valentino
Fall 1995 Valentino by the Original Mr Valentino Runway Black Velvet Dress w Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The twin of this incredible dress walked the runway for the Fall 1995 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of the original Mr. Valentino.
- I love that we have runway reference photos so that you can see how phenomenal this is once on the body.
- This is a fantastically rare dress by the original Mr. Valentino and it is extraordinarily beautiful.
- The dress combines an inky black velvet with portions covered in glossy black sequins that are densely applied. Little bits of lace give it that touch of Valentino femininity.
- Black piping outlines the neckline and the neckline scoops in a soft V down the front. The piping continues up and over the shoulders and then crosses over the bare and exposed back. Lace has been added along the length of the entire piping for the prettiest finishing detail.
- The bodice is shaped and comes in at the waist to a low seam that sits just below the natural waist. The entire bodice has been finished with tiny little black sequins that are densely applied so that they slightly overlap.
- I love how the rows that they are set in are slightly angled. This is all a clever way to give illusion of more shape through the body. The sequins sit inside four vertical panels across the front and the direction of the sequins changes so you get this incredible hitting of the light on the sequins from every angle.
- The skirt is made out of rich black velvet and I love the combination of the velvet and sequins together. The richness of each textile perfectly compliments the other.
- As the skirt falls to the floor it flares out dramatically and is extremely wide. When I lay it out flat the bottom is a full circle around. This has been achieved by long triangles of sequins set in around the entire hem of the skirt.
- The triangles have a black net backing so if the light hits them in the right way they have a sense of transparency contrasting further to the velvet and adding to the beauty of the dress once it is on the body.
- The sequin triangles have been laid out with the same technique as the rows on the bodice. They are set on angles that meet at a middle point. This allows them to catch the maximum amount of light from every angle.
- Each triangle is finished with the same lace edging that you see on the bodice. Inside the inner edge of the hem there is a band of stiffened netting that helps to hold the shape and volume around you. When you move the skirt moves around you and it is absolutely incredible.
- It is really an outstanding example of his work during this time period.
- The dress is fully lined in a silky black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut should allow it to work on a range of sizes and frames.
- 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
Natural waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under natural waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from top of shoulder to seam under natural waist
Total length: 61.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5546
Reference Photos: Fall 1995 Valentino. Model: Stella Tennant.
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.
roberto cavalli
Spring 2004 Roberto Cavalli Long Version of Runway Look 23 Feather Light Silk Coral & Gold Print Dress
I Have a Question
- A shorter cut version of this dress walked the runway for Spring 2004 Cavalli collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli.
- Versions of the dress were photoed for editorials that season and worn by Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller.
- As good as the dress looks in these photos it is phenomenally better in person. The photos do not do the silk or the amount of movement and beauty of the cut full justice at all.
- The silk used on the dress is extraordinary and is all cut on the bias. It has a slight texture to it and the pattern that runs over the dress has the feel of being hand painted.
- To achieve this effect the design would have been created specifically for the dress how it lays over the dress pre-planned before the silk was cut.
- Following the pattern are fused lines made out of a gold metallic glitter for an extra touch of glitz. This is hard to get the impact of in the photos, but it is absolutely beautiful in person.
- The dress is suspended from tiny silk straps that curve up and over the shoulders to attached in at the back. Little triangle sit over the bust and they are set in with seams that angle down towards the sides. It skims over your waist and hips, and then the lower skirt falls in different lengths to hem.
- The skirt is made up of panels that are attached into the dress on different angles. This gives it incredible fullness and allows it to open up around you when you move. It is cut longer at the back so you get this pretty sweeping line around you and this adds to the movement that it has.
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear. The bias cut of the silk allows it to drape around you once on. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a Roberto Cavalli vintage small.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 41" from top of shoulder to shortest part of the front hem, 62" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5545
Reference Photos/Video: (1-4) Spring 2004 Roberto Cavalli, Look 23. Model Elise Crombez. / (5) Natalia Vodianova by Glen Luchford for Harper’s Bazaar, 2004. / (6) Scarlett Johansson for ELLE Magazine, 2004. / (7-8) Sienna Miller at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party, June 2004.
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.
tiziani
Documented 1960s Tiziani Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Peach Silk Plunge Dress w Matching Feather Cape
I Have a Question
- Note that due to new customs regulations this piece can only ship to a Canadian address. If you need assistance with this please touch base.
- This is a fantastically well documented piece Tiziani couture set that dates to the 1960s.
- It would have been made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld and is a very rare example of his work there especially with the amount of documentation on it.
- We have included the digital copy of the original sketch done by Karl along with photos of the dress on a model with Tiziani when it was originally produced. I do have modern photos of the dress on someone and will share those upon request.
- The inner tag on the dress is numbered and handwritten and then it has its Tiziana tag on the cape. I was told that this is the actual original sample dress and came from the archives.
- I posted a video of the dress on my Instagram back in 2023 when it was still in my personal archives. You can see that here and it speaks more about its history and you can see the dress on video.
- The dress is made out of a peach silk chiffon that is heavily embellished around the V neckline. The coat is made out of a slightly deeper coral peach silk that is completely covered in hand dyed soft peach feathers.
- The dress has a V at the front and the neckline has a band of embellishment that mixes silver tube beads, peach embroidery, sequins and seed beads, with prong set rhinestones. This follows the neckline at the front and then runs across the top of each shoulder. At the back it creates a wide band across the upper shoulders.
- It skims over the bust to a higher set waist seam. From there it skims over the hips and the skirt falls to the floor widening out slightly as it goes.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching peach silk and it is entirely made by hand with all of the inner stitches finished by hand. This would be considered Alta Moda couture with its level of finishes
- The cape sits over that and comes down to just past the waist at the front and then falls around you on the sides and back in this incredible sweep of hand dyed soft peach feathers.
- The feathers are all set onto a silk organza backdrop by hand and they overlap each other all the way down the length of the cape. The collar of the cape is finished with the same hand beading you see on the dress.
- Both the dress and cape are a touch paler in colour than how they shot. They are more like the colour shots added here.
- The dress is fully lined in a peach hand-finished silk and zips to close at the side. The outer layer of the bodice snaps to close over that. The cape is a single layer of silk organza with the feathers attached directly to it. The cape is also completely finished by hand. It hooks to close at the collar. There is perhaps the tiniest bit of grubbiness to the hem of the dress. Some small areas of missing embroidery / beads. Some of the organza has shattered near the top of the cape on the interior side. I have included photos here after the label shot. It can be worn as is but if you want me to have some reinforcement added you can touch base with me before I ship it and I will have my seamstress add that for you. Please see the photos after the label shot.
- There are no size tags so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition with the note on the cape lining above.
Dress
Bust: 16-18" 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: 13" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Cape
Neck: 15.5" around
Total length: it falls to approximately 17" at the shortest point of the front and the back falls to approximately 61"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5544
Reference Photos: (1) Sketch by Karl Lagerfeld for Tiziani, 1960s. / (2-4) Model in Tiziani, 1960s. Credit unknown. / (5-7) Photos from the client of this set.
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.
chloe
Spring 2016 Chloe by Clare Waight Keller Runway Look 24 Hand Dyed Multicolor Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2016 Chloe runway for a Look 24
- It was made under the creative direction of Clare Waight Keller.
- This may be one of the most highly documented pieces that we have ever had in the shop. There were so many that we had to combine the shots in order to make them fit in one listing.
- At the show, there was a printed note on every chair that said "The season's collection is a tribute to girls named Kate, Chloe, Cecilia, Corinne, Rosemary, Emma, and Courtney, who embody the liberty and the elegance of a perfectly mastered and excessively lived simplicity." Vogue expanded on that explaining that Clare said backstage that she had grown up alongside that motley crew of models, photographers, superstar performers, and they represent a more free time. "There is such a fast pace to fashion. Now, I think we've lost the innocence of the spirit of fashion, the youthful optimism that it portrays. And I think there is something quite joyful about fashion that's been missing."
- This dress is one of the most beautiful from the collection in my opinion and it is even better in person.
- The dress is made out of a lightweight gauze silk chiffon and the striping that you see has been all hand dyed vertically down the length of the silk. At first glance, you might think that all the colours are separate panels that have been attached together, but it is actually dyed vertical stripes down the length of the dress. I love how where they meet a softly fade into the colour next to it.
- The chiffon is feather light and I am very glad that we have both the runway photos and so many reference photos and video for you to see how fantastically it moves once on.
- The dress simply ties into place at the top of each shoulder and this allows you to decide how low or high to wear the drop of the neckline.
- From there, it drapes in a very loose and easy silhouette over the bust, waist and hips before flowing to the ground.
- Highlighting the waist are bands of rounded piped gathered stitching that add some visual detail and break to the stripes. These have the cords that hang down the sides running through them.
- Adding the soft slightly curved lines across the middle of the dress allows the shape to still stay loose and easy but it gives it a visual waist. It is a very clever way to define the dress.
- Extending out from those and running down each side are various colour cotton cords that end in the prettiest fringe tassels. Both both the chords and the tassels have been dyed into the various colours that are on the dress. I have taken a close-up of some of the tassels so you can see how fantastically pretty these are.
- You can use the cording to add a little bit of shape if you wish but the dress really is meant to be worn loose and easy and more like a caftan.
- The lightness of the fabric gives it incredible movement as you move. This is one of the most iconic of all Chloe dresses and it would be an incredible addition to any closet or collection.
- The dress is lined to just above the knee in an ivory silk chiffon and its loose and easy cut makes it exceptionally easy to wear. It will just drape more on a smaller frame. It ties into place at the top of each shoulder and has no other closures.
- Tagged a vintage Chloe 38
- Excellent condition
Inner bust: allows to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: allows to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: allows to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: approximately 63" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends another 2.5" beyond that. It can be adjusted up or down a bit by how high or low you tie the shoulder ties.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG
Item# DD5543
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Spring 2016 Chloe, Look 24. Model Willow Hand. / (3-4) Spring 2016 Chloe Ad Campaign. / (5) Spring 2016 Chloe Dress in the Paris Musees Collection. / Various credits for the remaining photos.
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.
emilio pucci
Chic Spring 2013 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 41 White Silk Halter Dress w Pockets
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for Look 41 for the Spring 2013 collection.
- Vogue said of the Collection; "When Peter Dundas inherited this historic Florentine house—famous since the 1960s for its kaleidoscopic prints—he made reworked archival patterns a major part of his story line. Last season and this one, though, he's started inching away from them. These days, the label is just as well known for Dundas' confident, louche brand of glamour as it once was for its founder's graphic swirls and geometries."
- It was one of three white dresses that closed the show before the final look.
- The dress is made out of a light silk that is light in weight but just heavy enough to keep the structure. It is very close to a true white.
- The front neckline is done in a halter style with the upper part above the bust line finished an a white netting that has a secondary abstract print work through it. This allows you to see the skin underneath. The front is gathered over the breasts almost like a bandeau and seamed in the centre.
- Under that is an open cut out for a bit more skin to show.
- The dress curves in to follow the waist under that and and skims over the hips.
- The skirt falls to the floor and widens out quite a bit as it nears the hem. This gives the dress incredible movement when you walk and you get a sense of that in the runway video.
- I love the loose slightly draped pockets that sit on each hip.
- The back is mostly open with a criss-cross of straps and an open cut out between the waist and the back strap.
- Decorative frog knots sit at the low waist for added detail.
- The dress is fully lined through the bodice and the skirt is unlined. It closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Light boning and padding through the bodice. I see some some faint marks here and there around the hem.
- Tagged a modern Pucci IT42, FR38, US8, UK10.
- Excellent condition with the minor note above
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 64" from top of neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5542
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2013 Emilio Pucci Runway Look 41. Model Kasia Struss.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
yves saint laurent
Fall 2023 Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Mens Runway Look 13 Long Super Soft Knit Coat
I Have a Question
- The twin of this coat was shown on the Fall 2023 menswear runway for Look 13.
- It was made under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello.
- The Vogue review opened with four words "Long, tall, lean, chic." And that aptly describes the coats for this collection. They were so wanted by everyone that when they were released to the shops they were sent out as a unisex piece available to women as well as men.
- This one is in pristine condition and is new with its original tags.
- The cut is simple and classic and yet the length and sleek cut makes it feel very avante garde and unique.
- It is made from an extra soft black knit that borders on a deep charcoal. The knit combines mohair and wool and this keeps it light in weight but with enough structure to hold the shape.
- The light weight makes it a lot easier to wear then you would initially think given all of the fabric.
- The collar is very full and borders on being able to be used as a hood. I think that most would be able to bring it up and on their head if they wished. Because the fabric is so light in weight it sits very well around the neckline without being bulky.
- The sleeves are long. They start out wider near the shoulder and narrow to a very lightly ribbed cuffs. Rounded padding, sits in each shoulder to help hold the shape.
- It is cut to skim and flow down past the bust, waist and hips. The lower part of the coat continues from there to fall to the floor, gently widening out as it nears the hem.
- There are no front closures. You simply use the matching knit belt to wrap around the waist to add shape. It has a touch of a men's bathrobe/robe feel that is fantastic.
- The coat is unlined and slips on to wear. It comes with its original matching belt and is in its original supermodel length. Its original hang tag is still attached. It's easy and open shape. Should allow it to fit a full range sizes. It will just drape more and feel more oversized on smaller frames.
- Tagged a YSL XL
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 27.5" and they are 16" around the upper arm
Shoulders: approximately 19" including the shoulder pads and meant to slightly sit off the edge of the shoulder.
Bust-hips: to 28" flat across from side seam to side seam. The knit will stretch beyond that but this is the measurement flat across when laying flat and not stretching the knit.
Total length: 65.5" from neck to hem and the collar is 20" wide at its widest point at the back.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-XL
Item# DD5538
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2023 Saint Laurent Menswear, Look 13. / (3) 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.
yves saint laurent
Chic c.1973 Yves Saint Laurent Black Gauzy Feeling Silk Chiffon Dress w Pattern & Full Sleeves
I Have a Question
- This neckline and silhouette was seen around the 1973 time period and this is a very pretty example of that era.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The fabric is a beautiful light weight black silk chiffon that has a pattern cut out from a similar fabric fused onto that. I love this play on transparency that it gives the silk.
- The cut of the dress is incredible and very easy to wear. The neckline is squared off at the front and then scoops at the back.
- The border of the neckline has been finished in the same fabric and love the suggestion of a yoke collar that this creates.
- The sleeves are fabulous. Each is cut to be very full so that they balloon out over their elastic cuffs. They are not lined so you get that pretty transparency between the fused on pattern.
- The cut through the bodice is very loose and easy. It simply skims over you to the slightly dropped waist seam.
- The waist is cut very generously and for some of these photos I have tied a black ribbon around where the natural waist sits so that you can see how it looks once you add more shape. I love that you can wear it either way.
- The skirt falls from the dropped seam and is gathered in tiny gathers all the way around. This allows the skirt to flare and open out slightly as it nears the floor. An extra wide ruffle of the same fabric runs around the lower portion of the skirt to create two tiers. There is no lining through the skirt so it allows you to wear as little or much underneath as you wish.
- The quality of the fabric is beautiful and the workmanship in this dress is fabulous. It really showcases just what a genius he was that he could create such a simple piece with such a masterful hand.
- I love the play on transparency the dress has and the dress in person is even prettier than how it photoed here I think.
- The dress is lined through the bodice to the drop seam of the waist and the sleeves and skirt are unlined. It slips over the head to wear. The ribbon ties around the waist and some photos are not original to the dress but will be included.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 38.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: approximately 21" and they are full and open around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true seams
Bust - natural waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Dropped seam: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural hips: open
Bodice: 23" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Total length: 55" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5539
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.
jacques fath
Incredible 1953 Jacques Fath Haute Couture Leopard Printed Silk Strapless Dress w Full Skirt
I Have a Question
- This is an incredible and rare true Haute Couture dress whose pattern remarkably resembles a sketch we found from his 1953 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of couturier Jaques Fath.
- Jacques Fath showed his first collection of just twenty garments in the spring of 1937. It was well received and he steadily built a strong clientele to become of of the busiest ateliers in Paris.
- Fath is considered to be part of the 'big three' post-war Parisian designers, along with Dior and Balmain. The Fath label was shuttered in 1957 after Fath's death three years earlier. One of his signature looks was a strapless hourglass silhouette. The dress is gorgeous and a beautiful and rare example of his work during this time period.
- It would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric is a stunning silk that has a pattern suggested of an animal print running over its entire surface. This has been done in an ivory with shades of charcoal grey. Worked into the pattern is a subtle muted gold metallic thread.
- The dress is strapless and curves up on the bodice. There is a black silk inner panel that is set behind the front panels that you see here. This let those front panels sit slightly off of the body and create the illusion of more bust.
- The fabric is gathered in along an angled seam under that to a wide band that defines the waist. I love how there is a bit of the same black silk that peeks out along one edge to tie all of the elements of the bodice together.
- The waist is cinched in and to achieve that beautiful hour glass silhouette there is a full built-in boned couture corset attached to the inside of the bodice. I have taken photos so you can see how beautifully and intricately this is constructed.
- From there the skirt expands outward over the hips and curves beautifully down to the floor. The front has a slightly more sleek feel to it and then the back has added fabric built into it down the centre so that you get a beautiful soft fullness there. It is cut slightly longer at the back to help to add to that feel of more fullness there. If you really wanted the skirt to be very full you could add an underskirt. There is more than enough room.
- It is an absolute extraordinarily beautiful early Couture peace from the most magical era of Couture.
- The skirt is backed with a netting and there is a built-in boned corset. It closes with a back zipper and an inner waist stay hooks to close. There is light discolouration to the inner corset. At some point, someone added fabric tape over some small holes in the netting of the interior skirt and I see some tiny ones without tape. None of this shows on the exterior. There is light fraying on part of the front hem. Please see the photos after the label shot. All of the interior work is done completely by hand to Couture standards.
- No size tag is present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent overall condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to bottom seam of the 3.25" waist band
Total length: 51" from top of bodice to front hem and the back hand extends another 6" past that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5531
Reference Photo: Spring 1953 Jacques Fath Haute Couture. Illustration by Pierre Simon.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
nina ricci
Exceptional Spring 1997 Nina Ricci by Gerard Pipart Haute Couture Runway Black & White Strapless w Beaded Details
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 1997 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gerard Pipart.
- The Nina Ricci brand was founded in 1932 at 20 Rue de Capucines in Paris. In 1964 Gérard Pipart succeeded Jules-François Crahay, Nina Ricci's former designer assistant, as head of the brand. Pipart, who had previously worked for Balmain, Fath, and Patou, brought a wide range of experience in all aspects of fashion to the brand.
- Over the following three decades, Pipart's couture vision 'celebrated a flamboyant woman and his ready-to-wear found a loyal following among the most stylish women of the day.' He headed the Couture division until 1998.
- This is an incredible and very beautiful piece of Haute Couture and would have been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The upper portion of the dress is a strapless and structured ivory that is made out of a beautiful silk that has a slight texture.
- At the waist it changes to a black silk to create that gorgeous skirt. The silk there also has a slight texture and enough weight to hold the intended draping but without being heavy.
- Deep silver beads are placed by hand to run up from the waist over the bodice and then more beading runs down from the waist with some parts ending just past the hips. It adds the perfect amount of glitz to the dress.
- The skirt curves outward over the hips and then widens out as it nears the hem. On one side of the skirt an added panel drapes down past the hem and appears to be caught up with the handset bow that sits there. This adds a beautiful little bit of extra movement and curving line to the dress. It is a design detail that is just brilliantly executed.
- It is fully lined in a white silk through the bodice with light boning for support. Through the skirt it is lined in a black silk. It closes with a side set zipper and has an inner waist stay that hooks to close. I see the very slightest bit of grubbiness around the upper edge of the bodice that is mentioned for accuracy.
- The proper Haute Couture label is present.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9.25" from the top of the bodice to the waist
Total length: 52.5" from the top of the bodice to the shortest point of the hem, 57" to the longest
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5532
Reference Photo: Spring 1997 Nina Ricci Haute Couture.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fantastic Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Unlabeled Black & White Print Plunge Dress
I Have a Question
-
A magnificent dress that is the twin of the one that walked the runway for the It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The famous socialite Nan Kempner owned its twin and we have included photos here so you can see how fabulous this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a printed silk that has a black abstract pattern covering it from head to toe.
- In the book Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture: Catwalk they tell us that for the show Yves celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Couture house. The collection emphasize small waists counterbalance by wide shoulders that accentuated narrow hips. Many of the pieces were inspired by India and the craftsmanship that was available there. You can see the inspiration in the front set crystals. He used glass crystal rhinestones that were cut specifically to mimic the type of diamonds called Polki Diamonds that often seen in Indian jewellery and have a more raw cut feel to them.
- The dress is gathered at the shoulder but the gathers are brought down more towards the front. The shoulders are soft.
- The sleeves are extremely generous through the upper arm and are set into the top of the shoulder with a series of soft pleats that give them height and volume. They narrow down to the cuff where they close with a zipper.
- The entire front of the bodice is brought down into the centre waist in a series of soft pleats with a plunge that is fairly low but not too low.
- Set in the middle of the waist is that fantastic diamond shaped applique that has the glass crystal stones mixed with black stones and black glass tube beads. This catches the light fantastically.
- The skirt is gathered up and into that diamond to mimic what is happening on the bodice. It falls to the floor from there. There is a lot of fabric in the skirt because of the front pleating but it feels like it narrows in a bit to keep the silhouette long and narrow.
- At the back it falls in a simple sheath from shoulder to hem.
- All of the inner seams are finished by hand and the entire dress is made by hand to Haute Couture standards
- The dress is unlined and closes with a side set zipper. Zipper sit at each cuff. There is some evidence that the seams at the side of the waist were let out slightly. They could easily be brought back in. The piece is unlabelled.
- No size tag is present so please go by the listed measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 28" and are 14" around the upper arm. They are 7" around the wrist.
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5533
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Couture. / (2-6) Spring 1982 Yves Saint Laurent Couture Advance Preview. / (7) Nan Kempner in Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Nude Pink Version Silk Plunge Runway Dress w Balloon Sleeves
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1990 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- I love that it was photo with Yves himself. The model is carrying flowers and this may have been the piece used to close the show as the wedding dress.
- The fabric that the dress is made out of is a stunning pale nude ballet slipper pink that has a beautiful weight to it. This and the cut is what helps hold the draping perfectly in place.
- It has a very unusual design that is completely hidden at first glance. There is an inner bodice that one side of the outer dress hooks onto around the inner waist and then the other side drapes over that and hooks along the outer waist. This gives you coverage over the bust on the inside but still allows the bodice to feel loosely draped around you. It is what allows the plunge to be so low at the front while having it be completely secure while you are fully covered underneath.
- The sleeves are incredible. They are extremely full and each is lined with a pale pink silk chiffon to help hold the added volume of them. I love the way they drop over the cuff at the wrist to form that gorgeous puff at their ends.
- The inner waist closure holds the dress in place around you and then the silk drapes and skims past the waist and hips. The skirt flares out slightly as it nears the hem. The silk drapes over the waist for a bit of definition in shape even though there is no actual seam there. It is all masterful tailoring.
- The inner bodice zips at the front and then the dress hooks to close around it. The rest of the dress is unlined. I see one tiny faint mark along the edge of a fold of the top, some very minor faint marks at the hem and a tiny scuff in the fabric at the back hem. All very minor but mentioned for accuracy. Hand finishes. The colour is slightly more pastel soft pink than how it shot.
- The fit of the dress as it is currently is based almost completely on the measurements of the inner bodice piece but the outer dress is more generous. You could easily alter/add to the inner bodice to get more room if needed.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 38
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 24.5"
Inner bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam. The outer bust measurement is very full and up to 22" across so if you needed more room you could easily add to the inner bodice to get more room.
Inner waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam with a similar note to above. The outer waist measures to 17"
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 59.5" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5526
Reference Photos: Spring 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Runway.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
1940s-1950s Possible Stage or Showgirl Strapless Dress Covered in Hand Placed Sequins & Beads
I Have a Question
- This is original dress from the 1950s, maybe the 1940s that is completely made by hand.
- It is an absolutely incredible example of the high level of hand work being done during that time period and you would be hard pressed to find anything modern done to this degree outside of true Couture pieces.
- I have no formal history on the dress but it does have a handwritten tag with the name Edith that sits inside the hem. The possibility of this being the name of the owner is fascinating and one wonders if it belonged to perhaps a showgirl, dancer or perhaps an actress who would have worn the dress. Having the name added like that certainly does imply that it was more of a stage piece as this was common in stage pieces from the era.
- The dress has hundreds of thousands of sequins and beads hand applied over every inch of its surface. The sequins are incredibly dense in the way that they have been applied. They are set so that they overlap each other to the point where they stand up and off the dress slightly. The black sequins were done in a swirling burst design and this lets it catch the light differently and creates the most amazing effect.
- Added to that is a floral design in pale pink, gold and greens that is also done in sequins. This wraps around the bodice and then runs down the entire skirt of the dress with the density of the design getting heavier as it near the hem.
- Then over all of that are over-sized faceted beads in a variety of colours that have been applied by hand to add an extra bit of detail and sparkle to the dress. They are all jewel tones mixed with gold and copper and it is just incredible to see.
- The dress does have weight to it but it is perfectly balanced once it is on the body.
- It has straps but can also be worn strapless. Inside there is a full built-in boned and cupped corset that holds the dress in place and adds shape. The waist is brought in by this corset and then the dress skims over the hips. As it falls to the floor it narrows down. There is an overlapping curved slit at the back that allows you to be able to walk in it.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silky rayon. The dress has an inner corset that hooks into place with a double row of metal lingerie hooks. The inner corset is boned and cupped. It is lightly tacked into the dress. I see some wear on the inside of the corset here and there. The dress zips to close over that. It is completely made by hand.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below
- Excellent condition with the note above
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 53" from top of bodice to hem
Back slit: 26" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5524
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.
gucci
Prettiest 2017 Gucci by Alessandro Michele Black Dress w Lace Sleeves & Iridescent Crystal Bow Detailing
I Have a Question
- The dress is from 2017 and is a piece that was produced for the shops.
- The dress was made under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele.
- Lisa Vanderpump wore it's twin that season and I love that the reference photos we have included here allow you to see how great this is once on the body.
- The dress is made from a light in weight black crepe like fabric mixed with lace set down the bodice and for the sleeves. These fabric choices keeps it light in weight but still give it enough structure to hold that gorgeous shape that you see.
- The neck is cut high with a ruffle of lace running around the neck. A lace panel drops into a low V down the front. This leaves you completely covered but you still have a bit of the transparency that the lace provides.
- Each shoulder is set into the arms with a slight capped feel and then they narrow down to wide cuffs and a ribbed grosgrain. Each cuff closes with two button buttons covered in the same fabric. I love the way the lace of the sleeves picks up on that front panel and how they also have transparency through the lace pattern.
- The bodice is cut to skim over you to the waist that is banded for shape.
- The skirt curves out over the hips and then falls from there to the floor, flaring out as it reaches the hem. This gives it a wonderful movement when you move.
- It is at the very front that you get that signature excess that Alessandro is so well known for. Two large bows are formed out of iridescent silver crystals trimmed with tiny seed beads. These are attached directly to the dress and are stylistically a nod to the 1930s and 1940s. There is also a prong set row of the same crystals that run between the bows to suggest tiny buttons. All of the crystals catch the light beautifully and add a high amount of glamour to the dress.
- It is a beautiful dress representative of his time at the Gucci label.
- The dress is lined in a black chiffon through the bodice with the skirt and lace areas left unlined. It closes with a hidden back side zipper and hooks at the back of the neck. Each sleeve has a two buttons at the wrist. There is some stretch through the body so I have put the comfortable range when laying flat below.
- Tagged a Gucci S
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 25.5" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Natural shoulders: approximately 15"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from neck to the top of the 4" band at the waistwaist
Total length: 58.5" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5516
Reference Photos: (1) From the Gucci website. / (2-3) Lisa Vanderpump in Gucci at the premiere of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, 2017.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
dolce & gabbana
Extraordinary Rare Fall 2016 Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Couture Gold Tweed & Lace Covered Jacket & Skirt Suit Set
I Have a Question
- This is a private custom order suit from the Fall 2016 Alta Moda "Naples" collection and was acquired directly from the Couture client. Alta Moda runway footage and Look Books are only available for those invited to the spectacular 3-day events held in different locations each season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
- This suit was a special order custom piece by my client and the original price was just over 45,000 euros.
- This collection was inspired by Sophia Loren who was also the guest of honour at the show.
- Both pieces are made out of a hand woven tweed that has gold metallic thread woven through it in a thatched weave. The goal is more apparent when you see this in person. As you get closer, you realize that over top of the tweed there is a layer of a floral lace that floats over and creates a beautiful pattern on pattern effect.
- The lace pieces were all hand made individually to fit the part of the pattern that they were to be applied over top of. Inside the inner edges of the jacket there is a another panel of handmade lace that is done with a more dense weave so that it has a darker feel to it. It is all just extraordinary.
- The jacket has soft shoulders that have a slight peak at their tops. The sleeves are long and the lace covering them is their only detail. The body of the jacket is shaped around you with the waist nipped in for shape. A double row of handmade buttons runs down the front with hidden hand covered silk snaps set underneath to close the jacket. Each hip has a double flap to suggest pockets but these are decorative only and their purpose is to help shape the hip and add detail. The collar is soft with an extra band of the handmade lace applied around it to give it a touch of definition.
- The skirt has a wide grosgrain ribbon to cinch it in and it skims over the top of the hips. The lower skirt is added with and exposed top set seam attaching it to the upper part of the skirt. This lower piece is pleated so it opens up into a beautiful shape and a bit of a swing feel while still maintaining its structure.
- It is truly a work of art and showcases the very best of Dolce's craftsmanship.
- Both pieces are unlined and are entirely made by hand to Haute Couture standards. The jacket closes at the front as described above and the skirt has a back zipper. They have their appropriate Couture tags in place with a hand written tag behind. Both pieces appear to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present since it is a couture piece so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Jacket
Sleeves: 25.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 24" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 24.5" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5510
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.
john galliano
Outstanding Fall 2001 John Galliano Runway Look 41 Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Dress w Romantic Floral Print
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 2001 runway for a Look 41 and was worn by supermodel Stella Tenant in the show.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- This is the actual dress worn by Caitlin Thompson to the 2024 Emmys
- Madison Headrick privately acquired the first example of this dress that we had in our archives and wore it as part of her wedding celebrations.
- Besides the runway photos, we have included photos of both Madison and Caitlin so you can see how spectacular this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of a floral printed ivory silk chiffon that is feather light in weight.
- Soft pastel flowers done in shades of pale, pink and soft greens run over the entire dress and add to the ultra romantic feel that it has.
- Ruffled cap sleeves curve over the shoulders and they are set wide so that they sit at the very edge of your shoulder. This allows the chiffon to cascade over the top of each arm.
- The bodice is extensively gathered around the bust to the sides and into a seam that curves down just above the waist. All of the seam work on the dress is a heavy nod to the Couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. John Galliano often use those dresses as inspiration and you can clearly see that in this piece.
- Gathered ties extend out from the sides of the bodice to wrap and tie around you. They are very long so you can get creative in how they are tied. They add a touch of whimsy to the dress and are also a clever way to add shape through the waist.
- The dress curves back out and over the hips and then narrow down slightly to about the knee.
- The lower skirt is set into a curved seam and the volume below that is amazing. There is a tremendous amount of silk in the lower skirting so that it moves and floats fabulously around you when you move.
- Little added tiered ruffles of silk have been added along parts of the patterned seams for yet another extra romantic touch.
- The dress is completely cut on the bias so moves beautifully over the body. It makes it easy to fit and comfortable to wear.
- This is a spectacular example of his work and one of the most romantic prints from him that I have ever seen. This is an important early piece that is highly collectible.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon and slips on with no closures. The easy cut and movement in the fabric should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The dress is in its original uncut length. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 65" from shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5509
Reference Photos/Video: (1-2) Fall 2001 Galliano Runway, Look 41. Model: Stella Tennant. / (3-6) Caitlin Thompson wearing this dress at the Emmys, 2024. / (7-11) Madison Headrick in in its twin from us on two different occasions.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
valentino
Dreamiest Resort 2020 Valentino by Pierpaolo Piccioli Runway Look 23 Silk Chiffon Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The near twin of the dress was Look 23 in the Resort 2020 Valentino presentation.
- It was made under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli.
- Vogue said that 'Pierpaolo Piccioli had his Resort collection photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, a green oasis in the center of the city with giant bamboo stands and towering palm trees.' This is one of my favourite Valentino dresses of the collection and it is even dreamier in real life.
- The dress is made out of a beautiful lightweight ivory silk chiffon that has the teeniest palest touch of green to its undertone.
- Onto the entire dress is a beautiful floral pattern that gets larger as it near the hem. The flowers are done in pale greens and soft pinks with more vibrant pinks around the hem mixed with bands of colour.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves flutter over the very top of the arm. They are a single layer of the silk chiffon so have a beautiful delicacy to them.
- The dress skims over the bust from a high scooped neck and drapes easily over the body to the waist. Ruffles made out of the same silk sit behind vertical panels of the chiffon with lace ribbon insets. These run vertically down the centre of the top and there is a row of little functional buttons that runs down the middle.
- The dress comes with a long matching tie in the same fabric that you used to cinch around the waist for added shape.
- I love that parts of the print in the chiffon are signed Valentino.
- The skirt flows to the floor from there and it is extremely full. It has a second ivory silk layer underneath so that it is opaque enough to wear. The excessive amount of fabric used through the skirt give it a ton of movement when you walk and move.
- The lightness of the silk and the way that it lays over the body allows it to move spectacularly over you and it will pick up the slightest bit of air. It really is even more stunning in person.
- The dress is lined through the bodice with an ivory silk chiffon and the skirt is fully lined in an ivory silk. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. The buttons at the front are functional. Comes with its original matching tie belt in the same chiffon. In its original uncut length and it appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Valentino 40
- Excellent condition
Shoulders: 14.75"
Bust: 16.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Total length: 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5507
Reference Photo: Resort 2020 Valentino, Look 23.
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.
jean paul gaultier
Outstanding Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier Black Bias Cut Jersey w Black Velvet Cuffs & Collar
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier collection.
-
It was made under the creative direction of Jean Paul Gaultier.
- Miley Cyrus famously wore the twin of this dress in 2013. I love that the reference photos of both her and the runway photos that give you an amazing idea of how this looks on the body.
- The dress is made from a black stretch jersey that has some movement and is very comfortable to wear and easy to fit.
- Contrasting with that or padded pipe bands of black velvet that circled the collar and each cuff.
- The velvet collar that circles around the neck is cut wider across in a true circle that sits up and off the body slightly as you can see in the photos.
- The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are cut extra long. Each one flares out dramatically and is finished with that same round piped velvet finish that the collar has. Each cuff is also a full circle around and it is quite extraordinary and dramatic to see. They have fantastic movement once they are on the body and I love how they are set on an angle so that they fall longer at the back behind your hands.
- It skims over the bodice and is cut more generously through the waist. If you wanted to add more definition you could add a belt but it does falls beautifully in a sleek column when worn as intended.
- The jersey curves back out over the hips and then the skirt falls to the floor below that. The black jersey stretch fabric has incredible drape and movement around you as it flares out.
- This is a phenomenal and very well known piece of Jean Paul's work and highly collectible
- The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with no closures. The jersey does have some stretch to it and I have put the comfortable range of stretch below. The dress 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: 21" to the shortest point and 30" to the longest. They are 9-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 57" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5506
Reference Photos/Videos: (1-2) Fall 1999 Jean Paul Gaultier. / (3-7) Miley Cyrus in Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier at the Bambi Awards, 2013.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Amazing Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Black Velvet Wrap Dress w Olive Silk Taffeta Ruffles
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- We were so pleased to find shots of it on because it really shows you just how much it comes to life when worn. It is extraordinary and it is a stunning example of his work during this time period.
- The wrap design of the dress is easy to fit and is also very flattering for so many body types.I love the soft and romantic lines that this dress has.
- It is made of a black velvet that has enough weight to hold the shape that you see but still feel light on the body.
- A wide ruffle in a deep olive coloured silk taffeta runs around the neck starting at the base of the front plunge. It curves up and around the neck and then comes back down across the front is caught up at the side and then falls all the way two the hem and around.
- This stunning framing of the entire front of your body is beautiful and gives the dress is dramatic feel.
- To wear the dress there is an inner strap that wraps around your waist and hooks into place and then a long attached silk tie in a matching green ties into place at the side.
- On the runway, this was shown tied into a bow, a signature Yves detail.
- The wrapping of the dress allows you to adjust the fit around you so that it sits perfectly on you.
- The skirt curves over the hip and falls to the hem and because of the wrap over design when you move or walk, you will see a flash of bare leg. The ruffles hide most of your leg but it does peak out as you walk . It is an insanely sexy detail that is in total contrast with the sweetness of the ruffles.
- As good as the dress looks on the dress form, it is even better in person and on a body. It looks remarkably simple yet is genius in its execution.
- Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a inner strap that hooks around the waist. It ties to one side on the exterior as described above. A zipper at each cuff. I see a tiny bit of pressing of the velvet at the crease under the arms. The easy wrap cut makes it easy to fit a range of sizes. You could easily adjust the inner waist if needed.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 40
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 23.5" and they are 15" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: both the inner and outer waist are 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from neck to longest point of the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5504
Reference Photos: Fall 1984 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
john anthony
Minimalist Fall 1981 John Anthony Couture Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Two Piece Top & Skirt Set
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 1981 Jpohn Anthony collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Anthony.
- Each piece that John Anthony made was on a made-to-order basis, which means that each piece is the only one that exists, or in the very occasional circumstance that there are similar pieces made, only a very limited amount of pieces were done.
- All of the pieces I have (and have had in the last couple of years) in the shop come directly from John's archive.
- John is one of the great American couturiers and he was known for his sharp tailoring and striking evening wear. He launched his atelier in 1971 and he quickly rose to fame, winning a Coty award in 1972 and then again in 1976.
- This is the original sample of this piece from his archives. We found a series of photos of pieces with the same bead work so you can get an idea of how beautiful they are on the body.
- The dress is made out of a feather light deep brown silk chiffon. Glass tube beads are set in vertical rows over both pieces and all of the beads have been applied by hand in perfect little rows onto the silk. I love how they catch the light from every angle.
- Both pieces have a simple and easy cut so that they are easy to wear and are very flattering on the body. The neckline is scooped and closes with a hook and eye at the back of the neck above a keyhole. The sleeves have the same bead detailing and then they fall in a straight cut to the wrist for a touch of fullness.
- The bodice is cut to skim loosely over you to the waist. The waist is finished with elastic which lets the silk pouf under a touch.
- The skirt has a banded waist and falls to the floor under that. It flares out a touch as it nears the hem. It has a high slit on one side for a flash of leg to show.
- They are gorgeous when worn together but have the versatility of being able to be mixed and matched with things you already have.
- The work has all been done by hand and the workmanship is fantastic. They fall like a dream once on the body.
- Fully lined in a second layer of nude silk chiffon. The top closes with a hook and eye above a keyhole at the back of the neck and has elastic at the bottom seam. The skirt closes with hook and eye at the waist and a zipper under that. A tiny area of missing beads here and there but nothing major. Please see the photo after the label shot. The sample tag is stitched inside the cuff of one sleeve.
- There is no size tag present because it is a sample piece so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the minor note above.
Top
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27" from neck to hem
Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from waist to hem
Slit: 27" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5503
Reference Photos: Fall 1981 John Anthony Ready to Wear Advance Preview.
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.
john galliano
Beautiful Fall 2005 John Galliano Bias Cut Soft Brown Cut Devore Velvet & Chiffon Floral Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2005 Galliano collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The dress is absolutely dreamy. It is meant to skim over the body and it has that beautiful movement that Galliano is so well known for.
- It is made out of a combination of a cut velvet floral fabric that has been applied to a printed bias cut brown backdrop. This gives it an amazing texture. Highlighting the seams are little inset panels of lace with more lace added around the hem and edges.
- The dress is suspended from the shoulders with two brown lace straps and the lace continues around the neckline. The front is set into a shallow V and the back repeats that same V finish.
- The silk is cut on the bias and the entire dress skims over the body in that perfect way that he always cut a piece.
- The bias cut allows it to be easy fitting over the bust, waist and hips. It is not tight at all but does drape and fall to accent your shape once it is on the body.
- The skirt is made up of panels set in and along angled seaming that is very reminiscent of Old Hollywood dresses from the twenties and thirties. The skirt is made of two panels that expand outwards and are open along the sides. So when you walk or move you get a bit of leg and extra kick along the lower skirting.
- Each panel has elaborate lace edging with ruffles made out of the lace for a pretty and feminine finish. I love how this ties all the elements of the dress together.
- The skirt has an amazing amount of fabric in it and the cut and open sides allow the smallest bit of air to catch the skirt and let it move around you as you move. When this is on and you are walking the movement it creates is absolutely gorgeous.
- This is John at his best and it is a tremendously beautiful dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a brown silk and slips over the head with no closures. It is cut on the bias so we put the comfortable range of measurements when the dress is laying flat below. It appears to have been worn very little if at all
- Tagged a vintage Galliano FR44, GB16, US10
- Excellent condition
Bust: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD5502
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 Have a Question
- The twin of this extraordinary dress walked the Spring 2012 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexandre Vauthier
- Alexandre Vauthier launched his label in 2009. He started his fashion career in 1993 working for Thierry Mugler as an intern and working his way up to assistant designer to Mugler himself. In 1997 he joined Jean Paul Gaultier where he in charge of the Couture collections for the following eight years.
- He left in 2008 to open his own couture atelier showing his first collection in 2009. From 2011 to 2014 the label was a designated guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de haute couture and since December 2014 he has been a full Couture member. Vauthier departed the label in 2025 marking the end of the Couture division.
- This is the actual piece that was shown on the runway and may very well be the only one in existence. I love that we have both the runway reference photos and video. You can see how fantastically it moves and looks once on the body.
- The dress would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The dress is made from a pale lavender silk chiffon that is of extremely high-quality. It has the slightest bit of texture to it, and is all cut on the bias. The colour is even softer than how it photoed and better in person.
- The seam work on this dress is extraordinary. It is a strong nod back to Couture pieces of the 1920s and 1930s. I have taken some close-ups through the body so that you can see the extraordinary hand done piece-work that has gone into putting the various panels of the dress together to create the flowing masterpiece that you see.
- The dress is wonderfully simple in the way that it goes onto to the body. You simply slip it on and it hooks and snaps into place around the waist leaving it to flow freely over the body from shoulder to hem.
- This wrapping around you and hooking into place leaves a high slit up one side so that when you walk or move you see a flash of bare leg. You can see this in the reference photos and video.
- The bodice is cut to drape loosely over you and has a plunging V at the front, both sides, and at the back. On the runway it was shown over an inner nude piece for the minimum amount of modesty It could be worn like that in real life or a layered over something underneath if you wanted a bit more coverage.
- The waist is brought in with a wide doubled band of the same silk chiffon and the panels of the bodice blouse softly over the waist band all of the way around you. There is a second interior halter inside at the front that sits slightly more fitted to the body and adds one extra layer of chiffon.
- The dress curves out over the hips and then the beginning of the volume that you see for the lower skirts is all created by the inset panels that have all been hand placed and sewn.
- The amount of silk chiffon in the skirt is remarkable. It falls slightly shorter to the front and then curves out around you in a sweep of skirts that is just phenomenal. I love that we have runway videos so you can see how amazing this dress is once it is on and moving.
- The dress has a single layer interior halter bodice and the skirt is unlined. It slips on and then wraps and closes with a hook and hidden set clear snaps at the waist. This is the actual dress that was worn on the runway and is completely made by hand. It is the original runway sample dress. You could move and adjust the hook and snaps at the waist to get the perfect fit.
- There is no size tag present because it is Haute couture sample so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
On the runway, the dress was shown with a fur shrug. If you are interested in acquiring that I may be able to source that for you independent of this dress. Please touch base to chat further.
Bust: each inner halter covers to 7" flat across from side to side
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approximately 16" from top of shoulder to waist and meant to blouse slightly over the 2.5" band around the waist
Total length: 69" from top of shoulder to front hem and the back extends up to another 17" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5498
Reference Photo/Video: Spring 2012 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture, Look 23.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
lanvin
Gorgeous 2013 Lanvin Blanche by Alber Elbaz Strapless Ivory Silk Wedding Dress w Back Bow & Ruffle
I Have a Question
- This is an absolutely beautiful dress by Lanvin from the 2013 wedding collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz
- He did several variations of this dress and I've included a few of them because I think that it gives you an idea of how the dress will look like on the body. I have had some of these in the shop before and each is stunning.
- I love that it doesn't necessarily feel like a typical wedding gown. A client, who bought the last I had, wore it for an event that was nothing to do with a wedding.
- The dress is made from a fine silk detailed with ivory coloured silk ribbon.
- The bodice is strapless and the dress skims over the body from there to the hem.
- At the back it is gathered up in that elaborate ruffle and bow detailing. This gathering brings the dress in slightly under the hips and gives it a pretty interesting shape as it falls around you.
- The ruffles are tremendously beautiful. A large bow tops them at the back and then they fall and are set all the way down to trail down past the hips, down the skirt and trail past the hem. They are elaborate and caught up with hand placed stitching to hold them in place.
- One of his signature, larger exposed zippers is the perfect finishing Alber touch.
- The fabric has a slight texture running over it and is just thick enough to hold the shape that you see. It is gorgeous.
- The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk with inner structure though the bodice that is lightly boned. An inner waist stay hooks to close. It closes with the signature exposed Lanvin zipper between the ruffles at the back. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The colour is slightly richer and creamier in person.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 13.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: to 64" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5492
Reference Photo: 2013 Lanvin Blanche Collection.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding Fall 2009 Christian Dior by John Galliano Bias Cut Metallic Silver Floral Print Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Fall 2009 collection and the same fabric was seen on the runway in other pieces.
- It was created under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The show was inspired by 1920s and the 1920s Orientalism of couturier Paul Poiret and you can see that in the fabric of this dress and its nod to the metallic silk lames that were seen so prominently during that era.
- The dress is made from the most striking metallic silver & black fabric that has a subtle silver shimmer from head to toe. The photos capture the colour well, but it has a slightly more metallic feel in person that is really outstandingly beautiful.
- It is completely cut on the bias so that it falls and drapes beautifully over the body.
- The neck line is cut wide across and the shoulders extend slightly over the top of the arm. The bodice has angled darts that come out from the centre of the waist and it is cut to skim over you down to the waist area.
- The waist is shaped by a combination of the seam work there and the gathering at the front. After curving in around the waist it curves back out and over the hips.
- The skirt falls from there to the floor and I love how the bias cut narrows it in around the legs slightly and then the lower portion of skirt flares out dramatically. The back of the skirt is cut slightly longer than the front so you get this phenomenal sweeping feel behind you along with added movement as you walk and move.
- The way it is gathered in around the hips is a strong nod to pieces from the 1930s and 1940s. These are eras that John touched on quite often and that is showcased beautifully in this particular piece. There is a centre seam where all of the fabric has been gathered in towards to create shape and interest around the waist and the of the top of hips.
- The dress is in its original uncut length and just an incredible example of his work from time period.
- It is fully lined in black silk and closes with a back hidden set zipper. I see some faded marks to the interior lining around the hem. I think this is from storage. The exterior is pristine. When the dress is off the body, the inner lining hangs a bit past the hem but once it was on the dress form, it falls right. This is because of the bias cut of the inner lining - it doesn't shorten to match the exterior hem until there is a body in it.
- There is no size tag present so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition.
Bust: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64" from shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 2" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5491
Reference Photo: Fall 2009 Christian Dior Runway, Look 35.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
alexander mcqueen
Spring 2012 Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton Black Lace Dress w Fabulously Full Lower Skirting
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was featured in the Spring 2012 collection Lookbook sent out to select retailers.
- It was made under the creative direction of Sarah Burton.
- Lace was one of the primary fabrics that Sarah Burton used for the Spring 2012 collection and Vogue reported that "She based her collection on the three Gs: Grès for the pleating and draping, Gaudí for the architecture, and Gaia for the sense of all-encompassing oceanic life that infused the clothes, like the outfits composed of coral or shells."
- Pink wore its twin for an editorial shoot and Du Juan wore one on the red carpet.
- We have had a gold version in the shop before and I'm very pleased to have found this black one that matches the Lookbook and red carpets that it's twins appeared on.
- The dress is made out of a black lace that tops a pale nude silk underneath.
- The neckline is a scooped and the bodice is shaped to flow over your curves. The waist is a touch on the more easy side and you could easily add a wide corset belt to get the effect you see in the reference photos and really cinch it in.
- It curves over the hips to about the knee and then the lower skirts explodes out from there.
- Insets of the same lace with a layers of silk organza underskirts are set all the way around. If you lay the lower skirt out flat it has more volume than a full circle. This is what creates that incredibly full effect and the volume that the skirt has. We did not add any additional underskirts for these photos, all of that beautiful sweeping volume is all built-in.
- The back is cut slightly longer then the front so you get this beautiful sweeping effect behind you as you walk.
- This dress is Sarah at her best and a highly collectible piece.
- The dress is fully lined in a pale nude silk through the body of the dress and then silk organza is set under the lower skirts. It closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged McQueen 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 63" from top of bodice to front hem and the back extends another 8" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5490
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 2012 Alexander McQueen Look Book. / (2-3) Pink photographed by Andrew MacPherson, Feb 2012. / (4) Du Juan at Deja Vu Screening, June 2012.
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.
adolfo
Incredible 1960s Adolfo Black Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress w Extensive Hand Bead & Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- This incredibally detailed dress dates to the 1960s.
- It was made under the creative direction of Adolfo Faustino Sardiña, who professionally known as Adolfo.
- Adolfo started his career under Balenciaga and, like Halston, he was a successful milliner before opening his own fashion house. He became know for his Chanel inspired suiting and beaded pieces.
- Adolfo often did custom work for his clients who ranged from the Duchess of Windsor to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Vanderbilt and Nancy Reagan. He even won a Coty Award in 1969.
- The base fabric is a fine black silk chiffon over a black silk and then it is lined in a silk and then onto that are thousands of beads and sequins.
- The extensive bead and sequin work is set onto the silk in a gorgeous design that runs over the dress from top to bottom. The designs are clustered and the work sits up and off the silk for a slight 3D effect. All of the work is done by hand.
- It drapes and sits on the body in a very balanced way despite the elaborate work on it.
- The cut of this dress is a very flattering one shoulder silhouette. The one side curves up and over the shoulder and then from there it curves gracefully across the back. The shoulder strap is an extension of all of the design, so there is no break to the eye.
- The edges of the neck, down and around the one arm opening, and all the way around the hem are all finished with tightly, spaced bead work that is incredible.
- It skims over the bust and there is no seam at the waist. Instead, it is shaped to curve in slightly for shape and then it curves back out and over the hips.
- The dress falls to the floor from there and the skirt widens out a touch as it nears the floor. The hem is on a slight angle and as it curves up to the one side, there is a slit runs up one side for a flash of leg to show as you move or sit.
- I love the contrast of the silver white beads against the black. They catch the light with your slightest movement and from every angle. It is just a spectacular dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a side zipper. Hand finishes throughout. There is a tiny bare area between the beading on the shoulder and two small areas around the arm. Please see the photos after the label shot. Otherwise it looks as if it was worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 60" from top of the shoulder to hem and the slit is 22" from the hem up.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5489
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Well Documented Spring 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Look 53 Silk Floral Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway as Look 53 for the Spring 1983 Haute Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
- The dress would've been made entirely by hand in the Paris atelier.
- On the runway it was shown under a jacket when the model first came out and then she removed the jacket. I love that this shows you how versatile these little dresses can be.
- We also found the fabric noted in a WWD editorial and then I looked into my folio collection book and found the model number and original sketch for you to see. I have included all these reference photos for you here and it gives you a beautiful idea of how fabulous this is once on the body.
- The dress is gorgeous and Yves always cut his couture pieces so perfectly to flatter a woman's body.
- It is made out of a fine silk that has the tiniest ribbed texture running through it.
- The top is cut to skim over you and blouse over the waist. The shoulders have light padding just at their outer edges to slightly extend them outward. They are set into the bodice with gathers so that they slightly pouf above the shoulder line. The sleeves are slim and pouf out just slightly as they slim down to the zippered cuffs.
- The neckline is set wide across the collarbones and edged in a black silk band.
- The waist is seamed and we have added a black grosgrain ribbon there for shape. You can add a belt instead if you wanted a really cinched in look.
- The skirt falls under that in a simple pencil to just about the knee or above depending on your height.
- There are hidden set pockets along each hip.
- The colour of the silk is the best thing about the dress. It is a mix of a bright pink, green, blue and a deep purple set in a large floral design that runs over the entire dress.
- Truly a brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will fall in love with how good it is in person. And it is just so good on the body. A masterpiece.
- Unlined through the bodice and lined in a black silk through the skirt. All the work is done by hand to Haute Couture standards. It closes with a back zipper and two buttons at the back of the neck. An inner waist stay hooks to close. Each cuff has a hand set hidden set zipper to close. Light padding in each shoulder as described above. Completely made by hand. Proper Haute Couture numbered label present. The grosgrain ribbon is not original to the dress but will be sent with it.
- There is no size tag present because it is true Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Sleeves: 22" and 13.75" around the upper arm
Slightly wide set shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist but mean to blouse a bit
Total length: 38" from top of shoulder to hem with 2" turned under
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5486
Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway. / (5-7) Spring 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Advance Preview. / (8) Womens Wear Daily, February 1983.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
yves saint laurent
Fantastic Fall 1986 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Strapless Deep Purple-Blue Hand Gathered Velvet Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walk the runway for the Fall 1986 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent
- On the runway it was shown in both this colour and also in a red.
- The dress is constructed in a way that creates its unusual gathered velvet technique. It is also what gives it an amazing tactile feel when its touched.
- The colour of the velvet is a beautiful deep purple that in certain lights has a touch of a blue undertone. I love that.
- The dress is strapless with inner built in structure to help hold it in place once one the body. The back part of the bodice has a built-in elastic so the dress is easy to fit. It curves down and past the waist with no seam to break the eye. From there it curves back out and over the hips in a sleek pencil silhouette.
- The dress closes with a zipper that is set off to the side to follow a seam at the back. The inner bodice area is lined in a blue silk and the rest of the dress is unlined. An inner waist stay that hooks to close. You can clearly see the hand stitching on the back of the fabric done to create the pattern on the velvet.
- Tagged a vintage YSL 40
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 32" from top of bodice to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5487
Reference Photos: Fall 1986 Yves Saint Laurent.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
givenchy
Fall 1982 Hubert de Givenchy Unlabeled Haute Couture Runway Dress w Feathers w Feather Collar
I Have a Question
- Due to new customs regulations this dress can only ship to a Canadian address. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this.
- This dress is from the Fall 1982 Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy.
- I believe this is the actual runway sample that walked the runway. The only photo that we have been able to find to verify its presence on the runway is one from the back but it is still a photo that shows that it is a runway piece.
- It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
-
The dress is unlabelled and it is made by hand in the same level other of his runway samples that we have had in the shop.
- The bodice and sleeves are made from a black velvet with a flat pile finish. I love how it is cut to sit off shoulder and leave a bare expanse of skin across the top of your shoulders. Two little straps curve over the top of the shoulder to hold it perfectly in place and then the sleeves drop so your upper arm is bare.
- The neck line and the very top of each sleeve have a finish of black feathers that add an amazing feel to the dress.
- The sleeves have been tacked into place along the edge of the bodice and they have an elastic running around the top edge for an easy fit.
- The bodice comes in for shape around the waist and then curves back down to the top of the hip.
- The skirt is spectacular. It comes out from the bottom seam of the top and explodes outward around you with incredible volume
- The skirt is made out of a fine black and silver-grey striped silk that has a pretty red metallic dot woven through its surface. It is the perfect subtle touch of colour and contrast.
- The way the feathers fall around the sleeves and upper bodice is just incredible. They also create slight movements when you move. This is a superb example of his Couture abilities.
- The bodice of the dress is fully lined in a black silk and the skirt is lined with a black silk organza. It closes with a back zipper and each sleeve zippers to close at the wrist. It is finished a level appropriate to a runway sample and all of the work is by hand. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present given that it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 17" from their open top to the end and the elastic stretches from 8-10" around
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam at the top of the hips: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 59" from the top of the shoulder to the front hem and the back extends another 4 " past that. There is an additional. 5" of silk turned under the hem.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5484
Reference Photo: Fall 1982 Givenchy 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.
I Have a Question
- This is an unlabelled piece that is made to a Demi-haute couture level
- The dress is made of a brilliant feather light pink silk.
- The bodice is cut with a simple feel and then the dress has a wide ruffle on each side that wraps around the shoulders and goes to the back for added drama.
- There is netting inside the ruffle that sits around the shoulders and this helps it to hold its shape and volume. You can also wear this more on the shoulder.
- It is more fitted through the body and has a ruffle that begins at the centre of the bodice extending to wrap down and around the skirt. The ruffle becomes wider as it nears the hem. The back falls longer than the front and it has a beautiful curving line around to the back. Because of the wrap over at the front. when you walk or move you get a flash of leg.
- It comes with its matching little waist band that hooks into place to add more shape to the waist
- It is fully lined in a handset silk and closes with a back zipper . There is an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The matching fabric belt hooks to close. There is one faint mark across the one side of the skirt at the back, near the arms, the hem and some very minor fading near the top of the zipper.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition with the note above.
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 29" from top of shoulder to where it splits, 60" to longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5161
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.
givenchy
Spring 1982 Givenchy by Hubert de Givenchy Strapless Pink Silk Dress w Floral Appliqued Bodice
I Have a Question
- A version with similar floral finishes walk the runway for the spring 1982 Givenchy collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- In 1952, Hubert de Givenchy founded his namesake house on Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris and quickly rose to fame as one of the grand couturiers. 16 years later for the 1968-69 season he added a ready-to-wear line of clothing and accessories called 'Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique'. The line was initially sold in the United States exclusively through Bergdorf Goodmans and was eventually made available at other retailers. The line was high end and extremely well made. This part of his brand was created specifically to appeal to his non-couture clients who wanted to be able to purchase a piece of the Givenchy dream. This label continued until 1992 when it was retired and re-branded as the Givenchy Couture label.
- This dress is from those early days of the label and it is one of the prettiest Givenchy dresses I have seen.
- The dress combines a brilliant pink silk skirt with a more fitted strapless bodice.
- The bodice on this one is so pretty. The base of it is a slightly off-white silk that has a white netting covering it. Onto that is an explosion of the prettiest little silk flowers in a range of pretty pastels mixed with pops of pink and purple.
- These are all placed over the bodice and so they cover it all the way around from the front to the back. They have been laid out flat beside each other and only the centres are sewn down onto the fabric so the petals sit off the fabric and move with the smallest bit of air. This gives it a touch of a 3D feel and pretty movement.
- The skirt is as fabulous and it is very full with the silk layer on the top and an inner silk chiffon layer underneath. The colour is a brilliant pink that perfectly picks up in the pink flowers in the bodice.
- There is a lot of fabric in the skirt and it is set into the waist in soft folds so that it really has fullness and movement when you move.
- The dress came with its original green silk covered belt that you can add if you wanted an extra pop of colour.
- The dress is fully lined in a ivory silk though the bodice and the skirt is lined in a pink silk. Light boning in the bodice. There is an inner waist stay and another under the bust and both hook to close. It closes with a metal side set zipper. There is a touch of grubbiness along the edges of the bodice around the arm areas and the flowers have softened over the years. There is some grubbiness and slight fading to the edge of the skirt hem and I see one tiny hole in the silk. The belt shows fading and wear. Please see the photos after the label shot
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent overall condition with the notes above
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10" from top of bodice to true inner waist
Total length: 43.5" from true inner waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5481
Reference Photos: Spring 1982 Lanvin Couture. Model Anna Bayle.
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.
roberto cavalli
Sexiest 2003 Roberto Cavalli Laced Back Corset Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Dress w Stitched Panels
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Fall 2003 Cavalli collection and is a variation of Look 30
- It was made under the creative direction of Roberto Cavalli
- Leopard prints were predominant through the runway presentation and the backdrop of the catwalk was a giant wall of video screens. The runway equivalent to this dress was deeply plunged at the front but this production piece with its corset front is far more wearable and easy to fit in my opinion. We have included runway video and stills to show you the similar fit through the body and how it will move
- The dress is made of a leopard print bias cut silk chiffon that is phenomenal. Within the leopard print there are printed gold chains that run over the dress and accentuate the curves of the body underneath. They also build on the cut of the dress itself.
- The dress is suspended from two tiny straps in the same silk that curved up and over the shoulders. The straps have a touch of elastic inside to help it fit perfectly once on. At the back they curve slightly inwards and attach. The entire upper back is left bare and exposed.
- There is a built-in inner underwired bra that holds everything in place. This gives you the structure you need while still keeping the feel of a bias cut dress over that.
- The dress curves in at the waist with a combination of long curving vertical seams and ones set in peaked angles that curved downwards. It curves back out over the hips from there. Everything is cut on the bias and there are no horizontal seams to break the print or lines of the dress.
- The lower skirt flares out with quite a bit of fabric used for its construction. The back has extra fabric and is cut a little longer than the front so that you have a beautiful bit of fabric behind you as you move. The extra fabric also gives you wonderful movement as you walk.
- I love how all of the seams around the bodice are pieced together with an obvious brown thread stitching them together. The way this is done allows for a little bit of bare skin to show between the stitches. It is a subtle detail but a fantastic one.
- The final perfect finishing touch is the laced back. This allows you to adjust the fit perfectly to you and it gives the dress the perfect signature Cavalli sexiness.
- The dress is unlined and closes with the laces at the back. The straps have slight elastic in them and there is a built-in underwire bra to create a corset effect. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Cavalli Small
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam when it is tightly laced up. Loosening the laces would give you whatever extra room you needed around.
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: the very front centre is 60" from top of shoulder and then it starts to curve around to end up being 67" at the back.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5479
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2003 Roberto Cavalli, Look 30.
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.
jean louis scherrer
Gorgeous Spring 2007 Jean Louis Scherrer by Stephane Rolland Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Spring 2007 runway and it is an absolute stunner.
- It was made under the creative direction of Stephane Rolland.
- The dress is made of a beautifully printed feather light silk chiffon and the bow details are a brown silk.
- Wide straps extend up from the two front triangles and wrap and button at the back of the neck. This leaves a plunge right to the wide band that circles around the waist. The result is a low plunge, but because of the way the halter is cut and the width of each side, everything is held perfectly in place once on.
- The waist is defined by a wide band of the same fabric. It starts high up above the waist and is gathered horizontally around you ending at the top of the hip.
- All of the gathering through that area has all been hand tacked into place. I love the shape that it adds to the dress.
- The back is equally spectacular. It is completely bare and exposed from the strap that curves around the neck down to the top edge of the band that details and add shape to the waist.
- The skirt is spectacular. At the front there is a draped panel that falls down the centre and then is caught up with a deep brown bow underneath where is flounces. The lower tier of the skirt widens and flows out from there with extra fabric gathered in.
- The back of the skirt is cut so that it falls a little longer than the front. This creates a really pretty sweeping movement behind you as you walk.
- I love that the print is soft. All of the browns are more on the tawny feeling side to create this pretty softness over the dress. I think in person it feels even less of a contrast in the print than how it photos. It is very pretty.
- The dress has its original tag with its price of €4250 or just under €6500 in modern dollars.
- The dress is lined in a nude colour silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. There are three buttons at the neck. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Scherrer 42
- Excellent condition
Bust: each triangle covers approximately 7" flat across from side to side
Band under the bust: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from neck to top of the 8.5" band at the waist
Total length: approx 68" from neck to front hem and the back ham extends another 5" beyond that
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5477
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 2007 Jean Louis Scherrer.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Exceptional Spring 1999 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Bias Cut Silk Dress w Lace Detailing
I Have a Question
- This spectacular dress is a very rare piece from the Spring 1999 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
- For this show the Dior Catwalk book noted that "Galliano took a trip on the Trans-Siberian railway and drew inspiration from Russian avant-garde as well as the Chinese red army."
- A shorter version of this dress was shown in the presentation and then a long all silk version without the lace inset at the front was presented. We have included both so you can see how this will fit on the body.
- This is one of his signature bias cut dresses and it is absolutely stunning.
- The dress falls from two straps that curve up and over the shoulders. The front falls in a soft curving drape and then the back is scooped low to leave your upper back bare. The draped front is a clever way to add shape while still keeping the entire dress soft and with little formal structure.
- Behind the draped silk of the bust is a second halter cut bodice made out of black lace. As the front drapes down this lace peeks out from behind it.
- Set just underneath the bust is an angled ribbon of lace that is just over an inch and a half wide. This angles up towards the centre of the bust and then runs around the back.
- Another panel of lace highlights the seam that the lower skirt is set into and then the entire hem is finished with the same lace. I love how the placement of lace is done to highlight your shape.
- None of the lace used has any backing so that once this is on the body you get a glimpse of skin through all of the lace parts of the dress. It is brilliant.
- The rest of the dress is made out of beautiful textured hammered black silk. The silk is a heavier weighted silk and it is completely cut on the bias. When you put it on it simply drapes over you and highlights every curve without ever being too tight anywhere.
- It skims over the bust, waist and hips and then comes in slightly to where the bottom lace inset is done. The lower skirt flares out substantially under that and there are yards of fabric in that part of the dress alone. This gives you incredible movement when you walk and finishes the dress beautifully. This flowing hourglass shape was a Galliano signature and this one is absolutely spectacular.
- The inner lining under the lower skirt is finished with yet another panel of black lace, and this peaks out from underneath the skirt. Perfectly tying everything together.
- The dress is an exceptional example from his very early days at Dior. A true piece of fashion history.
- The lace serves as the lining behind the draped front and then the rest of the dress is lined in a black silk except for behind the lace parts which are left unlined. It closes with hidden set side zipper. It is completely cut on the bias so there is a lot of movement and range to the fabric. It is an easy fit and the bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes I have put the range when laying flat in the measurements below. On a smaller frame it will drape more. I see a small scuff on the fabric here and there. Very minor and just mentioned for accuracy.
- Tagged a vintage Dior FR40, GB12, US8
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 13" from top of shoulder to lace under the bust
Total length: approx 65" from top of shoulder to hem. The length may come up a touch once on because of the bias cut.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5474
Reference Photos/Video: Spring 1999 Christian Dior.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
richard tyler
Outstanding 2000s Richard Tyler Black Silk Dress w Gathered Inserts & Scooped Open Back
I Have a Question
- The dress is from one of the 2000s Richard Tyler Couture collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Richard Tyler.
- Richard Tyler was the designer to wear in the 1990s and early 2000s. He won the Council of Fashion Designers of America New Talent award in 1993. In 1994 and 1995 he won the Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson, and Sigourney Weaver were just a few of the stars who loved his work and his dresses made regular appearances on the red carpet.
- Tyler was known for his impeccable tailoring and finishes and at the time employed some of the best tailors and seamstresses in the business.
- The dress is made out of silk and is beautifully structured. It is cut to appear like it just drapes into place, but with its lining and infrastructure around the bodice area, it does have more structure than it appears at first glance.
- This gorgeous little number is in amazing condition and is cut beautifully. It is suspended from the shoulders by tiny straps that curve over and down the back.
- The dress is cut to follow the curves of your body but without being super tight.
- The neckline dips into a wide cut V at the front that allows the straps to sit at the edges of your shoulders.
- There are ruffled gathered panels that are set over the dress to highlight the cut and shape. You see this across the front bodice as they follow the curve, shape and angle down towards the waist, and then start their angled descent down the length of the full dress.
- When you turn around, the back has a low scoop that leaves most of your back completely bare and exposed. It is very sexy.
- The shape through the waist is cleverly created by those inset panels that curve over the body.
- From there, it curves back out over the hips and then falls to the floor. The skirt comes in slightly around the knee area and then the lower part of the skirt widens out substantially as it reaches the hem. Extra fabric has been worked through the back of the skirt where it is cut on a curve that is longer than the front hem. This gives you a sweeping feel as you walk away.
- There are added weights around the lower skirt and the piping that finishes the bottom hem has a touch of padding and weight to it. This has all been done to help hold the shape and volume of the lower skirt around you.
- It looks so simple on my dress form but this is a dress that is a bombshell piece once it is on an actual body. It is so good.
- The dress is fully lined in a black silk and closes with a hidden set side zipper. There is vertical boning on the sides of the bodice to help hold it in place. Perhaps a tiny bit of grubbiness and wear to the edge of the hem but this is extremely minor and only mentioned for accuracy. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present, so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to front hem in the back extends another 6.5" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5476
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.
roberto cavalli
Spring 2016 Roberto Cavalli by Peter Dundas Beaded & Rhinestone Snake Detail White Jersey Dress
I Have a Question
- The dress is from the Spring 2016 Roberto Cavalli Collection and it is a piece that was produced for the shops.
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- The dress is made out of a white jersey that has some stretch to it which makes it very easy to wear and comfortable once it is on the body.
- The neckline is scooped with a slightly wider cut. The shoulders are soft and the single sleeve that the dress has is long and slightly tapered into the wrist.
- It skims over the bust and is gathered in along one side to add some shape to the waist. From there it curves back out and over the hips to fall to the floor in one long sweep of jersey. The dress is in its original uncut length.
- The detailing on the dress is phenomenal. A heavily detailed snake that combines gold tube beading with rectangular and round prong set rhinestones and tiny silver tube beads is set on top of a three dimensional padding. This gives the snake a rounded out shape so that it slightly sits up and off of the fabric.
- The tail of the snake starts on one side of the neckline, wraps around the back collar, and then runs down the front to follow the low cut opening that your arm slips through. It curves around and into the waist, back around the side of the hip, and then the head of the snake sits just above an extremely high slit at the side.
- The snake detail is incredible. I love how he dropped the depth of the arm hole on one side and then balanced that with the high slit on that same side. It feels very sexy but the placement of the snake and the structure that is added by the under padding holds everything perfectly in place once it is on. It is quite ingenious.
- The dress is fully lined through the body with a second layer of the same white jersey and the sleeve has no lining. It zips to close at the back with a hidden set zipper and there is a zipper at the cuff of the single sleeve. I see perhaps the tiniest bit of grubbiness along the inside collar and around the edge of the hem. There are a couple of teeny tiny pulls in the fabric. I have photoed one for you that is at the back near the zipper. Please see the photo after the label shot. These are all extremely minor and noted for accuracy. The fabric does have some stretch so I have put the comfortable range of measurements below.
- Tagged a modern Cavalli 44
- Excellent condition
Sleeve: 24.5" and are 12" around the upper arm
Bust: covers to 15-17" flat across from side to side with no true seam on the side without the sleeve.
Waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 67" from top of shoulder to hem, the slit is 33" from the hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5473
Reference Photo: credit unknown.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
chanel
Cruise 2010 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Look 33 Silk Chiffon Dress w Oversized Floral Print
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the Chanel 2010 Cruise runway for Look 33.
- It was made under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld
- The show was set on the boardwalk of the Venice Lido at dusk. "Coco at Lido" is how Karl Lagerfeld described this cruise collection. Vogue described the scene as Karl "reinstating the long-lost leisurely sensation of a fashion show as an exceptional one-off experience. The 350 guests reclining on sun beds in the famous white tented cabanas certainly felt privileged to be witnessing the extreme glamour of the designer's learned-but-light invocation of an important part of Coco Chanel's biography." The location was "one of Coco Chanel's favourite summer haunts—she visited Venice for almost ten years beginning in 1919 and met Diaghilev here".
- The inspiration behind much of the show was the twenties and thirties and you can see that in the lines of this dress.
- The dress is made out of a feather light ultra fine silk chiffon whose weave gives it the feel of a fine netting or mesh.
- The silk is covered in a beautiful oversized floral print in dusky pastels done in a way that makes then look like they have been hand painted directly onto the fabric. The base colour is a deep blue-purple.
- The dress is sleeveless and the very upper portion of the bodice around the shoulders is a single layer of the chiffon so that it has a touch of transparency. It is cut to skim over the bodice down to the waist. An attached panel of the same fabric wraps around your waist and hooks into place at the back for added shape and subtle detailing.
- The dress falls from there in a swoop of feather light silk to the hem which widens out as it nears the floor. The back feels slightly fuller than the front so you get this pretty billowing effect around you when you walk. This is a signature Karl silhouette to give his dresses as much movement as possible.
- The famous double C logo is worked throughout the floral print of the dress making it clear that you are wearing Chanel.
- The dress is lined with the same fabric through the bodice and the skirt is lined with a layer of a deep blue silk. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper and has a hook and eye at the back of the neck with a keyhole between the two. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a modern Chanel 36
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.25" from top of shoulder to waist
Total Length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5469
Reference Photos/Video: Resort 2010 Chanel, Look 33.
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.
givenchy
Incredible 1980s Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Strapless Blue Matte Silk Dress w Velvet Bow Detailing
I Have a Question
- This is an original Givenchy Haute Couture gown whose number tag dates it to approximatelywho's number tag dates it to approximately 1985 to 1987.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- If not for the tag inside and the number that seems to best place it in that time period we have assigned it to based on other Givenchy Couture pieces we've had in the shop, we would have absolutely thought this was a piece from the 1950s at first glance. It has all the beautiful lines you see in that golden era of Old Hollywood.
- It is made out of a deep blue matte silk that has a bit of a moire design running over its surface. It is a very unique fabric and because the dress is a couture piece it could very well have been specifically produced for this dress.
- The dress is strapless with a handmade built-in interior boned corset to hold it in place around you. It has a stay just under the bust and around the waist to hold it in place and it is lightly boned. I love the extensive hand work that you see inside that shows the high amount of detail that goes into a couture piece.
- The top of the bodice has a slate fullness to it with an added panel of fabric that wraps around the bodice that is gathered and stitched in place by hand to form soft curves and puffs.
- At the front of the bodice there is a large blue velvet bow that has been hand placed. Slightly smaller bows have been attached all the way around the skirt. The bows add a pretty and feminine detail and the contrast of the deeper blue of the velvet is the perfect highlight against the silk backdrop.
- The dress curves in at the waist and then flares out to be very full through the skirt as it falls to the floor.
- The shape through the upper portion of the dress has all been made from the immaculate piecing together of vertical panels. There are eight of them in total and each is shaped to create the curving feel over the bust and waist that you see.
- From there, the skirt curves back out over the hips to meet the first of two wide panels that make up the lower portion of the skirt and give it the volume that you see.
- Each of those panels is set into a seam attached to the panel above, and they are slightly gathered all the way around you. This ties in the feel that the very top of the bodice has and also adds to the volume of the skirt.
- Underneath that gorgeous top layer is a built-in silk underskirt. It has multiple layers of panels built-in around the hem area and more built-in just past the knee. These fall softly under the exterior skirt to help to hold its shape. The inner construction of this underscored is quite extensive and again is a nod to the meticulous detailing that you find in a true Couture piece.
- It is incredibly well made as one would expect for a piece of Couture.
- The dress has weight to it because of all the internal layers but it is balanced perfectly once on the body.
- A full built in bodice closes with its own zipper and the inner stays hook to close. Handmade light padding cups are built in at the bust. The rest of the dress is lined in layers of silk. The dress closes with a hidden set side zipper. All the work is by hand and to Haute Couture standards. The dress has its proper couture label and handwritten tape underneath in place. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag present so please go by the measurements below.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 15-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 50.5" from top of bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5470
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Outstanding Spring 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Bias Cut Black Silk Chiffon Dress w Lace Details & Sequin Halter
I Have a Question
- This dress is from the Spring 2003 Dior collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- The twin of this dress was worn by Jennifer Aniston to accept her award at the 2003 Golden Globes.
- This is a dress that was made for the shops on a limited basis. A version with no sequins or lace, was also made that season, but this one with the extra detailing was only produced for a very limited amount of shops or special order.
- The dress is made from a bias cut black silk that has a slight texture to it. This is mixed with a black lace and then the dress has additional sequin and bead detailing.
- The front curves over you and then dips low at the back. You can see in the try on photos that when this is on an actual body it dips lower down the back and on more of a curve. This leaves your entire upper back bare and exposed.
- Two straps extended out from the centre of the bodice and hook into place behind the neck. There is a heavy detailing of beads and sequins that follow the neckline of the dress and then scatter over and down the bodice. Both the straps are finished with a heavy detailing of beads and little black prong set black glass rhinestones. Where the straps attached at the front there is a panel of silk shaped to feel like the ends of a tie. This is made from one piece of silk that has been folded over onto itself and then cut into angles at its ends. It is heavily detailed with a beautiful scalloped pattern created by shiny black sequins and tiny little glass beads.
- The top blouses over the waist and then there is a wide 11" panel of gathered black lace that starts at the waist seam and curves over the top of the hips. The fabric has some stretch so that you can adjust where it sits on you.
- The skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful line. It is cut to curve over your hips and then flares out dramatically for the lower portion of the skirt. A slit runs up the front centre for some leg to show and this combined with the flaring cut creates incredible movement as you move.
- It is a really exceptional dress and is extremely sexy once on the body.
- The bodice is fully lined in a black silk chiffon and the skirt is unlined. It slips on to wear with no closures. In its original length. The bias cut and slight stretch of the fabric gives it some movement. I have given the comfortable range of the measurements while laying flat below. It appears to have worn very little if at all.
- Tagged a vintage Dior US4, GB8, FR36.
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. The smaller you are through the bust the more the back will drape since the halter holds it in place at the front.
Waist: 12.5-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 15.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 25" from neck to waist but once on the top drapes over the waist seam and it is approximately 15 to 16" from the neck
Total length: 73.5" from neck to hem but once on and the top drapes over it is approximately 63.5" long. There is some play with the length depending on how high you hike the area around the hips.
Slit: 27"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5467
Reference photos: Jennifer Aniston in Dior at the Golden Globes, 2003.
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.
givenchy
Stunning Fall 1994 Givenchy Haute Couture Original Runway Sample Dress w Front Black Bow
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress walk the runway for the Fall 1994 Givenchy Haute Couture collection and this is that actual runway sample.
- It was made under the creative direction of Hubert de Givenchy.
- I love that the reference photos are in colour so that you can see just how gorgeous this actual dress is once on the body.
- The dress would have been completely made by hand in the Paris atelier.
- The fabric is exceptional. It is a red woven silk that has a black glitter pattern applied directly onto the fabric. The black glitter swirls over the dress and is like an exaggerated line drawing that has been hand drawn over the dress. It is a wonderful way to add detail without overwhelming the cut and lines of the piece.
- The front scoops down into a curved V and a black velvet bow sits at the base of the V for the perfect added detail. From there it skims over the bust, curves in at the waist and then curves back out to the top of the hip. All of the shape is created through vertical panels pieced perfectly together.
- The skirt is set into the seam that runs across the top of the hips. The volume that you see is created by the way that it is constructed. It's pleated on the outside and inside. There are several layers of the same fabric done in stacked rose to help support the exaggerated fullness around the top of the hip. From there the skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful outward line. There are many yards of fabric in the skirt and it's volume perfectly balances the fullness through the shoulders.
- The sleeves are extraordinary. They are slightly capped above the shoulder line and they widen out around the shoulder. From there they narrow down to the their ends where there are four hand covered buttons in the same fabric and a zipper to close the wrist.
- Every line of the dress is exquisite and it is a remarkably elegant and beautiful piece of Couture.
- The dress is fully lined in a handset red silk through the bodice and a red silk organza through the skirt. It closes with a back set zipper and there is a zipper at each wrist as described above. Light padding in each shoulder. I see evidence that the back seams were let out. This would be very easy to bring back in if you needed to. There is slight fading to the fabric along the top edges of the shoulder and near the edge of the hem. This is a direct consequence of this type of fabric and I have seen it many times on pieces this age. Please see the photos after the label shot. The dress does not have its main label but has its original Couture sample tag in place.
- There is no size tag present since it is Haute Couture so please go buy the measurements listed below
- Excellent overall condition
Sleeves: 26" and are 16" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 20" from top of shoulder to seam at the top of the hips
Total length: 61" from top of shoulder to front hem, 63" to the back hem with 4.5" turned under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5464
Reference Photos: Fall 1994 Givenchy 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.
Phenomenal Fall 2011 Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Runway Look Hand Beaded Red Silk Chiffon Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this extraordinary dress walked the Fall 2011 Vauthier Haute Couture runway.
- It was made under the creative direction of Alexandre Vauthier
- Alexandre Vauthier launched his label in 2009. He started his fashion career in 1993 working for Thierry Mugler as an intern and working his way up to assistant designer to Mugler himself. In 1997 he joined Jean Paul Gaultier where he in charge of the Couture collections for the following eight years.
- He left in 2008 to open his own couture atelier showing his first collection in 2009. From 2011 to 2014 the label was a designated guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de haute couture and since December 2014 he has been a full Couture member. Vauthier departed the label in 2025 it was acquired by Revolve marking the end of the Couture division.
- This is the actual piece that was shown on the runway and may very well be the only one in existence. I love that we have both the runway reference photos and video. You can see how fantastically it moves and looks once on the body.
- The dress is made from a red silk chiffon that has an extensive and very dense application of red bead work hand applied onto it.
- Every line of the dress has been precisely cut and patterned so that it falls perfectly in the lines that he intended it to be shaped in.
- The shoulders are soft and extend into long cut sleeves that are also completely and densely beaded to match the body of the dress. In the runway photo the shoulders look slightly more shaped than the dress in person to me and I think that they may have added temporary padding to style it for the show. Adding your own is a decision that could be made once you have it in hand and try it on.
- The dress is cut to skim over the body and highlight it everywhere. The sleeves are cut a little extra long so that once on the arm they bunch up a touch. There is a cut out. opening that is left under each arm. I have photoed that so that you can see. This was probably done not only as a design choice but to allow movement and not have to worry about the bead work being constricted.
- The neckline is scooped and the dress is shaped to come in at the waist and then curves back out and around the hips so that it skims perfectly over the body.
- The beadwork that sits over the sleeves and body of the dress has been done and a little sections that curve around each other and catch the light differently as you move. You can see in the video how this creates an almost flame like feel over you.
- The skirt is absolutely amazing. As the beads run down over the hips to join into the skirt they become these long flame like ribbons of bead work that extend into varying lengths down and into the skirt. The effect is absolutely beautiful and perfectly picks up on the way the beads were executed through the body of the dress.
- Under the beadwork, the skirt is made out of a red silk chiffon that is very light and weight. It curves slightly up at the front and then extends out into two angled points at the back which again feels like an extension of the flame motif that the dress has.
- You can see on the runway that once very bright lights hit the skirt, it has a sense of transparency to it. That is quite extraordinary and done to highlight the bead work and add a bit of sexiness to the dress despite it full coverage. At the back it trails out past the hem to float around you as you walk.
- The dress is amazing on the body and it is just a beautiful and very sexy dress and an extraordinary little piece of true Haute Couture fashion history.
- The upper portion of the dress is lined in a silk chiffon through the body and the skirt is unlined. It closes with a hidden set back zipper and each cuff closes with a hidden set zipper. This is the actual dress that was worn on the runway and is completely made by hand. It is the original runway sample dress. The beads have been hand sewn so closely to the edges of the zipper that you do have to take care when zipping and unzipping the dress as they can catch and you can see a little bit of catching of thread and perhaps the very occasional missing bead here and there along that edge. I am being pretty picky. This was done to give the illusion that the dress has no opening. Inside the silk chiffon that was used to line the dress is very delicate and there have been some repairs made. This was probably done after the runway show to strengthen parts of the inner lining and can be typical of runway samples. I also see a touch of a mark on one arm on the inner lining, a small tear and some repairs to the silk of the lining. None of this shows through but is mentioned for accuracy and is photoed after the label shot. Some of the seam work is handed basted and this adds to the feel that this is the original sample because that is often how you see runway samples finished.
- There is no size tag present because it is Haute couture sample so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 28" and they are 9.5" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-16.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 90" from neck to the very longest point at the back hem and the shortest point at the front fall to 49"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5463
Reference Photos/Video: Fall 2011 Alexandre Vauthier 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.
I Have a Question
- This stunning and rare dress set is from the Fall 1981 Fabrice collection.
- It was made by Haitian born designer Fabrice Simon.
- Simons launched his label in 1976 making this an extremely early example of his work and showcases how his early work especially was centred around hand, painted fabrics. He trained as a textile designer originally and pieces like this showcase his love of textiles beautifully.
- Fabrice was a Coty award recipient and one of the preeminent black designers during this time period and pieces by him are extremely difficult to find. Especially at the level that this one is at. It is a very important and collectible piece of Black fashion history.
- The dress is especially iconic because it has two remarkable tie-ins. One with supermodel Pat Cleveland, who wore the twin of the top, and the second with Cicely Tyson who was photographed wearing a version of this set.
- His clothes were worn by some of entertainments most famous names - Kathleen Turner, Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston, who wore one of his dresses to the 1988 Grammy's. The top supermodels of the time like Iman, Beverly Johnson, Christy Brinkley and Jerry Hall were all fans.
- When worn together it does look like a dress but it is a set of two pieces.
- Both pieces are made out of a beautiful light in weight red silk that has a metallic gold design covering its surface. The the gold portion of the fabric have all been painted on by hand and this is where we see Fabrice background as a trained textile designer.
- The top is a remarkable piece of fashion that transcends into art
- Both the front and the back dipped into a V and it buttons down the front with a series of round gold metal ball buttons that slip through red silk loops. There was a little gap left between each button with how it's laid out so you would get a tiny glimpse of skin between each button.
- The top is edged in a metallic gold cord that has a black band twisted around it. This little pop of black and gold contrasts beautifully with the painted fabric and adds a little extra bit of detail.
- The front dips down into a point, and while it has seamed to follow the curve of the body it is soft without boning so very comfortable to wear
- Curving up and around the the shoulders are three rows of silk that has been gathered to form the phenomenal volume and detail that you see. These are stacked beside each other with silk between each row, so they cover the full sides of the top on both the back in front. They are finished in hand edged jagged points and the way they have been set onto the top creates the incredible volume and density that you see in the photos. They add an exuberance to the outfit that is hard to describe until you see it in person. It is just extraordinary.
- The skirt is as fabulous as the top. It is banded around the waist so that you have shape and then it falls very full around you to the hem.
- There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt and it's sheer amount of fabric allows that gorgeous hand painted print to be shown off to the maximum. To achieve the fullness that it has all of the silk has been tightly gathered in and around the waist and then expands outward.
- I love that the skirt has pockets. It is the perfect bit of unexpected ease on such a dramatic piece.
- Having two pieces makes it extremely versatile because you can mix a match either piece with things you already have in your wardrobe. It is beautifully dramatic one worn together and then you also have endless styling possibilities when paired with other things.
- Both pieces have an additional handwritten museum tag from being deaccessioned. One has to wonder if that is a regretted decision.
- The top is fully lined in a black silk and buttons down the front as described above. The skirt is unlined and closes at the waist with hook and eye and then a zipper below that. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- The top is tagged a size Small and the skirt has no size tag.
- Excellent condition
Top
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom edge: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 17" from top of shoulder to bottom edge, not including the added 2.5" extended angle at the front
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 47" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5462
Reference Photos: (1-2) Fabrice and Pat Cleveland for Essence magazine, November 1981. / (3) Cicely Tyson, in hand-painted Fabrice, at the Alvin Theatre in New York City, 1982.
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.
Ady Couture
1982 Ady for Givenchy Haute Couture Deep Copper Gold Silk Dress w Hand Done Sequin Detailing
I Have a Question
- The dress was made by hand in the atelier of Ady Couture who was based in Lausanne Switzerland
- Ady 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 couture fabrics from the couture houses along with the patterns. 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 incredible Haute Couture dress came to me from the niece of the original couture client.
- The dress is an authorized copy of the 1982 Givenchy Haute Couture fdress that we have included reference photos of here. I love having the runway photos so that you can see just how amazing it is in the body.
- The dress is made from a deep copper gold silk. It is very light in weight but has enough structure to hold the stunning lines and volume of the dress. The colour of the silk is even better in person.
- The neckline is a simple scoop and the bodice skims over your curves. The sleeves are incredible. Each one is set on a curve to follow the shape of the arm in the traditional manner of dressmaking. They are set into the shoulders with a beautiful series of soft pleats so that you get a bit of volume at the shoulder. They puff out slightly around the upper arm and then narrow down at their ends.
- The waist is seamed but with a more generous feel. You can use the ribbon belt to cinch it in and add shape.
- The skirt is one of the best skirts I have seen both from a design point of view and by its level of construction. It is gathered all the way around the waist in a series of soft pleats. These puff out slightly and this little couture trick gives the illusion that the waist is smaller then it is. A seam brings the top part of the skirt inwards and then the lower part of the skirt falls to the floor from there.
- The lower portion of the skirt is made from several yards of silk so that it flares out beautifully as it falls.
- Between the two sections is a wide velvet ribbon that wraps around the seam and ties into a bow at the side. Which beautifully picks up on the bow around the waist. The silk of the skirts are lined in a silk organza to help give support but it is really the genius of the cut itself that creates the shape.
- An elaborate and intricate floral design runs across the front and back of the bodice and down each sleeve. Hand done embroidery work is combined with tiny black sequins and hand applied beads. It is some of the finest hand work I have seen.
- The skirt is gathered all the way around the waist in a series of soft pleats. These puff out slightly and this little couture trick gives the illusion that the waist is smaller then it is.
- Inside the dress is completely finished to couture standards with every seam finished by hand. I have taken some detail shots for you to see the fine workmanship inside. It is an incredible piece and absolutely beautifully made.
- The bodice is fully lined in a matching gold toned silk and the skirt is fully lined with a soft gold toned silk organza. It closes with a hand set back zipper and the skirt snaps into place with silk covered snaps over that. Hidden set zippers at each wrist. Hand finished throughout. The velvet ribbon belt is not original to the piece but is included. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Made to Haute Couture standards with a tremendous amount of detail put into its construction. It is a slightly softer gold copper in person then how it photoed. 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" and they are 16" around the upper arm
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of the shoulder to waist
Length: 58" from top of the shoulder to front hem, 61" to the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5461
Reference Photos: Fall 1982 Givenchy Couture 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.
christian dior
Spectacular Spring 2019 Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri Look 86 Gold Thread & Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 2019 show for Look 86.
- It was made under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri.
- It was the second to last look on the runway and one of the best dresses shown. I think it may have been inspired by a dress that I have had in the shop - this Spring 1977 Jean Patou. When they show originally debuted I had shared this in my stories and now I have this modern Dior version for you. A true full circle moment.
- I think it was one of the most beautiful pieces in the entire show and it is absolute magical in person.
- The dress is made out of a light-weight silk that is covered in a gold metallic thread. The underlined silk has a bit of a pattern on it and then the gold has been applied over that.
- The gold metallic part is done in a leaf pattern that trails over the entire dress. The metallic gold catches the light from all angles and gives it this wonderful added extra texture.
- As it near the hem the gold begins to soften and change into the solid silk. The entire dress had been softly pleated and the pleating adds yet another layer of texture to the dress.
- It is suspended from twisted straps that curve over the shoulder and cross over each other at the back. The front plunges into a V and the back is left bare underneath the crossed straps. I love the curving angle of the sides.
- The waist nips in and then the skirt falls to the floor under that in a sweep of silk and gold thread. There is an incredible amount of fabric in the skirt. The fabric is feather light and so fine that when you stand still it falls in a column but moves around you with your slightest movement.
- No matter how great the photos look it is that much better in person. The fabric is stunning. It is a really beautiful dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a nude silk chiffon and closes with a hidden set back zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. It is in it's original uncut length.
- Tagged a modern Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4.
- Excellent condition
Bust: approx 14-18" flat across from side to side with no true side seams
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 14" from top of natural shoulders to waist
Total length: 62" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5460
Reference Photos/Video: (1-3) Spring 2019 Christian Dior, Look 86. Model Fran Summers. / (4-5) Spring 2019 Dior Ad Campaign photographed by Harley Weir.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian dior
Spring 1980 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Haute Couture One Shoulder Coral Red Silk Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of the dress in white walked the runway for the Spring 1980 Haute Couture presentation
- It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
- The Spring 1980 collection was called "Return to Classism". The book Dior:Catwalk noted that the collection "focused on paired back silhouettes with defined shoulders, subtle and belted waists... "My look is one of softness and neatness." Bohan told Vogue. Vogue also noted the one shoulder necklines that were integral to the collection and that is shown so beautifully in this dress.
- This dress would have been made entirely in the Paris atelier.
- During this time period dresses with this black with white text Couture label usually denoted a custom order that was different from the presented piece on the runway. Being that the dress was shown in white on the runway this makes perfect sense.
- The dress is made out of a red silk crepe that is a colour that is flattering on most skin tones, especially with its touch of a coral undertone.
- I love the nod to classic minimalism that the dress displays.
- A single wide shoulder curves up and over your shoulder and the opening that your arm slips through begins and is set slightly off the top of the shoulder so you have just the suggestion of a sleeve. It angles down across you on both the front and the back. The opening dips slightly low on the other side leaving that entire opposite side and shoulder bare and exposed.
- It skims over the bust and blouses slightly over the seam at the waist. The silk is gathered in slightly at the waist and done so that it falls perfectly around you. If you wanted to add more shape you could easily add a belt.
- The skirt falls from there and is constructed so that it wraps over itself to one side at the front and secured in place around the waist. A deliberate gap is left open near the hem and when you walk, move or sit, you get a flash of leg. You can see how this sits so beautifully on the body from the runway reference photos.
- It is a dress that appears to be so simple in shape but every seam and line of the dress was purposefully and masterfully executed and planned.
- The dress comes with a huge rectangle of finished silk in a matching colour that can be used as a shawl or partial cape piece. It is not photoed but will be sent with the dress.
- This is an extraordinary example of his work during this time period and it is an absolutely stunning dress.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching red silk chiffon and closes at the side with a hand set zipper. An inner waist stay hooks to close. All of the work is done by hand to Couture standards. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
- There is no size tag present because it is Couture so please go by the measurements listed below.
- Excellent condition
Dress
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17.5" from top of shoulder to waist but does blouse over a bit once on
Total length: 57" from top of shoulder to hem with 2.5" turned under the ham
Shawl (not pictured)
6.8 feet wide x 9.75 feet wide
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5454
Reference Photos: Spring 1980 Christian Dior 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.
christian dior
Beautiful Cruise 2011 Christian Dior by John Galliano Red Silk Chiffon Dress w Gathered Front
I Have a Question
- This gorgeous dress is from the Cruise 2011 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano.
- On the runway there was a dress that used a similar pleat pattern on the front bodice for Look 26.
- The runway show took place in Shanghai and Galliano said at the time that he was trying to "capture the feeling of Paris in its heyday".
- The dress is made from a red silk chiffon that has a bit of a coral undertone and a touch of texture to it.
- Wide straps curve up and around the neck and the back scoops down to leave your upper back bare and exposed. At the front the neckline plunges into a V.
- The silk is gathered vertically on both sides at the front. All of the gathered pleats are held in place by a series of horizontal ruffles in a matching silk that run down the front. I love how the pleat work narrows down to a point at the waist. This helps to add the illusion of both length and a tinier waistline.
- The skirt is gathered up and into the sides of the point at the front. It skims and curves over the hips and then it widens out as it nears the floor.
- By the time it reaches the hem there is a lot of fabric there and this gives you fantastic movement as you move. This was a silhouette that Galliano loved.
- A high slit runs up from the hem on the top layer of the skirt only. This lets that top chiffon layer catch the air and add even more movement as you walk.
- The dress is fully lined in a matching red silk. One of his signature rows of matching silk covered buttons and loops run down one side and this hides a hidden set zipper underneath to close the dress. It appears to have good morning very little if little effort at all.
- Tagged a Dior FR36, GB8, IT40, US4
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 16" from neck to waist
Total length: approx 62" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD5453
Reference Photo: Resort 2011 Christian Dior, Look 26. Model Sigrid Agren.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
christian lacroix
Exuberant Spring 1988 Christian Lacroix Luxe Demi-Couture Runway & Documented Strapless Floral Mini Dress
I Have a Question
- The near twin of this dress with a separate lace underlay styled underneath it walked the runway for the Spring 1988 collection.
- It was made under the creative direction of Christian Lacroix
- The dress and print are very well documented. Its near twin was shot for Vogue that season and a similar dress is held in the V&A permanent collection.
- Lacroix's Luxe label was only produced the very first couple of seasons after launching his label. It was a very high-end (very expensive) ready-to-wear line that was made to demi-couture standards. It was available primarily to his couture clients and a select few beyond that. It was the predecessor to his regular ready-to-wear collections. The label only lasted the first two seasons because some of the couture clients complained at how close the garments were to their Haute Couture pieces. Very few pieces were made so they are almost as rare as finding one of his Haute Couture pieces.
- The dress is spectacular. It is made from a beautifully vibrant pink floral covered silk that has a secondary texture worked into the silk. The added texture makes the dress even more interesting as you get closer.
- It is fitted through the bodice and I love how this counteracts the volume of the skirt. The bodice is sharply peaked and has built-in boning inside for shape structure. At the back it dips down on a curve to leave most of your upper back bare and exposed.
- It is seamed so that it cinches in at the waist. The dress comes with its original matching silk belt that hooks into place around the waist. A large soft bow hides where it hooks together. I have styled it with the bow to the front for most of the photos but also showed it with the bow to the back. You could also style it to either side (not photoed).
- The skirt is phenomenal. It is one of his signature bubble skirts that has inspired thousands of designer since. It is made from a single layer of the same floral printed silk. All of the incredible volume that you see is created by the way it is shaped, cut and set in around the waist. I love how it extravagantly curves outward around you and then comes back in at the hem.
- The dress is fully lined through the bodice in a black silk and the skirt is lined in a stiffened transparent black fabric that helps to hold the shape. There is built in boning through the bodice. An inner waist stay hooks at the waist and the dress zips to close at the back. Hand finishes throughout. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
- There is no size tag so please go by the measurements listed below
- Excellent condition
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of the peak of the bodice to waist
Total length: 28" from top of the peak of the bodice to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5438
Reference Photos: (1-2) Spring 1988 Christian Lacroix. / (3) Vogue, March 1988. / (4-5) Christian Lacroix dress from the V&A Museum Collection.
All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.
versace
Iconic Spring 1992 Versace by Gianni Versace Jeans Couture Floral Print Full Skirt Halter Mini Dress
I Have a Question
- These full skirted mini dresses appeared in both the ready-to-wear and couture show for the Spring 1992 season.
- It was made under the creative direction of Gianni Versace/
- We have included a ton of reference photos to show you the many designs that were done of this dress and to show you how fantastic the cut is once on the body.
- The collection paired past and present design elements and many of these dresses were shown with cropped denim overtop. He softened his usual baroque patterns with flower designs mixed in. Even with that added softness the entire collection, and especially these dresses, was still extremely sexy and he himself said the attitude of the show was 'pinup girl'. This is an exceptionally fabulous dress and shows why his work is as highly valued as it is.
- The dress is made out of a blue cotton mix that has one of his famous Versace patterns over its entire surface mixed with florals.
- Tiny straps curve over the shoulders and these straps are removable. Take them off and it instantly converts to a strapless dress.
- A gold lame piping highlights the cotton design of the dress and adds a bit of glitz. More of the gold lame has been box pleated and added around the entire hem of the very full skirt.
- The bodice is meant to be more fitted and plunges down the centre at the front. There are three straps going across the plunge to give that signature little hint of bondage that you see so often in his work.
- The waist nips in with an angled band edged in the gold cord to add definition there. The skirt is spectacular. It is set in around the waist in these big box pleats that widen out as they near the hem. This gives the skirt incredible fullness. To help hold that fullness there is a built-in layer of a royal blue tulle underneath the skirt that helps to hold it shape. When you move or twirl or sit you get just a glimpse of this. If you wanted it to be really full you could add an additional crinoline underneath to really give it that full on runway feel. That gold edge that I mention above that runs all the way around the bottom is the perfect finishing touch.
- It is an amazing dress and instantly recognizable as one of his pieces.
- Fully lined through the bodice in a blue silky rayon and the skirt has the added layer of tulle. It closes with a side set zipper. I see the faintest of marks on the border of the plunge. Please see the photo after the label shot.
- Tagged a vintage Versace 40.
- Excellent condition
Bust: 16.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam with extra room at the cups
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of shoulder to top seam of band at the waist
Total length: 34" from top of shoulder to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD5439
emilio pucci
Fabulous Fall 2011 Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas Runway Look 3 Green Print Corset Front Dress
I Have a Question
- The twin of this dress was presented for Look 3 for the Fall 2011 Pucci collection
- It was made under the creative direction of Peter Dundas.
- Besides being shown on the runway it also made an appearance on the amfAR red carpet that season.
- I love that all the various reference photos and video give you an amazing idea of how gorgeous this is on the body.
- The dress is made out of the classic modern Pucci jersey that makes it extremely comfortable to wear but also perfectly defined your curves. The fabric has some stretch and it is lined in a black stretch silk so that it sits very flattering on top of the body.
- The front neck is scooped and is edged in a bit of ruffled raw edged silk for a pretty detail. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long.
- Each sleeve zips to close around the wrist and are finished with that same pretty little ruffle detail.
- The front bodice is phenomenal. It has an inner boned corset piece that starts near the top of the shoulders and then comes down in on angle to the waist. This helps to flatten out the front and push the breasts up. It is a nod to a historical front corset and is very flattering once on the body.
- It skims over the bust and waist around this front corset piece and is brought in slightly to add shape around the waist area. From there it curves back out over the hips and falls to the floor.
- The bottom flares out quite a bit so you have some movement around you when you move. You can see that on the runway video. The back is cut longer than the front so you get a pretty sweeping feel behind you.
- This is a gorgeous example of Peter's time at the label.
- The dress is fully lined in a black stretch silk layer. The back of the corset part is lined in a black cotton mix. It closes with a back hidden set zipper and has hidden set zippers at each wrist. The jersey has some stretch and I have put the comfortable range of measurements below. Its easy fit and stretch should allow it to fit a range of sizes. It is in its original uncut length. It appears to have been worn very little, if at all.
- Tagged a more modern Pucci IT40, FR36, US6, UK8
- Excellent condition
Sleeves: 26.5" and they are 9-11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15-16" and are meant to sit a little wider across the shoulder
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 64.5" from top of shoulder to hem and the back extends 11" past that.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD5432
Reference Photo/Video: (1-4) Fall 2011 Emilio Pucci, Look 3. Model Daphne Groeneveld. / (5) Toni Garrn at the amfAR Gala in Milan, 2011.
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.
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