stella mccartney
Resort 2016 Stella McCartney Runway Finale Look 34 Silk Dress w Gold Metal Collar & Ruffled Hem
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was the finale dress shown as Look 34 for the 2016 Resort Stella McCartney collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Stella McCartney.
- This was one of the most heavily documented dresses of both the collection and the season. It was worn for editorials, on the red carpet and for television appearances.
- Vogue specifically noted the "citrus-hued, ankle grazing trapeze dresses." saying of that the models who wore these dresses at the end of the presentation "you couldn't have found a woman in the crowd who didn't want to be them or at least look like them for the night"
- This dress was sold out and wait-listed worldwide. Very few were produced.
- I love the bright colour that the dress has been done in. It is incredibly difficult to capture the actual colour in a photo and I think it is even better in person as it is a touch paler then how it photoed here.
- The dress is made out of a single layer of feather light silk that verges on a chiffon. This gives it just enough weight to hold its shape fantastically but the lightness of the silk creates masses of movement around you when you move.
- This combined with the brilliant seaming and cut is what gives the dress its exuberant volume and shape.
- Both the front and back neckline are gathered up into little pleats that sit at the base of the neck. To hold the pleats together there are little gold beads placed on matching tiny silk straps that wind their way through the pleats. This little unexpected touch of gold is striking.
- The ties that go through the neckline extend out on either side and you tie them on the top of the shoulder. This allows you to wear the dress as high up or low as you wish. You can see in the reference photos that sometimes the neckline is dropped quite substantially from where I have it in my photos and the ties are what allow you to do this.
- The sides of the dress dip down into sharp little angles leaving a bit of skin to show at the sides.
- The waist has a generous cut and it is meant to feel more loose and easy. It is really a piece that is easy to fit and should work on a variety of body types.
- The silk falls from underneath the neckline and skims over the body expanding outward to a generously cut seam that sits below the hip. The fabric under that seam then gets progressively wider as it near the hem.
- A wide ruffle of fabric circles all around the lower hem with a wide band of stiffened netting hidden inside to help hold the shape.
- The silk of each tier is gathered into the seam above and below it and this also helps to add to the volume and create that incredible trapeze shape.
- The amount of fabric through the body of the dress and skirt combined with the lightness of the fabric is what lets it billow and move around you in the most spectacular way. And it has pockets.
- This is an absolutely stunning example from that season and it is a very collectible piece.
- The dress is unlined and it slips on to wear. It ties on either side of the neck as described above. There is perhaps a tiny bit of grubbiness along the edge of the hem but it otherwise is pristine. The extremely open cut should allow this to fit most frames. It will just drape more on a smaller frame.
- Tagged a modern Stella McCartney 40
- Excellent condition
Bust-Hips: open
Total length: approx 63" from neck to hem as it is tied here. It could be made longer if you let the ties drop at the top of the dress.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# DD5719
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Spring 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Coral Orange Dress w Ruffled Sleeves & Full Body
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2020 collection as Look 76.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- This was one of the most heavily documented dresses of the collection and there is an outstanding number of references as it was shot and photoed everywhere. This dress was sold out and wait-listed worldwide. Very few were produced.
- Vogue said that the show felt like "a long gulp of fresh air and optimism centred on something known." They noted that "in technical terms Piccoli's aim for spring was casualizing the voluminous couture silhouettes he had established over the past few staggeringly well received seasons... The collection was joyful, touched on a myriad of occasions and lifted hearts." It ended with a standing ovation.
- I love the bright colour that the dress has been done in. It is incredibly difficult to capture the actual colour in a photo and I think it is even better in person.
- The dress is made out of an almost parachute feeling fabric that holds its shape fantastically. This combined with the brilliant seaming and cut is what gives the dress its exuberant volume and shape.
- Both the front and back are deeply plunged and everything is kept perfectly in place on the body by the way that it is cut.
- Circling all the way around the arms from the top of the shoulder to the seam under the bust are incredible sleeves that are made from the same fabric. The fabric has been folded over and onto itself to create a double layer. This is what gives them their ruffled volume and airy feel.
- The waist has a generous cut and it is meant to feel more loose and easy. It is really a piece that is easy to fit and will work on a variety of sizes.
- The skirt is spectacular. It falls from underneath the seam of the bust and expends outwards with four stacked tiers. Each tier gets progressively wider as it nears the hem and the very lowest tier falls out and behind you for a dramatic sweep of fabric. The fabric of each tier is gathered into the seam above and below it and this also helps to add to the volume.
- The amount of fabric in the skirt and the lightness of the fabric is what lets it billow and move around you as you move. And it has pockets.
- This is an absolutely stunning example of his time at the label and it is a very collectible piece.
- The front triangles are backed with another layer of the same fabric and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set side zipper.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers to 6.5" flat across from side to side with no true side seams
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 11" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5718
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian lacroix
Spring 1988 Christian Lacroix Well Documented Pink & Yellow Floral Print Dress w Back Bustle
I Have a Question
- This dress is very special and an extremely well documented piece from Spring 1988 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Christian Lacroix.
- It has the special added provenance of being the twin of one of the four dresses portrayed in that instantly recognizable photo taken in his atelier that year. That photo is perhaps one of the most famous photos in the Lacroix history.
- The dress is from his Luxe label that was only produced the very first couple of seasons.
- It was very high end expensive ready-to-wear that was made to near couture standards and was available primarily to his couture clients and a select few beyond that. The label was the predecessor to his later regular ready-to-wear collections. It is said that this label only lasted a couple of seasons because some of the couture clients complained at how close the garments were to their Haute Couture pieces.
- We found numerous reference photos of the dress as it appeared on the runway so you have an amazing idea of how this dress looks on the body.
- The dress is made out of a printed silk organza that has a slight texture running through it.
- Onto that is a glorious floral pattern in pinks and yellow with pops of green. It feels so vibrant and beautiful with that gorgeous print.
- The sleeves are long and they are cut on a slight curve in the traditional couture manner.
- The shoulders are lightly shaped and the front falls into a shallow V.
- The dress has a little bit of gathering just at the bust area down the centre seam and then it falls smoothly to the hem under that.
- It is cut to skim over you through the body with just a suggestion of shape through the waist.
- At the back the bottom 9" of the skirt has an inset bustle. The fabric there is gathered into a curving seam and there are three black organza half bows stacked one on top of the other to create a bustle feel.
- This is one of his most famous dresses and its amazing. It can be considered to be Demi-Couture.
- The body of the dress is fully lined in a black silk and the sleeves are lined in a white silk. The dress zips to close at the back and each cuff has a zipper to close it. Light padding in the shoulders. Laughing hilarious. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Lacroix 44
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22.5" and they are 13" around the upper arm
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 35" from top of shoulder to hem with 2" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5714
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
halston
1970s Halston Couture by Roy Halston Bias Cut Silk Dress w Flared Sleeves & Keyhole Back Slit
I Have a Question
- The dress is from mid-later seventies and during this time period his main line dresses were made to order custom pieces.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston
- This is a beautiful dress that showcases the minimal seaming that Halston was so famous for.
- The dress is made of a light in weight ivory silk. It is completely cut on the bias so it drapes phenomenally over the body. You simply slip it over your head and it drapes over you to accommodate the body underneath. This makes it easy to fit and very easy to wear.
- The sleeves are long and extend out directly from the body of the dress with no seaming around the arm. Each flares out at its cuff adding a pretty added detail.
- The neckline is scooped and it hooks to close at the back of the neck. This closure sits over an open keyhole slit. I have shot all of the photos of the dress with the keyhole at the back, but it is so well-made that I think you could spin it around and wear it to the front if you wished.
- It glides over the body skimming over the bust, waist and hips to the floor. There is a low dropped seamed that sits just over the top of the hip. For some of the photos, I tied a velvet ribbon just above this to highlight the waist. You could also goop a ribbon along that seam and have the top blouse over and shorten the skirt. I love that you have several styling options with this one.
- Working with this fabric is incredibly difficult and it is a testament to his skill to create such a seemingly simple but a complex pattern in reality.
- The dress is unlined with no closures and slips on to wear. Hand finishes throughout. The ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included. I see one light mark on one shoulder. Please see the photo after the label shot. The sleeves have an ironed seam running down their tops. All very minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- There is no size tag and the bias cut will allow it to have it some give. Please go by the range of measurements listed below. On a smaller frame it will just drape more.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: approx 20" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dropped seam: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 62" from top of shoulder to hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5713
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
2010-2011 Alexander McQueen Strapless Ivory Silk Dress w Hand Embroidered Flowers & Train
I Have a Question
- This gown dates to the 2010-2011 season.
- It was made (or completed) under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- The dress certainly would have been released when Sarah had taken over the reins of McQueen. The date of the hang tag does have it falling right in that window where Alexander could have had a hand in its design and then by its release it would have been under Sarah's era. It is a phenomenal example of how beautiful that the McQueen aesthetic can be.
- The dress combines an ivory silk for the exterior and then the skirt of the inner dress underneath has been densely embroidered. It is a beautiful combination.
- The bodice is strapless and there is internal structure to hold it in place around the body including a cupped inner bust and boned hidden inner corset. The silk on the exterior has been placed over the bodice in flat pleats that are set on a slight angle and then open up into the skirt.
- The inner skirt is made from an added panel that has been embroidered in a soft pastel palette with just a hint of a metallic feel to it. It depicts flowers in soft golden taupe with pale blue and greens.
- The outer skirt curves up and around that inner panel and there is padding set into each hip to hold the shape.
- The skirt is draped over the padding of the hip and curves down to the floor to become an extended train at the back.
- At the centre of the back there is a wide folded panel of silk that is set vertically. It snaps into place over the back zipper and then extends outwards to become part of the skirt. All of the seaming is hidden underneath so the illusion of the panel simply flowing down into the skirt is perfectly maintained.
- The workmanship is exquisite and shows the extreme high tailoring that the McQueen label is known for. This is a very rare piece and would have been made in limited quantities.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching ivory silk with a full built-in corset that extends to the top of the hips. There are wired cups in the bodice and it has hidden boning throughout. There is hidden padding through the hip as described above. The panel at the back snaps into place with silk covered snaps and then the dress closes with a hidden set zipper under that. The inner corset closes with its own zipper. I see some minor grubbiness at the hem but the dress is new with tags and was never worn.
- Tagged a vintage McQueen 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner bodice: 18" from top of bodice to the hem of the inner corset
Total length: 28.5" from top of bodice to the front hem and the skirt is approx 93" long to the longest point of the back hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5712
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
halston
1977 Halston Couture by Roy Halston Ivory Bias Cut Silk Sleeved Dress w Spiral Paneled Skirt
I Have a Question
- The dress is from 1977 and during this time period his main line dresses were made to order custom pieces.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston
- The examples shared here are almost identical to this dress but without the extra added panels that create the spiralling ruffles.
- This is a beautiful dress that showcases the minimal seaming that Halston was so famous for.
- The dress is made of a heavier weighted silk charmeuse that is cut like the reference photos show through the body but with added panels and seams that go around and cascade down the lower skirting.
- It is completely cut on the bias so it drapes phenomenally over the body. You simply slip it over your head and it drapes over you to accommodate the body underneath. This makes it easy to fit and very easy to wear.
- The sleeves are long and extend out directly from the body of the dress with no seaming around the arm. Each narrows to its cuff where there is a handmade silk covered button and loop.
- The neckline is cut wide across the neckline and has a subtle draping at the centre of the neck at both the front and back of the dress. It is a very pretty detail.
- It glides over the body skimming over the bust, waist and hips to the floor. The vertical ruffles are set on an angle so that they cascade down to the hem. When you move these swirl around the lower part of the dress and create gorgeous movement around you.
- Working with this fabric is incredibly difficult and it is a testament to his skill to create such a seemingly simple but a complex pattern in reality.
- The dress is fully lined in a second layer of the same fabric which adds to the technically difficultly of the pattern and rich feel of the silk. It has no closures and slips on to wear. Each cuff has a silk covered button and loop to close. The colour is slightly more ivory in person. I see some minor marks and scuffing here and there on the silk of the bottom ruffles. I shot one so that you can see. It is very minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- There is no size tag and the bias cut will allow it to have it some give. Please go by the range of measurements listed below. On a smaller frame it will just drape more.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: approx 23.5" and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 62" from top of shoulder to hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5711
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1977 Halston. / (2) Fall 1977 Halston. / (3) From the book "Halston: An American Original"
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fall 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Runway & Ad Campaign Blue Silk Jersey Tasselled Corset & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- The twin of this set walked the runway for the Fall 1985 YSL collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- It was the look that was chosen for the ad campaign that season and it was featured prominently on the runway.
- I have seen this set produced in this blue, a purple, and a black. This one is done in a deep blue and it is just outstanding.
- As good as it looks in these still shots, it is even better in real life because it is really when you are moving that these pieces live up to their full potential. An incredible amount of silk jersey has gone into the making of the skirt and corset.
- The bodice has four heavily draped and gathered panels that are gathered into boned vertical lengths on each side as well as down the centre front and back of the corset.
- The inner stays shape the top around you and hold it in place. Besides the four main stays there is also hidden boning in between each of those, the front ones helped shape it around the bust and the ones in the back help to shape it.
- It is cut on a curve on both the top and the bottom so that it fits perfectly over you and creates that sexy hourglass shape.
- Then at the base of each of the four main vertical seam that in case the stays, he has put a 6 inch tassel. These are very well made and have a more substantial feel. When you move these move with the sway of your body, and just as an incredible detailing.
- The final piece of the set is the skirt and it is as equally remarkable. The skirt is made out of single layer of the same blue silk jersey as the top. It has a band around waist and that band has elastic inside of it, so it is incredibly easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
- There are more yards of silk in the skirt then it appears at first glance. The fabric is so light and fine that when you stand still it falls in a pretty column around you without adding bulk. You still get a hint of the fullness that it has but then when you move the fabric that is actually there allows the skirt to move fantastically around you.
- No matter how good it looks in the photos the mix of the restraint of the corset with the lightness of the jersey in the skirt and then the movement of the tassels is just phenomenal.
- The corset is fully lined in a blue silk. There is an inner waist, say that hooks to close and then it zips to close at the side. The skirt slips on with elastic around the waist. I see some slight patina to the silk inside the corset. It is minor but mentioned for accuracy.
- Both pieces are tagged a vintage YSL 44
- Excellent condition
Corset
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 16" from top of bodice to hem and the tassels fall another 6" past the hem
Skirt
Elastic waist: 13-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 44" from top of bodice to waist
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5710
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
oscar de la renta
Pre-Fall 2011 Oscar de la Renta Runway Look 44 Strapless Black Silk Chiffon & Blue Embellished Jumpsuit
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 44 for the Pre-Fall 2011 ODLR show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
- Vogue said of the collection that "After more than 40 years in business, de la Renta has earned the privilege to send multiple messages down the catwalk and he definitely has a diverse fan base, but for the most part, the 59 looks he showed today played best to the polished uptown types who love him best"
- I love that we have runway reference photos and video to show you how fantastically the jumpsuit moves.
- On the runway, it was paired with a fur trimmed shrug and an extra wide ribbon was wrapped around the waist. I think it is one of those pieces that gives you the opportunity to style it multiple ways.
- The jumpsuit is made from a black silk chiffon that has a metallic blue design that has been heavily applied to the silk. Onto that are beads and sequins.
- The additional embellishments to create the pattern over the silk are gorgeous and it is even better in person then how it photoed.
- At first glance you appear to be wearing a dress but it is actually jumpsuit legs. They are just very full and wide. So when you stand still you look like you are wearing a strapless dress but when you move, you have the ease of pants.
- The bodice is strapless and meant to be more fitted to the body. Inside there is a full built-in corset that is cupped and boned for support and to hold the jumpsuit in place around you.
- The waist nips in and is defined by a seam and then the jumpsuit curves out and over the hips. The pant legs widen out as they near their hem and each is a full 50" around the bottom hem.
- I love the high glam of the fabric and strapless bodice mixed with ease of the wide legs.
- The jumpsuit is fully lined in a black chiffon. The inner corset closes with its own zipper and then a hidden set zipper is set over that. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.5" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 29" and the gusset is 16" from the back waist to the inner seam
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5708
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Exceptionally Rare Fall 2001 Thierry Mugler Runway Golden Taupe Silk Dress w Removable Collar
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2001 "Les Fauves" Thierry Mugler collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
- The Fall 2001 show was Mugler's final ready-to-wear show making it that much more historically significant.
- I purchased this from a client and having trying to get this out of their hands for years now. The person they bought it from got it directly from an employee at Mugler. The piece is unlabelled and very few of these were made.
- I love that we have reference photos from the runway along with the video that shows you how it moves as you walk.
- In this collection the women who walked the runway represented women as a predators. Dangerous but at the same time controlled and elegant.
- In a Numero editorial they called Mugler "one of the most important fashion designers of the modern era" saying that "with Mugler femininity is in your face and assumed 100%." Nathalie Bondi of the Montreal Museum of fine arts said that his work was "Extravagant, sexy and sometimes irreverent 'his fashion conjugates with the superlative. With Mugler fashion became art.'"
- In that same article, they declared a list of his nine "Cult Collections" and included the Fall 2001 ready-to-wear show in that list calling it a "ferocious farewell".
- This is the year that Thierry Mugler decided to end his fashion activities. Later the designer would say "Fashion was a very emotional and artistic vehicle in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the look was extremely important... but it's not like that anymore. I pushed fashion to its limit, but today creation is limited by money, marketing."
- The dress is made out of a heavy golden toned silk that wraps into place around the body. The entire collar is made from what I believe to be a faux goat or long hair sheep that has been hand dip dyed all along its edges to get that change of colour.
- The collar follows the deep V at the front. The V is slightly curved to follow the curves of the body. My dress form tends to be short through the bodice, so please go by the runway photos to see how it fits as far as how deep it lies
- I love that the collar is actually buttoned into place so you can choose to wear it without the collar effectively giving you two dresses in one. This also allows for ease of cleaning since it can be removed.
- Straps curve up and over the shoulder and the inside is formed by his signature angled and curved insets that shaped the dress around the body.
- At the side, those panels curved down and out over the hips to give the dress more of an hourglass feel to exaggerate the shape of the body.
- The dress wraps over itself at the front and snaps into place with his signature snaps that he used so often during this time period.
- The skirt falls under that, curving over the hips and then narrowing into the hem at the front. The wrap of the closure allows for some dripping at the front while the back stays more smooth and sleek.
- The wrapping also lets your legs show as you walk, which you can see in the runway references.
- Everything about the dress is absolutely spectacular and I love how the entire dress feels like it slightly glows in the light because of the gold toned silk.
- This is a spectacular and very rare example of his work from this era.
- The dress is fully lined with the same silk and the inner seam work is so well done that you could almost wear this dress inside out. It closes with two series of hidden set snaps around the waist. The collar can snap on or off. I see some small marks near the hem both inside and out. Please see the last detail photo. You could adjust the snaps a touch up or down if needed.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the one minor note above
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam.
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Plunge: 15" from top of shoulder to base pf the plunge
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5707
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Incredible Fall 2010 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 30 Ruffle Front Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this incredible dress walked the runway for Look 31 for the Fall 2010 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- Vogue's review stated that Galliano's Fall ready-to-wear for Dior was "Equestrian-themed, a follow-on from the daywear strand of the acclaimed Couture show in January. This was to be a brisk albeit slightly perfunctory trot around the circuit of Galliano's longtime favourite 18th century."
- In the book Dior:Catwalk they noted that Galliano had baptized the collection "The Seduction of the Libertine". The collection notes read "Riding in from the hunt that began at the Haute Couture, Dior discovers intrigue and inspiration in gallant riding habits as it goes from the stables to the seductive style and verse of those infamous romantics, the 18th century Libertines"... "This season Dior takes up the heroic spirit of the French romanticism." said Galliano.
- This dress is deceptive in it simplicity. It is completely cut on the bias and this gives it incredible curves once on an actual body. It almost feels like you are wearing nothing because of the soft sand colour and the lightness of the silk chiffon.
- The bodice crosses over itself and there is a silk chiffon ruffle that follows the neckline. This wraps around you and buttons behind the neck. Panels extend out from the top that are cut wide and edged in a ruffle. By tying those around the front of the neck you get that beautiful ruffle falling down the front as seen here and on the runway.
- The bodice skims to the waist and the waist is seamed but with a slightly more generous feel. If you really wanted to add shape you can cinch this in quite substantially.
- The back dips low to leave a bare expanse of skin to show.
- The top layer of the skirt wraps over itself as it attaches in around the waist and there is a substantial amount of silk used for the skirt to give it it's extensive draping. Under that is a second inner silk layer in the same colour. A slit runs up the side of the inner layer.
- The entire bottom of the skirt has round cut outs in various sizes that circle all the way around the lower skirt. Each of the cut outs are finished with a heavily applied embroidered edge done in a matching coloured thread. This gives the bottom of the dress extraordinary texture and detail.
- This is an incredible and rare documented runway piece.
- The dress is fully lined in a second layer of the same silk chiffon. A row of his signature matching silk covered buttons and loops runs down the side to close the dress. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Dior FR36, GB8 IT40, US4
- Excellent condition
Bust: the front bust has open sides and is cut quite generously to fit a variety of bust sizes and shapes
The underbust area where the sides begin is cut on the bias and can range from 16-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 20-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 17-18" from neck to waist but meant to blouse over a touch
Total length: approx 70" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5705
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Exceptional Spring 1980 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Red & White Print Silk Organza Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 1980 YSL collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- This dress and the various prints it was made in were integral to that season's collection. Several versions were photoed for various editorials and were included in the ad campaign that year.
- The dress is made out of a feather light red silk organza that has a beautiful white curving print that runs over the entire dress from top to bottom.
- The red is a beautiful clear deep colour that flatters more skin tones.
- The neck line is set wide across so you can wear it off of the shoulder for a bare expanse of skin to show. A wide 8" ruffle follows the entire neckline and has the prettiest flounce all the way around.
- The bodice skims down to a low dropped waist that is cut more generously through the middle. The dress comes with a matching silk tie belt that you can cinch in the waist as much as needed.
- The skirt is set into a slightly angled seam around the waist and the seam comes up slightly at one side. Tiny gathered pleats are set in all along the seam and this gives the skirt incredible volume.
- The skirt falls shorter at the front and longer at the back. If you were to lay this out and open the skirt out it is more than a full circle around. That volume combined with the lightness of the fabric gives you incredible movement when you move.
- This is an absolutely stunning example of his work during this time period and one of my favourite pieces I have ever had in by him.
- The bodice of the dress is lined in a silk chiffon. A second layer of silk chiffon that skims over the inner body to just past the inner hip was added to make it more opaque. I have left it in because it does make the dress easier to wear but it could be removed very easily. It closes with a side set zipper and has its original tie belt.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 45" from top of shoulder to front hem, 58" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5703
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
james galanos
Gorgeous 1970s James Galanos Demi-Couture Silk Chiffon Dress w Vivid Pink Flower Print
I Have a Question
- The label on this dress date it to the 1970s period.
- It was made under the creative direction of James Galanos.
- In 1951 a 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award.
- His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world.
- This is an outstanding Galanos. It is extremely well made with a very high level of construction techniques.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful floral printed silk chiffon. The base is black and then the print is a deep, beautiful pink with pops of green for the leaves. The print forms large flowers mixed with smaller floating petals that cascade over the entire dress.
- The neckline is scooped and the sleeves are angled slightly towards the neckline. The shoulders are soft, and the sleeves are fuller near the shoulder and then narrow to the wrist.
- The bar skins over you and the waist feels like it is cut slightly more generously.
- The skirt curves out over the hips and widen out as it near the floor for pretty movement. This one the skirt has been wrapped around from the back and meets at the centre and the silk forms two panels that have the illusion of being nodded at the waist and then cascading down on either side of the centre line. Everything is closed in and under that centre point but it gives a pretty detail down the front that is just fantastic to see.
- The workmanship on the dress is absolutely stunning and the vast majority of it is all done by hand. This is an easy to wear and very pretty dress by one of the great American designers that is done to a demi-couture level
- The dresses lined with a black silk, except for the sleeves that have been left unlined. It zips to close at the back with a hand set zipper. Hand finishes throughout. The dress appears to have worn very little if at all.
- The dress has no size tag so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22" and they are 13" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: approximately 14"
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5701
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
mr blackwell
Prettiest 1970s Mr Blackwell Custom Black Jersey Dress w Bright Print & Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- This dress dates to the late 1970s, maybe early 1980s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Richard Blackwell.
- The Mr Blackwell label was launched by Richard Blackwell in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 which in modern dollars converts to up to $10,000 a dress. He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield.
- His custom label was pieces that were made-to-order and were one-of-a-kind pieces that were fitted to a specific client in the couture tradition.
- During the 1960s he became the first in history to present a collection during a television broadcast and he is also the first to be attributed making for his line available for plus-size women. This is a beautiful example of his work during this point of his label.
- The dress is made out of a very pretty brightly printed black jersey that holds the shape and volume very well.
- The dress has a fairly simple silhouette. The inner dress is meant to skim over the body all the way to the floor, and then there is an attached piece around the neck line that falls over the upper shoulders.
- The front is set a bit wider across the neck and then the back scoops down into a V to add an unexpected flash of bare skin
- A little extra shape is added by the matching tie belt that is made out of the same fabric. I have topped it into a bow that sits just under the edge of the cape for these photos. You could easily wear the dress without it or change it for a wider more substantial belt.
- The there are no sleeves on the inner dress. Instead, the single layer of matching jersey is attached around the edge of the neckline. It is just under 15" in width at its widest point and it drapes over your shoulders and down the top of the arm. This continues all the way around front to back to give you that lovely cape effect that you see.
- Under the cape, the dress is meant to skim over your bust, waist and hips. Once past the hips it widens out slightly to the floor.
- The perfect finishing detail is the addition of hand set sequins that sit over the print of the cape portion of the dress. On the lighter colours they are a clear sequin with an iridescent finish, and on other colours they chose sequins to match the colour underneath. This lets the dress have a subtle glimmer in the light.
- The dress is fully lined in a black stretch jersey and it closes at the back with a zipper. Hand finishes throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Cape: is just under 15" it's widest point
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of the shoulder to the hem with approximately 3.5" turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5700
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Rare Fall 1986 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Blue & Gold Silk Strapless Dress w Removable Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1986 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
- The reference photos and video of the dress on the runway showcase just how amazing the dress is on.
- I have also included a reference photo of Bella Hadid who famously wore a white and black version of the dress in 2022.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful blue silk that has a gold metallic stripe running through it. This gives the dress the structure to hold the shape while keeping it light-in-weight once on. The all blue portion of the skirt between the bodice and hem is made out of a netted fabric.
- The bodice is strapless and there is built-in inner boning for support. The boning continues down the sides and to the lower seam.
- Soft horizontal gathers are set over the full length of the bodice and I love how this creates extra visual interest with the gold stripes.
- The waist curves in and then curves back out over the top of the hips.
- The skirt falls from there with a pretty fullness. The upper portion of the top layer of the skirt is made of the netting and then there is a 12' band of the striped silk around the lower part of the skirt
- That top layers sits over a second layer of netting underneath and then there is a blue silk layer under that.
- I love that they have folded that bottom panel of silk under so it is completely backed by the same silk inside. It adds a bit of extra structure and helps to hold the shape of the skirt.
- The striped silk that finishes the bottom hem perfectly ties the components of the dress together. The silk on the bottom panel is set with the stripes on an angle and you will notice that the sleeves have also been set on an angle while the bodice is horizontal. It is the small details that are so spectacular in Karl's Chanel.
- At the back of the bodice there is a tightly spaced row of gold metal Chanel buttons that have little Chanel perfume bottles engraved into them. There are twelve in total.
- The sleeves are incredible. They are separate pieces from the dress. To wear them you slip them over your arm. They have stiffened tulle inside the part that puffs out which helps to hold that shape with a more fitted sleeve underneath that runs down your arm. Each sleeve ends in a point to cover the top of your hand.
- This is a spectacular and rare piece of Chanel history.
- The bodice of the dress is lined in a deep blue silk and the skirt is lined as described above. It closes with a back set zipper underneath the row of gold metal buttons embossed with a Chanel perfume bottle. There is an extra spare button sewn into the lining inside. The sleeves have tulle inside to help hold the shape and elastic on the upper arm while the lower cuff zips to close.
- Tagged a vintage Chanel 38
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 30" long. The elastic at the top will stretch to fit around the upper arm
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 21.5"flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of the bodice to the seam
Total length: 52" from top of the bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5696
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
nina ricci
Resort 2008 Nina Ricci by Olivier Theyskens Runway Look 28 Bias Cut Blue & Black Dress w Feather Detailing & Train
I Have a Question
- Note that due to new regulations this set can only ship to a Canadian address. If you need further assistance on this please get in touch.
- The twin of this dress was Look 28 for the Resort 2008 Nina Ricci presentation
- It was made under the creative direction of Olivier Theyskens
- I love that we have runway reference photos and you can see how beautiful it is on Chanel Iman. It is a highly collectible piece and is a very special dress from the Olivier Theyskens era at Nina Ricci.
- In Vogue's review they stated that "What makes Olivier Theyskens such a compelling designer is the way his collections tend to riff on and grow from what came before. For resort the ex-Rochas front man continued to explore things he established at his first Nina Ricci show in March. There were more of the twisting around the body evening dresses... he pieced spirals together with patchworks of fabric for an elegant and ultimately more subtle effect than the ones produced by his fantastical fall creations." The said that the collection was "romantic, and rebellious at once, not unlike Theyskens himself."
- The dress is completely cut on the bias and you just slip it on to wear. It drapes over the body in a way that highlights your curves and yet is not tight fitting anywhere.
- Panels in both a black and a deep blue are set vertically on angles over the entire length of the body. The cut has a strong nod to the bias cut couture pieces from the 1920s and 1930s.
- Both the front and back are set in a V at the neckline for a bit of skin to offset the use of the fabric through the rest of the dress.
- The dress skims beautifully over the bust, waist and hips. Once past the hip area the lower skirt begins to flare out dramatically.
- The back is cut to sweep around and out behind you. Yard and yards of bias cut fabric make up the lower skirt and train. This creates the most beautiful movement around you as you move. Even in the still photos from the runway you get the feel of motion in the way the dress falls over the body.
- The very top of each shoulder has been finished with hand dyed black feathers. These are handset over the top of the arm to fall delicate over the top of your shoulders and upper arm. I love the extra drama and movement that the feathers create.
- This is a spectacular and rare dress from his time at the label. All of his work is highly collectible.
- The dress is unlined with hand finishes throughout. The dress is in its original uncut length. It has no closures and simply slips onto wear. The bias cut gives it lots of room through the body so it should fit a variety of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just drape more. I have put the comfortable range of measurements below. I see some light scuffing on the fabric. Very minor. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Nina Ricci 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to the shortest part of the front hem and the back extends another 19" beyond that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5697
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fall 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Floral Pink Silk Dress w Lace & Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1987 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- I love that we have reference photos from the runway so you can see how great it is on the body. He could really push the envelope with some of his designs and this particular dress is a nod back to some of the work that he was doing in earlier decades but in that best of the 1980s kind of way.
- The dress is made from a pink silk with a black floral print. Into the silk there is a secondary pattern that is woven directly through the silk for a pink on pink effect.
- The rest of the dress is made from a sequin detailed lace. The lace has an added black ribbon that follows the design of the underlying lace.
- The neckline is cut wide across and the shoulders are soft. The arms are unlined so you see a peak of skin between the net lace, sequins and ribbon detailing. More of the lace goes across the top of the bodice at the front and back.
- The pink floral silk is gathered under that seam and those gathers allow for the volume that you see through the body of the dress to the top of the hip.
- A band of same embellished black lace with an elastic running through sits at the top of the hips. This lets you adjust the length of the skirt up or down by where you have it sit on your hips.
- The very bottom part of the skirt is a band of the pink silk that adds lots of movement.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk through the body. There is black silk organza behind the upper bodice. The lower skirt and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a back zipper and each sleeve zips to close at the wrist. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 40.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 27" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 36" from top of shoulder to hem and can be adjusted to sit shorter
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5695
Reference Photos: Fall 1987 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
halston
Rare 1976 Halston Couture Iconic Well Documented Front Tying Bias Cut Black Velvet Strapless Column Dress
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 1976 Collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Roy Halston.
- These front tie dresses are one of the most iconic signature pieces from Halston. It was heavily documented that season and remains one of the most beloved silhouettes of all the pieces he designed.
- Halston created several of these dresses in different colours that season. They tended to be mainly produced in a bias cut silk or a hammered bias cut silk and rarely in velvet. Even the silk versions are hard to find now and finding one in a black velvet is very rare.
- It is said that before even putting scissors to fabric, Halston already had a mental image of how he wanted to dress to look. He believed that evening pieces should be as easy-to-wear and comfortable as day wear but absolutely elegant at the same time. When these dresses were shown for the first time in 1976 the press dubbed them as being "clean and and yet still with sex appeal".
- This is from the main Halston label and these were pieces were custom-made or made to order at this point in the brands history.
- The dress is strapless and ties at the front of the bust. This creates a little discreet keyhole under the tie. It also allows you to adjust the fit by how loose or tight you tie it.
- The cut is very forgiving as it skims over the bust, comes in slightly at the waist. and then curves back out over the hips. It is not meant to be super fitted. This is a dress that is very easy to fit. On a smaller frame it drapes more and the bias cut will allow it to move to accommodate if you need more room.
- From there it continues to skim over the body all the way to the hem widening out slightly as it nears the floor.
- The seaming is all set on an angled curve that wraps around the body. This means the entire dress is made out of one piece of black velvet. Do not underestimate its simplicity. Creating the dress in this way is actually quite complex and a technical challenge. Without seaming at the sides, the shape of the dress completely relies on the way it drapes, making it a much more difficult task and complex problem to have it fall over the body as perfectly as it does.
- Personally, I think this might be one of the most iconic little black dresses to have ever been created. It's a highly collectible piece for the Halston collector.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and slips on to wear with a tie at the front that you can adjust for fit. I see slight change in the pile of the velvet where it ties at the front from being tied. This is a natural occurrence and is not considered a flaw but mentioned for accuracy.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: approx 17-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with the ability to adjust the size at the front because of the tie
Waist: 15-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to hem with approx 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD692
Reference Photos: (1) ‘The Strapless’ in Women’s Wear Daily, August 1976. / (2) ‘The New York Collections: Easy Winners!’, Jacques Malignon for Vogue, September 1976. / (3) ‘Your Night to Star’, Ladies Home Journal, December 1976. / (4) Elizabeth Taylor in Halston at the 1976 Oscars. / (5) Marisa Berenson in Halston, Vogue 1976. Photo by Richard Avedon. / (6) "Yves Saint Laurent + Halston. Fashioning the 70s" Exhibit at the Museum at FIT, 2015. / (7) Halston's original sketch for the tie-front strapless dress & Lee Radziwell, 1976. / (8) Rachel Zoe in Halston at the Zoe Report Dinner, 2014. / (9-10) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. / (11-13) Spring 1976 Halston Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
1990s Thierry Mugler Pink Silk Organza Halter Dress w Full Lower Skirts & Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- Note that due to new regulations this set can only ship to a Canadian address. If you need further assistance on this please get in touch.
- The dress dates to the 1990s maybe into the 2000s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
- Thierry was a masterpiece of draping and cut and this is a fantastic example of that. It is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- The dress is made out of a deep pink silk organza. The front modesty panel is finished with a combination of beading, silver sequins and prong set rhinestones.
- Wide straps curve up and around the neck and hook at the back. This extends out into wide triangles that run down the front with a plunge that goes to the waist. Set in behind the plunge is a highly detailed modesty panel that is covered with silver beads, sequins and rhinestones for a little added flash. At the back the upper back is left bare and exposed.
- The modesty panel is attached into place between the front bodice but it could easily be removed if you wanted the dress to have a full plunge to the waist.
- The waist is cinched in and angles upwards towards the centre of the front. It curves and drops around and down at the back for a flattering line.
- The skirt curves over the hips to below the knee. The seam that the lower skirt is set into matches the same upward curve as the waist at the front and then the same downward curve of the back waist at the back.
- Below that, the lower skirt flares out dramatically all the way around you. There are yards and yards of fabric in the lower skirt to give it beautiful volume and movement when you move.
- I love that the back of the skirt has extra fabric built-in so that it falls longer than the front. This gives you a fantastic sweeping feel behind you as you walk.
- The fabric of the upper portion of the skirt is covered with an extra layer of the chiffon that has been gathered and manipulated to feel like flowers. Each flower has a sequin and bead at its centre with a little flare of pink feathers all done in the same colour as the dress.
- This is a fabulous example of his work and it is absolutely gorgeous.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching pink silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. There are moulded cups inside each halter that are tacked in and could be removed if extra room is needed. The skirt has multiple layers to hold the volume.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 38
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam with larger B-C cups
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 66" from neck to front hem and the back extends another 11" beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5689
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
pierre cardin
Rare 1978 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Huge Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous Pierre Cardin dress is from the 1978 Haute Couture season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierre Cardin.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- This is a fantastic Haute Couture dress by Pierre Cardin that shows the breadth and depth of his talent. It is also an interesting insight on the volume and play on proportion being done during this time period.
- The dress is made out of a very black silk chiffon that is feather light in weight. It gives the dress phenomenal movement around you once on the body.
- The design is simple and has a minimalist feel but is still striking and dramatic. As good as it looks even in these photos it will only truly come to life once on the body.
- The neckline is squared off on both sides with the back dipped slightly lower. It is cut wide across to show the collarbone and if you want the sleeves worn up on the shoulder it will sit right on the outer edge. If you choose to wear it off of the shoulders, the top of the sleeves drape down the arm and leave your shoulders completely bare.
- I love that you have the option of wearing the sleeves either way as it really changes how sensual and bare the dress will feel.
- Inside the bodice of the dress there is a strapless soft cupped bra made out of nude stretch lingerie fabric.
- The silk chiffon falls from the shoulders and skims over the bust, flows past the waist and hips and then it widens out a touch as it nears the floor.
- The easy flowing cut of the dress makes it easy to fit and wear.
- Under the top layer of black silk chiffon there is a layer of a dark brown silk chiffon. This keeps the dress from being fully transparent and at the same time it creates the illusion that the dress is more transparency than it actually is as the two colours play against each other.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are cut on a curve and are gathered into a silk piped wrist finished with a little bow made of the same piping.
- Once on they balloon out fantastically above your wrists. They are one of the most exaggerated balloon sleeves that I have ever actually seen. They are quite brilliantly executed.
- It is an incredible dress and a rare example of his couture work from this era.
- It is remarkable piece of Haute Couture and a true piece of fashion history.
- The dress is fully lined with a layer of dark brown silk chiffon. It slips on to wear and the inner bra hooks to close. It appears that a extension piece was added to the bra at some point and it would be easy to adjust the fit on that if needed. I have included the measurements of the outer dress for you as well as the inner bra. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- The dress has no size tag since it is true couture. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" to the actual wrist and then the sleeve extends another 10" past that when hanging loose. They are 17" around the upper arm.
Inner bra: tagged 34-35B and is 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam, the outer dress is to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5684
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
james galanos
1970s James Galanos Couture Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress w Beaded Butterfly Detailing
I Have a Question
- The label on this dress date it to the 1970s period.
- It was made under the creative direction of James Galanos.
- In 1951 a 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award.
- His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world.
- I think this is one of the best Galanos' pieces I have ever had in the shop. It is extremely well made with a very high level of construction techniques.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful floral printed silk chiffon in a mix of soft pastels. The print forms large flowers that cascade over the entire dress.
- There is a full inner bodice made of the same printed silk chiffon. This inner piece has straps that curve up and around the shoulders with a scoop at the front and back. Blousing over that is a fuller cut, single layer of the silk chiffon. It has long sleeves that narrow to the cuff and the most incredible beaded butterfly that is completely made by hand adorning the front. It is spectacularly beautiful.
- The waist nips in and the dress comes with a matching silk covered leather belt.
- The silk is gathered into the waist seam on one side so that it wraps around you. There is a high slit hidden underneath the wrap over on one side and another matching high slit on the other side so you get an unexpected flash of bare leg when you move or sit.
- The workmanship on the dress is absolutely stunning and the vast majority of it is all done by hand including the butterfly at the front.
- The inner bodice that sits under the top acts as the lining and then that is lined with another layer of nude silk chiffon. The skirt is made of two layers of chiffon. It zips to close at the back with a hand set zipper and the outer bodice hooks to close at the back of the neck. Each sleeve ends in a little zipper. I see a tiny pinhole just above the butterfly at the front and some very minor repairs - one near the neckline of the back and some near the hem. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- The dress has no size tag so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the notes above.
Sleeves: 23" and they are 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Inner bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5683
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
c. Resort 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Ruffle Detailed Silk Chiffon Floral Caftan Dress w Tie Belt
I Have a Question
- We believe this dress is from the Resort 2020 Valentino presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- Vogue said that 'Pierpaolo Piccioli had his Resort collection photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, a green oasis in the center of the city with giant bamboo stands and towering palm trees.'
- This is one of my favourite Valentino dresses I have had and it is even dreamier in real life.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight silk chiffon that has a joyful floral print over its entire surface. It comes with a matching pink inner dress worn underneath to act as the lining for the dress.
- The flowers of the print are large and combine the most gorgeous tones from mixing pinks and greens.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are full above their wide cuffs. They are a single layer of the silk chiffon and this gives them a beautiful delicate feel.
- The dress skims over the bust from a scooped neck and drapes easily over the body to the waist. It expands outwards all the way to the hem so has a very caftan feel if you choose to wear it without the matching tie belt.
- The matching tie belt is made out of the same printed silk chiffon and you can cinch in the waist area as much as you wish for added shape.
- Ruffles made out of the same silk start at the dropped shoulder and run vertically down the front all the way to the top ruffle on the lower skirt. This adds the prettiest extra detailing.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is extremely full. The excessive amount of fabric used through the skirt give it a ton of movement when you walk and move.
- At the bottom hem are two stacked ruffle layers that add even more movement and detail.
- The lightness of the silk and the way that it lays over the body allows it to move spectacularly over you and it will pick up the slightest bit of air as you move. It really is even more stunning in person.
- The inner pink slip dress is meant to be worn underneath and the dress itself has no lining. The inner dress slips on to wear and has some stretch. I put the comfortable range of measurements below for it. There is elastic around the back upper hem of the inner dress. The outer dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. Comes with its original matching tie belt in the same chiffon. Each cuff closes with small button. On a smaller frame it will just drape more. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 46
- Excellent condition
Outer Dress
Sleeves: 26" from the drop shoulder and they are 15' around the upper arm
Shoulders: 18"
Bust: to 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 25.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 63" from top of shoulder to the front hem in the back extends another 6"
Inner Slip Dress
Bust: 17-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25-30" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Sash: approximately 120" x 6"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL
Item# DD5681
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
marc jacobs
2010s Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Lambskin Leather Mini Skirt w Exaggerated Side Pockets
I Have a Question
- This skirt is from the Marc by Marc Jacobs line and is from the early-mid 2010s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Jacobs.
- This is a fantastic and easy to wear skirt. It's made out of a extremely supple soft, black leather.
- The waist is a combination of elastic with a tie front and you just slip it on and you can adjust the tie slightly.
- Panels run down the centre front and back, and then the sides are broken into two separate seamed panels.
- Over the side panels are an exaggerated pocket that has a bit of extra length at the top. This lets it draped out from the skirt slightly for a soft slouchy feel.
- The waist is cut slightly more generous and you have the option of wearing it at the waist if that is your waist size but it would also work on a smaller frame with it worn down more on the top of the hip.
- It perfectly hits that fine line between the sexiness of the leather and length mixed with the slightly sportswear feel of the pockets and casual waist.
- The skirt is fully lined in a black synthetic including the pockets. It slips onto where as described above with a slight adjustable waist.
- Tagged a vintage Marc by Marc Jacobs 8.
- Excellent condition
Waist: 14-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 15.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5680
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
anthony vaccarello
Sexiest Fall 2014 Anthony Vaccarello Skirt Runway Look 31 Black Wrap Skirt w High Front Slit
I Have a Question
- The twin of this skirt walked the runway for the Fall 2014 Anthony Vaccarello collection as part of Look 31.
- It was made under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello.
- Vogue talked about "the asymmetric hems on miniskirts and the hip high slits... that made this collection look identify his own." they went on to say "it was easily his most well-rounded so far with a new emphasis on tailoring."
- The silhouette of this skirt was used in several variations on the runway. We have included one reference photo that shows it very clearly.
- On the runway these were worn layered over mini dresses. In real life, street stylers were seen wearing it with tights on its own, or even with a full bare leg for those that dared. It would even work over a pant or short.
- I love that it gives you a range of styling options to make it feel fresh and able to be worn multiple times without feeling like the same piece.
- The skirt is made out of a wool mix that has a matte satin backing.
- It is extremely easy to pop on as it wraps around you and then and then buttons into place with two flat silver round buttons on one side of the hip.
- The wrap affect is what leaves that high slit and it is cut with that slit intentionally left on an open angle. I took a photo of it laying flat so you could get a better idea of its silhouette.
- The waist is cut slightly more generous and you have the option of wearing it at the waist if that is your waist size but it would also work on a smaller frame with it worn down more on the top of the hip.
- The fabric is self backed as described above and it closes with the two buttons as described above. It is very well made with black ribbon finish all the way around the inner edge of the seams. The skirt is new with tags and was never worn.
- Tagged a modern FR40
- Excellent condition
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 15.25" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5678
Reference Photo/Video: Fall 2014 Anthony Vaccarello, Look 31. Model Meghan Collison.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
cucculelli shaheen
Exquisite 2020 Cucculelli Shaheen Collection 9 Strapless Hand Embroidered Carnelian Constellation Dress
I Have a Question
- This is the Carnelian Constellation dress from Collection 9 by Cucculelli Shaheen
- It was made under the creative direction of Anna Rose Shaheen and Anthony Cucculelli.
- This collection was called the "House of Mysteria". The label keeps their collections open for purchase indefinitely since everything is a made-to-order, one-of-a-kind, with additional customization available. To order this dress on their website with no further customization is US$14,975.
- In the description of the dress on the website they note that it takes 858 hours of hand embroidery to complete this dress.
- The website also notes that their "constellation series has an option to be fully customizable and platinum gold silver or other metallic thread work on any colour base. We take the location and timing of any event, wedding, birthday, anniversary, special night, etc., and fully customize a star map embroidery for the skirt and or cape. Additional emblems, initials, and personal details may be added as well. We typically do placements for 10 PM on the date, so you can look up in the night sky and see your star as above."
- The dress is made out of a netted tulle in a deep coral red carnelian colour.
- Onto that is their signature constellation designs. They use a combination of platinum and crystal seed beads mixed with crystals and the tiniest tube beads.
- The thread work mixes a metallic thread with a matching carnelian coloured thread. The metallic thread used on this one is a muted gold colour. I love how this and heavy embellishment catches the light from every angle.
- The bodice is strapless and inside there is a built-in cupped and wired inner bodice to hold you in place. It is meant to be fitted around the bodice and then cinches in at the waist.
- The skirt falls from under that and there is an incredible amount of fabric in it. Underneath the top layer net are layers of silk organza and silk Georgette. This keeps it light in weight but gives it incredible movement around you when you move.
- The hand work on this dress is what brings it over the top and commands it's original high price tag at retail. The entire dress has been completely covered in that constellation motif that is so incredibly beautiful.
- Different astrological signs are embroidered and scattered through the skirt as well as star maps. The application of bead-work sequins and little rhinestones is extremely heavy over the entire dress. It is stunning.
- This is an incredible and very beautiful dress.Every detail is perfection right down to the hand embroidered label.
- It is made to a level that should be considered Demi Couture.
- The dress is fully lined in a silk georgette with silk organza layers in the skirt as described above. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The internal corset is made out of stretch lingerie netting and is lightly boned. The corset has its own hooked closure. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present since these are made to order. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam. If you include the rom for the cups it is a full 36" around
Waist: 12.5-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 9" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 56.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5675
Reference Photos: (1-2) Cucculelli Shaheen, Collection 9. / (3) Pallavi Subhash, July 2025.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Fall 1983 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Runway Look 73 Metallic Panne Velvet Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1983 Chanel Haute Couture show as Look 73.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- This was Karl's second Haute Couture show so any pieces from the show are incredibly rare and valuable.
- "It is all about luxury" Karl said of the show at the time. In the book "Catwalk: Chanel" they note that Karl was inspired by the history of the house and the unique skills of the Haute Couture atelier. Karl actually coaxed one of Coco Chanel's tailor's out of a retirement to find out how Mademoiselle made the sleeves of the iconic suit jacket. "They were cut in five different places" Karl admiringly told Women's Wear Daily. The book also notes that true to the spirit of Haute Couture, Lagerfeld worked with "luxurious materials from panne velvet and subtle beading to opulent embroidery inspired by Coco Chanel's personal collection of baroque objects and by the elaborate patterns of 18th century furniture."
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made out of a silk metallic panne velvet. All of the strands within the velvet have a metallic feel to them and this gives the dress an almost silvery liquid finish.
- The dress is cut to feel very soft over the body and the fabric is very light in weight. As you move the metallic threads that run through the velvet pick up the light from every angle. It is quite extraordinary.
- The shoulders have light rounded padding in them that extend into the top of the sleeve past the gold ribbon that frames the shoulder. The sleeves are long and each cuff is brought in slightly with hidden set stitching.
- The dress wraps over itself at the front and buttons to close with a series of six handmade gold buttons that we believe to be gold plated though they have no markings. Each button has a lion that sit on a black enamel base.
- The edges of the dress are defined by a metallic gold ribbon finish that feels all like it has real metal threads in it. This detailing follows. the seams where the sleeves insert into the dress, run around the collar, along the tops of the four pockets on the dress, and then down the front opening.
- I have included a photo of the dress hanging on a hanger. It is cut quite generously through the waist with the intention of cinching it in as needed with a belt. With the way that it is cut it would be easy to move the buttons over if you wanted a slimmer fit before belting.
- The dress is fully lined in a handset black silk. All of the work is done by hand and the trimming and buttons would have all been handmade specifically for this piece. I see a little bit of pinhole in the lining where it looks like someone moved the inner snap at the collar. This has no impact and is just mentioned for accuracy. The buttons may have been moved at some point to make it larger, and as mentioned above, it would be easy to move them where it fit the person who purchased this best. The grosgrain ribbon photoed with the dress is not original to the dress but will be included. The dress has as proper couture Chanel label and number tape underneath that in place.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders to the ribbons: 15" and the padding extends slightly beyond that
Bust: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 42" from neck to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5674
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1983 Chanel Haute Couture Runway. / (3) From the book "Catwalk: Chanel".
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Pre-Fall 2016 Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Runway Look 37 Gold Metallic Thread & Sequin Feather Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a very rare dress from the Pre-Fall 2016 YSL collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane.
- The twin of the dress was Look 37 on the runway of 93 looks and the collection was also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the YSL Rive Gauche label. Dresses had a touch of the 70s and the textiles were elaborate including this phenomenal piece.
- Lady Gaga was also shot wearing its twin.
- The dress has amazing movement and I love that you can see that in the reference photo and video.
- The dress is made out of a black silk and then that has an amazing peacock feather pattern that follows the lines of the dress. The feather design is made out of gold metallic thread to create the pattern that you see. Gold sequins are set in in amongst the pattern to highlight the design, and then tiny little more muted gold sequence follow the ends of the feathers. This combination of sequins on the gold allows the dress to glint beautifully in the light from every angle.
- The front is cut in a V and the bust is cut to skim over you to the waist. The waist has some shape defined by a band of a matching fabric that runs all the way around you.
- The sleeves are phenomenal. They are cut in a diamond shape at their ends so they fall at different lengths over the arm. The pattern is set over that running down the lengths of the sleeves.
- The skirt has a head pointed finish at the side and it is incredibly full. When I lay flat. It is a full circle all the way around. The amount of fabric gives you tremendous movement as you move.
- I also love how this increases the depth and weight of the pattern. The feather pattern runs down the length of the skirt all the way around you and when you move and you get the feel of how much silk and gold actually makes up the skirt. It is just phenomenal.
- On the runway, it was shown belted in with a scarf. These are pieces that were sold separately. If you prefer that look, it would be easy to add pieces of your own to re-create it.
- These extensively beaded pieces or produced in limited quantities. This is a phenomenal example of his time at the label.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern YSL 36
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 21" and they are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to the top seam of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 52" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5673
Reference Photo/Video: (1-2) Pre-Fall 2016 Yves Saint Laurent, Look 37. / (3) Lady Gaga, from her Instagram, 2017.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Junya Watanabe
Fall 2009 Junya Watanabe Runway Look 29 Black Padded Nylon Dress w Gold Chain Detailing
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 2009 collection for Look 29.
- It was made under the creative direction of Junya Watanabe
- A version was shot for Vogue Korea that season and we have included those reference photos so you can get an idea of how fantastically this will sit on the body.
- The dress still has its original tags and was never worn so it is pristine.
- The soft sculptural quality of the dress is phenomenal. It is made out of a very light in weight black nylon that is very pliant. Light in weight padding lies between the layers that make up the body of the dress. This gives the dress a soft structure and the incredible volume and shape that you see. We have added nothing underneath to any of these photos to create the volume that you see.
- The sleeves extend out from either side of the neck line to slope softly outward from the shoulder.
- Both the front and back plunge into a V and are detailed with a chunky gold toned metal chain that is hand stitched into place. The chain continues from there to cross over itself at the front and at the back. From there it scoops over to the sides. On one side the chain curves down and over one hip on the outside of the dress and on the other side it sits on the interior of the dress. The fabric is gathered and hand stitched into the chain to create the beautiful curving shapes that the dress has. It is ingenious.
- An open keyhole is created at the back where the chains meet and the dress is so well-made that I think you could wear it either way around if you wanted that at the front instead.
- The skirt is phenomenal. It is quilted and lightly padded. It scoops back up and under itself at the hem and is attached into the chain that sits in the interior.
- The dress is like a complicated puzzle that has been peace together perfectly.
- The skirt is full and when I lay it out flat it makes a complete circle of fabric.
- The the skirt is constructed so that the inside is the same fabric as the outside and the bodice is unlined. It slips on to wear with no closures. Its easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just feel more oversized. The dress has never been worn and still has its original tags and an extra piece of repair fabric in a clear pouch attached to the tag on the inner skirt.
- Tagged a vintage Watanabe size M
- Excellent condition
Bust: approx 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: approx 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: approx 47" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5672
Reference Photos: (1) Fall 2009 Junya Watanabe Runway, Look 29. / (2) Vogue Korea, December 2009.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
ronald amey
Spectacular 1970s Ronald Amey Demi-Couture Printed Silk, Silk Chiffon & Cut Velvet Dress
I Have a Question
- The label in the dress dates it to the 1970s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Ronald Amey.
- In the 1960s and seventies if you wanted to wear something with a dramatic flare then you chose the work of Ronald Amey.
- He was known for his original use of fabrics and colours and his dresses were priced in the thousands even back then.
- His career was very short-lived. From 1959-1969 he designed under the label Burke-Amey. Joseph Burke, his partner, took care of the business side of things. In 1970s he bought out Burke and renamed the company Ronald Amey where he continued to produce his dramatic clothing until the label closed in 1976. This gives us a very precise window for the date of this dress.
- His clothing was high in quality and he incorporated many couture level details into their construction. All of his pieces were sewn in-house at his New York atelier and I consider them to be demi-couture level.
- One of his signatures was to combine prints, fabrics and detailed embellishments in interesting, unusual ways and this dress is a wonderful example of that. This is an absolutely beautiful dress and I think that in person it is even better.
- The neckline is high and the cut velvet detailing on it runs wide across the tops of the shoulders and down into the bodice in the fantastic pattern you see. The bodice is cut to curve and skim over the body and then it comes in at the waist with a more generous feel.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves extend out from the top of the shoulder. Each sleeve is cut to be full above the cuffs. The cuffs are finished in that same cut velvet used on the bodice and I love the iridescent facetted round buttons that define each cuff.
- From under the seam of the bodice the skirt falls to the floor. It is gathered in around the waist and then widens out as it near the hem.
- The mix of fabrics on the dress is spectacular. The cut velvet mixes an earthy mustard on a brown silk chiffon base. All of the edges where that is used are finished with a gold metal braiding. Under that on the bodice is a floral silk chiffon with pops of turquoise and purple.
- The skirt is made out of a heavier silk that has a gorgeous abstract floral print. The fabric has painted silver and gold parts to highlight the print and you can feel the paint sitting on top of the fabric.
- The very bottom of the hem is edged in a printed black band. Under that on the inner hem is another band of printed colour. You may be able to let that band down if you wanted more length and for that to show. Even if kept turned under it is an incredible and unexpected flash of colour when you move or sit.
- It is a phenomenal dress that showcases how beautifully patterns can be mixed. He was a genius at this and known for his mixing of unexpected prints and patterns and fabrics.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk throughout including the sleeves. It is entirely hand finished and closes with a back zipper. Each cuff has three dome buttons and hand made silk loops. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. The dress is even better in person.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 24" and they are 14.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from neck to waist
Total length: 58.5" from neck to hem and the hem under 4" wide
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5669
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Fall 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Bias Cut Silver Silk Halter Dress w Flower Detailng
I Have a Question
- This dress is from Fall 2008 Christian Dior collection.
-
It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The fall 2008 show celebrated the 1960s and marked the launch of a new handbag called the '61. Galliano said of the show "I am always looking for heroines who make me dream". In the book Christian Dior: Catwalk they note that "his muse is included actress, model and Warhol superstar, 'Baby' Jane Holzer, as well as Raquel Welch, and of course Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate." "They inspired a Christian Dior collection Galliano called 'pure glamour,' one that worked the joyful high-voltage side of restraint in near perfection." said Women's World Daily.
- The dress is made from a soft silver coloured silk. The silk is a beautiful weight and is just heavy enough to keep the shape that he wanted without it feeling too heavy.
- Straps extend outward from the middle of the neckline and curve over the sides of your neck. They angle down to connect into the centre of the back.
- The bodice is shaped with a bit of a slightly stiffened lining over the bust. The fabric is softly pleated to angle in towards the centre.
- At the centre of the front, part of the silk extends out and is twisted to form a flower.
- From under the seam of the bust it falls over the body with a more generous feel. The silk all cut on the bias for beautiful movement.
- It is gathered and pleated on one side under the bust. This is repeated on the same side at the back. From there it flows with a more generous cut over the waist and hips.
- The very bottom portion of the skirt widens out as it nears the hem so you have fantastic movement when you move.
- The fabric at the hip on the opposite side of the pleating has been gathered and twisted to form two large flowers.
- It is exquisite and a fabulous example of his work during this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in the same silver silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see a couple of very small, very faint marks underneath the bust area near the pleats. They are very minor, but mentioned for accuracy. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Dior FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5666
Reference Photos: Heather Graham at a Dior Party during the Marrakech Film Festival, 2008.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Spring 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Blue Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Dress w Silver Sequins & Beads
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2006 Christian Dior collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- Galliano began his own label in 1984 and he was instantly a bit of a 'boy wonder' in fashion. He was British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995. In 1991 he made his Paris catwalk debut. In 1995 he was asked to head Givenchy and then went to Dior in October of 1996.
- His work, especially the bias cut pieces that he did, have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and they are beautifully cut.
- They marry Old Hollywood with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and early 2000s and the results are stunning.
- This is an amazing example of his work from the Spring 2006 season and it is gorgeous. We believe that some of the detailing is based on / loosely inspired by the opening look of the Couture 2006 collection. We have included a photo of that dress for you and you can see similar bead work through the skirt of that dress that has similarity to the pattern of the beads on this dress.
- The dress is made out of a deep blue silk crepe chiffon that has a slight bit of texture to it and a slight grey undertone.
- It is completely cut on the bias. The dress falls from the shoulders and then drapes down and over the body to the floor. It is very beautiful. The signature bias cut that he often did allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted.
- The seaming is highly reminiscent of the work you see from the twenties and thirties which became another of John's signatures.
- The fabric has been pieced together with both curved and angled seams through the bodice and lower skirt to create the fantastic lines of the dress that you see.
- Wide straps extend out from the bust to curve over your shoulders. The front is set in a V and the fabric is gathered across the front of the shoulders.
- I love the angled cut of the front bodice where he has pieced the two side of it together. These are set into a high curving seam that highlights the waist but still stays easy in cut.
- That seam curves around the back curving upwards there as well.
- The back is scooped into a low curved open expanse. The straps become smaller and run down the back to join into each side of the lowest part of that curve.
- An attached panel of silk drapes beautifully down the back in reference to the best of Old Hollywood.
- The dress glides over the body from there and flares out as it reaches the hem. The widening and length of the back hem is created with angled silk chiffon panels inset into the back skirt. It is an incredible feat of patterning.
- This creates a longer bit of a train at the back for a bit of a sweeping feel behind you.
- There is an incredible amount of fabric through the lower skirt which gives you so much movement when you walk.
- The entire dress to just past the knee is beaded with silver beads mixed with the tiniest silver sequins. These are laid out vertically over the dress in beautiful curving lines that cover the dress. They catch the light from every angle and take the dress to another level.
- His signature row of tightly spaced buttons run up one side.
- The dress is even better in person and on the body as the static photos cannot fully convey how a bias cut dress moves. They only truly come to life when worn.
- It has a matching silk inner slip dress that loop through a stitch so that they are attached at the top of the inner shoulders. You could easily remove this to get more room if needed. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and we have provided the comfortable range of measurements for both it and the outer dress below. It closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a FR42, GB14, IT46, US10.
- Excellent condition
Dress
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approx 59" from the top of the shoulder to the front hem and approx 74" to the back
Inner slip
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining at hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5662
Reference Photo: Fall 2006 Dior Couture, Look 1.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alex perry
Spring 2020 Alex Perry Runway Brilliant Blue Dress w Twist Front & to the Floor Caped Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was presented for the Spring 2020 Alex Perry collection.
- It was made under the creative Direction of Alex Perry.
- Alexandros Pertsinidis is an Australian fashion designer who launched the Alex Perry label in 1992. His work has been featured on numerous the covers worldwide since then and is a favourite on the red carpet. It's been worn by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Rita Ora, Katy Perry, Lupita Nyong and countless others.
-
Mindy Kaling wore its twin to the 2021 SAG awards and Deepika Padukone was also seen wearing one. We've added reference photos of each, along with the runway presentation photo, so you can see how fantastic this is on the body.
- The dress is made from a brilliant royal blue crepe finish fabric is used for the entire dress including those incredible sleeves. The fabric choice gives it. a beautiful drape and 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 and is twisted in a knot that meets at the waist.
- The shoulders are padded to give them a defined and shaped silhouette. Caped sleeves extend out from the shoulders to fall all the way to the floor to create this elegant and dramatic feeling over your arms.
- The fabric has enough weight that it stays in place when you are standing still but when you move you get a billowing effect around you with the sleeves.
- It is a fantastic dress and I love how it is so well documented.
- The dress is lined in a matching blue and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Alex Perry 8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Total length: 63" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5660
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 2020 Alex Perry. / (2) Mindy Kaling in Alex Perry for the SAG Awards, 2021. / (3) Deepika Padukone in Alex Perry for The World Economic Forum, 2020.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
versace
Rare Spring 1993 Versace by Gianni Versace Runway & Lookbook 'Miami Collection' Floral Print Silk Vest
I Have a Question
- The twin of this piece was shown on the Spring 1993 Versace runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace
- Besides being prominently featured on the runway, it was featured in editorials for the Versace lookbook.
- This is an exceedingly rare piece from one of the best known eras of his career.
-
This collection was an homage to South Beach, a place that Gianni absolutely loved. In 1991 he bought Casa Casuarina, a mansion on Ocean Drive. Two years and $30 million later it was a lavish palazzo, but before that was completed, he created this Spring 1993 show as a love letter to South Beach. Little Havana was referenced in the amazing floral printed silks that we see on this piece.
- The vest is made out of a printed silk with a solid black used for the collar and lining. Black silk is also used for the properly finished button holes and the silk covered buttons at the front.
- The rest of the vest has a brilliant oversized floral print running over it that is spectacular.
- I love how the back panel of the vest is a different floral panel pattern for contrast.
- The shawl collar curves down low to the waist and the vest closes with a double set of silk covered buttons across the front. Long floral covered tails fall around the side of the hip and down the front. These will end around or past the knee depending on your height.
- At the back, seams curve inward to add shape through the waist and there is a fabric half belt that you use to cinch in and add more shape.
- The belt buckle and added embellishment on the belt are amazing. They are made out of a gold toned metal with the tops of each piece finished in a red hand poured enamel. There are two curving pieces, one that secures the belt once buckled, and the other to finish the end of the belt strap. Three more straight pieces sit on either side of that for added decoration. It is a very decadent and beautiful extra touch of detail.
- This is an iconic and highly collectible piece of Versace history.
- The vest is fully lined in a black silk and closes with the two front buttons that have properly finished button holes. The black silk portion of the vest has a slight soft feel to its finish that appears intentional. It does have a fabric and size tag but it is faded and you can no longer read what size it is.
- The size tag has faded so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam but because the tails open at the front, there is some wiggle room and it should fit a little larger. The tails would just be spread open more at the front.
Total length: 44" from neck to longest point of the front hem, 20" from neck to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5658
Reference Photos/Video: (1-6) Spring 1993 Versace. / (6) Angelika Kallio for Spring 1993 Gianni Versace Miami Collection Lookbook. / (7) Backstage at Versace, 1993.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
hermes
Fantastic Vintage 1999 Hermes Rythmes du Monde by Laurence Bourthoumieux Green Silk Twill Top
I Have a Question
- This is an exceptional vintage Hermes top from 1999.
- This print is called Rythmes du Monde and was created by Laurence Bourthoumieux and first issued in 1999.
- Laurence Bourthoumieux is also known as Toutsy on her later works. She is well known for her work for Hermes.
-
The top is made out of one of their signature silk twills that has a bit of give so the fit is amazing.
- The print that covers it is phenomenal. It combines greens with a deeper yellow and has a classic Hermes pattern that covers the entire top.
- The collar is fantastic with a pointed finish and I love how the entire front edging is a contrasting print.
- That same contrast is picked up again on each cuff.
- The colour is pointed and slightly exaggerated. The shoulders are soft, and the sleeves are slightly full above their cuffs. The cut through the body is easy and boxy so it is easy to wear and fit.
- There are two extra buttons still sewn inside near the side seam.
- The text identifying the print is on the inside edge of the bottom of the top.
- This is a fantastic way to add a piece of Hermes magic to your wardrobe.
- The top is unlined and buttons to close down the front and at each cuff. I see some minor colour transfer here and there in the print. I have taken photos of where it is the worst. It is mainly around the lower edge. The print is so extensive over the top that it blends in well but it is mentioned for accuracy. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and on a smaller frame it will just be slightly more oversized.
- Tagged a vintage Hermes 40.
- Excellent overall condition with the note above
Sleeves: 24" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom edge: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 26" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5657
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Phenomenal Spring 2007 Alexander McQueen Black Silk Bias Cut Dress w Sweeping Skirts
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2007 Alexander McQueen collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexander McQueen.
- This is the all black production version dress of the printed dress that walked the runway for that collection.
- Elle Fanning wore is twin in 2022 and I love having the photos and video so you can see how phenomenal this is once on and moving.
- We have also added the video of the printed version so you can see more of how this moves once it is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a black on black patterned bias cut silk. The print is worked directly into the silk with a thatched feeling background and then there are flowers that are worked over the entire dress. I love how this picks the light up and really adds texture and movement to the dress once it is on.
- A ruffle follows the neckline and extends out over top of the tiny cap sleeve on that side. The other side is caught up with a little half bow at the front and then the strap gets thinner and curves over to attach into the back. I love how this creates a scoop at the front and the back.
- Once it is on an actual body it sits wider across and more like the photos of the one on Elle and of the runway version. My dress form has no chest so it sits lower than it will on an actual body.
- It skims over the bust, waist and hips in a beautiful bias cut that lets it fall over you and accentuate your curves.
- The skirt is phenomenal. He has set it into the dress in a series of upward curving peaks and then each peak tops a panel of silk that widens out substantially by the hem. This is what gives the dress its amazing movement and the phenomenal sweep of the lower skirt.
- There are yards and yards of silk making up that lower skirt. As you move you get a bit of trailing effect of the back skirt behind you.
- This is a very rare and very special McQueen piece and really shows you the extent of his masterful seam-work and how he could handle a bias cut piece as easily as his highly tailored pieces.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk up to where the skirt attaches and then the lower skirt is unlined. It slips on to wear with no closures. The bias cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes and I have put the comfortable range below. It is in its original uncut length and appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage McQueen 44
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5656
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 2007 Alexander McQueen, Look 34. / (3) Olivia Munn in 2007 Alexander McQueen for LA Magazine, March 2026. / (4-6) Elle Fanning in McQueen at the Babylon Premiere, December 2022.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Rare Spring 1999 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Bias Cut Silk Dress w See Through Lace Insets
I Have a Question
- This spectacular dress is a very rare piece from the Spring 1999 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- For this show the Dior Catwalk book noted that "Galliano took a trip on the Trans-Siberian railway and drew inspiration from Russian avant-garde as well as the Chinese red army."
- A shorter version of this dress was shown in the show as well as a long version without the lace insets at the front. We have included reference photos of both so you can see how this will fit on the body.
- This is one of his signature bias cut dresses and it is absolutely stunning.
- The dress falls from two straps that curve up and over the shoulders. The front falls in a soft curving drape and then the back is scooped low to leave your upper back bare. The draped front is a clever way to add shape while still keeping the entire dress soft and with little formal structure.
- Behind the draped silk of the bust is a second halter cut bodice made out of black lace. As the front drapes down this lace peeks out from behind it.
- Set just underneath the bust is an angled panel of lace that is just over an inch and a half wide. This angles up towards the centre of the bust and then runs around the back.
- Another panel of lace highlights the seam that the lower skirt is set into and then the entire hem is finished with the same lace. I love how the placement of lace is done to highlight your shape.
- None of the lace used has any backing so that once this is on the body you get a glimpse of skin through all of the lace parts of the dress.
- The rest of the dress is made out of beautiful slightly textured hammered black silk. The silk is a heavier weighted silk and it is completely cut on the bias. When you put it on it simply drapes over you and highlights every curve without ever being too tight anywhere.
- It skims over the bust, waist and hips and then comes in slightly where the bottom lace is. The lower skirt flares out substantially under that and there are yards of fabric in that part of the dress alone. This gives you incredible movement when you walk and finishes the dress beautifully.
- This flowing hourglass shape was a Galliano signature and this one is absolutely spectacular.
- The inner lining under the lower skirt is finished with yet another panel of black lace and this peaks out from underneath the skirt to perfectly tie all of the elements of the dress together.
- The dress is an exceptional example from his very early days at Dior. A true piece of fashion history.
- The lace serves as the lining behind the draped front and then the rest of the dress is lined in a black silk except for behind the lace parts which are left unlined. It closes with hidden set side zipper. It is completely cut on the bias so there is a lot of movement and range to the fabric. It is an easy fit and the bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes I have put the range when laying flat in the measurements below. On a smaller frame it will drape more. I see a small scuff on the fabric here and there. Very minor and just mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a vintage Dior FR40, GB12, US8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from top of shoulder to lace under the bust
Total length: approx 65" from top of shoulder to hem. The length may come up a touch once on because of the bias cut.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5654
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 1999 Christian Dior.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
nina ricci
Elegant Spring 1989 Nina Ricci by Gerard Pipart Haute Couture Runway Deep Blue Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- This is a phenomenal dress whose twin walked the runway for the Spring 1989 Nina Ricci show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gerard Pipart.
- I love that there are runway reference photos of the dress so you can see how it will sit once on the body.
- The dress is true Couture and was completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- It is made out of a deep blue silk that is very high-quality and it is lined by hand in a matching blue silk chiffon.
- The shoulders have hand done padding in them for some added shape and the sleeves are set wide into the body of the dress. They narrow as they fall to the wrist and the lower part of the outside seam is gathered to create a slight ruffled feel at the cuff.
- A panel of the same silk starts at the waist of one side and sweeps up in a curve to be gathered on top of the shoulder on the opposite side. Under that the bottom skims down to the waist area.
- The waist is shaped by the fabric being gathered in at the side and the way it is cut. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt.
- The panel that starts underneath the top panel extends down past the hip and does the same sweeping over the internal skirt. It curves up to the side to form an opposite curve to the one of the bodice.
- There is one more sweeping curve formed over the lower skirt. This one matches the direction of the curve of the top part of the dress. The way that it gathered in the side gives it a little bit more of a ruffled feel then the other two.
- I love this back-and-forth sweeping feel that the dress has. It almost feels like petals of a flower as they curve over you. On the runway, each of the three spots was highlighted with a flower. If you wanted to re-create that look it would be very easy to add removable flowers set on a brooch and you could use whatever colour you chose at the three spots.
- This is a beautifully made and elegant dress of the highest possible quality given that it's true Couture.
- The dress is fully lined in handset silk organza under the panels and a blue silk through the body. It closes with a back zipper. All of the work is done by hand. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please see the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24" and they are 17" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 44.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5651
Reference Photo: Spring 1989 Nina Ricci Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
mary katrantzou
Fabulous Fall 2014 Mary Katrantzou Deep Blue & Black Digitally Printed Mini Dress w Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2014 Mary Katrantzou Collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Mary Katrantzou
- The digital prints that were on many of her dresses during this time period are what launched her to fame. No one really was doing them to the same degree. You can see the inspiration for this dress in looks 2 and 26.
- The fervor for these dresses is hard to comprehend now, but many of her dresses were sold out worldwide and wait-listed.
- The dress is made out of a fabric that has almost the feel of a very lightweight neoprene. This allows it to perfectly hold the intended shape on and off the body.
- The neckline is scooped wider across and the shoulders are soft. Sleeves begin and are set in wider and then narrow down slightly to the wrist. The fabric that it is made out keep it soft and comfortable to wear despite its exaggerated structured shape.
- The bodice skims down to the seamed waist for added shape and the skirt is fitted into that. The front panel of the bodice continues down past the waist to the hem and has a more flat and sleek feel.
- The fulness of the skirt is created by a added panel that wraps around and curves under itself to meet that inner front panel. This is what gives the skirt its incredible fullness.
- Built in between the top layer of the skirt and the lining is netting to help hold the shape and fullness.
- Hidden along those seams on each side of the skirt are pockets.
- The front bodice and that inner front panel has been done in a deep blue and then the digital print runs down the front to just past the waist. The sleeves entire back of the dress and the skirt to where it meets that front panel are all done in black.
- This is an incredible dress and was never worn. It still has its original tags in place.
- The dress is fully lined in a blue silk or organza. Built in netting through the skirt as described above. It closes with a back hidden set set zipper. Hidden set zippers at each cuff. It was never worn and still has its original tags attached.
- Tagged a modern Katrantzou UK10, IT42, US6
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 21.25" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 31.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5652
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 2014 Mary Katrantzou, Looks 2 & 26. / (3) Lena Dunham at Variety's Power of Women in New York, April 2015.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
2022 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Silk Chiffon Dress w Silver Bead Detailed Bodice
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the 2022 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- we found a photo of the dress on so you can see how it works on an actual body.
- The dress is made from layers of an off-white ivory silk chiffon that floats beautifully over the body.
- Tiny adjustable straps curve up and over your shoulder to connect at the sides of the bodice and back. You would have the option to tuck the straps in and wear this as a strapless dress if you wished.
- The bodice is cupped and inside there are wired inner cups to hold the shape and give you structure and support.
- Onto the bodice is a beautiful and elaborate design made out of a braided silver thread, silver tube beads, and prong set rhinestones and beads in various sizes. These are set over the bodice to form a design of leafs and vines that swirl deep into each side.
- The silk chiffon falls from under there and flows all the way down to the floor. The movement the silk chiffon has is incredible. The fabric is very light in weight so that when you move it swirls around you.
- There are extra panels of the silk chiffon attached along the upper edge of the back. these fold inwards from the sides and i love how to silk is swept slight towards them. These fall to the floor to give a beautiful caped feel to the back.
- It is a very striking and romantic feeling dress.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. There is a built-in inner corset that is boned and cupped. I see a tiny repair near the hem of the skirt and there is a little bit of very minor pulling here and there.
- Tagged a McQueen 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of the shoulder to seam under the bust
Total length: 64" from the top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5647
Reference Photo: Credit unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
lanvin
Gorgeous Resort 2012 Lanvin by Aber Elbaz Ivory Lace, Silk & Silk Netting Wedding Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was a part of the presentation for the Resort 2012 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz.
- The dress is made of an ivory cotton lace with silk net edging that falls beautifully over the body.
- The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The shoulders are wide and curve into a shallow scoop at the front. I love how he chose to edge the neckline and openings for the arms with that little bit of silk for a pretty contrast.
- The lace skims over the bust and is cut more generously around the waist. This helps to keep the silhouette soft and pretty. If you did want a more defined shape you could easily add a belt or silk ribbon around the waist that could be as elaborate as or simple as you wished it to be.
- The lace skims past the waist and then the skirt is set over top of the lace of the bodice in a very deliberate way that makes the seam there a part of the design. The workmanship is exquisite where they meet and I love how the fabric of the skirt has been gathered into little ruffles that curve all the way around you.
- From there it falls over the hips and down to the floor in a beautiful drape of lace. The fabric is light and soft and there is an additional layer of silk chiffon underneath so that it feels amazing against the skin.
- All of the fabric that was gathered in around the top of the hips is allowed to expand and give you the fullness of the skirt so that you get this pretty sweep of fabric around you when you move.
- It is extremely pretty and romantic in feel.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon. It closes with an exposed bronze colour zipper at the side. It is in its original length. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a Lanvin size 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-seam at top of hips: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Total length: 68" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5646
Reference Photo: Resort 2012 Lanvin, Look 39.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
philip hulitar
1950s Philip Hulitar Couture Strapless Gathered Front Champagne Ivory Silk Dress w Bow
I Have a Question
- Philip Hulitar designed from 1949 to his retirement in 1964 so his pieces fall in a very defined period of time. He was known for his sophisticated dresses and evening gowns. Shortly after the launch of his label a journalist gushed that; 'The star of a gifted designer has risen recently on the fashion horizon'. Prior to the launch of his label he was the in-house designer and head of the women's dress division for Bergdorf Goodmans for 18 years.
- I had this dress completely restored and it is absolutely gorgeous.
- The dress is made out of a rich ivory champagne coloured silk.
- The bodice is strapless and it is lightly boned to help to hold the shape once it is on the body.
- I love the little bow detail that sits on one side of the bodice to add pretty detail.
- The waist nips in and then the skirt curves out and over the hips. It widens from there to the floor in a stunning expanse of silk.
- Running down the centre of the front and also down the back are inset panels made out of the same silk. The silk has been hand gathered inside of each of those panels.
- I love how they add to the hourglass shape the dress has and it also adds an incredible detail to the dress.
- The back is cut slightly longer for a beautiful sweep of fabric as you walk.
- It is a beautiful and rare piece of 1950s couture.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching silk organza that has darkened to have a tea dyed feel to it for most of it. It closes at the back with a hand set metal zipper. Light boning through the interior bodice. I see a tiny foxing mark on one side of the outer skirt and there are minor areas of the teeniest bit of along the edges under each arm. Hand finishes throughout.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam with room to a C cup at the front
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 53" from top of bodice to front hem and 62" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG
Item# DD5645
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fall 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Off Shoulder Dress w Metallic Thread & Ruffled Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1987 show.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- We have included reference photos of it from the runway for you so that you can see how fabulous it is on the body. We even found one where you can see the model walking back down the runway so you can see how gorgeous it is from the back as well.
- This is an easy to wear and very chic little YSL dress perfect for parties.
- The top layer of the dress is an unusual blue-purple colour that runs through a lace feeling fabric.
- It has a bit of a metallic feel from it caused by a metallic thread that runs through the lace.
- Over that are thousands of glossy black sequins that follow the pattern. The sequins catch the light from every angle.
- Underneath that top layer is a deep blue silk chiffon that has a touch of transparency to it with the two layered over each other it is opaque enough to wear safely.
- The combination of these two fabrics keep it light and weight so that it feels amazing once on the body.
- The dress sits off the shoulder to leave a bare expanse of skin across the top and it is finished with a pretty black silk organza ruffle.
- The sleeves fall to just past the elbow and each is also finished with a ruffle.
- From there the dress skims over you, running over the bust and past the waist, with no seaming there to break the line. At the top of the hip there is a seam that has another ruffled detailing.
- The skirt falls under that and widens out as it nears the hem. A final ruffle goes all the way around the edge of the skirt. The back of the skirt is set to hang a touch longer than the front. This gives you a beautiful curve from the side and adds a touch of pretty volume.
- It is a gorgeous dress and really showcases Yves' innovative eye and design genius.
- The dress is fully lined in a dark blue silk chiffon. It closes at the side with a zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approx 18" from the dropped shoulder and they are 12" around the upper arm.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam across the top of the hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 30" from top of centre neckline to front hem and 36" to back hem including the ruffle
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5643
Reference Photos: Fall 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Spring 2000 Thierry Mugler Runway Nude Chiffon One Shoulder Dress w Large Shoulder Detail
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2000 runway
- It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler
- I love that we have both photo and video references so you can see just how beautifully it moves once on the body. And that we have a photo of it with Thierry himself.
- The dress is made out of a nude chiffon that is light in weight and drapes beautifully over the body.
- The dress is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- It is suspended from one shoulder and the other is left bare and exposed. All the seaming on the dress is set vertically so that it enhances and highlights the curves of the body.
- The bust and waist are created by the shaping of those beautifully curving vertical seams.
- It skims over the hips and then falls to the floor with a slight widening out as it nears the hem. The hem is cut on a slight angle so that the side that has the shoulder is cut a little bit longer than the other.
- The shoulder is detailed with a panel of fabric that you can sweep behind you for a bit of extra movement when you move.
- At the very top of the shoulder is an extra large custom made piece made out of an acrylic that has pale green rhinestones embedded in it to follow its curves. I love this added detail. These would have been custom-made for each dress and it is very special to find a piece that has one of these on it still.
- The very outer layer of the chiffon is split quite high along the edge at the back and this adds incredible movement to the dress as you can see on the runway. You are still fully covered by the inner dress underneath.
- It is an extraordinary dress that is rare and highly collectible. It is even better in person then how it shot here.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching fabric and closes with a hidden set side zipper. I see one tiny catch in the fabric near the seam just above the hem. It is very minor and only mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 58" from top of shoulder to the longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5641
Reference Video/Photos: Spring 2000 Thierry Mugler.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
thierry mugler
Fall 1995 Thierry Mugler Couture Runway Sculpted Body Shape Black Silk w Ivory Inset Dress
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this rare dress walked the runway for the Fall 1995 collection with an added cape.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
- A version of the dress was included for the "Thierry Mugler: Couturissime" Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum
- Mugler was a masterpiece of draping and cut and this is a fantastic example of that. It is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
- The dress is very rare and special. It is spectacular on the body.
- The dress is made out of a black silk mixed with an ivory silk set on a combination of angled and curving panels down the entire front.
- A wide set curving V comes down the front bodice. An ivory panel circles the neck line and then follows the V into a point that plunges to the centre of the waist. A small black silk flower sits where the two meet. The flower is a removable brooch so if you prefer it without it is easily removed.
- I love how the parts on the bodice are a mix of curves and angles. The curving parts feel feminine and emphasize the shape of the body while the angles are more edgy in contrast.
- The sleeves come directly out from the shoulder with gussets underneath the arm and no set shoulder seam to break the eye. Each sleeve ends in a little turned up cuff of the same black silk.
- The waist is snatched in and the insets of ivory visually exaggerate the cinched in shape.
- The skirt has been cut to have a deliberate outward curve around the top of the hip. From there it flows down and over the hips and then narrows inwards as it nears the hem. A high slit up the back allows you to walk and lets a bit of a leg to show.
- A second inset ivory silk panel runs down the full front of the skirt from the waist seam. It mimics that same curving shape that we see through the hip and also narrows down to the hem of the skirt.
- The ivory parts that runs from shoulder to hem are all done to give the visual appearance of an exaggerated hourglass / wasp silhouette.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper. The flower at the waist is pinned on and is easily removed. It appears to have worn very little effort at all.
- Tagged a vintage Mugler 40
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 16" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 59.5" from neck to hem with just over 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5634
Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 1995 Thierry Mugler Couture. / (4) Outfit on display at the "Thierry Mugler: Couturissime" Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Resort 2017 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri Collection Look 70 Black Net & White Embroidery Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was shown for Look 70 of the resort 2017 Valentino collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- This ended up being the final collection that Maria worked on for the Valentino label.
- The inspiration behind the collection was Cuba and the looks were rife with embroidery and print. Piccioli remarked that "It gave us a real freedom to mix, like a souvenir, lots of pieces together."
- The dress has the added provenance of being the twin of the dress worn by Natalie Portman that year on the red carpet. She wore it beautifully and it shows you just how spectacular the dress is once on the body.
- The dress is made out of a light weight, more open weave black net that sits over a black silk chiffon lining to make it opaque enough to wear. Onto that is a stark white embroidery that forms a beautiful pattern over the entire dress.
- The neckline is set wide across so that it sits at the edges of the shoulders. If you are not very broad across the shoulders you should be able to wear it fully off the shoulder. The dress form shows it fully off the shoulder. The collection photo shows it at the very edge and then Natalie chose to wear it a little higher up. I love that this let you see all of the options.
- A wide 9" ruffle follows the entire neckline and gives it the prettiest flounce all the way around you.
- Under that the bodice skims down to the seamed waist and then the skirt is smoothly set into the waist. From there the skirt expands outwards and by the time it reaches the hem it has an amazing amount of volume. The back is cut slightly longer than the front so you get a beautiful sweep.
- The the hem of the skirt has a ruffle that picks up on the one around the shoulders and that ruffle is a full 13" wide. Underneath the top layer is two more layers of black netting that sit between the top skirt and the inner silk chiffon lining. I love how this added touch of underskirts along with the beautiful cut of the skirt adds to the volume and detail of the skirt. It also gives you fantastic movement when you move.
- This is an absolutely stunning dress and this particular cut of dress is one of my favourites.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk chiffon with extra layers of netting through the skirt as described above. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Valentino 38
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from the top of the shoulder to waist
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to the front hem, 64" to the longest point of the back hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5635
Reference Photos: (1) Resort 2017 Valentino, Look 70. / (2-4) Natalie Portman at the Premiere of Jackie, Venice Film Festival 2016.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
richard tyler
Exceptional 2000s Richard Tyler Black Silk Dress w Gathered Inserts & Scooped Open Back
I Have a Question
- The dress is from one of the 2000s Richard Tyler Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Richard Tyler.
- Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s and early 2000s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993. In 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson, and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and his dresses made regular appearances on the red carpet.
- Tyler was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes and at the time employed some of the best tailors and seamstresses in the business.
- The dress is made out of silk and is beautifully structured. It is cut to appear like it just drapes into place, but with its lining and infrastructure around the bodice area, it does have more structure than it appears at first glance.
- This gorgeous little number is in amazing condition and is cut beautifully. It is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps that curve over and down the back.
- The dress is cut to follow the curves of your body but without being super tight.
- The neckline dips into a wide cut V at the front that allows the straps to sit at the edges of your shoulders.
- There are ruffled gathered panels that are set over the dress to highlight the cut and shape. You see this across the front bodice as they follow the curve, shape and angle down towards the waist, and then start their angled descent down the length of the full dress.
- When you turn around, the back has a low scoop that leaves most of your back completely bare and exposed. It is very sexy.
- The shape through the waist is cleverly created by those inset panels that curve over the body.
- From there, it curves back out over the hips and then falls to the floor. The skirt comes in slightly around the knee area and then the lower part of the skirt widens out substantially as it reaches the hem. Extra fabric has been worked through the back of the skirt where it is cut on a curve that is longer than the front hem. This gives you a sweeping feel as you walk away.
- There are added weights around the lower skirt and the piping that finishes the bottom hem has a touch of padding and weight to it. This has all been done to help hold the shape and volume of the lower skirt around you.
- It looks so simple on my dress form but this is a dress that is a bombshell piece once it is on an actual body. It is so good.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. There is vertical boning on the sides of the bodice to help hold it in place. Perhaps a tiny bit of grubbiness and wear to the edge of the hem but this is extremely minor and only mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 6.5" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5632
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
giorgio armani
Exquisite Fall 2019 Giorgio Armani Runway Look 80 Velvet & Silk Ribbon Jumpsuit w Black Jet Beads
I Have a Question
- The twin of this jumpsuit walked the runway for the Fall 2019 Gorgio Armani collection as Look 80.
- It was made under the creative direction of Giorgio Armani.
- This is from his main label and its twin was also seen on both Cressida Bonas and Kelly Chen. I love having the reference photos so you can see how phenomenal it is once on the body.
- The Fall 2019 show was co-ed with both male and female models on the runway. Vogue said in part that "Armani served a pre-millennial nightclub’s worth of smoky whorl and twist." Velvet, beading and wide silk bands were integral to the looks in the show.
- The base fabric of the jumpsuit is an inky black velvet which gives the beading added on top of the velvet a luxe backdrop.
- The neckline is high and finished with black silk piping. The shoulders are soft and slightly dropped. The arms narrow slightly at the wrist where they are also finished with black silk piping. At the back the fabric wraps over itself to button and snap into place along the neck line. It is a very interesting way to close the piece.
- Starting at the centre of the neckline is a black silk ribbon that is 2.5" wide and it runs all the way down the front to the waist. A second ribbon is attached under that to wrap around the waist and tie at the front so that you can cinch in for as much shape as you want. It can be worn with the waist left more generous and open, or very cinched.
- On the runway, and in the reference photos, you can see that it the bodice is split completely open down each side of the ribbon. That split is technically. there on this one as well but it is currently tacked closed with an added modesty panel under the lower half of it inside. If you wanted the full split feel of the runway, it would be very easy to reverse this and have it completely open on both sides all the way to the waist.
- It skims over the bust and is cut generously around the waist for a easy to fit feel. The waist is finished with hidden elastic since there is no closure on the jumpsuit and you just simply slip it on to wear.
- From under the waist it curves out over the hips and then the legs fall in a wide straight cut all the way. They are very wide and that combined with the ease and drape of the velvet gives you gorgeous movement as you walk and move. They are a full 26" around the hem of each pant.
- Applied onto the jumpsuit is an intricate script pattern done in little faceted jet beads that are applied directly onto the velvet. These add the perfect amount of sparkle as they catch the light from every angle. If you look closely you will realize that they are his signature.
- I have taken close-ups of the extraordinary amount of bead work that has been done to make these. It is really exquisite workmanship.
- Hidden set pockets sit on each hip for the final perfect detail.
- The jumpsuit is fully lined in fine black silk. It slips onto where and then buttons and snaps around the back of the neck line. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- Tagged a vintage Armani 42
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 22.75" and are 13" around the upper arm
Soft slightly slouched shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem with about 1.5" turned under the hem
Gusset: 16" from the back waist to inner seam
Inseam: 30"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5631
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Fall 2019 Giorgio Armani, Look 80. / (4) Cressida Bonas at Harpera Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, October 2019. / (5) Kelly Chen in Giorgio Armani.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Important Spring 2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Look 53 Black Silk Strapless Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress in red walked the Spring 2008 Christian Dior runway for Look 53.
- It was made under the Creative Direction of John Galliano.
- This collection marked Dior's 60th anniversary and it was also John's 10th year with the label. He celebrated those milestones with a show that was a nod to both the archives and Old Hollywood glamour. Pieces were wait-listed worldwide and both colour versions of this dress were produced in very limited quantities.
- The red has been seen on the red carpet and we have included both runway and carpet photos here. It is a spectacular piece for the collector.
- To help visualize what this dress looks like on the body in black, we changed the runway dress to black, which gives you a great idea of what the final result will be on.
- The dress is made out of a luxurious black silk that is completely cut on the bias. John often chose this weight of silk because of the control it gave him to be able to drape and apply the level of seam work that he loved to do.
- The bodice is strapless with an inner boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place around you.
- Silk panels have been draped, gathered and hand stitched into place to create the dramatic sweeping detailing you see at the front.
- At the back he gathered all of the fabric down and into the centre line to meet in a little peak at the centre of the waist.
- From there his signature bias cut allows the dress to skim and drape over you so that is shows every curve but is not overly fitted. As in many of his pieces the seaming has the feel of the work you see from the twenties and thirties.
- The fabric has been pieced together with low dropped angled panels to create the widening of the lower skirt. It flares out at the bottom and at the back it is cut longer so that you get a sweeping feel behind you as you walk.
- A row of his signature tightly spaced buttons & loops in the same silk run up one side.
- This is an incredible example of his work and is highly collectible.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes at the side with a series of silk covered buttons. The inner boned and cupped corset hooks to close with two rows of lingerie hooks to choose from. The bias cut gives it some give in the measurements and I have given the comfortable range when the dress is laying flat below. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Inner bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from the top of the bodice to the front hem and the back hem extends to a total length of 78"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5630
Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 2008 Christian Dior, Look 53. Model Morgane Dubled. / (6) Aishwarya at the IIFA 2008. / (7) Lucy Hale at the People's Choice Awards, 2024. / (8) Emma Naomi at the Bridgerton Season 4 Paris Premiere, January 2026. / (9-10) We took some liberty to show you what this would look like in black on the runway!
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fall 1998 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Black Velvet Dress w Elaborate Black Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1998 YSL collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- The dress is gorgeous and the fabric itself is part of what makes it so fabulous.
- The body and sleeves are made out of a inky black velvet that gives the dress some structure. Onto this is a band of heavily applied overlapping glossy black sequins. The effect of the sequins in contrast to the richness of the velvet adds depth and interest.
- This is a piece that shows his strong tailoring and detailed knowledge of how to cut a piece to best suit a woman's body.
- The shoulders are lightly padded and the sleeve extend out from there. They are a touch fuller near the upper arm and then narrow slightly to their ends.
- The addition of the sequins is just spectacular. They are set in a band that has four stacked rows of sequins that are more densely applied so that they overlap each other. They begin at the back of the neck, curve around to follow the view of the front and then sit side-by-side all the way down to the hem.
- I love the plunge of the front and how it can be adjusted to sit as high or low as you dare. A zipper runs up the centre front and you can zip it higher or lower. The zipper only goes partway and then there is a high slit from the ham up. You can see how it sits in the runway photos and how great it is once on.
- The waist is brought in through the seams at the sides with no horizontal line to break the eye.
- It glides over the hips and then widen out as it near the hem. The front slit helps to give it some width around you so it has great movement as you move.
- It is a phenomenal YSL from this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and it closes with the zipper at the front. Light padding in each shoulder. I see the slightest wrinkling in the velvet under the arms. Nothing beyond normal wear and mention for accuracy.
- There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 19" with 1.5" turned under. They are 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5-16"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem. The slit is 28" up from the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5626
Reference Photos: Fall 1998 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
Size MED

















































