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.

This dress is a find. It is made from a deep blue cotton that has an exotic feeling print covering its entire surface. The print is placed to highlight the cut and really elevates the dress into something special. The designer is Margie Webb who designed high end, custom designed swimwear and clothing out of Laguna Beach starting in 1956. The dress is a simple one shoulder silhouette that is cut to highlight your curves. It does not cling but rather, skims over the body perfectly. The skirt is cut in a slim curve and has a panel of fabric that is set as an overlay at the front that hooks into place at the side of the hip so that you get a sarong feel. The panel ends in a little fan of fabric to give the illusion that the skirt is tied into place. I love that the edges of the sarong and the folded down edge that circles the top of the bodice are finished with little copper colored paillettes. There is also a scattering of these that are attached to the front bodice. It is a simple touch but one that seems perfectly in theme with the rest of the dress. I love the one shoulder silhouette and I think that this is one of the best 1950s dress I have seen in a bit. It is a good wearable size too. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a side metal zipper. The overlay on the skirt hooks into place. Some of the paillettes show some minor patina from natural aging. It looks virtually unworn otherwise

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2968

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.

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.

Richard Blackwell launched his label in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 (or up to $10,000 in the modern terms). He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. His 'custom' line was the pieces that were made to order, and were one of a kind pieces that were fitted to a specific client in the couture tradition.

This dress is from the custom part of his atelier and is a wonderful example of his work. It is a wonderful dress and rarely do such fine examples of this time period, and with this level of glamour, come to market anymore. This comes directly from the original client who kept it on pristine condition. The cut is simple but dramatic because of the amazing front inset and embellishment. The dress is cut in a simple, long sheath black sheath and the black is a medium weight wool crepe jersey so it holds the intended shape very well and gives the dress structure without having to have a lot of seaming. The sleeves are long and straight. The dress skims over the torso and glides into a touch of shape at the waist. It then falls to the floor in a column that gently widens as it nears the hem below that. The front of the dress has a nude silk inset that is backed by an opaque silk so it gives the illusion of being see-through from a distance but you are entirely covered. This is then densely covered in an angular pattern created by hand placed large glass crystal rhinestones, clear seed beads and rows of faux pearls. They have a raised 3D effect and give the otherwise simple dress a high level of glamour. The illusion that it is slit to below the hips adds a touch of sexiness despite the wearer being completely covered. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the body in a nude colored silk with the sleeves left unlined. It closes with a back, hand set, painted metal zipper. The embellishments are hand placed

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3037

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 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 have had a version of this dress in the shop before and I think I love it a little more with each version I find. This one has an attached wrap tie belt in the same fabric that helps to give it added shape. I love these metallic lurex knits from the seventies and when a designer like Bill Blass got his hands on some the results are just magical. The dress is cut long and lean and the design that runs over its surface is a swirl of taupe and chocolate mixed with gold thread so the entire dress has a subtle shimmer. The bodice of the dress has a simple, high rounded neckline. This flows over the bust to nip in at the waist where the wide attached belt in the same fabric acts like a sash to wrap and cinch in the waist. The skirt flows to the floor under that and is cut so that it gently widens out as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut so that they widen slightly as they reach the cuffs and they are the star of the show. Each cuff ends in an explosion of drama. Two types of feathers are mixed with gold tinsel strands that all woven together and hand dyed to pick up the colors of the fabric. Really an outstanding piece and beautifully constructed. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep ivory cream silk and closes with a hand set back metal zipper. The sash detailing at the waist is attached around the front to the sides and then extends into long ties that wrap to cinch the waist in as much as you wish. There is a good 4" of fabric turned up at the hem if you needed more length. The cut is meant to be looser through the body and then bright in with the sash. If you are not terribly broad across the shoulders a larger size might be able to fit this one as well

Sleeves: 23" to actual end of sleeve, approx 29-30" including the feathers
Shoulders: 15"
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: 16" from neck to waist seam under sash
Skirt: 41.5" from waist seam under sash to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED, Maybe a small shouldered LRG

Item# DD3160

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs, fur trimmed & feather pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. All fur coats, fur trimmed & feather pieces are final sale

Reference Photos: (1-2) 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.

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.