Vitaldi Babani founded the Babani atelier in Paris in 1894. Originally they imported art, furniture, embroideries, silks and exotic goods from China, Japan, India, and Turkey. By 1910 they were producing their own label garments. The designs were heavily inspired by the wares they were importing and they often incorporated some of the antique textiles that they were bringing into Paris. They were known for the exoticism of their designs and the heavy embroideries and high craft that was put int their garments. In 1928, Katherine Hepburn famously wore a white crushed velvet Babani dress with antique gold embroidery for her 1928 wedding to Ludlow Ogden Smith. This is a rare and wonderful dress by the House of Babani and it is remarkable in both its condition and its design.

The base of the dress is an inky black silk velvet that has the same weight and feel of the Fortuny's I have seen from this period. Which would not be a stretch given that the Babani company had a license to retail textiles and garments by the Venice-based designer. To have used some of those velvet's for their own label would not have been out of question. The shape is very loose and easy. It follows the tubular fashion of the day with the middle portion of the dress almost curving outwards a touch. On the body it looks tremendously modern and oversized. Even a small framed girl could wear this and just carry it off in a different way then someone closer to the garment's actual measuremnts. Onto the black velvet is an elaborate and intricate geometric design. This has been created by using thick gold metallic cording to create the outer edgings of the design. The inner parts of the design are then filled with a thinner gold thread. All of the thread has that feel of being made out of actual metal. This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of rare fashion history from one of the most elusive of labels from this period. Excellent antique condition 

The dress slips on and is fully lined in a fine black silk. It has no closures. All of the embroidery work is present and fully intact. I see some waviness to the velvet under the arms where it has been worn and slightly folded over time. There is perhaps an area or two where the pile of the velvet has gone into a slightly different direction but there are no true flaws overall. For a garment of this age and this rarity it is in excellent antique condition

Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3225

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

This garment is sent in clean. as found condition

This is an exceptional twenties flapper coat that is made of a beautiful black silk velvet. This particular fabric is a dream to wear with its beautiful drape and ease. It falls to just past the knees and has a loose and easy cut so can be thrown on over just about anything. The upper portion of the coat has soft rounded shoulders and these curve gracefully into the sleeves. Each sleeve is quite special with an angled drop cut at the cuffs and gathers that flow into an angled piped detailing so that the cuffs have extra volume. The collar is equally special with a demure little detail at the back where a panel of fabric of fabric is looped and gathered around the back collar. The inside of the coat has been lined with a pale green silk satin set slightly shorter then the length of the coat. This interior lining is still in excellent condition with just the barest hint of wear near the arms where a small repair was made. I love the wide and easy swing cut through the body. It has no true closures so when it is on you get that flash of silk lining that creates a wonderful contrast to the black exterior. Excellent condition

Fully lined in pale green silk, both the interior and exterior are in strong and wearable condition. No closures. The loose and open cut will fit a range of sizes

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Sleeves: 23" at the shortest point, 28" to the longest
Shoulders: approx 15"
Bust: to 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist to hips: open
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# C470

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 wonderful and very unusual for the time period. It is made from an amazing printed silk twill that has a very rich feel to it. It had to have been stored properly for all these years because the color is still crisp and true. The design of the dress itself is stunning. The silk fabric has an amazing print that is kind of a stylized combination of a crocodile and alligator print. The color is a beautiful, rich blue and this print covers the entirety of the dress. The cut is fitted and chic with a sweetheart neckline and capped shoulders. The waist nips in and the skirt is cut in a long lean line from the fitted hip area. I love the pockets that are set angled off each hip. This emphasizes the feminine curves of the dress perfectly. Each of those pockets and the neckline as edges with beads and faux pearls and there is a scattering of both over the front bodice as well. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a side set metal zipper. Some of the pearls have lost their exterior coating over the years and there is the very smallest appearance of fading to a slight more purple tone to the blue around the opening of the arms but given the age I still rate this as excellent. Really a gorgeous and unusual dress

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# D583

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 extraordinary and is beautiful and early example of Christian Dior's work. This is the Dior Original, New York label so is what is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. These where made in, and for, the American market but were based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that the true Haute Couture pieces incorporated.

The coat looks to have never been worn, or worn very little. It is cut with the volume and curves that defined the era and showcases the influence that the house of Dior had in establishing the direction of line and cut during this era. A neat small collar sits above the buttons that run down the front. The lines of the coat are simple and beautiful with a sense of austerity to the lines. It utilizes the very minimal of seaming in its design with dropped curving shoulders and arms and that fantastically full, voluminous cut through the body. I love the huge front pockets that sit on each hip at the front. The fabric is a highly textured matte wool and the textured lining feels and looks like the type of silk that would normally be used in men's suiting. It feels insanely modern and looks like it just stepped out of the showroom of the atelier. Excellent condition

Lined in 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. Appears unworn or worn very, very little

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.

This wonderful and chic numbered suit would be considered demi-couture, specifically ordered by a client based on the collection designed at the time for Dior London and not purchased straight off the rack. The client would have been measured and perhaps chose the specific fabric and or cut that she wished but not gone the through the haute couture experience of having the design fitted from muslin at the Paris atelier. Numbered pieces of this type were often one of a kind and much of them done by hand. This suit is lovely - a boucle wool has a sting stripe and nubby detailing through the fabric. The stripe of the fabric has been used to define and highlight the boxed cut. The jacket is straight cut and closes down the front with large dramatic buttons. I love the wide edging that runs down the front and around the collar. The skirt is a simple pencil with a slight A-line as it nears the hem. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lines in a silky black satin finish fabric. The skirt has a hidden set zipper with hook & eye and a snap at the waist to close. The jacket buttons to close. The tag is numbered

Jacket
Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 18"
Bust: 22" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 21" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 22" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 16" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 22" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL

Item# S565

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.

The La Mendola label is highly collectible and sought after. The duo behind the label met in Rome in 1960 and started their business making dresses and selling them piece by piece. In 1967 they opened a shop and women like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth that were buying and even wait listing for pieces as they were produced. Here we have  an early piece by them that is made form a beautiful, light wool knit jersey. It is cut into a loose and easy shape that flows out from the shoulder to almost caftan proportions. The design is a beautiful mix of blues and green with pal pops of a soft lavender. It has a simple cut with an undefined waist, a scooped neckline and long bell cut sleeves. I love how it covers the body completely and how the fabric drapes and skims over your curves so it is still sexy. It is also a larger size so very wearable. It really has a lot of fabric through the skirt and in person you get more of a feel of volume when you move. You could easily  belt and cinch in the waist for more shape. The length is supermodel long at 64" from shoulder to hem. It is an amazing piece. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The bias cut stretch fabric and forgiving design of the dress will allow it to work on a range of sizes. I have given the measurements at a comfortable stretch lying flat but the fabric does have stretch beyond them a touch even

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 24-27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL

Item# DD2949

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 the second time I have had this dress and I love it just as much the second time around. It is a beautiful full length dress by Oscar De La Renta in his classic hostess gown silhouette. It is  constructed from a beautiful silk brocade whose color is a deep raspberry pink that has a purple undertone to it. The base fabric has a simple matte finish that then has a metallic thread in the same color woven through it to create the designs on the dress that you see. The metallic thread catches the light beautifully and the dots and curved peaks that run over the dress from top to bottom add a stunning visual interest. The sleeves are slightly full and caught up in a defined cuff in at each wrist. A simple scooped collar tops the simple bodice. From there the waist nips in and you can add more shape with the brilliant green metallic fabric belt whose fabric has been done on the opposite way of the dress - the base is metallic and the dots are matte. Below the waist the skirt billows out and flows to the ground in a beautiful cascade of fabric. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a purple silk and closes at the back with a hand set, painted zipper. Each sleeve closes with two hidden, fabric covered snaps. The belt is in excellent condition. Note that though the waist and bust are fuller it is cut smaller through the shoulder.

Shoulders: 14.5"
Sleeves: 23"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2519

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 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 fabulous little Emilio Pucci dress is particularly wonderful with its pretty pink floral print and extremely wearable vintage sizing. It is constructed from one of his signature silk jerseys with a bright floral pattern in a mix of pinks and corals that just pop off the black backdrop. The bodice skims over the bust to the dropped seam of the waist and the waist and this then tops a sleek and simple skirt. As with all his best pieces the use of a contrasting border only adds to the deigns and this one is no exception. The scooped neckline, cuffs and hem are all accented by a contrasting border and a bold band of that same print also runs down the back top of the dress. The sleeves are left simple and slim cut with a slight bit of volume over each cuff. This is a classic Pucci silhouette that is instantly recognizable and very sexy despite it not being super form fitting. 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. Extensive hand work on the interior. The fabric has stretch if you need it. Tagged a vintage Pucci 14 but these run small compared to modern sizing so please make sure to check the measurements below

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.

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

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

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

This is a beautiful dress from the late 1970s, early 1980s that showcases the elegance that the best of his work had. The Washington Post once stated that "Seventh Avenue thought of Blass as the king of American fashion and his work has always been portrayed as quintessentially American". The dress is cut to supermodel length and the lines of it make it feel even longer. Everything about the cut is done to give the girl wearing it one long and beautiful silhouette. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long. The dress is cut to follow the body underneath in a way that the fabric just skims over you from shoulder to hem. The fabric is a soft wool jersey that feels like it has a touch of cashmere in it. The dress buttons all the way down the front so feels like an extended, full length sweater dress once it is on. The buttons completely open so you could actually wear this is a layered piece over something else underneath if you wished. Big pockets sit on each hip for that perfect touch of ease. The fabric and cut are in direct contrast to the high evening glamour that is created by the addition of glossy black sequins that completely cover the dress. These are all hand applied and shimmer when the lights hit them. It is simple, yet striking, and has not a single unnecessary seam. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk crepe chiffon and closes with the buttons down the front. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Very well made with hand finished throughout and hand applied sequins. Tagged a vintage 10 and the fabric does have a bit of stretch. The easy cut should fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3253

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.

Giorgio Sant' Angelo launched his label in 1966. He was a designer for whom the fabric was always the start point and worked closely with his fabric mills in developing new textiles and he also often developed his own prints. It was said the he 'he ornamented the body and made fantasy wearable'. He was the winner of two Coty Awards, the first in 1968 and the second in 1970, and two Council of Fashion Designers of America honors.

Sant' Angelo often cited various native and ethnic cultures as the inspiration for his collections and you can see that he has given this dress a touch of that homage through the bead work that adorns the dress. The dress has absolutely beautiful lines. The bodice is a halter cut with a deep front plunge. It curves up and behind the neck where it hooks into place. Along the edges it is beaded in a combination of bright coral, neon yellow and turquoise. Additionally, there are prong set rhinestones that are set all through every inch of the beading. The beads are laid out in rows along the edge. The waist curves slightly up to meet the plunge and then it too is extensively beaded. Here we see beautiful motifs worked through the band in a wider and more complicated beaded pattern. The skirt falls from there and is cut very long. It is slit high up the front and the edges are again completely beaded. These adds color to the stark ivory back drop and also define the cut of the dress. Attached to the top of each shoulder is a long silk chiffon scarf. These can be worn fully at the back for a more caped effect but I love them draped over the shoulder. When worn this way they feel like magical sleeves that extend all the way to the hem of the dress. At the bottom each is affixed with a strip of a fine orange silk and then hand stitched over that are two hand-dipped silk ribbons. The process to create the dipped silk gives them a slight ombre, watercolor effect. They pick up all of the colors used in the dress and bring a pretty romantic feel to the gown that it would not have otherwise. It is just pure genius. It is extremely beautiful and its extensive hand finishes let us know that this is one of his custom, couture pieces. Excellent condition with a tiny note to review below

Fully lined in a fine, hand set ivory silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. It hooks to close at the back of the neck. Hand work throughout. The beads and ribbons on the scarf sleeves are all hand applied. There is some slight grubbiness/yellowing to the silk on the interior of the halter neck and a couple of beads missing near the edges of the back neck closure. I photoed the area and it can be seen after the label photo.

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 14" from top of bodice to top waist seam
Waist band: 3"
Skirt: 43" from the boom of the waist band to hem
Front slit: 25" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3220

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This dress 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 lovely set that is unusual in that it is a larger size which can be a rarity in vintage. The print is so shocking for its time period and feels like a precursor for what in the 1980s. The client that commissioned this one must have been a bold girl to have ordered such a bold statement piece. It is two pieces, a dress with a matching coat that slips over it. The dress itself is made from a silk jersey with a stylized blue leopard print. It has a simple cut with an undefined waist, long sleeves and scooped neckline. It cut very loose and full through the body, almost caftan like, though you could easily belt it if you wanted to add more shape. The coat is the same print and the cut equally as simple. The fabric is more of a jersey knit and I like the slight contrast between the two fabric choices. The collar is rounded and simple. Down the front it closes with a series of large, clear acrylic buttons that have a blue center for contrast. The body of the coat is also cut loose and easy with that same slight flare to give it more volume as it nears the hem. Excellent condition.

Both pieces are fully lined in a hand set blue silk. The dress closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The sleeves are not lined in the dress. The coat closes at the front with the buttons as show. Proper buttonholes. Hand finished. It is definitely more on the XL side.

Coat
Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: 18.5"
Bust: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 26.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 30.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 49.5" from neck to hem

Dress
Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: 17.5"
Bust: 26.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 32" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 48.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG- XL

Item# DD2977

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