Based on the style of the label inside the coat I am dating this to the 1920s or 1930s but it is conceivable that it could be earlier. It is a remarkable piece and so far, I have been unable to find out more about its origins. Regardless of its history as a guard coat (which we know from the label stating just that inside) it is a dramatic and gorgeous coat that has a strong military feel. It is made from a black cotton velvet that has a deep maroon velvet used to highlight the collar and the waist. An ivory cording has been hand applied in swooping curves over the velvet and the pattern is dramatic and fabulous. It highlights the cut of the jacket and the color pops off the black and red. Mixed into the design that is created by the cording are flat silver metal discs that are attached by hand. These are fairly large and really create a statement against the velvet. The buttons are all original and a matching matte silver metal. It is cut fairly straight through the body with a slight flare at the bottom skirting and the sleeves are cut on a curve to follow the shape of the arm. It is wonderful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black cotton and in very good antique condition. It buttons to the waist. Some patina to the metal but nothing beyond normal aging. The collar seems to lie slightly off as photoed but this just makes it more unique. This would have been made for a man originally so you should expect it to feel oversized

Sleeves: 25"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 41" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C538

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 construction on this coat is wonderful. It is hand made and the tailoring on it is really extraordinary. It's label tells us that is was a custom tailored piece that would have been specialty ordered out of the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong who were doing the best bead work & tailoring in the world during this time period.

The choice of the black silk makes it very easy to wear for multiple occasions. It would have been considered a formal evening piece during its time period but now, a modern girl could wear almost anything with it. It is made from a very high end black silk that has some weight and structure to it. This allows it to keep that wonderful shape that you see. The cut of the coat is very simple and elegant. There is no collar or visible closures on the coat to break the lines of it. Instead it has a series of hidden hook & eye that run down the front and seem almost invisible whether it is closed or open. This highlights just how perfectly the beaded bands at the waist and hem line up to each other where they meet at the front. At the waist and hem there is a wise panel of bead work. Another wide band of the beads also circle each cuff of the sleeves. The beads are glossy black glass tube beads that are all set by hand.  An incredible amount of work given that there are literally thousands of them. The sleeves are cut to just above the elbow and the coat is generous through the body. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition with one small note to review below

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes with hidden hook & eye down the front. It is fairly heavy as the bead work is very thick and extensive but it sits well when on and does not actually feel heavy when worn. Hidden silk lined pockets at the front seams. Hand finished and hand beaded. Light padding in each shoulder under the lining. There is a tiny amount of bead work missing at the front waist on one side. Please see the photo after the label shot.

Shoulders: 16.5"
Sleeves: 19"
Bust: 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across the back from side to side
Hips: 23" flat across the back from side to side
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# C192

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

There is just something about a gown made in the 1950s that often no other time period can beat. The attention to detail and level of quality even down to the fabric itself is just beyond. This gown is certainly a designer piece but only has its Bonwit Teller label left and no clues as to the designer who made it. It is beautifully made and the lines of stunning. Black silk sweeps the the floor in yards and yards of fabric that move gently around you as you move. There is a built in inner skirt made of soft dressmakers paper that helps to hold the shape without having to wear a full crinoline under the skirt. I love that the fabric curves over the waist and into the bust with only vertical seaming and no horizontal seam to break the line. This is another sign of the high quality of the gown as this technique uses far more fabric then seaming it across at the waist. The bodice curves up and over the bust with curved boning, hand set inside to help form the shape. A slight dip at the center gives it a pretty line and it is finished with a ribbed white cotton that just peaks over the edge. Brilliant. Excellent condition.

Unlined but with a built in underskirt that is tacked through the waist. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Boned through the bodice and into the waist and the boning is set in individual silk sleeves and hand set. Horse hair ribbon finishes the inside hem for a touch of weight. Hand finishes

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 55.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2155

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. (Cherie is also wearing the Magnetic Midnight Egyptomania "Hartor" Headpiece - click here to see)

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 coat is an early example of Christian Dior's work and I love its simplicity. It has the Christian Dior Original, New York label. This label would be considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. Pieces with this label where made for the American market to sell in the New York Salon. They were based on the runway designs and were constructed with the same high standard finishes that the true Haute Couture pieces incorporated. It is very well made and even better in person.

This coat is in exceptional condition and it looks like it was never been worn, or worn very little. It is cut with the volume and curves that defined the era. It is a wonderful example of the work Dior was doing in this time period and why they had such an influence in establishing the direction of design during this era. The lines of the coat are very simple. There is the very minimal amount of seaming done to achieve the shape that you see. It almost has a slouchy robe feel to it with a angle shaped collar that sits above the large buttons that run down the front. The shoulders are cut so that the curve and drop. The sleeves extend from there and are cut to just past the elbow. Through the body it is cut with a full curve that narrows slightly into the hem. I love the large front pockets that are top set and sit on each hip. The fabric is a highly textured matte silk or silk and wool mix that is unusual and quite charming. Inside there is a woven silk lining that has the look of the type of silk that would normally be used in men's suiting. It feels very modern and is pristine. It looks like it just stepped out of the showroom of the atelier. Excellent condition

Lined in a hand set black textured silk. It buttons to close at the front and has pockets on each hips with each pocket is lined in silk. The buttons have proper finished buttonholes. Hand finishes. The cut is meant to sit oversized and will fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 16" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C435

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 the color of this wonderful Bessi dress and the mix of the silks used. The contrast that is created by using a silk jersey with a silk chiffon is beautiful and that combined with the vivid pink and red mix make for a gorgeous dress. Bessi print are reminiscent of Emilio Pucci but they tend to be more uni-tonal with a play on subtle variations of color. The influence of Pucci can not be denied however. The floral and leaf print on this dress is bright and vivid, combining pops of a cherry red mixed with pink and raspberry. I love the use of the contrasting border at the neck, waist, cuffs and hem that define and anchor the cut of the dress. The dress itself is made from a mix of three silks. The bodice is a silk jersey that is easy to wear and feels fabulous and comfortable once on. The top layer of the skirt is an airy silk chiffon in a matching print to the top that is layered over a solid red silk lining. This inner lining is finished at the hem with a silk chiffon printed border. It is this mix of silks that give the dress that rich feel. Excellent condition

The bodice is unlined and the skirt lined in a red silk inner skirt. It closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The bodice has some stretch.

Shoulders: 16"
Sleeves: 24"
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1188

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.

An incredible early piece by Bill Blass that is just beautiful and very special. It really shows his love of fabrics and unusual textures that he would use early on to contrast his simple cuts and elegant designs. This is an aesthetic viewpoint that he continued throughout his career but I feel that the earliest pieces, like this one, showcase it the best. I also feel that the earlier pieces really showcased his extravagant, dramatic side which, as he became more commercial and his company larger, was sometimes diluted down to meet sales standards rather then his own design standards. This full length dress is constructed from a beautiful silk velvet fused to a silk chiffon base. The velvet is extremely soft and plush and the colors are a combination of an ivory mixed with a gold metallic. This is then fused onto the black silk chiffon and then backed in a nude-ivory silk to produce the design you see. The shape is simple and easy. The neckline is scooped and there is an attached panel of fabric that ties for detailing. The waist is open and easy and you could add a belt to cinch it and give you more shape if you wished. and the skirt widens out as it nears the floor. At the hem is a 5" wide finish of ivory silk and a taupe and reddish faux fur trim. The perfect contrast and break to the pattern above. The construction throughout is beautiful - all hand finished and meticulously done. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk. It has ribbon fabric finishes at the inner hem. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. and zippers at each cuff. There is one small area of the hem where a piece of fabric is missing - please see photo provided.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 38.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2834

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

Pucci's velvet pieces always have an extra layer of richness and texture to them because of the fabric choice, plus, nothing holds those vibrant colors that he preferred better then a cotton velvet can. This top uses a great mix of brights colors anchored with a solid black panel. It has slightly scooped neckline that is cut wide across to show a touch of the top of your shoulders. From there is is cut loose and easy through the body and is slightly cropped to land just above the upper hip area. I love the unusual mix of the prints and the cross design worked into the pattern. He uses one of his signature contrasting borders to anchor the lower hem. The perfect finish on this one is how it buttons up back with a row of little velvet covered buttons. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a white silk and closes with the velvet covered buttons at the back as shown. There are some light foxing marks in the print at the front that are very minor and are shows in the photo after the label shot

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 17" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# S760

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 Emilio Pucci dress is particularly wonderful with its pretty pink & coral floral print that pops off of the black silk jersey base. The dress is made out of one of his classic silk jerseys that has that gorgeous floral pattern screened onto the fabric. At this point in the Pucci history, Emilio himself would have been creating the prints for his dresses so it is truly like wearing art. The dress has an easy to wear cut to it. The bodice skims over the bust and waist, curves over the hips and ends in a simple cut skirt. As with all his best pieces, his use of a contrasting border highlights both the cut and line of the dress. The neckline, cuffs and hem are all accented by a contrasting white and floral border. A border band of that same print also runs down the center back of the dress. The sleeves are cut long with a slight bit of volume over the cuffs. This is a classic Pucci silhouette that is instantly recognizable and very sexy once on an actual body despite not being super form fitting and clingy. I love all the contrasting print panels that give the cut visual definition and the colors all pop against each other beautifully. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear with a handset fine metal zipper at the back. Hand work throughout the interior. The fabric has some stretch. Tagged a vintage Pucci 14

Sleeves: 21.5"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dropped waist: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18.5" from neck to dropped waist
Skirt: 24.5" from dropped waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2448

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 Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram (go peek one day). They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them.

This one is a gorgeous example of her work and one of my favorites that I have had in the shop to date. The cotton is crisp and fresh feeling still and has been hand dyed to a beautiful ocean blue color with lighter turquoise accents. It has hand done embroidery work at the front neck and down the front. Piping in the lighter blue defines the neckline and sleeves. The sleeves are incredible. Each ends in a huge flare and those flares are actually a full circle of fabric. This gives them incredible volume and movement. The skirt also flares out and its volume is achieved through the turquoise insert that are set in long inverted triangles of fabric. The ocean blue and turquoise inserts and embroidery perfectly compliment each other. It is cut to sit slightly more fitted through the bodice and then flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut to do the same and widen out as they near the cuffs. Excellent condition with a note below

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has natural variations in it. The color in person has a slight charcoal to it and is not a true inky black as it photoed. It's even better in person I think. There is some discoloration on the ribbon of each sleeve and a mark on the ribbon at the hem. Please review the photos after the shot of the label The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 23.5"
Dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3408

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 Malcolm Starr is stunning. The fabric hits you right off - it is a beautiful metallic brocade with a slightly raised pattern in gold running over its surface that has a touch of dimension to it so you really get an amazing play on light. The color is equally unusual with its pale lime green base that has that gold shot through it so it becomes neither of those two colors but something unique unto itself. The dress is cut with a baby doll silhouette at the top and a full length maxi skirt that widens out with a wonderful sweep as it nears the floor. The waist line is high and sits just under the V of the neckline. The neckline does not plunge quite into the empire waist but could if you wished. there is currently a little extra panel of fabric there that could easily be removed if you wanted the full plunge effect. Just under that sits a jeweled gold bar and rings that attach to the piping at the waist. These are encrusted with rhinestones so add a little extra glitz and also emphasizes the cut. The sleeves are long and each is cut to pouf out slightly above the notched cuffs. Here too sits a rhinestone encrusted extra bit of bling on the button. The detail I love the most are those fabulous full length pleats that sit on other side of the hip that add length and volume to the skirt. The fact that a hidden pocket that goes right through to the other side, almost like a muff would, is just an extra bonus. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a pale lime silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The front metal plate is inlaid with rhinestones and I see no missing stones. A long front pocket under the front middle panel. Rhinestone encrusted buttons at each cuff. Hand finished.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2975

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 every inch that classic, couturier inspired, tent coat of the fifties and sixties except it has been done in a soft suede and has the option to cinch in the waist for added shape. I think the cut is wonderful. I have to say that the photos of it on the mannequin do not convey how great that this will sit on a real girl. If you are a fan of these coats then you already know how wonderful these are. To see one made of suede is not something you will see every day. The suede gives it enough body to hold the form and structure of the coat. The cut gives it lots of swing and volume. A pointed collar sits at the neck and each sleeve is cut wide and turns up to make a wide cuff. All of the volume comes out from the shoulder and once on it creates the most dramatic silhouette. It comes with its original matching belt and the suede is soft enough that it easily will cinch and tie for a completely different look and feel. I love the top stitched detailing where the panels of the coat connect and that is has hidden pockets on each hip. Excellent overall condition.

Lined in quilted rayon that is backed with padding. It buttons to close at the front. The suede shows some minor patina from age and normal wear but nothing that doesn't just add to its vintage character. Pockets sit on each hip. The cut will allow for a range of sizes. In person the color is a touch more vibrant and even better.

Sleeves: approx 25" from natural shoulder
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C512

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 from the archive of the Roman couture house Tiziani, which was founded in 1963 by American designer Evans Richards. The label quickly became a favorite among celebrities and socialites including Elizabeth Taylor, who was a regular client; Doris Duke, Gina Lollobrigida, and Principessa Borghese. The label is also famous because of the fact that as a young designer, Karl Lagerfeld accepted a job there. Lagerfeld worked at Tiziani from 1963 to 1969. This piece is unlabeled but has the provenance of being a part of a past auction that featured the sketches and a few select pieces of work from Karl Lagerfeld's time at the label, this dress being one of them.

The dress is constructed from a fine purple silk that has been adorned with dense areas of hand beading. It is almost overtly ornate in its design and is a strong statement piece. The bodice has a V neck that is edged with pink silk satin trimming. This same ruffled trim work circles under the bust and at the waist. It is carried through and around the sleeves, the cuffs and the hem. The sleeves are full and pouf above the wrists. Each sleeve also has a dense panel of bead work circling the elbow area. More beads adorn the bust and run around one side of the skirt. The bead work is extremely fine and mixes embroidery work, real metallic thread, seed beads, crystals and larger beads. These give the dress a touch of glitz and sparkle, The green of the designs pops against the purple silk and I love the 3D feel this detailing adds to the piece. The bottom of the skirt is finished with knife pleating and the work done there is meticulous. The construction of the dress is entirely by hand and it is done to couture levels. It is extraordinary and an amazing piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a purple silk and closes with a back zipper. Each cuff buttons to close. The inner skirt is finished with an extremely wide stiffened hem encased in silk that helps to give the skirt structure and the slight bit of volume you see. All hand work through out and made to couture standards. Light padding in each shoulder. There is the tiniest of fading to the edge of the purple silk lining on the inner arms that does not effect the exterior in anyway. 

Sleeves: 23.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from neck to first seam under the bust, and 17.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from the dropped waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

Item# DD3251

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 elaborately sequin and bead covered dress is even better in person.  The workmanship on it is outstanding with a dense, hand applied application of large black paillettes, smaller sequins, beads and curving ropes formed from a 3D application of seed beads that break up the design. These cover every square inch of the fabric and have been meticulously placed by hand onto a black stretch knit base. Once on it hugs the body in a way that is very flattering. The dress has a very simple cut. It is basically a chic sheath silhouette with a slightly nipped in waist, a barely there suggestion of a cap sleeve and a V neck. The back is also finished with a V cut but it is cut to dip lower then the front does. The skirt is cut long and lean. The hand work down on the dress gives it a 3-dimensional quality as they are set raised up from the knit. Glossy black flowers are formed from the combination of the various beads used and thick ropes of twisted black seed beads loop and curve through the design from top to bottom. Everything has a high gloss finish and I love the way it gleams in the light. It is also a great wearable size and the knit base makes it feel fantastic once on and extremely comfortable to wear. Excellent condition.

The bead work and sequins are hand applied onto a soft knit base that I believe to be cashmere or a cashmere mix. It closes with a back metal zipper. The edges of the slit are finished with a black silk panel of fabric but it is otherwise unlined. The knit gives it quite a bit of stretch and the measurements give below are the comfortable range lying flat. You may be able to get a bit more then that if needed.  It has the high end department store, Neusteters, label in it but no longer has its ioginal designer label present

Bust: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 37" from waist to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E416

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

This Dior set perfectly symbolizes the lady who wore Dior but also wanted to feel glamorous and chic. The fabric is absolutely stunning and seems to glow from within. It is a woven gold thread, silk lame brocade with a raised design that gives it a remarkable texture. Depending on how the light hits it different aspects of the pattern come to play. It is just incredible. It actually has a 'metal' feel to it which tells us that it is made of real metallic thread. The set is made up of of three separate pieces. The very inner layer is a skirt that has an attached, lining weight, sleeveless top to it. This allows the skirt to fall perfectly into place. A sleeveless shell top goes over this and when worn together the two give it the appearance of a wearing a proper dress. Over both these goes a fuller box cut jacket with glove length sleeves and a simple collarless cut. This boxed full shape is so representative of this time and when done by the hands of a genius like Dior, feels timeless and fresh even now. Exceptional garment. Excellent overall condition with a few small items to note below.

The skirt and shell are lined in a silk organza and the jacket's lining is a silk crepe. The inner dress closes with a back painted metal zipper. The shell closes with a back painted metal zipper that allows the back to fully open. The jacket has no closures. The jacket and shell both have weighted hems, ribbon edged finishes and hand finishes. The inner dress's has been let out and you can see the stitch lines where this was done down the side and along the darts. You can of course not see this when it is worn. The silk lining in the shell is beginning to shatter - I have left it as is and it is wearable as it is now. The edges of the collar and hem show signs of slight fraying - this is due to the metallic thread of the fabric and is inevitable. Priced accordingly and these are all very minor in person and do not detract. Note the approx modern size given is based on the inner dress - the jacket is meant to be worn over size.

Inner Dress
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 19" from waist to hem

Shell
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1696

Reference Photos: (1) Photographed by Arnaud de Rosnay, Vogue US, November 1968 / (2-3) 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.

I have had this Frank Usher tucked away for a long time because it is so amazing that it was hard to let go. It is really amazing. It drapes to the floor in a slinky column of jersey that is gathered all along the center front. This gathering detail makes it very forgiving on the body and very flattering. The fabric is a jersey that is almost like a bathing suit jersey and it is a choice that allows it to drape and move wonderfully. It's a definite statement maker with that brilliant orange-coral color and has a Grecian goddess feel to it. It is cut on the bias so falls and drapes to follow every curve. The skirt is long and lean and glides to the floor. Above that, the top is cut to angle towards the center with ties extending out that cross over each other and then wrap around the neck. You can also wear it with more of a V at the neck. Those ties are miles long and fall almost to the hem at the back which gives the back its own drama. Add to that a low scooped back that leave your back bare and it is a knock-out. The fabric is wash and wear and will pack & travels exceptionally well. I love it. Excellent condition

Made from a double layer of the jersey. It slips on to wear with a low back zipper and an enclosed elastic that wraps around the waist and then hooks. The halter ties at the back of the neck. Tagged a vintage UK38/US12. The fabric has stretch so it will fit a range of sizes. I have given the comfortable range of stretch when measured flat below.

Bust: variable since it has no true side seams and has stretch
Waist: 13.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner layer hips: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: somewhat adjustable but approx 56-58" from neck to hem it will vary a little depending on how you tie it at the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2774

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 Frank Usher dress is really wonderful. It is a full length maxi dress and the skirt falls to the floor with yards and yards of a bright orange based coral jersey for its fabric. The color is an instant showstopper and the fabric choice means that it drapes and moves fantastically. The skirt is cut on the bias and once it is on you get a better sense of just how much fabric has been used. The waist is set high and just under the bust. There are three long skinny ties made of the same fabric that loop through openings there. These allow you to cinch in the front and gather it a little more if you wish and then you can either leave the ties hanging on either side or tie them at the back. The top has two triangle halters that plunge to those front ties. They then curve up and extend into long straps that tie behind the neck. This leave the back completely bare. Excellent condition

The bodice is a double layer of the jersey and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a low back set zipper and also ties around the neck. Three ties runs through the front that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The color is a touch more coral then how it photoed in person

Bust: variable since it has no true side seams and has stretch
Underbust: to approx 14-16.5" flat across from side to side
Natural waist & hips: open
Length: somewhat adjustable but approx 58-60" from neck to hem it will vary a little depending on how you tie it at the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3335

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 was custom made, and is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser. Betsy appeared on several Vogue covers in the 1950s and it was during that time period time period that she met Galanos. They were friends for over 60 years. She collected, and wore Galanos, her entire life and was his friend and muse. He once told her husband ‘I would rather have Betsy wear my clothes than any other woman’. She was a constant presence on the International Best Dressed List and and was added to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in the early 1970s.

Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and although his atelier was never formally designated as Haute Couture by the French, he certainly produced clothing that met the parameters of couture and he is often referred to  as one of the great American couturiers. Here, we see that high level of workmanship put into this dress. The dress is made of a light weight  black silk chiffon that is covered with a vivid floral print. The colors are bright and true with a watercolor feel and they pop against that black backdrop. Three full layers of silk are used through the body and yet the dress still weighs mere ounces. The top layer is printed and the two layers under that are a black silk chiffon. The layered effect of the silk gives it lots of movement and creates a light, floating effect when you walk. Each layer is finished with a black ribbon piping along the edges and the dress does up along each side with a series of small frog knots and loops made of the same fabric as the finishing. It is cut in a long column that skims over the body to the floor. Each side has a openings along either side and the lower frog knots are functional so that you can control how high they open slightly. The top is scooped at both the front, and the back. Both these scoops are finished with a panel of a fine black lace so that you get a transparency effect. The back is scooped very low and is only kept from being scandalous for its time period by that covering of lace. The contrast between the lightness of the silk, the see through quality of the lace and the boldness of the colors is wonderful. Excellent condition

The dress is made of three layers of silk chiffon and close with a hidden set, side zipper. Frog knots run down each side with some functional and some decorative. The slits can be close slightly with a frog knot and if you wanted them higher you could open them more. This is a one-off, unlabelled custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate. The cut is loose and easy through the body.

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Slits: to 28" on one side and to 23" on the other

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3004

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

John Anthony opened his label in 1971 and during the 1970s he produced some really outstanding pieces that were sleek & sexy but still felt sophisticated. His business was made to order so very few of each piece exists if there is even more then one of each. This personal attention to each dress shows in the line, cut and workmanship. This dress is very sexy and shows off a lot of skin but manages to not cross over into tacky. The metallic lurex used is very light and of a very good quality. One on it feels almost weightless. It's genius lies ion its cut that allows for all of your curves to show but you are still covered and not over-exposed. The front plunges and all the fabric is gathered into a knot detail at the front center. This is all suspended by small straps that loop and cross over the shoulder into a crossed back. The back also plunges very low leaving your back bare. The skirt is cut on the bias so has lots of movement. It is also cut in a curve with the front scooped up. The way it is cut gives you coverage when you are standing but the second you move or sit you get a glimpse of leg almost to the upper though. It is really incredible. Excellent condition

Fully interlined in a black chiffon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Appears unworn. Cut on the bias with light boning on the sides of the bust. Hand finished

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2885

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. Cherie is also wearing the 'Cleopatra' headpiece from our Magnetic Midnight Egyptomania Collection - Click here to shop.

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 combination of that baby doll influenced, high buttoned Great coat design, the full, long length of the coat and that dramatic glitter finish make this a vintage dream find. The collar of the coat is notched and pointed for a perfect seventies touch. Under that the buttons are set in a double row and sit higher up on the bodice. I love that the buttons are also covered in the same fabric that the coat is made out of. Those high set buttons give the coat a bit of a mod feel and also emphasizes the flare of the lower part. The lower portion of the coat sweeps out towards the floor and gently widens as it nears the hem so that you get lots of movement when you move. The sleeves are cut straight and simple. That longer length allows you to throw it over absolutely everything from jeans to a ball gown. The simple cut allows the fabric of the coat to shine. Which is literally does as it is made out of a woven black lurex textile. This makes the entire surface have a glittering, glossy feel and takes this otherwise classic black coat to a whole new level. The way the fabric catches the light is amazing. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon. Closes at the front with the buttons as seen and has one inner button. Pockets set along each hip. The cut should fit a range of sizes. You might be able to move the buttons slightly if you needed a touch more room through the chest

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C519

Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This is a great little dress and matching turban/headpiece from the London label Nettie Vogues London. The brand seems to have been one that sold in better shops during this time period and I did find reference to pieces photoed for Vogue and even a link in to a story of a young Princess Diana trying on one for an event. The dress has the feel of the 1940s to it and is an unusual piece that is easy to wear and has lots of impact despite its simple design, The dress is made from a black stretch jersey and the design is very simple. It has a one shoulder cut with the sleeved side cut in a wide dolman that begins from the detailing at the hip and gradually narrows as it reaches the wrist. The other shoulder is left bare. On the side with the sleeve, the dress gathered and caught up on one hip with that big detailing accent piece that is made up of various sized paste rhinestones and beads. This gives it just a hint of shape through the body and some glitz to offset the stark black. It comes with its original, matching headpiece that sits on the head. This pieces is also detailed with an attached accent piece made of rhinestones and beading. The headpiece has to long attached ties that you can leave dangling down over one shoulder or wrap, tie and tuck, for a more turban effect. Excellent condition

The dress is unlined and has a side zipper. It is very generous in its cut and will fit and drape on a variety of sizes. The headpiece could be easily adjusted to fit if slightly off I am sure

Bust: open
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem
Headpiece: approx 23" around the inside and has some stretch. The ties are each approx 33" long

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3102

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.