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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C538

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# C192

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2155

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C435

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1188

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

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

The Bessi company was launched in 1950 but it was not until 1968 that it started producing the printed pieces that the label is now associated with. Like Pucci he signed all his prints and designed them himself. In terms of style, construction and quality his dresses were often on par with Pucci and Leonard, especially the ones from the late sixties to mid seventies.

This one is made out of a fine silk twill which holds color beautifully and is why we are seeing such vivid colors even after all of these years. The colors are almost neon and no matter how much you love the photos, in person the colors are even better. They combine a bright acid yellow/green with hot pink, coral and purple in an abstract print that runs over the entire dress. It is sleeveless and at the front the dress falls from the shoulders in a loose and easy column. At the back, there is a yoke across the top of the shoulders and the fabric is set into that edge of the yoke in a series of pleats. This gives the back extra fullness. The skirt will stop at about a midi length on most girls give or take depending if you wear it belted or not. If belted it transforms into a pretty little summer piece and if worn without the belt is has an almost avant garde feel to it. This dress is wonderful. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in an soft tangerine silk. It slips on tot wear and closes along one shoulder with a series of hook and eye. Hand finishes throughout. The fabric is also signed throughout. There is a little bit of rust staining near the hook and eyes that you don't see once it is hooked closed. I see a touch of color run on one side but because of the print you would never notice this once on. A tiny spot on the front and minor thinning of the fabric along the seam under one arm. Please review the four shots after the label photo. The loose cut should allow it to fit a range f sizes

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 52" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LTG

Item# DD3438

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2834

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# S760

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2975

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C512

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

Item# DD3251

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

This elaborately sequin and bead covered dress is even better in person. The workmanship on it is outstanding with a dense, hand applied application of large black paillettes, smaller sequins, beads and curving ropes of seed bead work that give it even more of a 3D effect. The bead work covers every square inch of the fabric and each one has been meticulously placed by hand onto the black stretch knit base. Once that dress is actually on, it hugs and molds to the body. The dress has a very intentional simple cut to offset the extensive bead work. It is a chic sheath silhouette with a slightly nipped in waist, long skirt, a barely there suggestion of a cap sleeve and a V neck. The back is also finished with a V cut that is set so that it dips lower down the back then the front. The hand work done on the dress gives it a three 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 what feels like a cashmere mix knit base. It closes with a back metal zipper. The edges of the slit on the skirt 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 still has the high end department store Neusteters label but if it had another designer label at some point that is now a mystery.

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E416

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1696

Reference Photos: (1) Photographed by Arnaud de Rosnay, Vogue US, November 1968 / (2-3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3335

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3004

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2885

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3102

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

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

George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money. The only reason his work is not under the Haute Couture category is because he was not an official member of the association.

This dress has the most unusual and wonderful fabric treatment that has been applied onto its surface. Hundreds and hundreds of little embroidered white triangles of fabric have been applied to the dress to cover it from shoulder to hem. These are sewn onto a fine white silk netting and then that is layered over an inner, more ivory toned, silk crepe. This play on tone give it more depth and visual interest. The triangles are set onto the fabric so that parts of the points flutter off the fabric, giving them a 3D quality. The actual dress under that amazing applique work is quite structured. The bodice has slim sleeves that taper in from the shoulder as they reach the ends, and the neckline is cut wide and squared off at the front. The shoulders have very light padding and they are set so they have a bit of high capped feel to them. At the back it is slightly scooped. The dress follows the body with has vertical seaming that bring it on at the waist a touch and then it falls to the floor. A high back vent is the perfect finish and gives a glimpse of leg. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk crepe and closes with a hand set, painted metal zipper at the back. Light padding in each shoulder. Very well finished. In person it has a touch more of an ivory tone to the base.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3282

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.

Stephen Burrows was a truly amazing American Designer. He was the first African American fashion designer to really achieve international recognition for his work. His clientele included celebrities like Diana Ross, Cher and Barbra Streisand. Burrows won three Coty awards in 1973, 1974 and 1977. He was also one of the five American designers to show at Versailles in 1973 when America was pitted against the French couturiers. As his career progressed he became more well known for his use of jerseys but earlier pieces often incorporated the use of prints. This is one of those printed pieces and I love the beautiful flowers that cover the surface of the cotton. The skirt falls from the waist in a long, dramatic swoop that gets wider as it nears the floor. It skims over the hips and then there are just yards and yards of that beautifully printed fabric by the time you reach the hem. The waist band extends into long ties that wrap around you and cinch it in. I love the ruffle finish along the edges. He became know for his lettuce hem finishes as his career progressed and this feels like an early predecessor to that. It is fabulous. Excellent condition

Unlined and wraps and ties at the waist. Pockets sit along the seam at both hips. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The wrap waist will allow it to foit a variety of sizes

Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam, but is adjustable with the ties
Hips: open
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# S816

Reference Photos: 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 amazing blue silk Halston dress is a beautiful example of his earlier work. Halston was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the very minimum of seaming. His pieces that were bias cut, like this one, seem to almost be shapeless and not very exciting when you see them on the hanger. But, once you slip them on, they drape and settle into place the way they were intended and the transformation is remarkable. There is true genius on their simple cuts and they are addictive. A similar dress in cut was photoed for Vogue in 1974 and that reference photo is included here.

This dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a beautiful royal blue that is flattering on most skin tones. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The cut through the body is extremely loose and easy, running in one long bias cut sheath to the floor. It is very long and I love the slits that run up each side of the dress. The bias cut gives the dress the slightest of shape as it drapes around your body. The neckline is cut into a V for some skin to show. The neckline, the sleeve edges and those slits on the skirt are all hand rolled and stitched. The work to get this as perfect as it is would have been astounding - there is no trickier fabric to hand stitch then this. Each sleeve is soft and full, the dress laid out flat is a T-shape and the sleeves when laid out are blocked out. Once on these fall in soft and flattering folds. I am pleased to have found a runway reference photo from the show that same year and also a photo of a similar version that was worn by Lauren Hutton. Excellent condition

The dress is constructed from one single layer of a liquid bias cut silk. It is entirely bias cut and just slips over the head to wear. Hand rolled and finished edges. The easy cut will allow it to fit a full range of sizes.

Sleeves: 18" from dropped shoulder seam
Slightly dropped shoulders: 18"
Bust: to 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of bodice to dropped waist
Slits: 20" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3271

Reference Photos: (1) Model Naomi Sims for Halston Runway Show, 68th St Salon, December 7, 1971. Photo: James Hamilton.  /  (2) Karen Graham, Halston Silk Caftan, Vogue, November 1971. Photo: Irving Penn.  /  (3-6) 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 beautiful example of Halston's work during this time period. He was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the absolute minimum of seaming that a garment required. His bias cut pieces like this one, sometimes feel somewhat shapeless on the hanger or dress form and it is only when they are slipped on that they drape and settle into place the way they were intended. They seem so very simple but they are not. A similar dress to this example was photoed for Vogue in 1974

The dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature that I spoke of above. The color is a beautiful clear red that is flattering on most skin tones. It is feather light and it weighs ounces once it is on. The cut through the body is extremely loose and easy. There is an elastic at the waist but it is there as almost an afterthought as it does not cinch in the waist at all. It is more there to give the piece the slightest of shape and add to the soft gathers. The neckline is deep and can be worn with an even lower plunge if you leave the hidden snaps open. There are attached ties above the slit front of the neck and the collar is a double layer of flounced silk ruffles. Each sleeve is soft and full and these end with a ruffle finish. The skirt is full and open. The matching silk sash can be worn wrapped around the waist to add shape. You could also wear it wrapped turban style or at the neck. If the sash is not worn the dress has a more full, caftan feel and will land between mid-calf and ankle length depending on your height. If cinched at the waist, the length pulls up more to land between knee and calf. Excellent overall condition with a note to review below

The body and skirt of the dress are constructed from two layers of bias cut silk chiffon. The sleeves and shoulders are unlined. It is entirely bias cut and just slips over the head to wear. Ties at the neck and a very wide elastic at the waist. Each cuff is finished with elastic above the ruffled ends. The sash is original. Hand finished. Note that there are some marks on the front skirt toward the side closer to the hem. The volume and cut effectively hide these once on but they are there. I photoed ir for your reference and it is shown in the photo after the label shot. The easy cut will allow it to fit a full range of sizes

Sleeves: approx  23"
Shoulders: no defined shoulder seams
Bust: to 22-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: to 20" from top of bodice to dropped waist
Skirt: 35" from dropped waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL

Item# DD2992

Reference Photo: (1) Model wearing Halston. Photo by Richard Avedon. Vogue US, December 1974.  /  (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.

This is from the famous Russian collection from the Fall/Winter of 1976-1977 and these are rare and hard to find. The now legendary 'Russian Ballet and Opera' or 'Opéra Les Ballets Russes' Haute Couture collection by Yves Saint Laurent for Fall/Winter 1976/1977 was one that took the fashion world by storm and has been endlessly re-interpreted since. Here we have a leather and fur coat from the Yves Saint Laurent Fourreres line and it combines the practical with all the style and chicness that the Russian collection inspired. These leather and fur versions are rather rare and this particular coat is in exceptional condition. The leather is a soft lamb and the edges and dull upper inside bodice lined in a deep chocolate fur that is very soft and fine. I love how all the  edges are top stitched with a deep red thread, placed to emphasize the lines of the coat and give it that Russian Cossack feel. Highly polished buttons close the coat down the front and the skirt is amazingly constructed with lots of fullness. It really transforms when on a real girl and is just wonderful. Amazing and rare piece of fashion history. In excellent, museum quality condition.

The upper bodice and cuffs are lined in fur and the sleeves and skirting of the coat are quilt lined. It closes with the buttons at the front. Tagged a vintage YSL 44. It has been specialty cleaned.

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25-26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 19.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# C404

Reference Photos: (1) The Peasant Collection 1976 as photographed by American Vogue  /  (2) Coat from the MET  / (3) Catherine Baba at the S/S 2017 Haute Couture Shows in Paris. (Top Photo by Nabile Quenum; Bottom Photo by Phil Oh)

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

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 wonderful evening suit is made from a soft pink silk that gives it a beautiful feminine feel. Both the skirt and the jacket are made out of this silk and then it also has a top for under the jacket that is made from a paler, softer pink silk chiffon. The jacket is a sleekly constructed piece that has no front closures. The shoulders are lightly padded shoulders and the sleeves are long. The body of the jacket is cut loose and easy and flares out slightly as it nears the hip. I love the vertical pockets that sit on either side. These are there only for decoration but add a lovely detail. The skirt is a long slim sheath that fall to the floor in one long and simple line. The final perfect finish is the baby pink silk chiffon top underneath that weighs next to nothing. This wraps and hooks into place and the softness of the top is the perfect contrast tot he feminine play on a man's suiting - a Blass signature. Having the three pieces makes it so versatile as you can wear it all together for the full Blass look, or mix and match with modern pieces from your wardrobe. Excellent condition

Both the jacket and skirt are fully lined in silk with ribbon edge finishes and hand finished. The skirt closes with a zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist. The jacket has no front closures and lightly padded shoulders. The top wraps over itself and snaps into place. It comes with a matching silk chiffon tie that I have shown styled around the neck in the photos. Note that on person the pinks are more a baby toned pink

Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Dropped shoulders: 18.5"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from waist to hem

Skirt
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam, but will open more
Length: 45" from waist to hem

Top:
Sleeves: 16"
Dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: The suit is more a LRG-XL and the top MED-LRG

Item# DD3262

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 bold and bright set by American couturier James Galanos perfectly illustrates the work he was doing in the early 1980s with its bold shoulders and dramatic cut. Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer that was formally made a true Haute Couture atelier, he certainly produced clothing with many of the hallmarks that define couture, thus giving him the status as being known as one of the "American Couturiers". I love the bright floral print that completely covers both of the pieces that make up this set. The silk chiffon fabric that he chose to use is wonderful and the lightness and airy feeling it creates is the perfect balance to the bold print. It moves beautifully once on and really gives the ensemble a sensual and luxurious feel. The top is cut like a jacket skims the body and has dramatic padded shoulders. These top equally dramatic and full sleeves. giving it a bit of a 1940s feel. Red crystal encrusted buttons run down the front. The pants continue that forties feel and are cut very wide with a full 60" circumference at the hem of each leg. So wide that if you are standing still it appears that you are wearing a maxi skirt. These are also made out of a bias cut silk chiffon. The waist nips in and the top can be worn tucked or loose. Excellent condition.

Both pieces are fully interlined  in a red silk chiffon with chiffon ribbon finished edges. The top buttons to close at the front and the pants closes at the side with a zipper at the waist. Appears unworn. Note the color is more of a cherry and pink feel in person. Also after photoing this I feel like perhaps the buttons could (or should) be meant to be at the back. I think you can wear it either way making tit that much more versatile.

Jacket
Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from waist to hem
Inseam: 31.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL

Item# DD2696

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