I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram. They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them. This one with its pretty pink tones is a beauty and it is a little extra interesting because I have had its twin in blue in the past. I love knowing that they were made in different colours

This is a gorgeous example of her work. The cotton is still crisp and fresh feeling and it would have been hand dyed to the beautiful pink colours and then screened with the striped pattern. It has embroidery work down the front and back. More embroidery is worked across the top of the shoulders and onto each sleeve. Then all of the lines are accented with hand applied pink ribbon on two different tones. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut straight and wide and I love the detailing and pattern that runs over each. There are even ribbons that hang down on each side on the sleeves and loop at the bottom. I left them hanging down for these shots but you could also clip the bottom so that they separate and then you could tie them into pretty little bows if you wished. The neckline is squared off at the front and the back. From there the dress falls to the floor and widens out as it goes. It is cut to skim loosely over the bodice and then it flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. It even has pockets hidden along each seam at the hips. It is also a good long length which is sometimes hard to find with vintage from this time period.  It is easy to wear and a great statement piece. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The fabric has natural variations in it. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. The colour in person has a slighter more natural, paler feel to it then how it photoed. It's even better in person I think. The loose cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. There is a small faint mark on one side. Please see the photo after the label shot

Sleeves: approx 18"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4066

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, pale yellow silk chiffon that in person is a prettier and more pale lemon colour then how it photoed. The colour is even prettier when you see it in hand. The dress is very beautiful and has a very romantic feel to it. The silk it is made out of is extremely light and airy and the skirt has used yards and yards of it in its construction so that it feels like it is floating around you when you move. The bottom of the skirt is finished with a edging technique that uses a thin strip of stiffening fabric hand rolled within its edge. This lets the silk ruffle and curve as you can see in the photos. The work on this dress is meticulously done. The bodice is equally as fabulous and it has been adorned with a dense coverage of a metal thread applied in a honey comb pattern. Over that is an intricate application of hand beading to create the little discs that you see covering the bodice at the front and the back. I love the little flowers formed in the centre of each medallion and how Lagerfeld has used the smallest hints of pink in there and along the edge to pop against the yellow. 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. It also adds a 3D feel to the piece. Note that he has curved the beadwork down but left a gap deliberately on each side. It almost feels like a suit of armour because of this and offers a touch of contrast against the soft feeling the dress has. The neckline is squared off at both the front and back. The sleeves are very full and pouf above the cuffed wrists. Each sleeve is unlined so that you get a touch of transparency there. The construction of the dress is entirely by hand and it is done to Haute Couture levels and I have included lots of interior detail shots so you can see. It is extraordinary and an amazing piece of fashion history. Excellent condition with a minor note to review below

Fully lined in a hand set yellow silk through bodice and the skirt has an inner skirt that is made of silk and then covered in silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set  back zipper. Each cuff buttons to close. The outer skirt is finished with a thin stiffened strip that is hand rolled and encased in silk that helps to give the bottom of the skirt that ruffled effect that you see. All hand work throughout and made to couture standards. There is some fraying to the inner edge of the top of the neckline (see final photo) and some of the threads on the 3D beads have loosened slightly so tend to flop over a bit. There are a couple of really faint darkened areas in the silk here and there but you really have to look for them and they get hidden in all of the yards of silk used. Perhaps a touch of grubbiness here and there to the very edges of the hem

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3499

Reference Photos: 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.

I have had black & ivory versions of this Ossie Clark for Radley dress in the shop before and was happy to find this one in its soft burgundy wine colour. This is one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable designs. Its twin in a black colour is held in the Victorian and Albert Museum. The caption on their dress reads: "This dress has the simple, flattering lines of a classic Ossie Clark design. Its flowing silhouette, waist-tie and deep décolletage suited women of most shapes and sizes. This style was very successful when the Radley label produced it. Radley made it in printed fabrics as well as a range of coloured crêpes." The history behind this label is fascinating. In 1968 Ossie Clark was designing his own couture line and also designing pieces for Alice Pollock for her Quorum Boutique. The Radley company approached Alice to find out of she could convince Ossie to design a top of the market collection that they would produce and sell to various boutiques and department stores. He said yes and dresses like this were the result of that collaboration. These early 'ready to wear' pieces were never produced in vast quantities making them a collectible and valued part of Ossie's history. I absolutely love this one.

The design of this dress is said to have been based loosely on a graduation gown and then he combined that with the flow and drape that he was known for. His signature sexuality that he worked into his pieces is displayed in that ultra low front plunge. That plunge deepens into a deep V that is cut right down to the seam at the empire waist. An attached tie wraps around and ties to give you some the shape and it keeps the plunge from moving. The skirt flows from under the front gathers set under the base of the neckline. At the back it falls from under the shoulder yoking. It cascades to the ground from there and is balanced by the wide cut sleeves. This dress is made from his signature moss crepe and this fabric has beautiful movement. It is also in its original supermodel length. I own one of these myself and it will always have a place in my own personal collection. I can tell you from personal experience that it is a dress that you will wear over and over and easily goes from day to night. I have included some past shots of me wearing my own black one so you can see how easy it is to wear. Great condition with a note below.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist. Soft padding in each shoulder. There is a soft variation in colour throughout the dress. I wonder if it was re-dyed at some point as it does seem to be darker where the fabric is gathered or doubled. The hem has some scruffiness to it and there is some very minor pilling tot the inside of the sleeves and inner hem. A slight hint of over-pressing on the seem at the base of the yoke. This all gives the dress a slight intentional distressed feel that works. I have priced it lower then I have others in the past by quite a bit as it is perfectly wearable and actually looks great on because these are all minor. The flowing silhouette, waist tie and deep decolletage should work a variety of figures and sizes.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: no true seam"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4037

Reference Photos: (1) 1974-76 Ossie Clark Dress from the V&A Collection (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.

Arnold Scaasi was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal and the name Scassi is simply his own surname in reverse. He studied in Montreal and in Paris, apprenticed at the house of Paquin and then worked with the legendary Charles James. In 1964 he opened own couture salon. He dressed Hollywood stars like Lauren Bacall, Diahann Carroll and Elizabeth Taylor. He dressed several first ladies including Mamie Eisenhower, Hillary Clinton and both the Bush first ladies. He even once bragged that he refused to give Jackie clothes for free. He was the man behind the scandalous 1969 Barbra Streisand sheer trouser outfit that she collected her Oscar in, and he was presented with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. The dress is from his main label and these were made to couture standards. It is incredible to see in person and it will really come to life once on an actual body. We found a very similar dress held at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and it lets you see just how wonderful the dress will be once on. 

The dress is a showstopper. It is made out of a deep red coloured lace that is then detailed with cording that wraps around the edges of the floral design on the lace. Then he added tiny little rhinestones that are fused to the fabric of the larger flower patterns to give the dress an subtle bit of added glitz. The bodice is cut to skim over you with an inner silk lining in the same shade of red. The sleeves and neckline at both the back and the front are not lined so you get a little glimpse of the skin underneath the lace. The waist is not seamed so there is no line to break the eye. It simply comes in to suggest shape and then flares out to the skirt underneath. The skirt skims over the hips and then widens out as it nears the floor. I love the high low effect that the skirt has. It is cut to be shorter at the front and then the hem curves back and around you where it extends out to a trained effect at the back. All of the edges are scalloped to follow the pattern and shape of the designs in the lace. The inner construction of this dress is as good as the exterior. It is fully lined in a red silk and then the back of the skirt has an added layer of stiffened net tulle to help hold the shape and volume. The inside is exquisitely constructed and it is all hand finished. This is a stunning dress. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a fine deep red silk. The skirt is finished with attached inner tulle skirting. It closes with a hand set back metal zipper. At some point a repair was done to the edge of the inner tulle of the skirt ad there is an area missing in the tulle just above the hem. This does not affect the dress in anyway. Otherwise looks to have been worn very little if at all. 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from neck to front hem, 64" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3813

Reference Photos: Fall 1986 Arnold Scaasi dress from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston collection.

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

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. This set was custom made, and my client acquired it 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 pieces 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. It is a wonderful thing to have such a beautiful piece of her history in the shop 

Betsy was a model and was tall and this set reflects that. It is cut to supermodel lengths and is beautiful. It is made of a beautifully printed, light weight silk chiffon that is combined with a metallic red lace. The entire thing weighs ounces and you will be delightfully shocked at how light it is in person. The silk has a washed water colour print with huge abstract flowers covering the entire surface of the silk. The pants are made of two layers of silk and weigh mere ounces. They are cut long and wide with an elastic waist that makes them easy to wear. Over that is a top piece that layers over the pants. The skirt part of this top piece is also made of two layers of silk chiffon. The silk falls from under the lace bodice to layer over the pants. Each side is slit open right up to the lace top. This gives it lots of movement and creates a light floating effect when you walk as the silk moves over the pants underneath. The bodice is made of two joined panels of red lace connected along each side. He placed them together in a way that leaves the sides in a low plunge to leave bare skin showing. This gives you barely there coverage and is very sexy. The lace has a metallic finish and is very fine and very light. I love how it is layered over a nude inner silk lining so that from a distance you look like you are wearing nothing underneath it. This entire top layer is suspended by four tiny silk straps that curve over the shoulders. The contrast between the silk and the metallic lace and the boldness of the colors is wonderful. Excellent condition

The pants are made of two layers of silk chiffon and close with a back painted zipper. They have elastic at the waist. The over dress is lined with a nude silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is constructed from two layers of the silk chiffon. The overlay closes on one side with hidden fabric covered snaps. There are a couple of very minor repairs and light snags near the hem of the overlay. This is a one-off, unlabelled custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate. 

Over dress
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from shoulder to hem

Pants
Elastic waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Pant: 45" from waist to hem
Inseam: 32" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2278

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 when I get versions of these Bill Tice dresses in the shop and this black one is especially easy to wear. These were made in the 1980-1981 time period and I have included a shot of Rachel Zoe from 2008 when she wore the twin of this one to the AMAs. She wore her belted and you can see how adding a belt really changes the look of the dress and gives it shape. Versions of these Bill Tice pieces have been worn by countless celebrities for the red carpet and events and every girl that has bought one through me has absolutely loved it. It is just one of those fail-safe pieces that you know is going to work every time you put it on. The dress is made of a liquid, slinky jersey that feels amazing on. This fabric has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on upon arrival with either flats or heels and you are instantly ready to walk out the door. There is a high slit at one side that shows when you walk or sit. The neckline is cut into a V front and the sleeves come out from the sides of the dress and narrow down to each wrist. It is cut loose and easy through the body and then fall to the floor coming in slightly as it nears the hem. The Tice signature stop stitched gold makes it appearance on the shoulders of this one. This adds an instant dose of high glamour and I love it. This is a very easy to wear dress that can go full on glam if needed. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. A slit up one side. The easy fit and elastic waist should allow it to work on a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: no true defined seam as they are dropped
Bust: to 34" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem
Slit: 22" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4124

Reference Photo: Rachel Zoe, in Bill Tice, at the 2008 American Music Awards.

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

Haute Couture does not always have to be an elaborate, over the top piece. Sometimes the beauty of couture lies in the restraint of line and a certain chic  simplicity that hides the hours of handwork put into each piece. This dress is a numbered Haute Couture piece and would have been made by hand in the Paris atelier. The attention to detail shown in every stitch is fabulous. It is a gorgeous dress.

The dress is made from deep burgundy red silk crepe that is an exceptional high end quality and it is this choice of this very high end fabric that helps to give the dress its beautiful lines. The top is cut into a V at the front with slight gathers where it inserts into the shoulders. It is constructed to look like a separate top that floats over the skirt below but it is actually all one piece. Each sleeves is long and poufs out slightly above the fitted cuffs. I love how each cuff is pleated to pick up the pleat work on the skirt. The three silk covered buttons adorn each cuff and each one sits perfectly in the center of each of those pleats. This detail alone is fabulous. The skirt falls from under the edge of the top and it is attached to its own inner silk bodice. This is the proper way to attach a skirt in couture and this helps it to stay perfectly in place once it's on the body. The skirt is fantastic. Each individual pleat is perfectly matched to its neighbor with meticulous precision. When you stand still the dress falls straight and then when you move you get incredible movement and fullness because of the pleats. It is a brilliantly cut dress. Every stitch has been done by hand. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching red silk and closes with an inner handset back painted metal zipper and then closes with a second zipper on the outer bodice layer over that. The cuffs snap into place under three silk covered decorative buttons. The Haute Couture label is present with couture tape under the tag numbered 157888. Hand finished to couture standards throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: no true defined seams
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55.5" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2913

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

Alber joined Lanvin in 2001 and served as the labels Creative Director until 2015. His first break as a designer came when he landed the senior assistant role at Geoffrey Beene. He stayed there for seven years until he was recruited to design for the Guy Laroche label in 1996. in 1998 he took over the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear for Yves Saint Laurent for three short seasons. A stint at Krizia and then a break happened before his time with Lanvin. The Alber years for Lanvin are ones that are much loved by all and with his recent passing owning these pieces seems even more poignant. This dress is stunning and easy to wear.

The dress is made from a black cotton that has a slight coated feel and top stitched edges made to look deliberately a little raw. This was a signature of Alber's work and it is executed perfectly on this piece. It has this fabulous slightly oversized, boxy shape that is easy to wear. You just throw it on over anything and walk out. It great as a piece on its ow or as a super glamorous beach piece while traveling. It is short so can play double duty as both a tunic or a micro mini if you dare. The cut is a simple boxed shape. It slips over the head with a notched front neckline that hooks at the top of the open slit. It falls in a boxy shape under that to the hem. Each sleeve is cut wide and extra long, adding to the oversized feel it has. I love the elaborate crystal detail that finishes the collar. Huge crystals, drop beads and prong set rhinestones create this fabulous jeweled neckline. No jewellery required with this dress. It is amazing on the body and a rare find. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It is meant to been worn oversized and the loose and easy cut should fit a variety of sizes. It hooks to close at the top of the neck. Tagged a Lanvin 40

Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders:
Bust: 23-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: 20-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4132

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 held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the faux fur pieces being produced at this point in Dior's history. This time period was known as the 'Golden Age' for the Dior fur division. Frederic Castet was appointed the head of the division after joining Dior in 1953. He single handedly restructured the fourrure department to follow the haute couture and the prêt-à-porter philosophy of the house in 1968. He was one of the first to treat fur like fabric and would dye it, trim it, pluck it and create whimsical fantasy pieces that had never been see prior. By the 1980s he was doing extravagant presentations that only showcased his furs and had delved into faux furs as well. His presentations were held on the second floor of the Dior mansion on Avenue Montaigne. They were as wanted a ticket as the couture shows were and they were legendary in terms of the extravagant spectacles that he would put on to showcase his work. His work was worn by all the major stars from Sophia Loren to Elizabeth Taylor. This coat is just incredible.

The coat is made out of a faux made to look like a sheared sheepskin that has been brushed out so that is is soft and fluffy. It feels like what we now refer to as Teddy Bear coats. The color is that perfect soft camel color that will work with anything. It is a little bit paler in real life then how it photoed and the camera has added a bit of shadow. The colour is very even and pale in person and even better then how it looks here. The faux fur is very soft and thick. It is cut in a classic swing style with a flared bottom. Two large hand carved wood buttons sit at the neck and there are no other closures. Pockets are hidden along a seam on each hip. The sleeves are cut wide and full and there is a wide fold up cuff on each one. The collar is also big and full but it is set back away from the neck a bit so it doesn't feel bulky. It is a stunning piece. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a brown silk that is embroidered with the Dior logo throughout. It closes with the buttons at the neck. Pockets on each hip. I see no bald spots or shedding, the coat is supple and soft. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It has a decent weight to it

Sleeves: approx 26"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 41" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL

Item# C602

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

Huishan Zhang was launched in 2012 and his label has garnered a loyal following. He studied at Central Saint Martins College and worked at the Dior's Haute Couture Atelier during his 3rd year. In 2014 and again in 2015, Huishan was named the BOF 500 as one of the people shaping the Global Fashion Industry. He was also awarded the International Chinese Designer of the Year at the Elle China Style Awards in 2014. In 2015, he was a finalist for the LVMH Prize and in 2017 he was a nominee for the Vogue Fashion Fund. He is a bright and talented designer sure to do even more great things and I am very pleased to have this stunning piece by him on the shop.

The film Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn, was the central inspiration for the show mixed with couture ideas of the past. This was one of the strongest looks of the show and part of the closing line-up. The dress is easy to wear yet packs a tin of impact. It is cut in a loose and easy caftan feeling shape that skims over the body in a loose and easy shape from head to toe. The neckline is set wide and the sleeves are short and each ends in a magnificent pouf of feathers. These add so much drama and movement to the dress and I love them. The front of the dress is done in black sequins set into diamonds that run across the entire surface. The backing behind the sequins is in a black and this sits over a white lining to create a bit of depth and define the border of each diamond. Then when you turn he has done the entire back in the opposite using silver sequins on white for a stark contrast. The back is also dipped into a low V so that when you do turn and walk away it is almost a shock to see the silver and bare skin. I love it. The dress has all its original tags and has never been worn. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an ivory silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. New with tags. Tagged a modern UK16 US12 FR44 IT48

Sleeves: 16" to the actual hem and the feathers extend down to about 20" in total. The sleeves are 15" around the top of the arm
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" 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
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4092

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2019 Huishan Zhang Runway Collection, Look 32.

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 Halston IV jumpsuit is a special piece and these jumpsuits are harder to find. Plus they are fabulous. The design is simple but at the same time it has so much impact with its bare and sexy feel combined with the startling plunges around the top. It is an incredible piece that you can wear over and over and style it in a zillion ways depending on what you pair with it.

This is just a wow kind of piece. It is made from a black jersey that drapes over the body like magic. There is a a touch of Studio 54, disco era sexiness thrown in the mix and it just couldn't be better. The jumpsuit simply slips on to wear and has elastic through the waist so that you can get into it. The top has a serious plunge on the front and also one each side with panels of jersey draping over the bodice to the waist. Each plunge goes down right to the waist but the placement of the fabric holds it in place so that you feel safe wearing it. Each shoulder is set wide across the top of the shoulder and then the back drapes down and blouses out a touch. The waist has elastic so its incredibly easy to wear.  You could also add a belt to really cinch on the waist as much as you want to really emphasize the shape or you can wear it loose and easy. The pants have a bit of a peg leg feel to them, with each leg narrowing in a bit by the time they hit the ankles. Around the hips the fabric is set to drape over you for a looser and easy feel. It is so sexy and so very easy to wear. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and has elastic through the waist. The fabric does have some stretch. The easy cut should allow it it fit a range of sizes.

Bust: Each side will cover up to 11" flat across so should fit a range of bust sizes
Waist: 12-20+" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open and generous
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist seam but meant to drape a bit
Pants: 44.5" from waist to hem
Inseam: 26" and Gusset: 16"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD4102

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 think at this point in time everyone pretty much recognizes certain Celine pieces from the Phoebe Philo days and this red jersey dress is one. This was Look 23 in the Pre-Fall 2017 show. This show is interesting as it is the one where Phoebe went completely silent. She offered no press quotes, gave no background on her inspiration and was not present at the press previews. It drove the press mad but her loyal fans loved here even more for it. Her work has spoken for itself ever since and still garners the same devotion, if not more.

 This is one of the easiest dresses to wear that has ever existed. You just slip it over the head and then adjust it with the tie at the dropped waist seam and walk out the door. That tie that runs through the seam around the hop allows you to wear it low and loose or you can cinch it in and wear it higher up on the waist and have the top blouse over. The jersey is fantastic and the red is one that should work on most skin tones. The neckline is detailed with a small strip of red leather that circle around the the neckline and down the front to the waist seam. It is studded with silver studs for the subtlest of details. It falls loose and easy over the body and the skirt has yards and yards of fabric. Besides wearign it this way you could also wear it the other way around. And it has pockets. This is the genius of Phoebe where she manages to have something be so perfectly simple and easy and yet have so much drama at the same time. I love it. Excellent condition 

Unlined and slips on to wear. Adjust with the tie at the waist seam. Tagged a 36 but very generous in cut. The jersey has stretch. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It should fit a wide range of sizes

Bust: 15-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open and adjustable
Bodice: 19" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 35" from waist to longest point of hem
Total length: 54" and it will hang a little longer on a smaller frame

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4095

Reference Photo: Pre-Fall 2017 Celine Collection, Look 23.

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 Fall 1958 season was Yves Saint Laurent's second collection for the house of Dior. It was titled the 'Line Courbe - Silhouette en Arc' which translates to Curved Line - Arched Silhouette. In the book 'Dior Catwalk'  they have abnb excerpt from the original show notes that explain the inspiration behind the silhouettes on the show. They stated that 'The structure of this season's fashions is inspired by one of the fundamental lines of architecture, curved convex lines... the definitive curve of the well-marked rounded shoulder line, the softened curves of skirts and the semi-circle of Palladio's arcade as key characteristics.' Vogue said that the proportions 'were the newest look in Paris. This show is also spacial because it was only one of three shows in the entire Dior history (the first in 1954 under Christian Dior himself and the third decades pater for a cruise show), that after it was show in Paris it was then brought in its entirety to the Blenheim Palace. There is was presented to raise funds for the British Red Cross and the collection was presented to Princess Margaret and guests at Blenheim Palace. It was also the piece from the collection that season that was chosen for the cheeky ad campaign. In the campaign a model in the coat holds a a minature version of herself on her palm wearing the coat. The coat also appears in the book 'Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960' which is a coffee table sized book that is part of a series on each of the designers for Dior. The book series celebrates the houses 70th anniversary. The coat is in exceptional condition and it is an extraordinarily beautiful piece of fashion history. Yves Saint Laurent was at Dior for only a short time period; creating only six couture collections while there, which makes piece from his reign especially rare and an important part of not only Dior's history but of Yves as a designer as well since this would represent some of his very earliest work.  

The coat is made from a heavy, deep blue silk with a satin finish. The coat would have be considered to have been a ‘Petite Theatre’, a more formal evening coat, during this time period. A neat rounded collar wraps in a curve around the neck and closes just off to the side. This sits above a double row of buttons. The buttons have been hand made and covered in the same silk as the coat. Each button slips into a perfectly made button hole and all the work is done by hand. Pockets are hidden along the curving seams that are inset sightly towards the front of the coat so that the vertical line stays clean and simple. The back has tremendous volume and this fullness is created by a soft inverted pleat that opens from just under the back collar and extends down to the hem. Besides the volume this creates it also directly relates to the shapes that Yves intended the pieces in this collection to have. From the side, this gives it a bit of caped back feel and would have layered perfectly over the fuller backed skirts of the dresses in this collection. The silk that has been used is of the highest possible quality and the colour is an even darker shade of blue in person then how it photoed here. It appears to have been worn very little and is in outstanding condition. The proper numbered Haute Couture label is present and the coat is made entirely by hand to the standards demanded of Haute Couture. This is an exquisite example of Yves Saint Laurent's very earliest work with as a couturier and as the head of Dior. It is an outstanding piece of Haute Couture from one of the most important houses of our modern era. Excellent condition

Fully lined in hand set blue silk. It buttons to close at the front with silk covered buttons and has two hooks inside to secure in place. Hand done buttons and proper button holes. Pockets are hidden at each hip along the seams. The coat looks to have been worn very little if it all. The coat is meant to fit slightly oversized so should fit a variety of sizes. The proper Haute Couture label is present and it is numbered. Done with Haute Couture construction techniques.

Sleeves: 16"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust-hips: open
Length: 38.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3601

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior ad, 1958.  /  (2-3) "Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960", pages 108-109, published by Assoulin. 

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 longer skirted version of this was presented as Look 38 of the Fall 2001 Haute Couture collection. For the runway it was shown with a full length evening skirt. My client ordered it with a more wearable pencil skirt length which gives it the added benefit of being able to be worn from day through to evening. The Fall 2001 collection was one of his final collections and to have a piece from this season is very special. Vogue noted that "Cocktail hour incorporated every possible variation on the tuxedo: There was a button-front dress, a smoking jacket that morphed into a full tulle skirt, and, naturally, an updated version of the masculine tux immortalized by Helmut Newton in the '70s." Yves play on the tuxedo and 'Le Smoking' suit is one of is most famous hallmarks  He first presented the now famous suit in 1966. His play on traditional menswear is lauded by many as 'having empowered women by giving them the option to wear clothes that were normally worn by men with influence and power'. 

I love the extra wide collar on this one. It is so bold and yet still elegant and refined in feel. There is nothing quite like slipping on a tailored piece of true haute Couture. It feels different somehow and the feeling is something you can only really experience for yourself. The construction is meticulous and it is in wonderful condition. It is sourced from the original couture client. These suits were all done in a play on a men's tux and then were shaped and tweaked by Yves to be immensely flattering on the female body. The cut is masterful and its simple appearance is produced by genius tailoring that is sharp and meticulous. The jacket is tailored with a sleek cut that follows the curves of the body. It is slightly cropped to sit just at the top of the hip. It has his signature matte satin tuxedo collar and on this one that line is exaggerated to cover almost the entire front of the bust area. Yves produced many versions of this suit over the years but what I find remarkable is that each version is distinct in how it closes at the front and the way that the collar is shaped. This one has a single faced, glossy jet button to close below that amazing collar. Two discreet pockets are top set on the hips and the shoulders are sharp and perfectly padded. The fabric that he chose is has a fine rubbing effect to it and it has enough weight that it holds the lines perfectly once it is on. The skirt is cut in a simple pencil shape. Once on, the suit transforms and you can see how beautiful the lines are from the runway photos and video that I have included here for reference. His suits change the way we approach woman's wear and any example of the Le Smoking version is particularly collectible. They are a particularly wonderful example of how strong his tailoring was and vision for a woman's place in the world. This is an important piece of fashion history from one of his final collections. Excellent condition

Both pieces are lined in a rich heavy black silk. The jacket has a single button at the front to close. The skirt has a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Two pockets on the jacket. All hand finished to couture standards. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. All Haute Couture tags present and it was sourced from the original couture client 

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
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 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem at the front, 22 at the back

Skirt
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3559

Reference Photos: Diana Gärtner for Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2001 Haute Couture Runway Collection. Look 38.

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

Halston did variations of hos famous one shoulder dresses over the course of several years and they are still among the most collectible of all of his pieces. Nothing says Halston like this classic and when you find one in a silk chiffon and this stunning shade of blue it is a joy to see. Versions of this dress have appeared in several museum exhibits of his work and I have included a photo of a similar one from The Met. These are still one of his best and most impactful designs. This one is from his main label. I have had versions of these in the past and some reside in my own personal collection and this one in its brilliant blue colour is one of the best. It is a very special piece of his work and it is gorgeous. It is not 100% perfect but its beauty outweighs it flaws.

The dress is entirely cut on the bias and utilizes his signature minimal seaming. Halston defined how woman dressed in the 1970s and these one shoulder dresses in particular were tremendously flattering to the body. It is also insanely sexy while still being extremely comfortable to wear. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything. The fabric is a fine light silk chiffon that moves and drapes beautifully. The silk has been hand dyed to that brilliant blue color. The camera came close to capturing the colour but in person it is better. The blue is more saturated and the colour has more depth. The blue is one that is flattering on most skin tones and it is a beautiful pop of colour to wear. The inner dress is made of three full layers of bias cut silk and then that top caped layer is attached along the neckline to lie over those. The inner dress is made to drape over the body and the bias cut allows it to move with you as you move. The top layer is cut on a soft curve above the hem on one side and then sweeps upward to cover the shoulder and cascade down all the way to the hem. The bias cut and that caped effect on the one side give it tremendous movement as you move. It is spectacular. This is a rare example of Halston at his very best. Presents as excellent condition and is 100% sound but please review the full condition notes below

Constructed in multiple bias cut layers as described above. It slips on with no closures. Hand finished and the bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. There is fading down the top of the caped side and some marks near the neckline and on that side of the cape. If you wore it the other way around you would not see most of these. Once on these fade more into the fabric that is there. There is one mark on the inner dress under the overlay as well. Please see the photos after the label shot. Priced with this in mind.

Bust: 15-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD4116

Reference Photos:  Silk chiffon dress worn by Lily Auchincloss at the French-American fashion show, Palace of Versailles, 1973. Now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (First image from the book “Halston”.)

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 are hints of this dress from both the 1986 collection and in the 1988 collection. The original owner did buy it in the 1980s but I do not have the exact day. I tend to lean towards the earlier date for it but I have included reference photos from both the above mentioned collections. It is a stunning example of Valentino's work during this time period.

The dress is beautiful to see in person. It flows over the body from the more fitted bodice and the lightness of the silk allows it to move and float around you when you move. The bodice is a stunning example in shaping and couture techniques. Inside it is boned and has built in cups. This interior structure holds it perfectly in place over the body once on. On the exterior the silk is hand set and gathered over the bust and all the way around you. Each individual gather is meticulously hand stitched into place. Above this more structured part of the dress is a single layer of the chiffon. At the front it scoops in a higher set neck and at the back it is set with a keyhole running down to the top of the gathered bodice. The skirt flows out under that in four layers of the silk and each layer is bias cut. This is what allows it to have such beautiful movement when you move. The final touch are those pretty sleeves that are cuffed at the wrist and pouf out around the arm above that. It also has its original very large silk shawl piece. It is beautiful. The dress does have some flaws but is structurally sound. Please review the notes below.

The interior bodice is finished is boned and corseted. The skirt has four layers of silk as described above. The interior corset closes with hook and eye and the silk layer zips to close over. Each cuff buttons with two silk covered buttons and loops. Three buttons at the top of the back neck. There are areas of fading through the skirt that go through the layers. I have photoed the worst of them. There are some faint areas of the same on the silk above the corset and on the sleeves. I see one tiny repair near the hem at the back of the skirt. It comes. I think you could potentially remove the sleeves and upper bodice and use the shawl to create a layer over the worst of the fading or just have it redyed and it would be perfect again. Sold as found and final and the price is according to the description above

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from top of neck to interior waist stay
Skirt: 45" from interior waist stay to hem
Shawl: 54" x 52"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3018

Reference Photos: (1) From the book "A Grand Italian Epic, Valentino", 1988/1989 collection  /  (2-3) The "Degradè" Dress from the Valentino Haute Couture 1986 collection. (4) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon taken on location at JohnMel Stables 

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 John Galliano dress is one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. And yes - it is the dress that was worn by Ariana DeBose earlier this year to attend the West World HBO premier. I’ve included photos of her here from my various Instagram posts from that evening and you can see and read more on my Instagram. She even landed in the Vogue Best Dressed of the Summer season so far list in this one. It is spectacular. It is a stunning example of his work and is truly a beautiful piece. 

No matter how good you think that this dress looks like in photos and on Ariana, it is even better in person and moving. The silver metallic beads that creates the pattern on the silk catch the light from every angle when you move. The dress is made out of a deep red silk that has the slightest bit texture to it. The dress is cut on the bias so it just glides over the body. It doesn't even have any closures, it is made to just fall over you in a sweep of bias cut fabric. It is in its original supermodel length and has not been altered. It is cut to skim over the bust with a V neck plunge on both the back and the front. The V cut out are set just slightly off center and the back one scoops lower then the front. The dress is so well made that you could probably wear either side to the front and it works if not for the depth of the back plunge. The dress skims over the waist and hips and is cut so that the bias cut of the silk follows your curves and highlights the body underneath without it being too tight and fitted. Galliano was a genius when it came to this cut. Once past the hips the dress flares out as it nears the bottom and is incredibly long. Set in and around the full lower skirt are panels of the same silk that have been pleated. So when you walk or move these kick out and expand to add volume while still falling in a smother column when standing still. These glide and curve around you and add the illusion of even more height. That pleat work is picked up again at each shoulder where a ruffle of pleated and smooth silk wraps over and down the top of the shoulder for a pretty feminine touch. The final perfect detail is that spectacular design made out of a combination of silver tube beads and embroidery work that wraps around the waist and top of the hip. These cover each side of you and cleverly draw the eye in to add shape but without sacrificing the comfort of the bias cut. It is just wonderful. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined with an inner silk chiffon lining and slips over the head to wear. No size tag present. The measurements given below are the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat. It is in its original uncut length. Being bias cut the length may come up a bit once on the body. The dress should work on a large range of sizes given the bias cut. On smaller frames it will drape more and be more fitted on larger frames. I think the pleats may have softened a bit over time but its hard to know if this was not an international design detail to play on its decadent thirties feel. The very slightest touch of a watermark here and there near the hem. You don't see this at all unless its laid out flat and the skirt opened completely.

Bust: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4029

Reference Photos: Ariana DeBose, wearing John Galliano from Shrimpton Couture, at the Season 4 Westworld Premiere, 2022.

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

A full shoulder version of this dress in black was shown as Look 78 for the 2015 Resort presentation. This was a piece that was produced in limited quantities for retail and I love this chic ivory version. In 2015 Valentino was headed by both Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. They had stepped into Mr Valentino's shoes and were breathing new life into the brand. In the Vogue review for this collection they said: "Monastic, artistocratic, modest, and even prim have been terms applied to Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli's Valentino almost since they took over in 2009." In this particular collection the pair definitely ventured off into colour and print. Most of the looks in the show followed that more exuberant feel but the black two shoulder caped dress was one that maintained their more simple approach. For retail production it was also made in this ivory version that had one one single shoulder. I'll absolutely love this dress. In addition to runway photo I have included a photo of Louise Camuto  in a red version that she wore to the Valentino Gala that year so you can see how it looks on the body.

The dress does not have a single unnecessary seam. It really shows how sometimes absolute minimalism is best. Even with its simplicity it would still be a dress that is red carpet worthy or would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any other event too. The dress is made from an ivory silk crepe that has a beautiful drape. This is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. It is constructed so that it drapes and skims over the body perfectly. The skirt falls to the floor in a sweeping expanse of fabric. When you stand still it looks more like a sleek column but when you move you realize how much fabric is in there as it billows out behind you. The bodice drapes softly over you at the front. One arm is left bare for a bit of an expanse of skin to show. I love how the neckline curves up on an angle to the other shoulder. The shoulder that is covered is down by having the back panel of fabric wrap around from the back to the front of the arm. It them falls to the floor to create this elegant and still dramatic caped feeling over your arm. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in an soft ivory coloured silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. Tagged a Valentino 46. A minor grubbiness to the hem and the occasional small pull in the fabric. I don't think it has ever been worn. These are more from being hung with the skirt dragging on the floor. Very minor and just mentioning for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL

Item# DD4162

Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2015 Valentino Collection, Look 78. Model: Maartje Verhoef.  /  (2) Louise Camuto at the Valentino Gala, December 2015.

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

This dress only has its Gump's department store label but I am pretty certain it is an Oscar de Renta based on pieces I have had in the past. Gump's was based out of San Francisco and they did carry Oscar's work. The dress is priced based on how fabulous the dress is on its own right. It is rare to find such a stunning vintage velvet piece that still feels infinitely wearable and modern.

The dress is almost a caftan feeling piece that you can wear loose and easy or cinch it with a ribbon or belt. The fabric on this one is what takes center stage and it is absolutely beautiful. It is a fused silk velvet on a feather light weight black chiffon. Each little velvet bit of the pattern is edged with a gold eyelash metallic lame that has been pulled through the velvet to create an edge on each individual piece of the pattern. This catches the light from every angle and gives the dress this fantastic bit of a metallic feel. The velvet is this amazing gold toned coral colour that changes shades slightly as it runs over the dress. The pattern is laid out vertically in long curves with just a bit of the black chiffon showing through. It is unlined so you get a glimpse of skin showing through the chiffon parts. It is very light and fluid. To look at it you might think it is heavier but the weight is very light so it moves over you like a dream. The cut is very loose and easy and should fit a range of sizes. It is a simple open shape with a full and wide cut through the body. The fabric is bias cut so there is a lot more room in there then it seems at first glance. The neckline is scooped on both sides with a keyhole and button at the back. Each sleeve ends with elastic and that they are very full above that. It is supermodel long and you can change the shape by adding a ribbon like I did for these shots, or add a more structured belt, or wear it loose and easy so its more like a caftan. It is a great piece that is easy to wear and has lots of impact. It still has its Gump's hang tag and was never worn. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with a button & loop at the back of the neck above a small keyhole. The fabric is light and easy to wear. Never worn. The loose cut should work on a range of sizes. I think if you are very tiny you could wear it off the shoulders too. The ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included. It is more a coral in person then the red some shots went to.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3984

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 often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns 'seemed to float on air'. He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. The majority of his gowns are almost entirely made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s one of his evening dresses started at a cost of around $8500USD and they went up in cost from there. To put that in modern terms, that would be about thirty thousand dollars now. It was an incredible amount of money at the time and women couldn't get enough of them

This dress is drop dead gorgeous with its wonderful pastel mint green colour and those silk 'leaves' that fall over the entire dress. It is stunning to see in person. The silk chiffon is feather light and I love the airy feeling that this creates. This lightness is highlighted even more by layering all of those little attached piece of silk chiffon over the entire body of the dress. Each is attached at the top only and each is stitched in a way at the other ends so that it has the slightest touch of a twist to it. This creates this beautiful pattern down the entire dress and gives them each just enough weight to stay in place when you are standing still. Then when you move they move with you and the effect is gorgeous. The slightest bit of movement on your part or bit of air around you will cause it to move. This is a fabric that is notoriously difficult to work with and it shows just what a genius he was by the way that he was able to make it flow and sit so beautifully. The majority of work is all done by hand and it would have taken many, many  hours of work to create this dress in this way. The silk underneath is fully cut on the bias so that once you slip it on it simply drapes into place and swirls around you. The neckline is beautiful. It is cut wide across so that you see the tops of the shoulders and collarbone. The dress falls from there and drapes down the back and across the front. The waist and hips are open and easy underneath and then the skirt falls from there to the floor. As it nears the hem it widens out considerably. The last perfect touch are those fantastic silk chiffon caped sleeves on each side. Each has panels that fall all the way to the floor and then a shorter piece falls over that to about the waist. These also pick up the air at your slightest movement. This is a dress that must be on a body to really come to life. As good as it looks here it is nothing compared to it on and moving. There is a high slit on one side that is just the absolute perfect finish. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition

Fully lined in four attached layers of the silk chiffon. It slips on to wear with no closures. The inner seams are finished by hand to couture standards. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes upwards and drapes more on a smaller size. The colour in person is softer and more of a pastel. It is even prettier

Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top of shoulder to longest points beyond the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4115

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

Claude Montana designed for strong woman and his padded shoulders and sculpted silhouettes were one of the hallmarks of the 1980s. By 1989 he was at the height of his career. He was not only designing his own label to much accolades but was asked to design couture for Lanvin of which he did 5 seasons. This is a remarkable little piece from my archives that I refused to give up until we found documentation of and at last we have. I love having these runway shots for you so that you can see just how remarkable this is once on the body.

Montana's relationship with colour is on full display in this gorgeous little jacket. It is made of a sheared fur that is ultra soft and still supple. The fur has been dyed to a beautiful delicate pale baby blue with a hint of turquoise in it. The photos come close to the colour but in person it is better and the turquoise feel of it is a touch stronger. There is also this effect of a slight change of colour depending on how the fur catches the light that gives it a depth that the camera does not quite capture. It is the most clever design. It is cut short to almost bolero style and then there are two straps that extend across the chest and hook on place. Two wide panels extend out on either side below that and you take these, cross them and wrap around to the back where they hook into place. This creates a dramatic collar to frame the face. Adding to the drama are those incredible bell sleeves. Each sleeves comes out directly from the side of the jacket and then flares out. By the time they reach the bottom hem of each sleeve they are a full 30" around. I have included a photo of it open so that you can see the closures underneath and added a couple of other ways you could potentially wrap and style the front panels. It is stunning. Excellent condition with one note below

Fully lined an a turquoise silk and closes with the hooks as described above and shown. One fur hook is missing off of the wider extended panel. The loop is on the other piece but the hook is missing. The fur is very soft and supple. The open cut let it work on my dress form that has a 29" bust and it also fit the one with a 40" around bust and still had a bit of room.

Sleeves: approx 22"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust-waist: no defined seam
Length: 14" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# S975

Reference Photos: Fall 1989 Claude Montana Runway.

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

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed 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. Fur coats are final sale.

This is a more recent Chloe dress that is incredibly easy to wear. The dress is suspended from tiny silk straps that go up and over your shoulders. These attach to either side of the neck and that causes it to scoop and gather towards the neckline. The top edge of the neckline on both the front and the back have been  gathered and stitched for a pretty feminine touch. The openings from your arms draped down on a curve adding to that feeling that the dress is just this incredibly easy thing that you just slipped on. The dressed falls from there to the floor. It’s extremely loose and easy to wear and the only hint of shape that it has comes if you choose to put your hands in the pockets that are hidden along each hip. It is made from an incredibly lightweight silk in the prettiest dusty pink color. The silk has appliqué work over it made from a blue silk with a floral pattern work through it. Then over all of that are little puffs of fringed fabric that create a feathered feel without actually being made out of feathers. The fringes range from white to pale silver greys to deep blue that match the floral applique colour. Once on the dress falls to the floor and it is in its original supermodel length. It was never worn and it still has all its original tags including its price tag of $3150USD. This is a fabulous dress that is easy to wear, flattering and yet feels like you’re wearing nothing. Excellent condition 

Unlined and slips on to wear. You can adjust the length and where it falls on your chest with the straps. Pockets on each hip. Tagged a 36 but its easy and open bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. All original tags and never worn. The pink is lighter and a dustier feel then how it photoed. Better on person.

Bust: will open to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD4067

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 Bates founded the Jean Varon label in 1960 and it quickly became known for the futuristic designs and innovative use of fabrics. He dressed Dianna Rigg portraying Emma Peel in the 1965 season of the action TV series "The Avengers" and that helped bring him more commercial success. By the late sixties and into the seventies his work tended more towards more floaty, feminine designs. Some of the very best pieces were made during this time period. His caftans in particular are fabulous and they are some of my favourites to find. This one with its dramatic cut and print is one of the best I have ever seen

This is one of the best caftans I have seen from this label and because of the voluminous and open cut it should fit just about anyone and any shape. It is made from a wash and wear jersey that has just enough weight to it to help hold the lines and make it drape correctly once you slip it on. It is seamed all around the edges so it is closed down each side. The neckline is cut into a wide squared off opening across the shoulders. It dips down and has an edging of crochet work that you can see a glimpse of skin through. At the center of the front there are attached ties that curve up to tie behind the neck. You can also wear it off the shoulder and let the sides drop depending on how wide across the shoulder you are. This gives it another look again and is really fabulous. There are slits along the side to slip your hands through and then the entire body of the caftan is a simple loose and open cut. The best part is that elaborate and beautiful crane and ocean design that runs over the entire surface of caftan. The backdrop is a pale blueish grey colour and then the print is done in soft tones on top of that. As it nears the bottom of the caftan it turns to a solid black with cranes flying over the surface and the contrast between the two is spectacular. When it is on this anchoring black at the bottom also helps to add to the drama and floating feeling the caftan has. Everything about this piece feels pretty and romantic while still managing to feel strong and bold. When it is on the entire caftan flows around you. It is really an exceptional piece. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. Ties at the neck. The open cut should fit a wide range of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

From widest point flat across edge to edge: 55"
Length: 61" from shoulder to hem and the outer edges hang a bit lower when its on

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-XL OSFA

Item# DD4137

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 one of those fantastic things that you'll only find in the vintage world. It is a very unusual piece that has no label but has been immaculately made and is quite fabulous. The piece is completely made by hand using knotting and macramé techniques. The rope that is used has a subtle gold thread running through it which adds a gorgeous texture and just a touch of glimmer. This is mixed with silver metal beads that are used to anchor the knots at the neckline and waist and also add detail across the bodice. To wear it you just slip it on and then tie it at the neck and the waist at the back. The front is an intricate design that covers you like a fantastic and elaborate breast plate. More silver beads are used here to anchor the cross ropes and add detail and interest to the design. Under the waist the skirt falls in a long fringes. The fringes give it incredible movement when you move. It also has sleeves that are anchored to the neckline and then suspended across the shoulder by rope. Long fringes then fall from there to flow around your arm and past the hands and wrists. It is incredible. This is a piece that you would wear over something else and depending on how daring you want to be you could wear it with something absolutely minimal to look like you are completely bare underneath or layer it over a dress or pants. The possibilities to style this are endless limited only by your imagination. It's in immaculate condition and is one of the most unusual and fabulous pieces I have seen. I absolutely love it. Excellent condition

Slips on from the front and ties at the back of the neck and the back of the waist. It should fit a variety of sizes depending on how open you are OK with it at the back. The measurements below are where it is tied so each side perfectly meets but you could extend that as much as you want to give yourself more room as needed.

Sleeves: approx 43"
Front: each side covers approx 6" flat across
Waist: is 29" from end to end and then it can be extended with the ties
Hips: open
Length: approx 63" from top of shoulder to longest point of the fringes

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# E710

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 special red jersey dress by Yves Saint Laurent is very well documented. We always love finding pieces that have a solid history behind them. It's from the Spring 1982 collection and its twin was shown on the runway and it was also featured in ad campaigns that ran in various magazines. It's interesting that we actually found two different shots for ads that feature the same three dresses but with the models depicted in different positions. The end that year was shot by helmet Newton which as yet another layer to the history of this dress. The dress is not perfect but it's completely wearable as is and its gorgeous lines and easy to wear cut combined  with its place in fashion history easily offset any small flaws.

The dress is made from a cherry coloured red silk jersey. It is an extremely easy dress to wear. There is elastic through the waist and you just slip the dress on and tie it at the one shoulder and you are ready to go. When the dress is off the body the waist looks dropped but once it's on you realize that this is what allows the bodice to drape over the waist line like you see on the runway and in the ad photos. The silk jersey is fine and light and I love this colour of red. It has an almost pink undertone to it in person and it's very flattering on almost any skin tone. The fabric is gathered along the upper neckline and this gives it the drape and slight gathered look that you see. The upper neckline edge is finished with a piped tie and this extends out and is what is used to tie it at the shoulder. I love how the ends of the long ties just fall down your back from there. The bust is loose and easy and it drapes over that inner elastic waist line. The skirt falls from under there and widens out as it nears the hem. Is incredibly easy to wear and incredibly flattering once on the body. Excellent overall condition but please read the condition notes below.

The dress slips on to wear with elastic through the waist. It ties on the top of one shoulder. Tagged a vintage YSL 40 but the generous cut and elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The dress has some marks on the silk jersey of the skirt. It's mostly in the lower areas of the skirt. I also see grubbiness around the hem. It has been cleaned of course and the marks may come out more with additional cleaning. The extent of fabric in the skirt hides it and the dress is perfectly wearable as is. The price is far less then what it would have been otherwise for this well documented dress. The fabric has stretch and movement. The measurements are given with a comfortable range laying flat.

Bust: 15-26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-30" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 24" from top of shoulder to waist but meant to drape over
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4158

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (2-3) Spring 1982 YVes Saint Laurent Ad Campaign photographed by Helmut Newton.

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

Zandra Rhodes is one of my favourite designers and I love the pieces that she did in the 1980s. This dress is closest  to the work she did for her 'Fairy' collection that was done for the Spring 1981 season. The collection has a strong showing of these black and gold pieces that featured her amazing custom hand painted prints. 

This is a stunning dress that is done in a dramatic combination of black and gold. The skirt is hand painted and the lace on the top has been selected to match and compliment the skirt's design. The bodice is made of a black lace netting that has gold metallic thread woven through to highlight the design in the fabric. The neckline is squared off and I love how the edges of the lace follow the pattern across the neck and back to soften the straight line there. The sleeves are set into that and curve over the shoulders and then run down the arm to just past the elbow. They are unlined so you get glimpses of skin through them. The top curves down past the waist and flares out over the top of the hips. The skirt is set under that and is very full, widening out as it nears the hem. The skirt is constructed in layers. The very outer top layer is a silk organza and then there are layers of tulle with a third inner black silky rayon lining under that. These built in layers are what gives it the fullness that you see and I have not added any extra underskirts. The top layer is completely covered with one of Zandra's signature designs. The gold runs over the entire surface and it is all completely hand painted with a beautiful sun pattern. It is gorgeous and, like all of her pieces, it is very special. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The skirt is made up of multiple layers of  as described above. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Tagged a UK 12, US 10. 

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3605

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

Christian LaCroix launched his Haute Couture house in 1987 after his 1986 collection for jean Patou made him a star. Many attribute him with making modern couture inspirational again when it was considered a dying art by many during this time period. When he did launched his own label his strong aesthetic took the world by storm. His collections were lavish affairs and his designs seemed to span the decades with their eccentric glamour pulled from multiple sources of inspiration. This top is from the Spring 2006 collection. On the runway it was shown with a more transparent lining. This version is a little easier to wear and it is absolutely gorgeous.

The workmanship on this top is absolutely exquisite. The top is entirely hand made as the parameters of Haute Couture define. I love the extensive embroidery that covers the exterior. The level of workmanship is extraordinary. The top is made from a layer of ivory silk netting over and inner silk. The netting is embroidered with the intricate pattern that completely covers the entire top. I love the mix of the ivory stitches and then the stark pops of white thread to highlight parts of the patter, The workmanship is extensive and the time it would have taken to create this piece is extraordinary. The top is sleeveless and has a scooped neckline. It is cut easy through the body and flares out as it nears the scalloped hem. The bow at the front is decorative and it has a more skimming cut them the fitted under the bust feel that you see on the runway. It is an absolute work of art and a stunning example of Haute Couture during this time period. Excellent condition

Backed in an ivory silk and closes down the back with a series of hidden, hand set snaps. Entirely made by hand and it appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# S978

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2006 Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Runway Collection, Look 16. Model: Heather Marks.

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 always thrilled to find a really great Emilio Pucci piece. The truly great ones are getting very hard to find and this one is fabulous. By the 1960s, the time period that this dress is from, Pucci was a world-wide phenomenon. Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and even Jackie Kennedy were huge fans. For all of the many attempts since to catapult the label back to the height of its glory, the days when Emilio himself oversaw the label and designed the prints will always be the most special to me. The dress is not 100% perfect but it is gorgeous and the flaws it has are forgivable. It definitely has a lot of life left in it.

This is one of the prettiest Pucci dresses I have ever had in the shop and I love it. It is done in a gorgeous combination of a soft pink mixed with taupe and white. Fine black lines outline the patterns and anchor the print. These colors are combined into a soft and romantic oversized abstract floral design that sweeps over the entire dress. As is typical in a Pucci dress, he has used bands of a different printed silk to define sections of the dress. On this dress these borders define the high set bodice with its crossed over neckline and high waist seam. The cut is very flattering and very easy to wear. The bodice is set high and crosses over so the neckline sits wide across your shoulders. It is meant to skim over you and then just falls in an almost caftan feel to the floor. The silk chiffon on the skirt wraps over itself and anchors in under where the bodice crosses and anchors in above. This creates it a pretty line that runs down offset on the front. It also adds another dimension of movement. When you walk the air lifts that extra bit of silk chiffon and it is very pretty. The dress is long and widens out as it nears the floor. Each sleeve is long and cut wide. They are not lined so you get that pretty bit of transparency through the print. It is very feminine but somehow still sexy and elegant at the same time. I absolutely love it. Great overall condition with notes to review below

Fully lined through the body of the dress in in a white silk. It closes at the side with a painted metal zipper and there is a small opening at the back of the neck that closes with snaps. I see a dot of a mark under the band at the side the front. It is very tiny and nothing you would notice when on. There are a couple of tiny areas where the silk has thinned. Under one arms on the sleeve and one tiny dot on the back. They are small and held up fine when I had it dry cleaned. The inner back hem hangs a touch lower then the skirt length and it has some colour run. Please see the photos after the label shot. I have reduced the price substantially. It is still fine to wear even as is.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of shoulder to top seam under bust
Skirt: 48.5" from waist to hem and including the 2" band under the bust

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED - maybe a LRG if the shoulders work

Item# DD4080

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