perfectly balances the volume at the back of the jacket.  It is immaculately made. The seaming on the inside jacket is fantastic and both pieces have the hand finishing one excepts from a true couture piece. Behind the Balmain label is the the numbered tape showing its Haute Couture origins. Excellent condition with one small note below to read about the buttons.

Both pieces are fully lined in a navy silk. The lining in the skirt is a soft, heavy weight silk satin and the lining in the jacket a more structured silk taffeta. The jacket closes with buttons down the front and has two decorative buttons at the back. The skirt closes with a fine, back metal zipper and flat hook & eye on the waist band. Completely hand finished. Numbered behind the main label. Note the buttons are original and show chips along their edges. These are the original buttons so have been left as found.

Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16.5" across
Bust: to 22" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: open
Length: 22" from neck to hem

The back vent is actually open under the overlapped fabric to the fist button - 14" above the hem

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 20" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1089

Reference Photos: (1) Pierre Balmain in L'Officiel, 1960.  /  (2) Pierre Balmain in Vogue, March 1960.

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 color of this Haute Couture dress by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior is striking and is the first thing you notice. It is an unusual shade and even the camera has not quite captured just how wonderful it is in person. The fabric is a silk chiffon and it has little medallions woven through the silk that I like to think are stylized four leaf clovers. It is from the Fall 1973 collection and a version of it in a different print was photoed for an editorial that year (I have included it here as reference). I think this all green version with its play on transparencies is far better then that one though. In the notes for the 1972 collection in the book "Dior, The Catwalk" it is noted that Marc Bohan focused on dots for the season. Vogue said of the collection: "Simple, very sophisticated, ultra-feminine." The perfect summary of this very dress.

It is so flattering on. The attention to detail shown in every stitch is breathtaking and to the highest standards. Being a Haute Couture piece, It would have been made entirely by hand in the Dior atelier. The silk chiffon used is of the highest possible grade and gives the dress its beautiful drape and line. The bodice is cut into a low V at the front and the waist is fitted. There are long attached ties of fabric that wrap and hook around the waist and at the front there is a soft bow of fabric. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs above the fitted cuffs - you can really see how full they are in real life in the added editorial reference photo. The skirt is soft and there is an unexpected amount of fabric in it that give you a sleek line when you are standing and then when you move it shows how full it is. I love that only the front of the bodice is lined, this leaves the back semi-transparent for an unexpected sensuality. It is gorgeous and better in person. Excellent condition.

The front bodice and skirt are fully lined in a matching green silk and the dress is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a back, handset painted metal zipper and there is second zipper that closes the inner skirt lining. The cuffs button with green silk covered buttons. I see one tiny repair to the fabric on the bow that wraps around the waist but you wold never see this unless you go over it meticulously. Haute Couture number 003016. Note that in person the color is even better then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to waist + a 3" band
Skirt: 28" from bottom seam of waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2883

Reference Photo: Christian Dior, 1973.

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

Heart-breakingly beautiful, this silk chiffon Hanae Mori gown is a rare example of her true Haute Couture work. The dress just an absolute work of art from the Spring 2000 collection. It is an interesting example of how the client is really the driving force behind what they buy. The dress is an adaptation of look seven from the runway and uses a print from the Fall 1990 collection. I have included a reference photo of both the 2000 runway dress and the 1990 one as they were presented.  It has her signature east meets west feel and it is an honor to have a piece of her couture work in the shop. Hanae was the first woman of Japanese descent to have presented on the Paris and New York Runways and the first Asian woman to be admitted as an official Haute Couture house to La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

The dress features one of her custom designed prints, depicting a forest of trees rising up along the side of a mountain. She has screened this onto the top layer of the skirt that is made from a feather light silk chiffon. The inner layer of the skirt is made from a fine silk twill and this is also screened with that same design. The layering of the two fabrics gives the print depth and a touch of the surreal as they move over each other. Interspersed here and there over the silk are her signature butterflies. These are screened onto the silk with such a light touch that they seem almost ghostly as they flit randomly over the silk. The bodice is highly structured in contrast and uses different shades of grey silk to add to the contrast of the layers. Here the silk is hand pleated and gathered into soft folds that shape and mold the upper body. The dress is suspended from tiny straps that curve up and over each shoulder. At the back, the silk flows out into a soft train. A matching shawl of the same silk chiffon is screened with more of that beautiful art work. Inside the dress is her proper Haute Couture label and it's numbered couture tape underneath. Excellent condition with a tiny note to review below

Fully lined in a hand set cream silk. It has a fully built in inner boned bodice that closes with its own independent zipper. A second, hidden set zipper closes the exterior. The top silk chiffon layer of the skirt hides the zipper below the waist with fabric covered snaps. Inner waist stay. Hand finished to couture standards. Haute Couture tape #C 1109 5.4.2000. There is the very faintest of tiny marks to the silk just below the waist line with the tiniest of pulls to the fabric here and there. A small bit if scuffing to the inner lining of the train. All extremely minor and when on it appears unworn.

Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to shortest point of front hem, 59" to the back hem
Shawl: 36" x 124"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3020

Reference Photo: (1) Hanae Mori F/W 1990 Haute Couture Collection.  /  (2) Hanae Mori S/S 2000 Haute Couture Collection. (3-4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is wearing a Magnetic Midnight X Shrimpton Couture 'Shooting Stars' Headpiece - available on the site here >

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

The twin of this dress is held in the permanent archives of The Metropolitan Museum. It would not surprise me to find out that these were the only two version made of this dress as true Haute Couture pieces were never prodiued in any significant quantities. It is as wearable now as it was when first made and feels very modern. It is entirely finished by hand and is from the time period when the house was run by Hubert de Givenchy himself. Finding vintage examples of Haute Couture is always very special and this is a wonderful, well documented piece showcasing Givenchy's work during this time period.

The dress is made of a deep blue grey silk crepe. It is cut with a strong nod to the classic Grecian silhouette that leaves one shoulder exposed and bare. The construction details throughout the dress are exquisite. The bodice has been gathered by hand to create a series of soft gathers that run from shoulder to waist and follow the cut of the neckline as it angles up towards that single shoulder. This adds a beautiful texture to the bodice of the dress without having to divert from his chosen color or fabric. The waist is defined waist by a slim cut gold leather cord that wraps and ties to add shape. The skirt falls below this in a slim column to the floor. Set over the skirt is a panel of fabric that is cut so that it angles softly down one side, picking up the angle of the shoulder. Slipping over this goes a cape, made from the same fabric. No shortcut was taken in the construction and it is a stand out piece in every possible way. Even better in person. Excellent condition with a few small notes below to review.

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

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

Cape
39" from neck to longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2767

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

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

The original owner of this dress wore it to host a dinner party in 1989 but I do not know if she had purchased it that same season or from a slightly earlier season. There are hints of it from both the 1986 collection in terms of  some of the construction details and the 1988-89 collection in terms of color specifically. I have included reference photos for both those collections. Of course Haute Couture was always custom made for the client so would rarely be a specific copy anyway but it is nice to have a more narrow date range.

The dress is a stunning example of Valentino's work during this time period. It mixes a sense of restraint and elegance with the softness and sensuality that the silk gives it. You are entirely covered form neck to hem but the transparency of the silk through the billowing sleeves and upper shoulders hint at the skin underneath and keep the dress from feeling too demure. The bodice is a masterpiece in shaping and couture techniques. The silk here is entirely set and gathered by hand and immaculately stitched into place to create the soft pleats that curve over the bust and highlight your shape. Inside it is boned and shaped but not to the point where it feels constrictive, just so that it holds you in place and shapes you perfectly. The skirt flows out under that in four full layers of bias cut silk chiffon so that when you move the skirts seem to float around you. This is the type of gown that Valentino excelled at; refined elegance mixed with a luxurious fabric and finished with a master's touch of provocativeness and romance. The dress presents as excellent but does have some flaws. Please review the notes below.

The interior bodice is finished in muslin, lingerie netting, boned and molded through the bust. The sleeves and upper shoulders are unlined and the skirt is made from four full layers of silk. The interior bodice closes with series of hook and eye and the dress sips to close over that with a painted metal zipper. Each cuff buttons to close with two silk covered buttons and loops. Three buttons also sit at the top of the back neck just above the slit opening that starts just above the zipper of the corseted bodice. There are various discolored areas through the skirt that go through the layers. I have photoed the worst of them. There is so much fabric that once on these are almost invisible to the eye so it is wearable as is if you are OK with it being not 100% perfect. There are some very light faint versions of the same on the upper front above the corset and through the sleeves. I see one tiny repair near the hem at the back of the skirt. Priced well down from what it would be if perfect. Note for those that buy based on how it fits me that it was a little long through the bodice and big through the bust and waist on me.

Dress
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from top of neck to interior waist stay
Skirt: 45" from interior waist stay to hem

Matching ruffle edged shawl (photoed separately)
54" x 52"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3018

Reference Photos: (1) From the book "A Grand Italian Epic, Valentino", 1988/1989 collection  /  (2-3) The "Degradè" Dress from the Valentino Haute Couture 1986 collection. (4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon taken on location at JohnMel Stables 

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

Sybil Connolly was based in Dublin and her first major fashion show as a designer in her own right was in 1953 and quickly became a darling of the American market. Jacqueline Kennedy wore  Connolly for her official White House portrait and Connolly was a particular favorite of Carmen Snow, the editor of Harper's Bazaar. In 1957 she launched her couture label. She created Haute Couture pieces made from Irish textiles and in particular she became famous for her distinctive use of  pleated handkerchief linen. This excerpt from the FDIM Museum explains Sybil Connolly's techniques:

"Sybil Connolly's trademark gowns required a tremendous amount of fabric. To construct one pleated evening dress required between 72 and 90 yards of Irish handkerchief linen. After undergoing a secret pleating process, this initial yardage became 7 to 10 yards of slightly irregular, narrow linen pleats. Like the early 20th century designer Mario Fortuny, Sybil Connolly was very protective of her pleating process, swearing that it was a secret she would "carry to the grave." In her designs, Connolly usually oriented the pleats horizontally, covering the seams with self-fabric cording. The cords also lengthen the overall line of the garment, providing a counterbalance to the horizontal pleats. As Connolly tended towards solid colors, the stiff cording also provides a necessary visual contrast to the soft linen pleats."

This dress is a stunning example of that technique. It is most likely from about 1965 based on the bow details used on the side of the skirt, though she did make variations of this dress from the mid 1950s to the mid 1960s so it could be an earlier version. She worked directly with the cloth when she did her design work and rarely did any preliminary sketches. I found a quote that referred to the Irish linen she used to be "of a quality so fine it was almost chiffon-like in weight" and that’s description is very accurate. This dress has a very formal feel to it that is softened by that lovely soft blue color that the linen has been dyed to. The bows are a stiffened organza and the color of those slightly offset the blue of the dress. They add a touch of romance and whimsy as  they run down the sides of the skirt, securing in place the long, inverted folds down each side. The dress is kept simple so that the pleating technique takes center stage. The bodice is sleeveless, with a high neckline at the front and a slight V at the back. The waist cinches in for shape and then the skirt billows out to a beautiful string line that allows the many yard of fabric used to take full center stage. It is stunning and a rare example of fashion history. Excellent condition with one small note below to review.

The dress is fully lined in a blue hand set silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper, Inner waist stay closes with hook & eye. The hand work done can clearly be seen through the interior. Some shattering to the silk on the inner bodice (photoed). This does not affect the exterior at all and seems stable as is.

Bust: 17.5-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist stay: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam, if left unhooked you could get a bit more room
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem with abut 3" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3017

Reference Photos: (1) Model wearing an Irish linen gown by Sybil Connolly, 1957.  /  (2) Model wears Sybil Connolly dress in Vogue US, March 1962. Photo by Henry Clarke.  /  (3) Sybil Connolly Skirt in Harper's Magazine, August 1965.  /  (4) Model wears Sybil Connolly in Vogue US, August 1967. Photo by Patrick Lichfield.  /  (5) Credits Unknown.  /  (6-8) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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

True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. This, like several other of the Haute Couture pieces in the shop at the moment are from one of my clients whose mother purchased the majority of her Couture pieces between 1973 to the mid and late seventies.

The dress is made of two layers - an inner silk dress that acts as the lining, and the outer layer that is made from a semi-transparent silk chiffon. The silk chiffon used on the outer layer is especially fine and it has a beautiful red floral design screened onto the black with a secondary print suggesting an exotic animal print. The straps of the inner dress are made of that same fabric as is the matching belt that cinches in the waist. When the two pieces are layered over each other the result is wonderful. The outer dress gives the dress a very light and airy feel that is very feminine. The dress is so well made that I could not decide which way it sat better so photoed it with the buttons down the front and also turned around and with the buttons running down the back. The neckline is collarless and simply ties with that row of silk covered buttons starting below a bit of an opening. The bodice is cut to sit looser over the inner slip and the sleeves are full, poufing up above their buttoned cuffs. The skirt is a masterpiece of soft pleat work all the way around the hips. Each is done by hand, with masterful technique and spaced apart perfectly. These give the skirt it's flounced feel. The matching silk fabric belt hook and ties into place to cinch in the waist. As good as it is on the dress form, it will be even better on a real girl's body. Entirely made by hand with the Haute Couture tag and numbered tape behind present on the interior dress. Excellent condition

The exterior dress is unlined and closes with a tie at the neck and silk covered buttons. It has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The interior dress act as the lining and closes with a handset side painted metal zip. Matching original belt. Finished to Haute Couture standards. Haute Couture label present with interior tape number 54878. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Outer Dress
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Inner Dress
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3010

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

Besides its Haute Couture origins, this Emanuel Ungaro set has the added modern provenance of being worn to Madonna's birthday party in Italy by stylist B. Akerlund. It has also been photoed for creative purposes with all those reference photos included here. 

A brilliant mix of bright, primary colors have been used to create this wonderful couture skirt and top set. Both pieces are made from high quality silks that have subtly different weights and finishes to them. The top is more of a soft draped silk, while the skirt is made from a silk taffeta to give it more shape and volume. The finishes on the silk also are different and become a part of the design itself. The top has a subtle floral design woven into the silk and the skirt has dots. The top is a deep red silk cut loose and easy with billowing sleeves that button at each cuff. The front plunging keyhole is edged and highlighted with gold cord and has inset bands of silk. The green taffeta skirt has a cinched and banded waist done in a bright yellow silk. It  extends out into extra long, attached ties that are wrapped and tied around the waist. On the skirt there is an attached front panel of fabric in a play on an apron,  that has a beautiful painted scene. Perhaps inspired by Paul Gauguin? The contrast of the jeweled colors and the painted panel on the skirt give it a wonderfully couture folk art feel. Excellent condition with one small item to note below.

The skirt is backed in a white, fine silk organza and closes at the waist with a zipper and flat hook and eye at the waist. The top is unlined and slips over the head. Both pieces are completely made and finished by hand as per the standard of haute couture. The top is labeled and the skirt has the interior cross stitch that couture pieces of this time period have to indicate the front. There is an area of very slight discoloration on the back of the skirt skirt and a water mark that falls under the apron that you do not see when it is on. One small smudge on the sleeve. All photoed

Shoulders: no defined seam
Sleeves: 26"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Length: 25" from neck to waist

Skirt:
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1181

Reference photos: (1-3) Photographed for creative purposes by Nikki Ormerod, Styling: Nadia Pizzimenti, Hair & Makeup: Ashley Readings, Model: Constance from Plutino Models. (4-6) B. Akerlund and Madonna from B's instagram account.

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

Many people do not know that Emanuel Ungaro took a position with Balenciaga in 1958 and in 1960 he became the chief designer of the house, staying there until 1964 before he briefly went on to Courreges before opening his own couture atelier in 1965. The house has fallen from its former glory of the sixties through to the eighties, but in its heyday, the label was a force in the world of Haute Couture. By the 1970s his brilliant use of print and color combined with soft fluid tailoring made him a darling of the jet set. This gorgeous little day dress is a beautiful example of the more conservative end of his range in cut, but it still has that pop of a print that he was known for. It is made of a fine printed silk with a mod feeling print that covers its entire surface. It can be worn for the day or for cocktails with proper accessorizing. I love the refined cut and those full, balloon cut sleeves. The fabric is very light in weight and backed in a fine silk that gives the dress a very sensual feel once on. No shortcut was taken in the construction and it is of course, entirely made by hand. The neckline is high and yoked with the shoulders and bodice softly gathered. A fabric tie runs around the waist so that you can wear it loose  and easy in more of a shift shape, or you can tie them in to cinch it for added shape. The skirt has two little slant pockets that sit on each hip. However much you think this looks fabulous in the photographs it is far better in person and on a body. Excellent condition with one small condition note below about the lining.

Fully lined in a hand set silk of very high quality. It closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper and hook and eye at the back. Each cuff has a fine hand set zipper and hook & eye. The belt is partially attached and snaps into place where it is not. Note that the exterior has no flaws whatsoever, but there is a small amount of shattering under each arm to the lining only. It is stable enough to wear as presented. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely made by hand. Haute Couture tape label present under label #H205-5-74

Sleeves: 25" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item#DD2522

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 Haute Couture dress by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior is wonderful. The attention to detail shown in every stitch is breathtaking and to the highest standards. A longer version with a less detailed pleat insert technique is held in the archives of The Metropolitan Museum but I prefer this version. It would have been made entirely by hand in the Dior atelier. The silk used is of the highest possible grade and the gives the dress its beautiful drape and fall. The top is cut into a V that tops a wide fitted banding through the waist. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs above the fitted cuffs. A thin band of matching fabric is used as a tie at the waist for a romantic and whimsical  touch. The skirt is a masterpiece of pleat work. Each individual pleat is perfectly matched to its neighbor and inset on a series of angles around the waist. Each of those angles lines up with the one beside it causing the pleats to lie flat until you move. It is truly a brilliantly cut dress. Excellent overall condition with some small note in the condition report below to review.

Fully lined in a matching silk and is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a back, handset painted metal zip. The cuffs button with round polished quartz buttons.There is one small dark spot on the back of one elbow and a soft discoloration on the back of one sleeve near the cuff. One button missing from one cuff. The tie belt was originally stitched to the dress and there is the slightest of marks on the fabric at the front waist. Haute Couture number 003272. Note that in person the color is deeper in tone and even better then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from neck to seam under the bust
Waist detailing: approx 6"
Skirt: approx 25" from higher points of the waist detailing to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2037

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior Runway, 1973.  /  (2) From the MET Collection.

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