Rabanne was quoted in 1966 to have said, "I defy anyone to design a hat, coat or dress that hasn't been done before...The only new frontier left in fashion is the finding of new materials" and so he began to design a range of dresses using plastics, metals and alloys. All of which are infamous, rare and extremely collectible now.

These kits were the epitome of his "rebellion" against traditional fashion are are very hard to come by in their original state The discs are silver metallic finished plastic and the rings are gold metal. The kit contains 750 discs, 1300 rings, the Paco Rabanne metal tag, and two pliers.

From the best of what I can research these kits were issued in 1996. I have been told and heard accounts that there are earlier kits but the only verifiable account I can find is the 1996 references as the only real release of these kits. From what I have been able to find I don't believe that these kits where even issued at all prior to that despite what you might read here and there. So this is being sold as that. If I am wrong and its earlier then you are getting an even better bargain!

Note the the kit seems entirely intact but the suitcase does show cracking and wear.

The resulting dress this kit makes is similar to the ones pictured here, I believe that it will end up a size 4-6 from the research I have done.

This is somewhat outside of my usual realm so though I know these are at least turn of the century I cannot give an exact date - they could be far older! No matter what the exact date, I do know that both of these pieces are utterly suburb example of antique Chinese textiles and you would be hard pressed to find pieces in this league and quality anymore! The jacket is hand down the best embroidered piece I have had in the shop to date. Red silk is almost completely covered with stunning hand embroidered flowers and leaves with pa medallion on both the front and back of a wedded couple. Every design is edged in a gold metallic thread and huge portions of the design are completely done with that same metallic thread work. Superb woven silk ribbon adorns each cuff and all the edges. The skirt picks up this embroidery work and has added edges of fine silk ribbons worked into the vertical panels. It is all hand finished and I adore the vivid pink tissue silk lining! Stunning and in Museum quality.

Top
Width: 48" from sleeve to sleeve
Bust: approx 21" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: to 23" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 27" from neck to hem

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A rare vintage pair Chanel Lucite ear clips. Authentic signed yellow Lucite items feature embedded gilt metal logos.

Original clip backs intact.

Item #DS054

A rare vintage Isable Canovas necklace. Signed gilt metal item features Gripoix glass 'jewels' and large drop.

Item retains original hook closure.

Item #DS060

A rare vintage pair Isabel Canovas figural 'turtle' ear clips. Signed hand carved black Bakelite items with enamel details.

Original clip backs intact.

Item #DS038

A fine vintage Navajo Ketoh wrist guard/cuff. Thick black leather item features a sterling silver sand cast mount with large turquoise center.

Later Velcro closure added at some point. Original lace openings intact.

Item #DS014

A fine and rare Pal Kepenyes studio ring. Unsigned hand wrought bronze metal setting with a polished stone mount. Outstanding design and execution.

Ring size 4 1/2.

1" H

Item #DS048

From the Spring 2015 Dolce and Gabbana presentation comes this delightful special and limited edition silk scarf. I believe that this was only given as a show favor to a limited amount of guests and was not otherwise produced making it both rare and very special. The collection itself was inspired by the ballet and in particular the Accademia del Teatro Alla Scala. This is translated over the surface of the silk with dancers screened across its surface. The show date and Dolce and Gabbana name is written across one corner

Unworn and new in original box with all original logo inscribed tissue and ribbon. Handsewn, handrolled to front, plump. Guaranteed authentic

35" x 35"

Item# A226

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 more recent Balmain logo Tee in white. These are an easy way to add an instant shot of glitz and glam to any outfit. It is made out of a soft white cotton that has the Balmain logo in gold metallic foil stamped across the front. Across one shoulder are three etched gold metal buttons. Each is domes and has a lion embossed on them. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and slip over the head to wear. Tagged a modern 42.

Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S907

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 Erdem label by Erdem Moralioglu is known for his unique approach to print and perfect-cut tailoring both of which are showcased on this lovely dress. The fabric is a finely ribbed silk that has, as the label puts it "fabric specially designed by Erdem" and features a lovely and romantic washed watercolor print reminiscent of eras past and scenic views hidden in its patterns. The colors are the softest possible mint greens and lavenders. The cut is impeccable with rounded shoulder and a shift shape that curves in at the waist to give the wearer shape but without being skin tight. It is a beautiful dress that you can't help feel feminine and yet powerful in. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

Fully lined in a fine grade, soft silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a US 6 but please check actual listed measurements

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2110

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

I love this beautiful deep purple, printed chiffon crepe blouse by the now defunct D&G division of Dolce and Gabanna. It is really quite fabulous and has an amazing floral print screened onto the chiffon that gives it a rich and feminine. Really fabulous. The tie is attached and extends from the collar and can be styled several ways from a simple looped tie to a more elaborate bow. Each cuff buttons at the wrist with pretty pearl buttons so you get a bit of a pouf on the sleeve above. It is made of a gorgeous light weight, fine grade chiffon and I love the hidden set buttons that run down the front giving it that perfect high end feel. A classic. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with hidden set buttons down the front and a pearl one at the top. Each sleeve buttons to close with pearl buttons. Attached tie. Tagged a size 44, all proper tags and hologram present

Sleeves: 26.5"
Shoulders: 17"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# S734

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

Gorgeous and decadent is the only way to describe this beautiful piece form Dries Van Noten. It is made of a scarf weight deep ink blue silk that is cut loose and easy as is typical of Dries. It can be worn as a top on its own or as a vest that you can layer. What really makes this piece remarkable is that 3 and a half inch wide panel of gold sequins - all tightly spaced and overlapped by hand, with gold lame fabric set on to suggest leaves amongst them. Beautiful and versatile piece! Excellent condition. Item# S373

This is a stunning dress by Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab who opened his first couture atelier in Beirut in 1982 when he was just 18 years old. His brand has steadily expanded since and he is now one of the most sought after labels in modern fashion. This gown is beautiful and extremely intricate. It reminds me of the nest of the beaded gown from Old Hollywood and certainly has that same high glamour factor. The base fabric is a black eyelet and it is kept from being transparent with a heavy black silk lining. The base fabric serves as part of the pattern of the dress as it separates the panels of bead and sequin work and create an angular, blocked design that runs over the dress top to bottom. Each of these created panels are densely beaded by hand with a heavy layer of beads, sequins and little silk tabs. This gives the dress an incredible 3D texture and richness that has to be seen in person. The dress is cut to hug the body and be a touch shorter in front, while the back flares out in a pretty little mermaid silhouette. It is very feminine and sexy. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a heavy black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. No size tag so please check the listed measurements. The fabric does have a touch of stretch

Bust: 18-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from shoulder to front hem, 61" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2848

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 Erdem label by Erdem Moralioglu is known for his unique approach to print and his approach to tailoring with attention to the finer details that give a dress a great cut. Here we have a lovely little silk dress that is light weight and flattering to most figures. The fabric is a fine scarf weight silk that has, as the label puts it "fabric specially designed by Erdem" and features a lovely and romantic washed watercolor print with flowers softly adoring the surface. The colors are pretty mix of blues and pinks on a soft backdrop. Cut with a boat neck and silk insets at the top of each shoulder with that same silk organza used to highlight each cuff. A soft shift shape suggests shape but without being skin tight. It is a beautiful dress that you can't help feel feminine and yet powerful in. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

Fully lined in a fine grade, black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper.

Sleeves: 17"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2144

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

Alberta Ferretti has really been producing amazing pieces the last few collections and this is a wonderful example of that. This feather light, supermodel long gown that is made entirely out of the lightest, finest silk chiffon and net is absolutely ethereal while still being a strong design statement. A band of long tube beads with crystal rhinestones detail the waist band and are set on both the front and at the back. Long raw edges strips of both silk net and silk chiffon trail down from shoulders and more crystal rhinestones, this time in black, circle the upper edge of the black portion of the hem. The top is constructed like a halter with a deep plunge between that goes right to the waist. Here the nude silk is covered with black net and it is the bet only that wraps over the shoulders and down tot he back. The back is otherwise left completely bare. The skirt is the opposite with a cream silk over black and it is all finely pleated. The effect of the nude silk over the black adds a beautiful dimension to the piece. The silk is very light but the  rhinestones that circle the skirt as mentioned above give it the weight needed to fall properly. The overall effect is that of a Grecian goddess and the piece is extraordinarily beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined an a feather light black silk chiffon. It closes with hidden snaps down the side. The raw edges on many of the finishing seams is deliberate. Tagged a US6, IT42, FR38, GB10. It appears to have never been worn. Note the color of the lighter silk has a more cream.nude on person. It photoed more of a white/grey undertone.

Bust: no true side seams because of the halter construction
Under Bust: 15" side to side
Natural Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 66" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2618

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 remarkable little dress. At first glance you are struck by the wonderful graphic feel of that black and white design and as you get closer you realize that it is created entirely form teeny tiny little sequins set in different patterns and densities amongst sections of embroidery. These really give the dress an extraordinary texture and a upscale patchwork feel. The cut is very flattering. It is a little A-line shift that mimics the feel of a sixties piece. The modern fabrics and sequins keep it very light - much lighter then you would expect when you see it. It is very easy to wear and very striking. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

Fully lined in a black rayon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. I see no missing sequins. No size tag.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 34" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# DD1908

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

The cut of the dress is so unusual and flattering when on. The navy silk skirt is cut so that it is fitted and curves up around the waist to sit high under the bust line. It curves out and over the hips and then comes back in at the knee for a skinny pencil fit. Wrapped around the waist are bands of a wide cut cotton grosgrain to add detailing. These are attached along the sides of the back zipper and drape into place once on the body. Above this the bodice is done in a pretty and soft silk chiffon over an inner lining. It is set to vertically pleat over the bust from the neckline and this adds a feminine feel to the dress. The silk is the same deep blue and the nix of the three textures is very nice. The high capped shoulder s are set wide so that you get a flash of collarbone. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a silk crepe chiffon and closes with hidden set back zipper. Tagged a Valli 42/S

Inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from neck to waist
Skirt: 34" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2863

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 chic little skirt would be from when Mark Jacobs was the Creative Director for the house. It is classic Jacobs with its mix of textiles and patterns. The upper band of the skirt is a mix of grosgrain ribbon and silk. This turns into a tweed that has a top layer of silk chiffon, set to give a slight pouf feel to the skirt. This is anchored to the lower portion of the skirt by more bands of grosgrain and the bottom hem is a luxurious olive colored silk velvet. The shape is sculpted and poufed and very couture in feel. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a silk twill and closes with a back zipper and flat hook and eye at the waist. Tagged a 36 and appears to have never been worn.

Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S789

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

Manish Arora has been steadily gaining a following for his elaborately embroidered, printed and sequined pieces and deservedly so. He has full assess to some of the best embroidery and hand work India has to offer and his prints and colors used are bold and unique. From a few seasons ago this is a striking dress that is a great example of his aesthetic. It has a classic 1960s mod A-line silhouette with no sleeves and a high neckline neckline. Once its past the bust it flares out quite dramatically and this creates an expanse of fabric that really showcases the design that runs over its surface. Neon accented eagles swoop and dive over its surface with elaborately sequined heads and a red knot of embroidery for the eyes. They seem about to land atop brilliantly silver sequin roc eggs against a charcoal backdrop. The effect is stark and wonderful. Manish is based on New Delhi and his love of his country and history shines through in the touches he brings to his designs. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk adorned with hand painted silver metallic dots and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Tagged a modern Medium and seems to have a generous cut

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2604

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 gorgeous Prada dress has that definitive retro feel you see in so many of Miuccia's designs, but still feels thoroughly modern too. I love the crisp silk taffeta she has chosen to use - it helps to hold the almost sculptural shape and that amazing deep pleating on the skirt. The shoulders are beautiful in their design - the neckline is set wide so the collarbones are exposed and the shoulders sit up just a touch so you get a lovely framing effect. The bust skims over the body with a front plunge. The waist cinches in for a fifties starlet feel. The skirt is a masterpieces - it is deliberately and meticulously shaped and draped with wide pleats of fabric. I think my favourite detail are the hidden pockets tucked between the folds of the skirt. The finishing is perfection and it has a decidedly fifties feel to it - like it is something that Grace Kelly would have worn and loved. Excellent condition

Fully lined in silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. Tagged a Prada 42. Appears unworn.

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2861

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 might just be the perfect gold leather skirt. It is by Prada so already you know its of high quality and well made. The leather is very thin and light - just heavy enough to keep the shape but light enough that it is constructed as if it was made from fabric. The shape is a classic pencil and the seaming helps to create a lean silhouette. The leather is coated with a soft brushed and muted gold that is just enough gold to add that touch of metallic to your wardrobe but not in a flashy or tacky way. Its exceptional and looks to have never been worn. Excellent, like new condition.

Unlined and closes with a zipper that is hidden along a seam. Tagged a 42

Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S637

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 lovely recent Prada, black label silk chiffon top that you could also layer and use as a light jacket. Made of a slightly textured silk chiffon in a beautiful combination of a deep red and nude. I love the red ribbon insets that run along the front, bottom and around each cuff. It weighs mere ounces and is stunning and in excellent, unworn condition condition! Item# S355

A sexy little top from the fashion-insider favorite - Tuleh. Made of a silk chiffon in an inky black, the front plunges almost to the waist. A gathered corset like 10" band of silk sits from that point down and buttons down the front. The buttons are set so you get a glimpse of skin between the two sides. Each sleeve billows out form the shoulder and is split to the cuff. The cuffs are the caught up in another gathered band of fabric that then buttons down the sides to mimic the front. Crazy risque and sexy. Excellent, appears unworn, condition! Item# S370

This Naeem Khan dress is easy to wear and really catches the feel of the moment. It is made from two layers of an olive silk chiffon with a pretty expanse of embroidery done in a white that runs across the front and down past the waist and also down each sleeve. It is cut to just slip on and go with elastic and the cuffs, waist and neck. On my mannequin the neckline would only sit higher up but you could easily wear this fully down on each shoulder to leave then bare. The bodice is cut loose and easy above the elastic waist and the skirt underneath is cut with simple straight lines. The embroidery work at the front has a real feel of European vacations by the sea and I know this is a dress that you will wear constantly. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a second layer of the same silk chiffon and slips on to wear. No size tags but the cut will allow for a variety of sizes.

Shoulders: elastic with no defined seam
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2603

Reference Photo: Look 11 from Naeem Khan's Resort 2012 Collection (vogue.com)

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

I am so excited to bring you the second part of our 1930s capsule. This is one of a dozen dresses from a single owner collection of beautiful 1930s dresses. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. Outstanding designs from this era are increasingly hard to find. Her collection represents some of the best of the era that I have seen in a very long time. Most are in excellent condition and the few included in the capsule that do have some flaws are such outstanding designs that I feel there is still room for someone to love them and wear them as they are, or perhaps to put in the additional work to repair them. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This pretty little dress is made from a bias cut silk that has a slight crepe texture running through the fabric. The bias cut makes it drape and move unbelievably beautifully once on the body. The pattern is a pretty floral print that combines soft pinks, cornflower blue and a deeper navy. It's cut loose and easy through the bodice with a pretty scooped neckline. The waist is seamed but cut to be more loose and open. It has two attached wide blue silk ribbons at the front that you can wrap around and tie into a bow at the back. I love how these are set along the edge of the front panel so you get that pretty V dropped effect between the length of ribbon. You can tie the ribbons loose for a fuller cut through the waist or really cinch them in to add shape. The skirt falls from there and it widens out quite a bit as it nears the hem. The lightness of the fabric combined with the bias cut give the skirt incredible movement once on. It will move and flow around you with your slightest movement. The back is in an open V with the two sides crossing over each other at the base of the V. I think if very brave you might be able to wear this the other way around and have the V at the front. The arms fall slightly off the shoulder for a soft effect and each opening has this incredible ruffled finish to them. A panel of the same silk runs all the way around your arms and has the perfect romantic finish. It's an incredible and pretty dress. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. Hand finished throughout. For a dress almost 100 years old it's in remarkable condition. This one is at its original shop label present was made in France. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Bust: 16-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# PC017

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

Shockingly rare, limited edition, Alexander McQueen piece based on the pictured runway dress from the Spring Summer 1999 collection. Very few of these were made and this particular collection was not well photographed except for the closing Shalom performance where she is painted in her dress while standing on a moving platform built into the stage.

The dress is amazing a precursor to many of his iconic design elements in later collections. The buckle bondage elements became a common theme and his workmanship in leather in unmatched. The dress buckles behind the neck and drops in a wide swoop from there. The back is left completely and utterly bare. The patches are a combination of glossed palest green leather, a white suede and then that sea blue leather. The natural color leather straps at the back of the neck and at the lower back add a stark contrast. Heavy rawhide whip stitching finish. An amazing piece and utterly collectible.

This dress ended up being sold to an important museum and is now held in their archives. From the same, original owner as the dress shown here, we also have available a runway skirt and halter ensemble in pink and cream patchwork leather - click here to view and purchase that one

Bust: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from mid-back of neck to bottom hem


Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED (6-10)

Item# DD752

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

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An important and very rare Alexander McQueen runway piece! From the S/S 2002 collection this amazing skirt was shown on the runway in both the white and a taupe version. This collection was named "The Dance of the Twisted Bull" and you can see the Spanish influence that Alexander McQueen strove for in this piece as clearly as he meant it to be seen. Pieces where ruffled, deconstructed and he played with the shape and lengths of the hem-lines. The waist in this was left wide and loose and was meant to be worn under a corseted waist belt and the wearer to gather it into place to create even more layers. What is remarkable is that all of that fabric is set in one long twisted spiral that wraps around the waist and creates those amazing layers and different hem lengths. It is made of the finest grade cotton and the edges finished with 8 tiers layers of raw edged ruffles. Iconic and exceptional and an outstanding example of his workmanship and genius! Item# S350

These were completely sold out worldwide and an instantly recognizable piece of the Prada runway! These are getting very rare and hard to find and this one is in like new, exceptional condition. A play on thirties Bakelite the belt is a combination of leather and Bakelite looking plastic links. The gorgeous parrot buckle is jewel toned Lucite feel plastic on a metal base. Signed, stamped and serial number is all present and it will come in its original Prada dust-bag. Item# A143

This is a glorious Alexander McQueen S/S 2007 Runway piece that was done in limited production and is a rare and fabulous piece! Shown on the runway with one of his signature billowing white cotton blouses you could easily re-create that look or style it a million other ways! The 2007 collection was titled "Sarabrande" and the Alexander McQueen website says of it:

The inspiration is Handelís Sarabande of the title ñ a majestic and elegant dance - the portraits of Goya, the turn of the century exotic and socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati and garden flowers. As always, there is a melancholic undertone: faded flowers are trapped in chiffon and lace, ruffled skirts constructed out of tiers of delicate petals and prints are botanical ñ brightly coloured birds and blooms, scattering swallows and winding stems of leaves. Show pieces include a dress made entirely out of frozen flowers. Tailoring is this time more fluid than it has been and clothing indebted to horsemanship is worn with finely worked, oversized pirate shirts. McQueenís idealisation of the feminine form continues with an exaggerated hour-glass silhouette.

This jumper certainly epitomizes exactly that as it hugs the hips and cinches in the waist. The high line just under the bust emphasizes the breast and indeed does exxagarate the female form. The extensive beadwork on either side intentionally draws the eye to the hips and adds to the bombshell, femme fatale curves. It was called McQueens "most unashamedly romantic show to date" and this particular piece is a triumph of line and cut. Style.com said of the collection:

Looking at it from a broader perspective, it's true to say that this self-referential McQueen collection did not contribute to the new debate about how fashion can move on from its fixation with the past. But as a summation of all he has to offer in the way of refinement, it was one of his best.

Excellent, appears unworn condition!

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Bust: open
Seam at top: 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist (2" down from the top): 14î flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18î flat across from side seam to side seam
Straps to where the skirt starts: 12"
Skirt: 30" from top of start to hem

Fully lined in a black, fine tissue silk and it closes with a hidden set back zipper. Lightly boned along sides. Hand applied beading that all appears to be present.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (4-6)

Item# DD1075

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

From the Spring 2008 runway we have this lovely Bottega Veneta dress. Sarah Mower reviewed the collection for Vogue and in part mentioned this dress specifically saying: "Tomas Maier's Bottega Veneta is one exemplary illustration of how the principles of restrained, minimalist, functionalist design—the discipline that's been cast into the shade since the nineties—can not only be relevant for now but, frankly, delicious with it. How so, when a collection is virtually colorless with no overt story to broadcast? It doesn't take a Ph.D. to analyze. Scan the section of flowy, crinkle-creased shirtdresses and goddess draping (how about the gray-green one with the crepe caught into a kind of garland in the neckline?), and you'd need a heart of stone not to think, There goes something gorgeous....Backstage, Maier described the collection as a balance between "rigor and anarchy," imagined along the attenuated lines of a Giacometti sculpture with a side thought for the attitude of Madame Grès, "except loosened, and then I pinned and tucked the pleating on each girl irregularly, just where the body asks for it." 

The dress is a light weight silk in a light grey that falls to just past the knee. You can clearly see the influence of Gres mentioned above in the pretty pleat work and lines. The bodice is this is the star of the show with its cuts outs and meticulous gathers around each bare space. Each of those cut outs are formed with inner wiring around which the fabric is hand gathered and placed. This allows you to literally shape and mold the bodice to your own individual figure for the perfect fit. It also acts like a light corset and you can see on the runway photo of Sasha that on the proper sized girl this transforms into a beautiful, greek feeling goddess dress. Appears unworn. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a neutral silk net through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. The entire interior corseted bodice has interior wiring and boning to hold the shape and the fabric is hand sewn into place around the wiring that edges the cut outs. Hand finishes throughout. It closes with lingerie hook & eye at the interior side and large decorative hook & eye on the exterior. No size tag

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 35.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2859

Reference Photo: S/S 2008 Bottega Veneta, Look 43. Model Sasha Pivovarova

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 fabric on this dress is a stunning deep blue jersey that has some stretch and weight to it that allows the dress to flow and drape exactly how Stefano Pilati, the then Creative Director at YSL, wanted it to move. He said of this collection to Vogue; "I just started with three thoughts: blazers, sweatshirts, and a vaguely preppy idea and then it went into thinking about goddesses, stars". The runway dress shown was done in a similar fabric but with more coverage and in a more sombre color. This version picks up on the blue he used throughout this collection. The choice to produce it with a more bare sleeveless look and with more volume through the skirt makes for a better balance and I by far prefer this version. It is made from a sensual feeling, jersey and the draping effect this fabric creates is what makes this dress spectacular. It has the feel of old Hollywood in its cut and line and the dress is super model long. The dress is completely cut on the bias and once you slip it on it simply drapes into place and molds itself around your curves. It has a strong nod to the late thirties in its design and the fabric choice only heightens this comparison. The top is cut straight across at the front and the back dips into a V.  The skirt is wonderful and it flows to the ground and beyond, draping about your feet. It has incredible seaming - some point are shaped into "points" and when these fall they drape and suggest a "bustle" effect that is thoroughly non-structured and modern. At the front the seams sweeps to one side to add draping there as well. Its really incredible. Excellent condition.

Unlined and completely cut on the bias and with flat ribbon finished edges. Slips on to wear and the fabric has some stretch. Tagged a Small but the bias cut makes it more flexible in sizing. The bias cut and stretch fabric will accommodate a range of sizes

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 63" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2846

Reference Photo: S/S 2008 Runway, Look 37.

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 fabulous little runway piece from Altuzarra is not a vintage piece yet, but with the star power of a girl like Rihanna wearing a version of the same print it will definitely be on the collector wish list of the future. It was look 28 from the Spring 2015 show and the production on it was limited so not a dress you saw everywhere and a little harder to find then most. Vogue.com's review of the show noted "His spring collection was focused, realistic, sensitive, and, in its final passages, romantically beautiful in a way he’s never quite attempted before." This version stays true to what walked the runway and is so pretty and romantic. Made of a light scarf weight silk it simply slip over the head and buttons and ties in place. Literally a take on the nineties slip dress it is as light as wearing its lingerie counterpart. Ties sit at each shoulder to adjust the fit and the back scoops ultra low and closes with a combination of ties and pearl buttons at the base of that bare expanse of skin. I love the bands of crossed threads that piece the sections together and glimpse of skin this allows to show through. It is really a gorgeous dress that still has a lovely vintage feel. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with ties and buttons as described above. Slips over the head. Tagged a modern size 40IT but with a generous cut. Please check the measurements below or know your size in this label.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43.5" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2599

Reference Photos: S/S 2015 Altuzarra, Look 28 (vogue.com)  /  Rihanna (with Kim Kardashian West) at the Roc Nation Pre-GRAMMY Brunch 2015.

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 rare find indeed. This suit appeared in the February issue of French Vogue, as captured by the great photogrpaher Jeanloup Sieff, and is from the S/S 1970 collection. Even more amazing is that the very photo that appeared in Vogue was republished and used in the 2012 book Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche - Fashion revolution. You can see it on page 105 of that book! It is perfectly cut and balanced in design. Made from what Vogue described as " a polished cotton satin" it has a slight sheen to it and the fabric has enough weight that it holds it sculptural shape well The skirt exemplifies the seventies with its exaggerated A-line cut and vertical top seaming. The jacket has that nod to the Victorian age with a high collar and tightly spaced row of round shiny buttons. It is fitted through the body with a dainty peplum hip. I love that each sleeve is finished with 4 matching buttons. It is an amazing set and such a delight to have such an extremely well documented piece. Excellent condition

The jacket is fully lined in fine black silky rayon while the skirt is unlined. The jacket closes with a tightly spaced row of round black buttons and the skirt closes withs with a side zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist. Each cuff has 4 buttons that are decorative and match the ones on the jacket.

Top
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15" across
Bust: 17.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 15" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

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ìWho would excite me if I went out at night?î Jil Sanderís, then designer Raf Simons asked himself when designing the S/S2011 collection. ìEveryone is in a tiny cocktail dress and extreme shoes. Iíd †be much more interested in seeing a girl in a ten-euro T-shirt and a couture skirt.î

So led the review on Vogue.com about this collection. This collection was called showstopping, genius and the to the floor skirts and gowns were instantly sold out and then waitlisted world wide. The proportions where daring and the cuts and drape perfection. This particular skirt was a stand out - it was used in the ad campaigns and was photographed on countless society girls, celebrities and adorned many magazine editorials. Raf has since gone on to high acclaim at Dior, making this now even more relevant and valuable to the collector.The skirt is customs screened silk and falls to the floor in a dramatic column of fabric. Pockets sit on each hip and the waist is masterfully and softly pleated. It was never worn and still has its original Jil Sander hang tag. Excellent, unworn condition.

Waist: 13î from side seam to side seam (maybe 13.5")
Hips: open
Total length: 46î from waist seam to bottom hem
Tagged a 38

Unlined and closes at the side with a hidden zipper

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (2-6)

Click here to see more photos of this skirt in our blog

Item# DD942

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

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Classic Oscar de la Renta from the Spring 2007 runway! I love the pretty, feminine feel of the floral pattern on the perfect shade of blue silk backdrop. A grosgrain ribbon acts as a waistband and the skirt flares out and then curves under at its hem to create a bit of a bubble effect. Hidden pockets sit along each side seam. Utterly Park Avenue princess and in excellent condition. Item# S374

Based on the runway presentation of the Spring 2009 "NATURAL Dis-Tinction, Un-Natural Selectionî Alexander McQueen show this dress is a stunner and showcases his masterful draping techniques. Constructed of two layers of bias cut silk they fit over each other perfectly and once on, move to fit the body just so. References to the animal kingdom abounded in this collection and on this piece we see a beautiful, soft screened bib feathers highlighting the softly draped cowl at the neck. The back hem is rounded and longer then the slightly scooped front. It is amazing and a testament to his genius. Excellent condition and a rare piece!

Bust: 17-21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from shoulder to hem at the back, 47" at the front

Fully lined in bias cut silk under the bias cut silk exterior, it closes with a hidden side zipper. The bias cut means that the measurements for the length may come up a bit when actually on

Item# DD870

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

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A stunning example of the meticulous craftsmanship that clothes-making once entailed. This beautiful piece is a marvel of design and intricate workmanship. On overlay of netting has applied sequins around the entire cape. This is over a jet black silk base. Layers of tattered lace and embroidered edged netting create a dramatic ruffle at the hem! This same lace sweeps up the front! A big lightly boned stand-up velvet collar frames the face and it is embellished with a dotted silk tulle and the most amazing wide panel of heavily applied round paillettes. These same paillettes adorn the velvet ties at the bottom front of the cape. The hours to sew each of these on must have been astonishing! It's not perfect, but still extremely wearable and quite fabulous in that tattered, romantic shabby chic kind of way!

A fine signed modernist studio silver large cuff bracelet. Unusually large sculpted and signed sterling silver item features a large banded agate cabochon.

6.25" W + 1" opening x 4" H

119.7g

Item #DS045

A fine vintage 'clamper' cuff bracelet constructed Taxco Mexico ca.1950.

Item# DS065

I am so excited to bring you the second part of our 1930s capsule. This is one of a dozen dresses from a single owner collection of beautiful 1930s dresses. Her collection was lovingly sourced over decades and she has decided that it is time let them back out into the world for others to enjoy. Outstanding designs from this era are increasingly hard to find. Her collection represents some of the best of the era that I have seen in a very long time. Most are in excellent condition and the few included in the capsule that do have some flaws are such outstanding designs that I feel there is still room for someone to love them and wear them as they are, or perhaps to put in the additional work to repair them. This is just a tiny sampling of her overall collection and I hope to have more of these capsules for you in the future.

This a spectacular piece from this time period. It is really just incredible and it is now so rare and hard to find these in such amazing condition. This is a dress that is meant to be on an actual body and as beautiful as it looks here my dress form is not doing it anywhere near the justice it deserves. The dress is cut in that loose and easy way that pieces from this time period were done in. It is meant to skim over the bust, waist and hips and then the skirt falls to the floor from there. When you are standing still the skirt falls in more of a column but when you move you see just how much volume is there. The upper bodice is incredibly beautiful. It is cut with all those pretty angled seams that you expect from a dress from this time. The front neckline drapes softly in a scoop at the front and then there is an attached capelet that falls over your arms and then drapes down to the middle of the back. Hidden under that caped part at the back is an open V that leaves your back exposed and bare. This gives an incredibly soft and romantic feel. The dress is made out of a silk chiffon that is as light as a feather. It has a touch of transparency to it and this gives the pattern a beautiful and light feel that is stunning. Tulips are mixed with roses and the print is done in a soft pink and purple palette with green leaves. It is completely cut on the bias. To wear it, you just slip it on and it drapes over you in the most beautiful way. Once on an actual body this dress truly comes to life and it is magnificent. If you are a fan of these pieces from the thirties you know just how exceptional and rare it is. Excellent condition. 

Unlined and closes with a series of snaps at the side. Hand finished throughout.  For a garment 100 years old it is in amazing condition. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Bust: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# PC016

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

This is a gorgeous little dress has been made in the most spectacular shade of a brilliant and bright emerald green and with the prettiest lines. It is made of a fine grosgrain textured silk and the sleeveless bodice has a scooped neck with a pretty curve to it that is shaped and highlights the bust. The waist nips in and it has a spectacular rhinestone encrusted bow that sits at the center of the front for a pretty and feminine detail. The skirt is quite full and it is the perfect balance to the fitted top and cinched in waist. All of this on its own is fabulous, but the dress also has a slew of pretty details beyond this. Running down the front is a row of tightly spaced, fabric covered buttons and fabric loops that gives it a luxurious feel. Those same fabric loops also run all around the edge of the hem which is a really unusual, but very pretty, detail. The color is a more true and bright emerald green in person and the entire dress is even better then how it photoed. It is a real little beauty. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a green through the bodice and interlined in black net through the skirt with a built in layer of black tulle that gives it the fullness you see, Closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper.

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from natural neck to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E611

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 treasure and a strong statement piece. This insanely fabulous Christian Dior coat can be considered demi-couture as it is primarily hand finished and would have been sent to the New York shop with its design based on the Haute Couture version. The length is to the knee and the cut is generous through the body - the better too accommodate a full dress underneath. It is made of a rich silk brocade with a combination of gold and metallic red on a black base. The brilliance of the gold in person is fabulous and if you have already fallen in love you will be thrilled to see it in person. I have tried to capture the brilliance of the fabric so you can see how wonderful it is but you will have to trust that in person the color is richer and deeper and has a real lush, rich feel to it. A neat collar sits at the neck and the pockets are hidden along the seam at the front so the line is kept simple and the fabric given center stage. It closes with buttons that are obviously hand made specifically for the coat since each has a flower from the design in the fabric perfectly centered on it. I love this little extra detail. The back is left simple and neat with the attention given to the cut and line. The final luxurious touch are the sleeves, where each is trimmed with a glossy mink cuff. This one is truly luminescent in person and you will fall in love instantly! Excellent, museum quality condition.

Fully lined in a hand set black silk taffeta. Closes with the buttons at the front and has hidden pockets along the front seams. Mid-weight and the fur cuffs are glossy and thick with minimal normal wear to the edges. A slight darkening to the metallic fabric at the inner back neck.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C413

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

Geoffrey Beene was one of the great American fashion designers and he was recognized for both his artistic and technical skills. He launched his label in 1963 and a piece from his very first collection landed the cover of Vogue. A Coty award followed a year later and in 1984 the Council of Fashion Designers created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in honor of Beene's fashion legacy. This dress is from his Spring 1969 label and is very well documented. Versions of it were photoed with Beene himself and a variation of it was featured in a Harper's Bazaar editorial that season. A variation in the same print is also held at the Bullock Museum

This dress is a wonderful representation of just how wonderful his work could get. In the Harper's caption for the dress in a different print, it was referred to as a 'long silk redingote dress, proud as a robe fit for an empress. The elegant proportions and billowing skirt, emphasized by taut lines of banding and billowing sleeves'. I could not describe it better. The color is a brilliant blend of a bright spring green with those wonderful bands in a deep navy that run down the front of the dress. The bodice is plunged and fitted, while the sleeves long and slim. The waist is set high and it hooks to close there with a zipper hidden in the folds under the seam. Below the waist the printed silk continues and falls to the floor in a cascade of green and navy banding. It is incredibly full with yards of fabric are used in the skirt. When you move you really get a sense of its fullness. I love that how those front bands curve inwards and the waist and flare out to follow the widening line of the skirt. It is incredibly chic and a very collectible piece of his work from this time period. Excellent condition with a note to review below

The skirt is fully lined in a white silk organza  with an edging of white lace at the hem to finish. The bodice is lined in a layer of the same fabric as the exterior. It close with low zipper at the front waist and hook & eye above that. Each sleeve has a zipper set at its cuff. The inner skirts lining has many small holes and deterioration. It is still sound and this of course makes no impact when on. The blue banding has spots where the top shiny layer has rubbed off. The dress looks unworn so I think these are storage issue sand natural degradation of the fabrics chosen from time.

Note that the upper bodice is very tiny fitting despite the measurements below due to how it is cut. This is on a dress form that is a size 0-2, it might work on a narrow bodice 4

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: inset seams 14.75
Bust: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Empire Waist: 13" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from shoulder to high waist seam
Skirt: 44" from waist seam to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3431

Reference Photos: (1-2) Geoffrey Beene with models, March 24 1969.  /  (3) Geoffrey Beene Hostess Ensemble, 1969 from the Bullock Museum Collection.  /  (4) Photo by Bill Silano for Harper's Bazaar, May 1969.

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

James Galanos was a genius at manipulating the finest of silks and when one finds such an exemplary example of his work like this it is a true joy. The construction on this particular Galanos dress is divine. It is made up of layers of a pretty peach colored silk chiffon anchored by a wide panel of a soft taupe anchoring the bottom hem. The silk is as light as a feather and is a difficult fabric to work with under any circumstance but Galanos took it a step further and made the entire dress into an intricate pleated construction. The silk is cut it on the bias and then it was knife pleated in long vertical lines. Even the wide cut, full sleeves have been pleated in this manner. This pleating technique give the dress an incredible movement and overall texture. The top is cut to sit loose and easy with an elastic finish at the waist. It can be worn on its own or with the wide ribbed leather belt that came with it. The skirt swirls out below that to the floor and Very feminine and very pretty. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in the same peach colored silk chiffon and closes with a two separate painted metal zippers at the back. The first closes the interior lining and the second is hidden under the pleats to close the outer layer. Each cuff has elastic. Hand finishes throughout and made to demi-couture standards. The belt shows minor wear - light scuffing here and there but is otherwise in excellent condition. I see two tiny smudges on the back shoulder mentioned for accuracy. The color has more of a pop and brightness to it in a person and the taupe panel is a softer shade in person. The photos do not do this amazing piece justice at all

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining at hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2431

Reference Photos: (1) Vulkan Magazine, March 29 2016. (Photographer/Art Director: Michael Kai Young.  Fashion Director: Georgia Groom.  Hair & Makeup: Robert Weir @ Judy Inc.  Models: Erin Forster @ Elmer Olsen/Andrew Podolio @ Elite Toronto/Want Management.) / (2) Outtake from the same shoot.  /  (3-4) Spring 1973 James Galanos Couture Runway.

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

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

This dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a bright, vivid tangerine orange that you can't miss. Worked within the silk is a slightly wavy stripe done in yellow, blue and green. The combination of colors is lovely and it is nice to see a brighter, more colorful piece of his work. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The cut through the body is extremely loose and easy, running in one long bias cut sheath to the floor with a little more volume towards the top. The bias cut gives the dress the slightest of shape as it drapes around your body. The neckline is cut straight across. It comes with a very long sash that is original to the dress and you can wrap this around the waist, the neck or even wear it as a turban or head wrap. All of the edges are hand rolled and stitched. The work to get this as perfect as it is would have been astounding - there is no trickier fabric to hand stitch then this. Each sleeve is cut straight and to just past the elbow with a slight flare to them as they reach their ends. Laid out flat, the dress is more of a T-shape. Once on, everything falls in soft and flattering folds. The silk is semi-transparent so it will require something underneath. This transparency made it hard to photo on the dress form and caused a lot of shadows. In person the color is crisp and true and it does not have quite as much of a transparent feel. It is amazing in person. Excellent condition

The dress is constructed from one single layer of a silk crepe chiffon that is semi-sheer. It is entirely bias cut and just slips over the head to wear. Hand rolled and finished edges. One edge of the matching sash has been re-stitched at a later date by someone and has a looser stitch then the rest of the piece. The easy cut will allow it to fit a full range of sizes.

56" flat across from the end of one sleeve to the other
Bust- hips: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem
Sash: 23" wide x just over 5' long

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3435

Reference Photos: (1) Model in Halston, Vogue, May 1973. Photo by Chris Von Wangenheim.  /  (2-3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This is a gorgeous original Halston dress that is a beautiful example of his earlier work. Halston was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the very minimum of seaming. His pieces that were bias cut, like this one, seem to almost be shapeless and not very exciting when you see them on the hanger. But, once you slip them on, they drape and settle into place the way they were intended and the transformation is remarkable. There is true genius on their simple cuts and they are addictive. I just recently sold a caftan version from this same collection which was documented, hence the ability to date this one as well.

There are actually four pieces to this set. There is an inner under-dress that is pretty enough to be worn on its own with a slip underneath; a dress that slips and hooks into place over that; and then it comes with both a long matching fabric sash and a long beaded fabric tie belt.  The fabric that the dress is made out of is cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a bright, vivid pink that  in person has a touch more depth and vibrancy to it. Worked within the silk a series of little dots dots, circles and dashes done in yellow, purple, blue and green. The combination of colors is lovely and it is nice to see a brighter, more colorful piece of his work. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The inner dress is cut like a simple slip with nude silk straps. The dress that layers of that simply hooks at the waist and the neck as well if you choose yo wear it more closed, and it is held in place by either the sash or tie belt, or you can layer both as I have done. The cut through the body of the over-dress is loose and easy, and I love the huge balloon sleeves. It comes with a long sash that is original to the dress and you can wrap this around the waist, the neck or even wear it as a turban or head wrap. There is also a long tie belt that is covered in multi covered beads and this as well can play several roles if you wished. All of the edges are hand rolled and stitched. The work to get this as perfect as it is would have been astounding - there is no trickier fabric to hand stitch then this. Once on, everything falls in soft and flattering folds. The silk is semi-transparent which allows the layers of the fabric to play off of each other. It is amazing in person. Excellent condition

Each piece of the dress is constructed from a single layer of a silk crepe chiffon that is semi-sheer. The inner dress slips over the head and has a series pf snaps on one side. The outer dress slips on with elastic at the waist and a hook there and another hook at the neck. Hand rolled and finished edges. Comes with a sash and a tie belt that has bead detailing.

Inner Dress
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Outer Dress
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

The sash is 86" x 15" and the tie belt is 90" long from end to end

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3455

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