• This is the all black version of the Spring 2006 pink floral dress from the same collection that we currently have in the shop.
• It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli
• The twin of the pink version of this dress was worn by Noemie Lenoir in 2006 and we have included those reference photos in this listing because even though it is a different colour it still shows you just how phenomenal this is once on the body.
• The dress is made from a black silk feeling jersey that is draped over an inner black body suit that gives you the perfect amount of inner structure and holds the dress perfectly in place.
• That inner corset is lightly boned through the front and the bust area is shaped with inner padding and wire. The jersey on the exterior is draped into place over that and gathered over towards one side. At the base of where it gathers there is a decorative panel that has a tie running through it and little gold metal loops. You could use the ties to wrap around the waist or just let it hang down over the hip as I have done for these photos. 
  
• A single layer of the jersey drapes down from there to form the skirt. The skirt is incredible. It falls to extend down long and dramatically on one side so you get a sweeping feel around you as you move. On the other side there is an inset triangle made out of a black chiffon that gives you the very slightest bit of transparency on that side. 
• If you loved the dress in the flower print but are not a flower kind of girl. This is the version for you.
• The inner black bodysuit is shaped and made of a stretched lingerie netting to give you support and shape. It zippers to close at its side and then hooks to close at the bottom. The dress closes over that at the side with a hidden set zipper. It 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: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner Hips: to 20" 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 the shortest part of the hem at one side and the back extends another 17" past that.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5288

Reference Photos: Noemie Lenoir attends the 'Quand J'Etais Chanteur' premiere during the Cannes Film Festival, 2006.

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.

• We believe the dress is from the 1986 collection and Kim Kardashian wore its twin in 2008.
• It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
• The fabric that it is made out of is a light in weight metallic gold fabric that drapes beautifully and has a beautiful deep gold tone to it.
• The dress is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
• The bodice is strapless. One side is curved and is gathered in underneath the other side. There is a peaked panel that folds down to create a little flap on the other side.
• A panel of the metallic gold fabric extends out from the side with the peaked bodice and this buckles into a gold metal buckle belt coming around from the back. This creates a heavy gathering at that side that sweeps up and adds shape through the waist area.
• The buckle is metal and is signed at the back. These would have been specifically made for Mugler.
• The skirt falls under that with a bit of a curving hem at the front so that it is all brought upwards as you can see in the photos. It is meant to feel hourglass in shape.
• This is a spectacular and very rare example of his work.
  
• I love how the entire dress shimmers in the light because of the gold metallic fabric.
• The dress is lined through the bodice with a more structured fabric that creates an inner built-in corset that is boned and cupped. The skirt is fully lined in a lighter feeling silk. It closes at the back with a zipper and then buckles around the waist with the attached buckle belt. The actual interior of the Terry Mugler tag has been cut out.
• Tagged vintage Mugler 42
• Excellent condition with a bit of wear above the grommets and on the belt buckle.

Bust: 17-18" 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: 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 33" from top of bodice to the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5137

Reference Photos: (1) Kim Kardashian in vintage Thierry Mugler at the 2008 Video Game Awards.  /  (2-4) Spring 1986 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.

• This dress has been dated by the one that is its twin and was part of the 2014 exhibit 'Chicago Styled'.
• It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
• The dress is made out of a light in weight metallic gold fabric that drapes beautifully and is perhaps a touch paler gold than how it photoed here.
• The dress is cut with Mugler's masterful eye and attention to detail.
• It drapes up and over the shoulders with wide panels of the gold. On one side the fabric is heavily gathered and hooks in at the waist underneath. On the other side the dress comes out from under that and is not as gathered so that it falls more down and over the top of the shoulder.
• The side with the wider shoulder is set into a panel that runs down the opposite side of the dress.
• This panel is finished with gold studs and this is where the dress closes. The panel runs all the way down the side to where it splits for the hem. There is even a weight added inside the base of the panel to hold the dress perfectly in place.
• The body of the dress is all gathered into that side panel. It wraps around you and then is gathered into the panel at the back. This creates incredible draping down the body and around you.
• The vertical side panel draws the dress up a few inches above the hem and this then creates a bit of an angled curve along the lower hem of the dress that beautifully picks up the angles on the bodice.
• This is a spectacular and very rare example of his work.
• The dress snaps to close where you see the studs at the side and underneath that there is a hidden set zipper. A grosgrain ribbon wraps around the waist and is attached to the part of the bodice that tucks underneath the crossing over at the front to hook to close inside the dress. It is very cleverly put together. 
• I love how the entire dress shimmers in the light because of the gold metallic fabric.
• The dress is partially lined through the bodice and fully lined through the skirt. There are little padding shells set through the inner shoulders but it feels like their inner padding has been removed at some point. It would be easy to add padding back in if you preferred a stronger shoulder.
• There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below.
• Excellent condition

Bust: approx 14-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hooked stay at waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. Without the stay the waist is 13.75" flat across
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of shoulder to inner waist
Total length: 40" from top of shoulder to end of the side panel, 49" to the longest point of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5118

Reference Photo: Gold lame rouched evening dress, designed by Thierry Mugler, 1986. Shown as part of the Chicago History Muesum's November 2014 'Chicago Styled' exhibition.

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.

• This is a dress from the Spring 2017 collection. It was not a piece shown on the runway but it was shown in the Lookbook for that season and has since become another of her iconic pieces.
• It was made under the creative direction of Pheobe Philo
• As with many of her pieces, this dress and the longer variation of it that were released, were loved by her loyal clients. We have included some photos for reference for you so you can see how this looks on the body.
• The knit has stretch so it is very easy-to-wear dress. This one is the slightly shorter length that has the added patchwork insets of extra colour at the sides. The longer length was a more monotone with the ivory hem. You can see the difference in the reference photos.
• The neck line is cut wider across the top and there is a slight seam that runs underneath the neckline where the striping has been offset for a little added detail. The sleeves are long and are slit at their wrist. There is a gusset set underneath each arm with the stripes set differently there as well.
• From there the dress skims over you to the hem. The stretch and ribbing allow it to expand and contract as needed as it follows the body. She has used seams to cleverly break up the stripes and change the direction of the ribbing. On one side there is an inset of a more densely woven knit that runs all the way to the hem for a block of extra colour.
• The front bottom portion of the hem and around partway to the back is finished with an ivory knit.
• The colours of the net are a pinky-red and an ivory. The way it has been knit creates a beautiful texture and colour over the entire dress.
• The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. It has its original tag attached and was never worn. The easy cut and stretch of the knit should allow it to fit a range of sizes.
• Tagged a Celine large
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 26.5" from the drop show and are 8-12" around the upper arm
Dropped shoulders: approx 16" 
Bust: 15-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 52" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD5253

Reference Photo: (1) Spring 2017 Celine Look Book.  /  (2-3) Irina Lakicevic at SS18 Paris Fashion Week, October 2017.  /  (4) 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.

• This is a very glamorous Versace dress that dates to the early 2000s.
• The dress is made out of a deep bronze coloured silk that is flattering on almost all skin tones. 
• It is a dress that is insanely sexy and bare feeling yet you are still very covered. it has a bit of a nod to the Loris Azzaro rung dresses and you have to wonder if that was its inspiration.
• The silk is just heavy enough to give the dress an amazing drape so that it falls perfectly over the body.
• From the top of the hips to the top of  the bodice the silk has been gathered into soft little horizontal folds. These are all gathered into the beaded bands that curves vertically down the front to form three cut outs. The bands extend out to form the straps that curve around the neck and hook into place.
• The waist is shaped to come in slightly and the silk curves back outward over the top of the hips.
• Below that the skirt falls to the floor in a cascade of copper coloured silk. It.skims over the hips and then the lower skirt flares out all the way around you. This gives a tremendous movement when you move.
• I love that the back is cut longer than the front for a beautiful sweep of fabric behind you.
• The dress is fully lined in a matching silk and closes with a hidden set zipper. The neck hooks into place at the back of the neck.
• Tagged a vintage Versace 38
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60.5" from neck to front hem, 68" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5249

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.

• We believe the dress to be from the Spring of 1983 based on the reference photo that we found with a similar design especially given the cut of the lower skirt of that dress.
• It was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler 
• The fabric of the dress is a black raw silk which helps to hold the design and intended shape.
• The construction of the dress is quite brilliant. Long vertical panels of the fabric have been pieced together side-by-side from the top of the strapless bodice to the hem of the skirt. The long lines created by piecing the panels together like this become a part of the design and the entire dress has been shaped by the manipulation of the sizing and placement of the strips.
• The bodice is strapless and the tops of the ribbons are set at different heights all around the neck line. Where they rise above the top edge they are not sewn together so you get a very distinctive ribbon feel. I love the added detail this creates.
• It is meant to fit the bodice and then curves in at the waist. Inside there is for built-in corset that is lightly boned and holds the dress in place around you.
• From there it curves out and over the hips, comes in slightly just below the knee, and then flares outward again for the lower skirts.
• Just under the knee the panels open up and are no longer stitched together. This is what gives it the added volume there and creates a 'car wash' feel around you. Behind the panels are three layers of stacked black silk chiffon When you walk you get that bit of transparency between the the panels and it feel very interesting and unexpected. You get a sense of what that will be like in the runway reference photo.
• The dress is not 100% perfect but is wearable as is. Please make sure to read the condition notes below in full before purchasing.
• The inner nude silk corset acts as the lining behind the bodice. It is lightly boned and closes with its own side zipper. And attached waist hooks to close. Under that into the top of where the panels open on the skirt, it is lined in a black silk. Three layers of silk chiffon are attached behind the lower portion of the skirt as described above. The dress closes with a hidden set zipper placed over the inner corset zipper. I see fading on the fabric most notably around the the bodice and around the waist. Please see the photos after the label shot. It may be possible to dye the dress to a true black once again. It is wearable as is but the fading is present.  All of the fabric is sound.
• Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
• Excellent overall condition 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from top of inner edge of the bodice to inner waist
Total length: 53" from top of inner edge of the bodice to hem and the ribbons extend beyond the top edge of the bodice from 1.5-2.5".

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5232

Reference Photos: Spring 1983 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.

• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1995 show.
• It was made under the creative direction of Todd Oldham.
• In an interview with Fashion TV Oldham said that the Fall 1995 show "was the biggest collection he had ever done, it was more well rounded, and that he thought he liked it better than any collection he had ever done... It is rich without being alienating"
  
• Todd Oldham showed his first collection in 1981 and officially launched his label in 1989. In 1991 he won the Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. By 1995 he was the darling of the media. His shows were extravagant and all of the reigning supermodels of the day walked his runways.
• Nothing from his label was being produced in great quantities and the more extravagant dresses like this one are extremely rare and hard to find because they were made in such limited quantities.
• The dress is made out of a black silk crepe that has a very slight ribbed texture to it. It has a sleek and simple feel to it that perfectly reflects the 1990s. At the same time it has a very elaborate crystal rhinestone detailing done for the straps that elevates the dress perfectly
• The upper bodice has attached silver metal linked chains that are flexible and have a series of hand set crystal rhinestones set side-by-side along the lengths of the chain and are held in place by prongs set on a mesh ribbon backdrop.
• The front sweeps up to the neck to a centre peak and the attached rhinestone chains wraps around the neck and then runs down the sides of the back to attach to back of the dress. The first chain is set along the top edge of the dress and runs closer to the neck before curving down the back. The second series of chains are set below that and follow the same line just a few inches apart. I love the crisscross shape that this creates at the front. You can see on the runway pictures how this sits on the body. It is interesting to know that there are no claps or closures. You have to put the dress on and then slip your arms through so that they sit on top of your shoulders.
• The chains are made out of big chunky glass crystal rhinestones that are very high quality. The pattern on each chain combines a large marquise shaped stone set between two stacked round rhinestones on either side. They are gorgeous.
• The dress skims over the bust and curves in at the waist. At the back the upper back is left bare and exposed.
• It curves back out over the hips and then the skirt falls to the floor and gently widens out to the hem. The bottom of the skirt flares out a touch and this gives it some extra fullness and movement as you walk
• The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back zipper. There are little soft half cup sewn into the front bust area. Some of the ribbon backing of the chains has come loose where the glue has given out. It appears to sit properly once on regardless, but if you want my seamstress to look at this before sending let me know when you place your order. Please see the photo after the label shot. Hand work throughout.
• Tagged a vintage Oldham medium
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5226

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 1995 Todd Oldham 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.

• The twin of this dress was the final look on the runway for the Pre-Fall 2015 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Oscar de la Renta.
• Vogue noted in their review "Pre-Fall 2015 was the last collection he (Oscar de la Renta) had a hand in designing. The house's new creative director, Peter Copping, advised the studio a bit on how to finish it after de la Renta's death in October but this wasn't his debut. Copping sat in the front row taking it all in as a bystander." They continue the review saying, "How does one review a collection like this—one that operates not as a swan song, not as an homage, but as a coda to a great career, now definitively over? On its merits, of course. And though these clothes didn't serve to turn the fashion dial in any way, they manifested the soigné de la Renta signature in spades....It spoke loudest in the collection's clutch of cocktail frocks and gowns, particularly the champagne-toned finale gowns with allover gold or silver embellishment."
• This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration.
• The dress is made from a fine ivory net that is covered in beautiful curving gold metallic appliques that form flowers and pretty patterns over the entire surface of the dress.
• Each individual applique is made from a pale, muted silver-gold lame fabric sewn that is embroidered all the way around its edges. The lame has a slight vertical ribbing that combines the gold and silver thread and this adds a beautiful texture. I love how they catch the light in a subtle way from every angle. In person the dress has a more metallic and gold feel then how it photographed here.
• It sits wide across the front and the straps are set to the edge of the shoulder. The bodice curves up and over your shoulders and then at the back it falls in a V for a bit of bare skin to show. All of the edges follow the curving pattern of the applique and I love this little romantic touch.
• There is an inner lining inside the bodice that has a sweetheart neckline shape to it and then the netting has a touch of transparency above that. It skims over you from there, past the waist to the seam that sits at the top of the hip.
• From there the skirt explodes outwards in two tiers. Underneath each tier is a layer of tulle and then another layer of netting under that. The second layer has a stiffened edge to help hold the shape of the skirting. Inside the skirt there is a built-in underskirt that has multiple rows of that same stiffened fabric so it holds the volume that you see in the photos. I have added no extra crinolines underneath the dress to take these photos. All of the volume that you see is all built into the dress already.
• The dress is cut shorter at the front and then the back is cut so that it trails out behind you past the floor. The lightness of the tulle and netting allows the dress to billow out around you when you walk.
• This is dress that feels like a fairy tale come true once it is on the body.
• The skirt is fully lined in layers of tulle and netting as described above. The bodice has an inner layer of silk and netting. The dress closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.
• Tagged a modern OLDR US2
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with room at the front for at least a B cup
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top of the shoulder to the seam at the top of the hip
Total length: 49" from top of the shoulder to the front hem, 80" to the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5216

Reference Photos: Pre-Fall 2015 Oscar de la Renta, Look 36.

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.

• This amazing dress is from the Spring 1985 Haute Couture collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
• The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
• On the runway the dress was shown in a brilliant pink. I am sure that this green colour was a special order by a Couture client.
• Jerry Hall was photographed in one that season and we have included other references for it as well so you can see how fabulous this sits on the body
• The dress has a very Old Hollywood / 1940s feel that I love. This is an era that Yves often touched upon in his work.
• It is made out of a pale grass green silk crepe that drapes beautifully once on.
  
• The shoulders are shaped with handmade padding inside and the sleeves are more generous through the upper part and then narrow as they reach the cuff. Each sleeve has a little handset zipper at the wrist.
• The front comes down in a V and I love how the silk has been draped and brought over from the sides to extend into ties that sit at the base of the V at the waist. This is an extremely clever way to hide all of the closures for the dress. Underneath the tie and extending down a few inches under the waist are hidden snaps and hooks that close the dress around you all while giving the illusion that you have simply tied the dress in place.
• The skirt is gathered in under that to fall to the floor. As it reaches the hem it widens out quite a bit so that when you move it has beautiful movement around you. The back also extends a little longer than the front hand for a sweep of extra movement behind you. Yves was a master at manipulating fabric to fall perfectly over the body.
• The dress is not perfect but is wearable if you do not mind that it does have some small flaws. Please make sure to read the full description below carefully. This is still an outstanding example of his work during this time period.
• The dress is fully lined in a green silk and closes with a series of snaps and hooks at the front waist. Zipper sits at each wrist. The dress has fading across the top of each shoulder and some slight fading throughout. The hem has fallen down in places and there is a touch of grubbiness and fading around the edge of the hem. There is a series of little dots near the seam at the back. The actual silk is sound and stable. The dress could potentially be dyed if you preferred not to wear it as is. Sold as found and priced accordingly.
  
• There is no size tag present since it is a Couture piece. Please check the measurements below.
  
• Great overall condition.

Sleeves: 29" and are 15" around the upper arm
Slightly extended shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 6" 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5209

Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  /  (3) Jerry Hall in YSL for Harper's Bazaar France, 1985.  /  (4) Jours de France Collections Haute Couture Soir S/S 1985.  /  (5) Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. Photo by David Seidner.  /  (6-8) Spring 1985 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Sketches.

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.

• This is a more modern piece by Giambattista Valli that I believe is from circa 2015.
• It was made under the creative direction of Giambattista Valli
• This is a fantastic day dress that is appropriate for the office but also can be worn to dinner or a cocktail events.
• The base of the dress is made from a stretch mix of silk and wool in a black that has a touch of charcoal feel to it. The stretch allows it to really form around the body but still feel extremely comfortable to wear.
• It is sleeveless and skims over the bodice. The waist nips in and is highlighted with a wide black grosgrain ribbon. From there it curves back over the hips.
• The skirt is cut in a chic pencil shape. A back vent lets you walk easily when wearing it.
• An attached panel runs down the front of the dress. This is made out of a wool that has a nubby thatched texture to it with little silver metallic lurex threads run through the fabric. It is subtle but really elevates the dress and is a beautiful added detail.
  
• The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a black hidden set zipper.
• Tagged a modern Valli 44
• Excellent condition

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the shoulder to the top of the 2" band at the waist
Total length: 39" from top of shoulder to hem with approx 1.5" turned under the ham

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5200

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.

• I purchased this many years ago and was told this was a dress made under the creative direction of Olivier Theyskens.
• Theyskens debuted at Rochas in 2003 at the age of 25 and stayed at the brand until Spring 2015.
• The dress has a beautiful Victorian feel to it and the fabric is gorgeous. It is very light in weight and feels like a fine silk organza mix. Onto it is a stunning washed watercolour feeling floral print that covers the entire dress. It is very pretty.
• A pretty ruffle circles the collar and ruffles continue down the front on either side of the buttons. The bodice is detailed with stripes of black flat pile cotton velvet and the buttons are covered in that same fabric. The seams are exposed and deliberately top stitched with a embroidered feeling thread. The sleeves are long and each ends in a wide cuff that has a little bit of velvet detail.
• It skims over the bust and waist and is cut to be more full and easy through the body. The bodice extends down past the waist to a seam that sits on the top of the hip. The skirt is attached above the seam with an exposed serging all the way around you.
• The skirt falls from there to the floor and it is wonderfully full. It is gathered in around the seam at the hip and then opens out as it near the hem. The lower portion of the skirt is covered in the same detailing that we see on the bodice, combining the velvet ribbon, exposed seams and ruffles, but on the skirt it is flipped horizontally to wrap around you. Underneath the skirt is lined in a black woven netting that helps to hold the shape.
• It is beautifully detailed and the design is properly and carefully thought out and executed. Its loose easy cut through the body make it an easy to fit dress. I think you could even belt this to create a completely different feel to the dress and add more shape.
• They bodice is unlined and has a touch of transparency to it. The skirt is lined in black netting as described above. It closes at the front with the black velvet buttons. Each cuff closes with a series of five hidden hook and eye. It 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

Sleeves: 26.5" and are 11" around the upper arm
Inset shoulders: 12"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 19" from top and shoulder to waist
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5189

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.

• This skirt is a production piece for the shops from the Spring 2019 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
• On the runway a dress shown for Look 60 had similar a beaded design over its surface. We have added that runway reference for you here.
• Vogue succinctly said that "In a season when there’s been so much talk about the appreciation of couture dressmaking and craft skills, Piccioli just took it to the ultimate. It was as accomplished, as complexly cut—and as simple as that."
• The high level of craft put into a hand embroidered and beaded piece like this is evident in the price tag. The original cost of the skirt was £12,285.
• The skirt is outstanding and is beautiful to see in person. There is an inner silk skirt that snaps into place around the inner band of the waist. I love that this gives you the choice to wear the skirt fully opaque, or you can snap the lining out and have the skirt be more transparent.
• Over the inner lining is a layer of black netting and then the top layer combines tulle with insets of a light grey and deep dusty blue grey silk chiffon. Silver metallic thread and tiny silver beads run in swirling designs over the entire skirt. And if you look carefully, you see that there is one unexpected little pink pop of silk chiffon. I love that unexpected detail.
• The waist is banded with a black grosgrain that folds inwards. The inner skirt snaps onto that band so that the snaps are hidden from view.
• The skirt falls from there and has quite a bit of room through the hips so it is an easy fit. It widens out as it nears the hem. There is quite a lot of fabric in the skirt and it moves beautifully around you when you move. 
• The black silk lining snaps into place as described above and both the lining and outer skirt have a zipper at the side. Without the lining snapped in the skirt has a touch of transparency. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. 
• Tagged a modern Valentino 38
• Excellent condition

Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5176

Reference Photo: Spring 2019 Valentino, Look 60.

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.

• This is a superb Christian Dior dress made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan
• It is a wonderful example of the work being done during this time period and shows how well the label could be when it delved into a more minimal cut combined with that full out glamour.
• The dress has classic feel of the best of Old Hollywood and the closer you get to it the more you see the incredible and elaborate amount of detail that has been put into this fabric.
• The dress is made from a black silk net with a floral pattern worked through the lace. The flowers are edged in black silk cord and then it is beaded with an elaborate beading that follows the pattern
• The top beaded layer sits over a black silk chiffon layer. Under those is a nude silk chiffon inner layer that is backed in a black silk. Adding that nude layer gives the dress a bit of an illusion of wearing nothing underneath.
• The dress is suspended from two beaded straps that curve over each shoulder. The front neckline dips into a slight V and the back is a simple scoop.
• It is cut to skim over the body from bust to hips with no seaming to break the eye or the design created by the bead work. The shape of the dress is created by vertical seaming on the inner layers and then the top layer is shaped to follow. The skirt widens out a touch as it nears the hem.
• The lace netting is covered with an elaborate design made of glossy black beads in various sized along with black sequins. The design is heavier around the top the bodice, lightens in coverage as it goes over the hips and then becomes dense and heavy again at the hem.
• The sequins have been applied so that they are stacked and layered over each other to give a slight 3D feel.
• Small faceted beads follow other parts of the pattern and these are the same beads that are used to cover the straps. Tiny little seed beads are thrown into the mix and then there are square pailettes and oval faceted beads on a much larger scale to really create impact.
• The beads are all applied by hand and catch the light from every angle.
• The label on the dress is numbered and when you see that in a Dior Boutique label it most often meant that the piece was a special order or was a custom made order for a client in the atelier but fitted at the boutique store rather then in Paris.
• Fully lined as per the description above. It closes with a hidden set side zipper. Numbered tag. Perhaps the occasional bead missing but you would never tell because of the extent of the pattern. The slight bias cut will allow for a bit of movement in the measurements.
• There is no size tag so I have put the comfortable range of measurements below
• Excellent condition.

Bust: 16-18" 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
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5168

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

• The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Fall 2001 collection and both this purple and a black version were shown on the runway.
• The dress was made under the creative direction of Thierry Mugler.
• 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 extremely difficult to show on a dress form because of the cut through the upper body and arms so please refer to the runway photos for reference. It is spectacular on the body.
• The dress is made out of a purple silk crepe mix that has a slight texture to it. 
• A high collar wraps around the neck and the collar is detailed with a silver metal mesh. Onto the mesh are various sized rhinestones set in silver bases. All of them are stitched on one top spot only so they have this incredible little bit of movement.
• A long keyhole at the front open in a V all the way to an empire set seam at the waist. At the back there is an open slit down to the waist seam so you get a flash of skin there as well.
• The waist is defined with a wide band of the same purple fabric and I love how it curves upward at the front to meet the bottom of the keyhole there.
• The skirt flows over the hips and gently widens out as it nears the hem. There is a high slit up the centre front seam which lets a bit of a leg to show when you walk.
• The sleeves are spectacular. They are split on an angle coming out from the collar. The open split runs all the way down to just above the elbow and then they narrow down to the cuff from there. This gives them an incredible amount of movement around your arms.
• Each cuff ends in the same highly detailed mesh and rhinestone combination that you see on the collar of the dress and I love how this ties everything together. The cuffs are set on an angle where they fall past the hymn of the sleeve with the mesh ending in a point so that it goes down and over the top of your hand.
• The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set back zipper under the slit. It hooks to close at the back of the neck and each cuff has a zipper closure.
• Tagged a vintage Mugler 42
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: approx 26" and the metal mesh falls another 4.5" past that. The upper arm is open because of the open slits. The neck is 14" from end to end
Bust: 16-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from neck to seam under the keyhole
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Slit: 25" from the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5165

Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2001 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.

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from neck to hem with the length adjustable by how tight or loose you tie it behind the neck

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5157

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.

• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1989 Haute Couture Runway 
  
• It was made under the creative direction of Emanuel Ungaro
• The dress is made out of a handmade French lace in a pale silver grey with ivory cord overlay and subtle silver thread woven throughout. It is extremely beautiful.
• It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris Atelier
• It is fitted and shaped through the bodice with internal boning and structure. I love the soft curve at the top edge.
• The lace has been hand draped over the bust and it is swept up to one hip with a tiny handmade flower in a matching lace. 
  
• It curves down and over the hips to the top of the thigh and the bottom of the full bodice is set on an angle.
• The skirt is gathered in and up underneath that. It is tightly gathered all the way around the lower portion of the dress which gives it incredible movement when you move.
  
• The dress is fully lined in a silver grey silk and closes with a hidden set, zipper, offset at the back and part of the fabric from the back extends and wraps to hook under the flower at the front. An inner waist stay hooks to close.
  
• Its proper Haute Couture label present
  
• There is no size tag present so please go by the listed measurements below.
• Excellent condition and appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 29" from top of bodice to shortest part of hem, 31" to the longest part of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5154

Reference Photo: Fall 1989 Emanuel Ungaro 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.

• The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1993 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
• He did an entire series of dresses in several variations for this collection. We have also added some other shots from the collection for you to see since this particular group of dresses were integral to the collection that year. 
• Examples of Karl's work during this time period are held in museums around the world and are rare finds. This is an important piece of his fashion history. 
• The cut of the dress is simple but it is very sexy with its long silhouette and see through lower skirts.
• The dress is made out of a black crepe that has a slight bias cut to it that allows it to drape well over the body once on.
• The strap detailing that crosses over the body, edges the bust area, and is used for the straps that go up and around the neck, are all made from a wide cotton weave looking ribbon that is applied directly onto the dress.
• Black seed beads were applied onto that ribbon and they catch the light beautifully when you move. The bodice is extensively beaded, sequinned and embroidered. The colours are bright and brilliant and I love how they give the dress a fantastic pop of colour.
• The work completely covers each triangle of the front bust and then wraps all the way around the back. The straps are intricate and hook behind the neck and become a design detail in themselves. 
•  The dress skims over the body and then flares out with that inset of silk chiffon for the very lower part of the skirt.
• Fully lined in a black silk. The lower chiffon part of the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and hooks to close at the back of the neck. Hand finishes and beautifully constructed.
• Tagged a vintage Lagerfeld 40
• Excellent condition

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4901

Reference Photos/Video: (1-5) Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Runway.  /  (6-7) Kristen McMenamy for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ready to Wear Advance.  /  (8) Helena Christensen for Spring 1993 Karl Lagerfeld Ad Campaign.

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.

• This is a very rare and unusual piece of YSL because it has the added information on the tags of that it is a piece of Couture.
• At this time Hedi Slimane was the creative director and he had re-opened the Couture division at the YSL label. The couture line was not for the general public but was reserved for a select group of friends and clients, making it even more exclusive than traditional couture.
• A couture collection was presented for Fall 2016 in Paris but it was not officially a part of the Couture schedule.
• All of that sums up to make this dress one of the pieces that he most likely made as a custom-made piece for a client. Because YSL had not officially joined the Chambre Syndicale de la Mode Parisienne it would officially be considered to be demi-couture.
• This is an extremely rare piece from his time at the label made even more special because it has all its original tags in place.
• The dress is made from a fine black wool that has a touch of a texture to it.
• It is sharply tailored and touches on the famous YSL tuxedo variations that Yves' did season to season. The shoulders are shaped with structure and the sleeves are long. Each ends with five hand covered buttons to close the end of the sleeves.
• It skims over the bust, waist and hips and then falls to the floor widening out as it nears the hem.
• The skirt has a very high slit at one side so that you get a flash of leg when you walk.
• At the front there is a panel that has a mesh net inset that has little handset black beads in a mix of a jet black beads and a deep grey glass prong set rhinestones. When this is on you see that bit of skin showing through and the detailing lets it glint in the light.
• Between that mesh covered front cut out and that extremely high slit at the side, it has a very sexy feel once on despite its covered and sculpted feel, making it perfectly representative of Hedi's best work.
  
• It very well could be the only one in existence.
• The dress is fully lined in a handset black silk and closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. Each sleeve buttons to close. Ribbon edged seams and hand finishing throughout. Some of the long seam Work appears to have been done by hand, which is allowed in modern Couture.
• There is no size tag so please go by the measurements below.
• Excellent condition and appears to have never been worn.

Sleeves: 24" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from the top of the shoulder to the waist
Total length: 65" from top of shoulder to hem with just under 1.5" turned under the hem.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5142

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.

• The twin of this dress was a part of the Spring 2002 final Haute Couture collection by Yves Saint Laurent.
• "I have chosen today to say goodbye to the craft that I have loved so much. The next show to which I invite you, on Tuesday, 22nd January at 6 PM, at the centre of George's Pompano, will predominantly be a retrospective of my work… Some designs from the currencies will also be shown." This was how Yves the announced his intention to retire and leave the world of Haute Couture. That final show was over an hour long and was presented to a room of 1500 hand picked guests.
• A total of 371 garments were shown that day with pieces from the beginning of his career to the final collection.
• Recreations of some of his most famous dresses were made available and each has the special label that you see in this dress with both the original date of the labels inception and the 2002 date.
• This is one is a recreation of the famous Fall 1984 dress. We have included references of both the original and the twin of this one in the show.
• It is an extremely rare and wonderful piece of YSL history.
• It would have been entirely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
• The neckline sits wide across and the shoulders are soft. The sleeves narrow to their ends and all of the upper bodice is done in a fine black light in weight wool that has a slight texture.
• The waist is defined by two wide panels. They attached and are gathered in along each side and this gives the shape you see. The top panel is a purple and the bottom a deep pink.
• The dress skims over the hips and then falls to the floor flaring outward as it reaches the hem. The back is cut slightly longer than the front and you can see the extra fabric built in there to create a sweeping feel behind you.
• Every line is meticulously thought out and the technique to create the lines of this dress showcase his decades as one of the premier modern Couturiers in the world.
• The dress is fully lined in a hand set black silk and closes with a side set zipper. An inner waist hooks to close and the dress buttons above a small keyhole at the back. Each end of the sleeve closes with zipper. All of the inner seams are done by hand and the entire dress is made to modern Couture standards. Its proper numbered Couture tag is present.
• There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition and appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 21" and are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from top of shoulder to top of the 10" band at the waist 
Total length: 56" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 5.5" past that with just under 2" turned under the hem.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD5140

Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2002 YSL Couture, Look 229.  /  (4) Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  /  (5) Vogue, November 1984.

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.

• This is a gorgeous Demi-Couture dress from 1970s Lanvin.
• Made under the creative direction of Jules-Francois Crahay 
• Jules-Francois headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s 'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites for the house.
• The Lanvin label is numbered and the dress has been made to demi-couture standards.
• This dress is made from a fine blue silk tulle that has a floral pattern embroidered over its surface in the same blue. The lining is done with a deep purple silk and this gives it this very unusual colour that lies somewhere between a deep blue and a deep purple.
• Onto the top silk net there is an exquisite floral design done with a metallic gold thread. That same gold thread also circles around the lower skirt in two horizontal panels done in a open chain link design. More of the floral netting separates those panels.
• The result is even better on person as the gold feel more prominent. I love how the gold catches the light from every angle.
• The bodice skims over you and the sleeves are long. Each sleeve has a bit of puff above the elastic cuff.
• The waist is cut more generously and you could add a ribbon or a belt to cinch it in.
• The skirt skims over the hips to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem. The added panels of gold on the skirt help to give the skirt support and help hold its shape.
• Fully lined in a purple silk chiffon through the top and a purple silk through the skirt. It closes with a back hand set zipper and there is elastic in each cuff. Hand finishes and hand finished inner seams.
• The label is numbered.
• There is no size tag present and the bias cut of the lining and the net give it a little give so I have put the comfortable range of measurements where it will give a bit. 
  
• Excellent condition 
  

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3925

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.

• The twin of this dress walk the runway for the Spring 1988 show.
• Made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan for Christian Dior.
• The evening portion of the collection focused on short dresses that had a corseted waist and bust with wrapping techniques that gave the feel of a sarong. The dress is a wonderful example of that feel he was after and it is fantastic.
• We found a teeny slice of it or a very similar piece on the runway and even though the photo shows the model on an angle, it does give you an idea of how wonderful this will be on the body.
• This would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
• The fabric of this dress is fantastic. It is made out of a black silk organza that has been gathered so it has a slight 3D puffed effect. This creates an incredible texture over the dress.
• The fabric is light in weight and despite the elaborate construction of the dress is not at all heavy once it is on.
• Inside the dress has a full proper corset with boning through the bodice to give you some support and built in cups. A wide grosgrain ribbon hooks in place around the inner waist to hold everything perfectly in place.
• All of the seams are finished by hand and it is really is a nod back to the early couture days in terms of it's construction.
• The bodice is cut with a curving sweetheart neckline and it is meant to hug the body. It is elaborately gathered and fitted around the bust with all of the gathered folds coming in to the seams that run over the bodice. This is all done to emphasize your curves and it make the dress very flattering once on.
• It nips in at the waist and there is a large and elaborate bow that sets at the base of an angle seem coming from the bust. I love how this is set to curve around the hip to the back. It instantly adds to the hourglass field the dress has.
• From under the bow, the skirt curves down and over with to wrap around you and then come back in and under that panel to give it that wrapped sarong feel.
• Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side set zipper. The interior of the bodice is boned and cupped for support. The inner corset closes with its own zipper and a wide band on the interior waist hooks to close. There is a tiny bit of lightening to some of the edges on the fabric. This is a natural aging of this type of fabric and I don't consider it to be a flaw, but it is mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have never been worn, or worn very little.
• Excellent condition

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: qpprox 10" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 29.5" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5110

Reference Photos: Spring 1988 Christian Dior 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.

• This is a signature bias cut dress from the Spring 2002 collection by John Galliano
• Made under the creative direction of John Galliano
• There are no closures on the dress. It is completely cut bias and you just slip it over the head to wear and it just falls into place skimming over the body from head to toe.
• The cut of the dress has a strong nod to Couture pieces of the 1930s and 1940s decades that he continuously referenced in his collections.
• The fabric has a silk like finish and is a deep black. Various Galliano logos have been woven directly into the fabric in a different finish thread so as you move these catch the light. The effect is fantastic once it is on the body.
• The fabric obviously would have been custom designed by Galliano and made specifically for this dress
• It scoops down into a V at the front and the back with a band highlighting the entire neckline. It skims over the waist and hips from there and flares out at the lower hem. 
  
• The back is cut longer than the front so you get this fantastic sweeping feel behind you. It is in its original uncut length.
• A high slit runs up one side for a flash of leg when you walk.
• Unlined and slips on to wear with no closures.
  
• The measurements have a lot of range because of the bias cut and no closure so I have given the comfortable range for all below when laying out flat. There is probably a little extra room beyond my measurements, but I do not like to over pull when measuring.
• Tagged a FR42, GB14, US8
• Excellent condition and it appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 16–19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14–17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18–21 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of shoulder to front hem and then it extends another 8" past that at the back

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5080

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.

The Spring 1982 collection marked the 20th anniversary of Yves' Couture house. In the book Yves Saint Laurent: Catwalk they note that the historical importance of his collection made him feel very anxious. He was quoted as saying "I am frightened of this collection. I am far more anxious than I was for my first collection. It is a reassessment of 20 years… It is the end of adolescence, the beginning of maturity. I really feel like a beginner." But of course, it was a masterpiece of a collection and raved about.

The collection was extravagant and was heavily influenced by India and the beautiful work done by Indian artisans. There was a play on proportions with wide shoulders and a narrowing at the hips. This tunic was one of the more simple pieces in the collection but it still has the touch of an oversized shoulder and the ease and elegance of a beautiful silk in its making.

I love that you can wear this as a tunic over something else. It was shown over a skirt and a modern girl could easily wear it on its own as a dress. It was shown belted with a silk sash in the advance photos for the collection and you could easily add a belt or ribbon if you wanted to have more shape. The shoulders are padded and set a little wide. The sleeves are cut wide through the upper arm and even as they narrow to the wrist, they are still wide set by the cuff. The cuffs and collar are done in a black silk and I love the contrast to the ivory of the body. It is meant to be worn fairly loose and easy to skim over your bust, waist and hips. It falls to about the knee or just above depending on your height. A slit runs up each side and you can see that he has lined the entire inside of the piece in that same black silk as the collar and cuffs. When you walk and move the slits let you to see that flash of black which ties the whole piece together perfectly. The silk is a rich and heavy weight that drapes beautifully over the body. This is a dress that really needs to come to life with a body in it and my dress form photos are nowhere near to doing it justice. It is completely made by hand and an absolutely beautiful, refined and easy piece of true Couture. Excellent condition with a small note below.

Fully lined in a handset black silk and closes at the back with a hand set zipper. Handmade padding in each shoulder. It is completely made by hand to Couture standards. Has it proper YSL numbered Couture label. There is one small mark near the elbow of one sleeve. Please see the photo after the label shot. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame, it will just feel more oversized.

Sleeves: 22.5" and each is 20" around the upper arm
Exaggerated shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 39" from top of shoulder to hem
Slits: 11.5" from hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4913

Reference Photos: Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent  Couture Advance Preview. Model Kirat Young.

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.

• This set is from Spring 2002 Versace collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Donatella Versace.
• On the runway this print was shown throughout the first part of the show and the jacket and pant that make up the set were shown separately. I love that this gives you some styling ideas when you don't want to wear them together as the full set. 
• This two piece set combines a beautifully cut jacket with pants that are beaded from the knee down. I always love a suit because of the ability this gives you to mix and match the pieces with things you already own.
• The incredible floral print give the suit this incredible rock 'n' roll feel. The jacket is tailored with a sleek cut that follows the curves of the body.
• It has no collar and the sleeves are long with a notch opening up each wrist. A series of tightly spaced, hidden set, hook and eye close the jacket at the front.
• It comes in at the waist a touch for shape and is meant to follow the curves of the body, but without being too tight.
• The floral print that covers the jacket is spectacular to see. The fabric of the jacket is an almost canvas feeling cotton mix with a slight texture that gives the perfect backdrop to the print.
• The pants are made of a super light in weight stretch fabric that lets the pants hug the body like a second skin.
• There is a small band at the waist that is meant to flip inwards and then nothing else to break the eye as they fall in a fairly straight boot cut to the floor.
• From about the knee down the floral print is covered in matching coloured beads and sequins. These catch the light terrifically as you move.
• It is fabulous and a great little piece of fashion history.
• The jacket is lined in an ivory Versace logo embossed fabric and hooks to close at the front. The pants are unlined and close with a back zipper. Padding in each shoulder of the jacket. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all. The hips of the pants have some stretch and the comfortable range is given in the measurements below.
• The pants are tagged a 42 and the jacket has no size tag present.
• Excellent condition

Jacket
Sleeves: 24" and each arm is 14" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 17.5 flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from waist to hem with 2" turned under the hem
Inseam: 31.25" and the gusset is 14" from back of waist to inner leg seam

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4895

Reference Photos/Video: (1-9) Spring 2002 Versace (Look 9 (jacket) & Look 51 (pants)).  /  (10) From the book "Versace: Catwalk".  /  (11) Spring 2002 Versace Ad Campaign by Steven Meisel.

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.

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by his avant garde way of defining the body. His work was shockingly sexy for the times. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. The label had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during the mid-seventies. When researching we found several examples of dresses from 1973 that combined the same jagged flame cuts with sequins. I have included some of those so you can get an idea of how great this looks on the body. 

This is a gorgeous dress and it is a dress that will really come to life once on an actual body. The body of the dress is covered with densely applied black sequins. They make the dress shimmer beautifully as they catch the light. The sequins start at the shoulder run down the sleeves, over the bodice, waist and hips and then stop about mid-thigh depending on your height. The skirt is set into the sequins in pointed angled that reflects the points of the hem. The skirt part is made from 12 individual panels that are set side by side all the way around. Each panel is a single layer of black silk chiffon that is incredibly light in weight. When you move they move around you. Each panel has only been attached at the top so you also get glimpses of your legs between each panel as you move. It is incredibly sexy. The same silk chiffon is set into the upper bodice and then the back has a huge cut out that is filled with the silk chiffon that dips into a low scoop. It buttons down the back can you see a hint of skin between each button. I love the pointed finished all around the scoop at the back. It is fantastic once on. Excellent condition

Fully lined through the body in a black silk. It closes with buttons down the back and each sleeve has a zipper at the wrist. One of his signature strapless bras is attached inside the bodice which could be easily removed if you wish.

Sleeves: 23" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to the longest point of hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4347

Reference Photos: (1-3) Marisa Berenson in a Loris Azzaro. October 1973. Photo: Michael Holtz.   /   (4) The cover of the book "Azzaro" for Assouline - Marisa Berenson and Loris Azzaro photographed in 1973, for issue 604 of L'Officiel de la Couture et de la Mode de Paris, by Roland Bianchini.  /  (5) Image from the book "Azzaro: Fifty Sparkling Years"  /  (6) Magazine spread featuring a model in Azzaro, 1973.

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.

This is a very rare piece of vintage and it is a delight to have it in the shop. It is from the 1988 Spring / Summer "Blanche Dubois" collection. The show had a total of 96 looks in it. My client purchased this right after the show and has had it since. The inspiration for this collection was Tennessee Williams 1947 heroin from the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" combined with the idea of the English country lady. An integral part of the collection were the way that he had the hems of the skirts and some sleeves done. He described then as "blown away" hems. Galliano had given his pattern cutters a book on origami and asked them to incorporate the feel of it into the clothing. He wanted the hems to look as though it had been blown up in the wind hence the name "blown away." Interior buttons and button holes along the hems were added to allow the skirts to achieve the draped bubbled effect that you see here and in the reference photos. The collection was critically acclaimed and it was his most commercially successful to date. US Vogue noted that he went from fashion cult to pacesetter with this collection. 

When we photoed the skirt we did it to show how you can change the look of the hem depending on if you choose to button the buttons up, or leave them undone. there are many configurations that you can do, including buttoning some of the button holes onto the same buttons inside or leaving them all undone and having a longer length skirt. Another key component of the show where these extremely high waists that you would then put a large belt around. My client told me that she often wore this as a strapless dress as well and if you are small enough through the bust to do so, you can have that added option. There is boning through the sides of the waist that help to hold it up and in place. The amount of fabric that the skirt has, and that unusual way the hem has been sewn combined with the buttons, really does give it the most fantastic and fascinating movement when you move. The fabric is at ultra soft white cotton or cotton mix. This piece was only ever owned by one person and it was loved and worn. It does have some faint marks on it but it doesn't take away from the importance or rarity of the piece.

This is an exceptionally rare piece to come up for sale from one of his very early collections. Excellent overall condition with a note below.

The skirt is unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. There are buttonholes hidden along the hem of the skirts and then button sit along the seams inside the skirt which is what allows you to change the look and length of the skirt. I see a repair along the back but because of the asymmetrical hem you would actually think that this was deliberate if you did not know better. I see another tiny area at the front where someone has put a stitch near the seam. There are some marks on the front and along one side of the hem. I did have this cleaned and they faded quite a bit but we were not overly aggressive in the cleaning. You might be able to fully get these out with more specialty cleaning. Please see the photos after the label. It is a remarkable piece of fashion history

Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total Length at its longest and unbuttoned it is 45" and then it can be adjusted with the buttons shorter

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4785

Reference Photos: Spring 1988 John Galliano. (Third image from the book "Galliano: Spectacular Fashion" by Kerry Taylor for Bloomsbury.)

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.

• We have dated it to the Fall 1979 collection based on the reference and runway photos we found of pieces with similar fabric and cuts.
• It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
• I love that it feels like a throwback to the work of the original Mr. Dior and that it has such a beautiful feel of old world glamour to it.
• Bohan's work was integral to the labels development over the decades that he headed the atelier and this is a stunning example of his vision. Beyond that it is just an extraordinarily beautiful dress.
• I love the nod to the 1950s in this dress. It has that classic little New Look shape to it that we all love and associate with the house of Dior.
• At the front the neckline is squared off by how the sleeves are set into the dress combined with the straight across cut of the neckline. Across the front of the neckline it is detailed with a wide black silk ribbon that has a pretty bow at the front.
• The sleeves are a single layer of the silk netting are are covered with those pretty white sequins. They curve softly over the shoulders and fall just below the elbow. The transparency of the netting lets you see a glimpse of the skin underneath.
• At the back the netting angles down towards the centre of the back where they meet another wide black ribbon finish there as well.
• The bodice is gathered across and into a vertical strip of the fabric that is detailed with three rhinestone and crusted buttons.
• It skims over you to the waist with a boned and shaped interior.
• The skirt is gathered in all around the waist and there is a great amount of fabric in the skirt. This allows it to fall in those soft folds that you see but when you move it has incredible movement.
• The bottom is anchored by another wide finish of black silk satin ribbon that ties the entire dress together.
• I love that the entire dress is covered with hand sewn white sequins and there two secondary patterns worked through the netting that gives it added texture.
• It is incredibly beautiful and the photos don't truly convey the sense of texture the dress has in person. It is a stunning example of Dior from this time period that somehow manages to feel perfectly timeless.
• The dress is fully lined in a black silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set backer and a hook and eye at the inner waist stay. The interior of the bodice is lightly boned and shaped.
• There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: approx 17" and 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist
Total length: 50.5" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4686

Reference Photos: Fall 1979 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.

• Sophia Loren wore a green version of this dress to Cannes in 1989. Hers had a different neckline that met at the front where this one comes out at the side ps of the bodice so you get a cleaner feel. Both are gorgeous and the photos of Sophia really give a sense of how gorgeous this is once on the body.
• Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved.
• By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work during this time period.
• The dress is made out of a beautiful iridescent silk taffeta in a deep peach with coral undertones. The choice of this silk gives it enough structure to hold the shape but still keeps it fairly light in weight. That fabric choice mixed with that full on glamorous  cut that it has gives it feeling of high drama.
• The bodice is cut to hug the torso and the neckline is cut so that it is scooped in a sweetheart neckline at the front and then another scoop sits at the back.
• The sleeves are amazing. They are cut to wrap around your shoulders. Each extends out from the back and then wraps around the top of the shoulder before sweeping back in to be secured at the sides of the bust line.
• You can adjust them a bit once on to wear more up on the shoulder or leave them draped more around the upper arm to leave a bare expanse of skin to show across the top of the shoulders.
• The bodice is intricately gathered and it angles down a touch where it meets the skirt.
• The skirt is very full. It flows to the floor in a massive cascade of the silk. There are no additional underskirts added for these shots. All of that incredible volume is built into the skirt.
• I love the rosettes that gather and pick up the skirt all the way around. It makes it so incredibly romantic in feel.
• The front is scooped up and the back is cut longer for a bit of a sweep behind you. A cluster of flowers sits at one side of the waist for the final perfect romantic touch.
• Fully lined in a hand set matching silk and closes with a back zipper. Inside the bust there is one of his signature strapless bras tacked into place. Hand finises. 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: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Bodice: approx 12" from top of the bodice to shortest part of the side seam at the waist 
Total length: 33" from top of the bodice to the shortest part where it curve up at the front hem, 58" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4644

Reference Photo: Sophia Loren in Loris Azzaro at Cannes, 1989.

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.

This top is from the second last ready-to-wear collection that Thierry Mugler presented. It is from the Spring 2001 season and it is an absolutely outstanding piece. It's twin walked the runway that season and I am very happy to have photos and video for reference for you to be able to see how phenomenal this sits on the body. He experimented with materials that included leather and netting as you see in this piece and the appearance of these wide angel sleeves were of note. I've only ever seen one other piece of this available that was done in a different colour from the runway piece like this one is in it's a phenomenal collectors piece

The top is made out of a brown silk net that has those wonderful, leather pieces, hand sewn into place onto the netting. These are set to follow the design of the top. It wraps over itself at the front and ties at the waist, and you can tie it to the side, the back the front however you wish. The ties are extremely long and they are detailed with those little oblong pieces of leather in different sizes laid out to follow the cut of each tide. More leather curves down to follow the shape of the neckline at the front and go all the way across to the sides of the top. They curve up and over to the back where they come down in a little angled point there. The sleeves are as phenomenal as those long front ties. Each one ends in an extremely wide angel shape and is cut extra long. Again the little leather pieces have been applied to follow the shape of the sleeve and some go all the way up almost to the shoulder. I love how some are left to hang over the edge of the top on each sleeve. It just has that little extra bit of genius dimension. It is just outstanding. Excellent condition

Unlined and wraps to close. Tagged a vintage Mugler 38.

Sleeves: approx 27-28" and 13-16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam but can b adjusted up and down a but when tying
Waist-bottom seam: adjustable
Length: 19" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4635

Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2001 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.

• The twin of the dress walked the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1992 Haute Couture runway as Look 47. 
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
• It would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier,
• The dress is extremely well documented and I have included photos of the original sketch and swatches that I have here from the Saint Laurent couture archive book set that I own in addition to runway reference photos of it that we found. You can see just how fantastic it is on the body.
• This collection marked Yves' 30 year anniversary and it was presented on January 29 to coincide exactly with his first collection presented January 29, 1962.
• The book, Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk, notes that at the time people were expecting a retrospective but Yves actually surprised everyone by producing a full 91 piece collection. There was a definitive tribute aspect to his first 1962 collection. Flowers were a main motif and ran throughout the collection as did polka dots and stripes. Puff sleeve tops with balloons skirts were integral and dresses like this one were a key look. It is an exceptional to have such beautiful documentation on this stunning dress.
• Every piece of Saint Laurent Couture is a treasure but when it's as highly documented in from such an important collection as this, it is just that much more special.
• The dress is made from a combination of a white silk that has been hand embroidered with roses and leaves across the entire bodice. This is then combined with a silk faille skirt that has dots that appear to be hand painted onto the fabric.
• A silk organza bow is wrapped around the waist and I love the deeper mustard yellow tone of it. It perfectly offsets the black and white palette.
• The neckline is scooped across the front and the bodice is meant to skim over the body to the waist.
• The sleeves are fantastic and each insets into the bodice in a series of pleats across the top of the shoulders. This is what gives them the volume that you see.
• The edges of the neckline are finished with a black cord and this runs around the cuffs as well. Each cuff is brought into the arm with a button and loop and this bringing in at the arm also helps to exaggerate the puff above.
• The entire silk of the top is embroidered in this magical, dreamy, black rose embroidery that pops against the white of the silk.
• The embroidery is done onto the silk directly in some places and then in other places the leaves or roses have been cut out and hand stitched in place.
• The waist is seamed but it is more generously cut and the organza ribbon that circles it adds the perfect pop of colour.
• Under that the skirt is fantastically full and the fullness is created by the pleats that are set into the waist and the way it has been wrapped in and under at the hem to attach to the skirt underneath. Between the those two layers of the skirt you can feel that there is tulle and some structure inside that helps hold that exaggerated shape.
• It is a fantastic magical piece of Haute Couture and an important piece from an important collection.
• The bodice is lined in an ivory silk and the sleeves are unlined. The belt at the waist is attached and wrapped and hooked into place. The skirt is lined in the same fabric as the outer skirt and there is stiffening between the layers as described above. It closes at the back with a button at the top of the neck and then there is a hidden set side zipper too close. The dress is unlabeled, but I have seen the original label that came with the dress. The dress had been let out at some point and my client had it brought back in and unfortunately when she had it altered back to its original size, the tailor lost the tag. I see some very minor evidence of that alteration on the bodice. There are some areas of stress near the embroidery and some minor reinforcements underneath the arms. I see slight dustiness on the fabric at the top the shoulders and there is a tiny chip on the button on one sleeve. Perhaps a slight grubbiness along the inner edge of the lining under the arm. The outside presents as clean and fresh and once on it looks immaculate. 
• There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition with a notes above.

Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 18" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4509

Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1992 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  /  (5-6) From the book "Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: L'oeuvre Integral 1962-2002".

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.

• This beautiful and rare coat is from the Fall 1952 Lanvin Collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Antonio Castillo.
• True Couture examples from this era are extremely rare and this is a fantastic piece showcasing the Haute Couture work being done by the house of Lanvin during the years that Antonio Castillo headed the atelier.
• Castillo started off his career at the houses of Paquin and Piquet. He also did a stint designing accessories for Chanel. He quickly became known as one of the most promising designers to emerge after WWII and that reputation was part of why he was chosen in 1950 to become the head designer at the House of Lanvin. The press at the time lauded him, along with Balmain, Dior and Balenciaga, as the new generation of the Paris Couture designers. During his time at Lanvin the house was known for the simple and elegant lines.
• We found a reference photo of its near twin that was styled with a belt, dramatic gloves and matching hat added. It is very beautiful and the colour is exceptional.
• The coat would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
• This coat is beautifully tailored. The double row of buttons at the front and curving cut makes it feel as chic and wearable now as it was when first made.
• It is entirely finished by hand and has its numbered couture tape under the label. 
• It has a deceptively simple cut that hides the precise seams and masterfully tailored cut. It is constructed with the absolute minimal seam work to create the curves of the coat that you see.
• It is more fitted through the upper bodice and then skims over the waist and flares out slightly as it nears the hem.
• The collar is neat with a notched front and each sleeve ends in a turned up cuff.
• A half belt is attached at the back and you could add a belt over it to emphasize the shape even more.
• The fabric is amazing with a soft finish to it. I believe it is an Alpaca or perhaps a type of cashmere and it is extremely luxurious. The fact that it is dyed that amazing blue makes it that much more brilliant. It is even better in person and the fabric has to be seen and felt to truly be appreciated. This fabric choice allowed Castillo to be able to sculpt the exact shape that he desired.
• The front has detailed seaming that becomes part of the actual design and inside that is a double row of blue buttons that run down the front to the waist.
• You can wear this one open or do it up right to the neck like the reference photo.
• I love the sculptural effect the coat has once on and that beautifully full lower skirting. No shortcut was taken in the construction of this lovely coat and it is an outstanding piece of fashion history in every possible way.
• Fully lined in a hand set black silk taffeta and closes with the button down the front. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. The Haute Couture numbered tape label is present under the main label and is numbered 15.418. 
• There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please go by the measurements list listed below.
• Excellent condition.

Sleeves: 22" and are 13" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4489

Reference Photo: Model in Lanvin, 1952.

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.

Loris Azzaro launched his label in 1967 and quickly defined his trademark looks by using ornate fabrics and avant garde ways of defining the body. Some of the most beautiful women in the world wore his clothing including Marisa Berenson, Raquel Welch, Jane Birkin, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Tina Turner. It was a label that defined sexiness and had a certain French flare that women world-wide loved. By the seventies and eighties he was experimenting with volume and proportions and new fabrics that at the time were all cutting edge. This is a stunning example of his work from the mid- to later part of the 1970s and is fantastically beautiful. No matter how good it looks on my dress form, in person and on the body it transforms into even more of a bombshell. It is spectacular. To give you an idea of the way the paper bodice fits I have included a photo of French singer Dalida and one if Raquel Welch both wear dresses similar to the bodice of this one. I think this one with its fantastical net tulle skirt is even more special 

This is a killer dress. It is one that will come to life even more once it is on an actual body because this is a dress that in person it is even better. The movement it has cannot truly be captured until it is on a body and moving. The first thing you see is that the entire body of the dress is covered in overlapping glossy black sequins that catch the light from every angle. This detailing alone takes your breath away when you see the dress in person. The dress is strapless and the bodice is cut with a rounded sweetheart neckline and has shaped cups with one of hi signature inner tacked in strapless bras.  It skims over the body from there gliding over the waist and hips. There is some shape at the waist but it is with a more easy feeling which keeps the dress feeling long and lean. Under that the skirt falls to the floor in an explosion of netted tulle that is set in ruffle layers that curve up and toward the centre front. The layers give the skirt so much volume and movement when you move and it is just incredible. When you move even the slightest, they move with you and it's gorgeous to see. It has a full underskirt in a black silk but the way the ruffle are set give the illusion of being more open at the front. I love how the dress curves around the hips and dips down slightly before turning into the tulle to give you maximum curves at the back as well. Above that the entire back is also left bare and open and it is as incredible from the back as it is from the front. The dress is wonderfully made. It is a stunning dress and you will definitely turn heads in it when you walk into the room. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and it closes with a zipper at the back. His signature copper strapless bra is tacked unsaid and you could remove or replace this is needed for a better fit. It is fuller through the waist and If you wanted a more hourglass feel you can alter the waist in. Elastic through the upper seam of the bodice. and the fabric has some give. Hand finished throughout.

Bust: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with the current inner bra about a B to small C cup 
Waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item#DD4486

Reference Photos: (1) Raquel Welch with Loris Azzaro, 1978.  /  (2-3) Dalida in Azzaro, 1976. - First two photos from the book 'Azzaro: 50 Sparkling Years'.

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.

This is one of two identical coats landing in the shop today. The only difference its that one is a medium (this one) and the other is a small. This is from the time period that Youssef Rizkallah headed the company. Youssef joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favorites and in particular his pieces that utilize quilting and patchwork, like these coats,  are truly iconic. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture lines that he gained in Paris with the colour and vividness of his homeland. 

This is a wonderful piece that can be worn as either a coat or as a dress thanks to the zip front that completely opens. We were able to date it based on the very similar piece that was featured in the ad campaign for 1970. Which makes it a very early piece for his time at the label. The base of the coat is a red fabric that feels like a light wool that has a slight ribbed texture to it. The entire coat is detailed with a combination of a deep blue braiding and blue ric rac that follows the detailing and lines of the coat to emphasize the pattern and cut. Elaborate designs run around the hem and panels in the palest possible blue follow the lines of the coat. A floral patchwork is set around the hem and edged by the rib rack to create that fantastic design that you see. This anchors all the various parts of the design and gives a pop of contrast to the colour combination. The coat is collarless and it zips up the front. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves widen out to be full at their hem. The coat falls from the shoulders and widens out as it nears the hem. I took a shot of it laying flat so you can see the incredible shape that it has. It is quite full by the time it reaches the hem. Because it zips to close at the front and fully opens, you can wear this as a proper coat or you can wear it on its own as a dress, which lets it play double duty. It even has weights in the hem so that once on it falls perfectly in place and pockets that are hidden along those front seams. I just love that spectacular design through the body of the coat. It is so dramatic and like wearing art. I love it. Excellent overall condition with notes below

Fully lined in a hand set pale blue silk and closes down the front with an unpainted silver zipper. I see the teeniest bit yellowing, grubbiness to the bottom pale blue panel and maybe a touch of the same on the blue on the cuffs but I am being pretty picky there especially. Grubbiness to the inner lining around the hem and edge of the inner neck and makes on the inner lining under each arm. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged a vintage Small

Sleeves: 24"
Inner shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4483

Reference Photo: "The Malcolm Starr All Starrs" Ad, 1970.

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.

This is one of two identical coats landing in the shop today. The only difference its that one is a medium (this one) and the other is a small. This is from the time period that Youssef Rizkallah headed the company. Youssef joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favorites and in particular his pieces that utilize quilting and patchwork, like these coats,  are truly iconic. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture lines that he gained in Paris with the colour and vividness of his homeland. 

This is a wonderful piece that can be worn as either a coat or as a dress thanks to the zip front that completely opens. We were able to date it based on the very similar piece that was featured in the ad campaign for 1970. Which makes it a very early piece for his time at the label. The base of the coat is a red fabric that feels like a light wool that has a slight ribbed texture to it. The entire coat is detailed with a combination of a deep blue braiding and blue ric rac that follows the detailing and lines of the coat to emphasize the pattern and cut. Elaborate designs run around the hem and panels in the palest possible blue follow the lines of the coat. A floral patchwork is set around the hem and edged by the rib rack to create that fantastic design that you see. This anchors all the various parts of the design and gives a pop of contrast to the colour combination. The coat is collarless and it zips up the front. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves widen out to be full at their hem. The coat falls from the shoulders and widens out as it nears the hem. I took a shot of it laying flat so you can see the incredible shape that it has. It is quite full by the time it reaches the hem. Because it zips to close at the front and fully opens, you can wear this as a proper coat or you can wear it on its own as a dress, which lets it play double duty. It even has weights in the hem so that once on it falls perfectly in place and pockets that are hidden along those front seams. I just love that spectacular design through the body of the coat. It is so dramatic and like wearing art. I love it. Excellent overall condition with notes below

Fully lined in a hand set pale blue silk and closes down the front with an unpainted silver zipper. I see some faint yellowing, grubbiness to the bottom pale blue panel and maybe a touch of the same on the blue on the cuffs but I am being pretty picky there especially. Grubbiness to the inner lining around the hem and neck. Tagged a vintage Medium. 

Sleeves: 24"
Inner shoulders: 14"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

 Item# DD4481

Reference Photo: "The Malcolm Starr All Starrs" Ad, 1970.

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.

This is an incredible set that is extra special because it is from the debut Haute Couture collection of Marc Bohan. It has the added province of being documented which is sometimes not easy to find with these very early pieces. The book Dior, Catwalk talks about the reaction to this first collection by Bohan; "Thundering applause, led by the Duchess of Windsor, rolled through the elegant grey and white salons of the House of Dior, the happy ending to the suspense story of the fashion year. At stake was the future dominance of Dior, and the career of designer Mark Bohan. The Chicago Tribune hailed him as being "Mister Dior, the third". The New York Times stated "the shouting, clapping, surging mob at the press show cause chaos in the elegant salon. Bohan was pushed up against the boiserie, kissed, mauled and congratulated. Chairs were toppled. Champagne glasses were broken. People were knocked down. It was a complete triumph for the designer". The book goes on to state that; Bohan called the collection the "Slim Line". It was a streamlined take on the original "New Look". He revisited the day suit with wide cut jackets and low waisted flared skirts fitted at the hips. The Times declared it "a success from the appearance of the first model and worthy in the tradition of the great maestro himself. And Women's Wear Daily wrote three months after the collection was shown that "the Bohan flare is everywhere. Bohan has done the impossible. He is a big commercial success and respected by the fashion intellect." 

The set is exceptional and is an excellent investment piece as well. Dior prices continue to skyrocket and finding couture examples like this from such an important collection and in this condition is getting harder and harder. 

This suit is fantastic. It is actually two pieces. A flared skirt and then a top / jacket that goes over that. The top is fascinating in the way that it is cut and we were very happy to find and see in the reference photo of it that its construction is deliberate. The front only buttons at the bottom and then there is a snap just above that button to hold it closed. It is meant to stay open above that and the button holes that you see continuing up along the edge of the jacket are actually faux. They do not open all the way through. You can see in the photo that the model is wearing it the way that it's meant to be worn. The very bottom is closed and then she has a light top on underneath. This lets the jacket play on its volume that it has. You could certainly open the fabric and finish the buttonholes if you wish to wear it fully closed, but it is meant to be like this. The jacket has a lot of volume and is meant to skim over you and then the skirt is cut in a sleek little flare that skims over the hips and flares out with a series of flat pleats all the way around the skirt. Around the waist the silk lies flat and neat. It is very flattering once on the body. When you stand still the skirt lays flat and smooth but when you move you get an incredible burst of movement and volume. Over that goes the jacket with its wonderful to the elbow wide cut sleeves and oversized MOP buttons down the front. The shoulders are soft and there is no collar. The fabric is a very high end silk twill dyed to that pale tan mixed with white. Both pieces are entirely finished by hand to Haute Couture standards and I've shown some of the detailing inside. It is chic and elegant yet still feels edgy. An amazing find. Excellent condition

The jacket is lined in a fine silk in the same colour as the exterior tan and the skirt is interlined in a white silk organza. The jacket closes with the bottom button only and a hidden snap above that as described above. The skirt closes with hook & eye at the waist and hidden snaps below that.  Completely done by hand to Haute Couture Standards. Proper numbered couture label in place on the jacket. There are some natural, variations and lines in the silk that is inherent to this type of fabric and should not be considered a flaw. It is in remarkable condition.

Jacket
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16-17"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom hem: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from waist to hem with 2" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4484

Reference Photo: Christian Dior Haute Couture Printemps-Ete 1961. Photo Emerick Bronson. Model Nicole de Lamargé.

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.

Every so often I am contacted by someone and entrusted with something very special and this wedding set by Romeo Gigli absolutely fits that bill. This incredible set is a one of a kind, Haute Couture made to measure piece that comes directly from its original owner and she has graciously given all of the original documentation on it to share with you along with a full write up on her experience with Romeo and a scan of the Elle article that was written a year after her wedding. 

Romeo Gigli launched his label first in 1981 which failed. In 1983 he partnered with Carla Sozzani and in 1985 he presented a 25 piece collection in Milan. By 1986 he was an international sensation and his collections made world wide headlines. In 1989 he had his Paris debut. His work was romantic but dramatic. Hallmarks included shawl coats, which this set so perfectly displays, along with soft sloping shoulders and silhouettes that narrow as they come down the body. Historical references run through his work and his de-structured lines felt fresh and new.

This set has all of the original pieces that Marion wore on her wedding day and even includes the original boxes and silk bags that the set was delivered in. Every piece was made in studio by hand and when I tell you that my photos do not do the full set justice I have never been more honest as everything is more beautiful in person. This is a once in a life time opportunity to own this incredible and important piece of fashion history. The link to Marion's story is below and a short description of the pieces follows. 

Click here to see the full photo set of Marion in the fittings with Romeo, on her wedding day, see the Elle editorial, and read Marion's story about the experience >

The wedding ensemble consists of a pale pink silk chiffon top, a gold lace hobble skirt and a deep gold silk jacket or top that was worn over those two pieces. An incredible silk chiffon coat that is filled with silk flowers and flows behind you in a knotted train was worn over that. The original pale taupe velvet shoes in their original box are present along with the hand made hair sticks and pins. The two original pink raw silk hand made bags that the skirt and tops were delivered in are included and the entire ensemble comes in its original raw silk covered box. The final piece included is the little hand held green silk bag that Marion carried that day.

The skirt and inner top are the base of the outfit. The top is slightly cropped and made from a pale dusty peach pink silk chiffon. The chiffon has been hand gathered into soft pleats and crosses itself over the front and back. It wraps around you and closes on one side, inside, with a series of silk covered buttons and then the other side wraps over that and closes at the back outside with buttons as well. The skirt is made out of fine gold lace and is banded around the waist for shape. It drapes softly over the body with volume through the hips created by the layers. It narrows down at the ankles for a touch of a hobble skirt in appearance with the ends curving up and under. It is an incredible design.

An oversized silk top goes over this that has a bit of volume through the body. It is made from a deep copper gold silk with a burnished finish. The sleeves are incredibly long and are meant to be gather along the arms and follow the cut and curve of them. The collar is very high and wired so that it stands and frames the face beautifully. One side is longer then the other and you can shape the wire to give it a quirky little curve in the direction and way that works best for you. I love the open cut out just under the collar. It hints at the silk chiffon top underneath and adds an unexpected flash of skin.

The coat is utterly remarkable. It is thoroughly Romeo Gigli in spirit and it is one of the most beautiful, magical things I have ever seen. It has those beautiful sloped  shoulders he was known for and the front flips over into a deep shawl collar. It slips on over everything else with no front closures. It just falls over you in this exceptional drape of chiffon and flowers and then trails out behind you. The end has been knotted and I love this detail as it is absolutely Gigli at his best. The coat is made from a silk chiffon outer and inner layer that has a touch of transparency to it while inside and between the layers are thousands of silk flowers. Each would have been placed by hand one by one to form a solid layer of flowers that shows through the silk. It has weight yet it feels weightless. It has presence yet it feels ethereal.  The top layer of the chiffon is a pale dusty pink and then the inner layer is a pale taupe. The flowers float between the two and it make this light rustling sound as it moves that it magical. It is one of the best things I have ever personally seen.

Finally are the accessories. Her original velvet shoes that slide on and then tie in place, the little green silk bag that is held by the tied straps and the various hand made hair and stick pins in their original box.

The entire set will be sent in it original box hand covered in a deep dusty pink raw silk as it came to Marion from the Gigli ateliers.

Everything is in superb condition. I see a teeny smudge of discoloration under the arms of the inner silk chiffon top and the wear to the soles of the shoes giving away the clue that it was worn that day. The silk on the large box it came in has more wear as seen in the photos

This is a once in a life time, absolutely remarkable piece of fashion history.

Inner top
Shoulders: no true seams
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 14" from top of shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 47" from waist to hem and including the 4" waist band

Outer top
Sleeves: 39" from the dropped shoulder seam and are around 11" arond after the dropped shoulder
Shoulders: 27" across and meant to drop significantly
Bust: 30" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 27" flat across from side seam to side seam and narrows to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam by the hem
Length: 41" from neck hem
Neck: 13" around

Coat
Is about 36" flat across the inner bust and it is about 120" long from the neck to end past the knot and not including the deep shawl collar. It is pretty much OSFA

Bag
Approx 9.5" tall and about 5-7" in diameter

Shoes
Approx a 40-41

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED for the inner outfit and the coat is OSFA

Item# DD4458

Reference Photos: Courtesy of Marion Hume. (1-2) Fitting with Romeo Gigli.  /  (3-7) On the wedding day.

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.

This dress was made by hand in the atelier of Ady Couture who was based in Lausanne Switzerland. Ady herself was a couture trained seamstress and headed a team who had full permission of the Haute Couture houses she worked with to make the designs they showed in Paris for clients based in Switzerland and the surrounding areas. She would purchase the couture fabrics from the couture houses along with the patterns and then make the actual dresses in her atelier. This arrangement with the couture houses was a way to work around customs during this time period and do fittings for clients unable to travel to Paris. So far we have verified that she had this arrangement with Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy and Ungaro. There may have been others but those are the four labels we have documentation on from the runway. This dress is from the Fall 1987 Haute Couture collection. Several variations of this dress where produced and we have included reference photos where you can see the strapless version from the runway. And a shorter version of this dress was also shown on the runway and one was worn by Audrey Hepburn as well.

The dress is made from the most incredible iridescent metallic fabric. It is purple first and foremost but when the light hits here it gets a highlight of a hint of the green that is just amazing to see. The fabric has enough weight to it to hold the shape that you see. The neckline is scooped and the sleeves are set into the shoulders so that you get a bit of a peak where they are gathered into the bodice. They are cut wider near the top of your arm and then taper down to the wrist. The bodice skims over you to the slightly dropped waist seam. Around the hip area is a wide band of gathered fabric that creates that incredible volume. A black velvet bow sits the front. The skirt is cut on a sharp angle that widens out to be quite full as it nears the floor. The cut is meant to feel sculptural and contrast the volume around the hips. The back of the skirt is fuller and set a little longer then the front. One version on the runway was belted and you could easily add a belt to add shape. The interior of the dress is completely finished to couture standards with every single seam done by hand. It is beautifully made and appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set zipper at the back and there are hidden set zippers at each wrist. Hand finished throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Made to Haute Couture standards

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54.5" from top of shoulder to front hem, 58" to the longest part of the back hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3808

Reference Photos: (1) A/W 1987 Givenchy Haute Couture Silver metallic lame brocade strapless gown dress with a black velvet chest and bow and 2-layer puffy skirt. L'Officiel No. 734, September 1987.  /  (2-4) Fall 1987 Givenchy Haute Couture Runway.  /  (5) Audrey Hepburn, in Givenchy, at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City for the 17th Annual International Emmy Awards in 1989.

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.

• The twin of this dress walked the Fall 2001 Chloe runway for the opening look of the show.
• It was made under the creative direction of Stella McCartney
• The Stella McCartney era at Chloe has since become extremely collectible. The Fall 2001 show in particular was a fantastic representation of her time at the label.
• This was the opening look for the show and in Vogue's review they specifically mentioned the faux coats that were treated so glamorously with added details saying; "Stella McCartney continued with her exploration of grown-up, couture-inspired silhouettes for Chloé, without forgetting about the youthful, fun-loving basics that are the label's bread and butter. McCartney's forte is her ability to glam up casual street clothes. Her fitted jeans and corduroy trousers with zipper pockets, face-stenciled T-shirts and pearl-encrusted draped tops all had an air of insouciant cool to them; so did the faux furs with shaved bits that accommodated clusters of silver flowers."
• It was one of the strongest looks from the show and a true piece of fashion history.
• The longer runway version coat is harder to source. They were only sent to certain stores and were a limited production piece.
• The coat is a 3/4 length and is made from a thick and soft faux fur. The cut is loose and easy and it widens out as it nears the hem for a bit of a swing coat feel.
• It has hidden fur hooks partway down the front and then swings open under that. There is a hook at the top of the collar so you can wear it folded down like how I photoed it for these photos to give it a more loose and easy feel or you can close that top hook so that it wraps around the neck like how it was worn on the runway.
• The sleeves are cut extra long and they are gathered along the inside of the wrist. This gives them a curve so that they follow the curve of the arm and it lets you wear them up a bit so they get that bit of a gathered slouchy feel.
• The inside is lined in a menswear suiting fabric that was one of her signatures.
• There are two zippered pockets in the interior that have little chains attached to the zipper pulls. On the exterior there is a pocket hidden along each hip. It is meant to feel a little big and slouchy once on and I love that.
• The best part about is of course that extraordinary detailing done on the shoulder and collar on the one side of the coat.
• Fine silver metal strips have been applied to the coat to create a series of medallions. Swirling beads and sequins sit over those to create this fantastic design that goes across the top of the arm, under the shoulder at the front, and then runs up and into the collar and around to the back.
• It is just brilliant and an amazing piece of fashion history.
• Fully lined with two interior pockets as described above. It closes with hidden fur hooks at the front. Pockets on each hip. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It's easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and just feel more oversized on a smaller frame.
• Tagged a vintage Chloe 40
• Excellent condition.

Sleeves: 28"
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 47" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD4454

Reference Photos: Fall 2001 Chloe Runway, 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.

I love all of the pieces by Bill Tice that I bring into the shop. Most, including this one, were made in the 1980-1981 time period. His easy-to-wear and glamorous jersey pieces have been worn by countless celebrities for the red carpet and events. Every girl that has bought one of his pieces through me has absolutely loved it. This is the first time I have had one of these long open jackets in this peach the shop and I'm absolutely obsessed with it. And I just out a peach dress from the same label that would match this perfectly. You can see that here.

It is made of a soft peach jersey that is meant to mimic the feel of silk jersey. This is one of those things that is a fail-safe piece that you know is going to work every time you put it on. This fabric has the added bonus of traveling very well. It is the kind of piece you can throw into your suit case and slip on over just about anything upon arrival with either flats or heels and you are instantly ready to walk out the door. It is cut to feel long and slim with pleats running down its full length. It has gold cording that defines the collar, the bodice and back, around the arms and the cuffs. There's also a long stripe of the gold cording that follows the ties that close it at the neck. To wear it you just slip it on and tie it at the neck with those ties. The fabric is very light so when you move this has a ton of movement and will billow out around and behind you. It's fantastic. Excellent condition.

Unlined through the body and slips on to wear. The easy cut and open front should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: 26"+ flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4370

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.

The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1982 show and I love that we found photos of it for you so you can see just how spectacular it is one and how the sleeves sit once on a body. This silhouette with its dramatic sleeves and full skirts was an important element for that season. It is just a stunning example of one of his most recognized looks.

The dress is made from a combination of two of his favorite fabrics, silk taffeta and silk velvet. These became signatures of his and ran through his collections from the start of his career to the finish. It is a stunning piece. The top is cut to skim over the bust with a scooped neckline at the front. It is seamed at the waist and then extends down over the top of the hips. There is an attached silk taffeta sash that wraps around the waist and cinches you in for added shape and detail at the waist. The sleeves are full with a beautiful sweeping cut that starts at the shoulders and remains full to just past the elbow. At that point the fabric changes to to a velvet. Four glossy dome buttons  detail the lower part of the sleeve. These are meant to be pushed up slightly to exaggerate that pouf of the upper sleeve even more. The skirt falls from under the velvet and it is beautifully full. The photos do not really do the amount of fabric in the skirt full justice. I love that under the top purple layer of silk there is a lining finished in a coral red silk taffeta. You don't see that inner layer when you are standing, but when you sit or move just right, you get that extra flash of color. It's a small detail that I am obsessed with. The fabric choices helps keep the intended shape and volume. Pieces by Yves from this time period have become an important piece of fashion history and having documentation like this one has makes it that much better. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the bodice in a black silk satin. The skirt is lined in a deep red silk taffeta and the sleeves are unlined. It closes at the side with a metal and nylon zipper and each cuff buttons to close. The sash is attached at the back. Slight flattening to the velvet here and there along the waist seam that is covered by the belt once on. Tagged a vintage YSL 40.

Sleeves: 29"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2856

Reference Photos: (1-2) Fall 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.  /  (3) Alice Englert wearing this dress for Harper's Bazaar, 2023.

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.