• The twin of this dress was a part of the presentation for the Resort 2012 collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Alber Elbaz.
• The dress is made of an ivory cotton lace with silk net edging that falls beautifully over the body. 
• The bodice has a soft and romantic feel as it glides over you. The shoulders are wide and curve into a shallow scoop at the front. I love how he chose to edge the neckline and openings for the arms with that little bit of silk for a pretty contrast.
• The lace skims over the bust and is cut more generously around the waist. This helps to keep the silhouette soft and pretty. If you did want a more defined shape you could easily add a belt or silk ribbon around the waist that could be as elaborate as or simple as you wished it to be.
• The lace skims past the waist and then the skirt is set over top of the lace of the bodice in a very deliberate way that makes the seam there a part of the design. The workmanship is exquisite where they meet and I love how the fabric of the skirt has been gathered into little ruffles that curve all the way around you.
• From there it falls over the hips and down to the floor in a beautiful drape of lace. The fabric is light and soft and there is an additional layer of silk chiffon underneath so that it feels amazing against the skin. 
• All of the fabric that was gathered in around the top of the hips is allowed to expand and give you the fullness of the skirt so that you get this pretty sweep of fabric around you when you move.
• It is extremely pretty and romantic in feel.
• The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk chiffon. It closes with an exposed bronze colour zipper at the side. It is in its original length. It appears to have been worn very little at all.
• Tagged a Lanvin size 38
• Excellent condition

Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-seam at top of hips: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from top of shoulder to dropped waist
Total length: 68" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5646

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3925

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

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

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4489

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• The mainline version of this dress dates to 1973 and then this RTW version was released in 1974.
• It was made under the creative direction of Gnyuki Torimaru.
• Gnyuki Torimaru started out as an architect before becoming a textile engineer and then a designer. He worked for Louis Feraud, Pierre Cardin and Norman Norell before striking out on his own in 1972.
• Shortly after the launch of his couture label he teamed up with Rembrandt to produce a ready-to-wear line that had the feel of his couture pieces but was available at locations outside of his atelier. 
• His name became very well known around the globe after creating pieces for Princess Diana’s visit to Japan in 1986. 
• An entire exhibit was dedicated to him at the Kobe Fashion Museum "Gnyuki Torimaru: Legendary Fashion Designer" in 2019. The twin of the dress was also shot for several publications in both 1973 and 1974.
  
• This dress is amazing and it is an incredible statement piece.
• The fabric is a light-in-weight ivory jersey that has a soft slinky feel to it.
• The dress is very easy to wear despite its dramatic presence. It is cut very loose and easy through the entire body and the sleeves are phenomenal.
• The neckline is done in a phenomenal plunge that goes right down to the waist. The jersey is gathered into the waist from the sides to create the soft vertical draping that you see.
• The gathering at the front and the deep plunge are key features to the design of the dress. It is what creates that beautiful draped feel that runs all the way to the hem.
• The sleeves are created by extending out the jersey from the body of the dress. Each one starts incredibly wide as it comes out from below the waist area and then narrows down to a extra long cuff that closes with two buttons at their ends.
• The extreme volume above the long defined cuffs are what helps them to billow up above the wrist more.
• This design leaves the caftan completely opened on the sides from the bust area all the way down through the waist and hips.
• From there it swoops down to the hem to create the unbelievably dramatic draping down each side and it lets the fabric billow around you beautifully when you move.
• At the back it falls in one swoop of fabric to give an almost caped effect
• The movement and boldness of the design is amazing to see. Everything about this dress has a feel of organic movement and drama. It is a remarkable dress and even more stunning on.
• The dress is unlined and it closes at the front at the base of the plunge with a zipper. There is a jersey covered elastic piece that you can step into around the waist if you wish. It could also be worn without that if you need more room. The outer jersey layer is tremendously voluminous and its easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just drape more. 
• There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition. 

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust-hips: open
Total length: 59" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD5790

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This is a gorgeous Couture dress from 1970s Lanvin.
• It was made under the creative direction of Jules-Francois Crahay
• Jules-Francois headed the Lanvin ateliers from 1964-1984. He has been noted as one of fashion’s'great colorists with his colorful patterns making his 1970s Lanvin designs hugely desirable and influential.' His time at the Lanvin label is one of my personal favourites.
  
• The dress is not perfect so please make sure to read the entire description and view all the photos.
• The fabric is made from a combination of an ivory silk chiffon with panels of silk brocade handmade ribbon that have been added in vertical lines down the front.
• The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are set into them slightly deeper than a normal sleeve so they have a bit of volume. 
• The sleeves are made of a single layer of the chiffon so that they have a touch of transparency. They remain wide all the way to the elastic set around the wrist. This lets them puff out above your hands in the most beautiful way.
• The bodice skims over the bust to a seamed but generously cut slightly dropped waist. You could add a belt if you wanted extra shape. When worn as it is photoed it simply skims over you to let the full impact of the ribbon take centre stage.
• From there the skirt curves over the hips and continues to expand outwards to the floor. There is an immense amount of fabric used in the skirt. It has been gathered in soft pleats all the way around and this is what helps to give it its fullness. When you move, it moves beautifully around you.
• The ribbons that run down the full front of the dress are beautiful. There are seven in total. Four of them are done in shades of blue and green and three in pale yellow. These are set vertically over the bodice, stop at the waist and then are picked up again just under the band of chiffon at the waist.
• On the skirt they are set on the top of the pleats so when you move you get a vertical band of silk chiffon between them. It is very pretty.
• The dress is fully lined in an ivory silk and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a series of hidden hooks and snaps down the front. Elastic at each wrist. I see a small very faint mark on the outside of one sleeve and some minor grubbiness around the edges here and there. There is a more substantial yellow mark near the hem. I have taken a photo of it spread out so you can see the full extent of it. I have also taken a photo of it as it falls so you can see that the impact of it is lessened once most of it is hidden within the pleats. I have everything dry cleaned but it was not aggressively cleaned so it is possible that it could come out with a more aggressive specialized cleaning. 
• There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 25.5" and they are 14"around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15.25"
Bust: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from neck to waist
Total length: 61.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5789

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

• This dress dates to the early-mid 1970s.
• It was made under the creative direction of Gnyuki Torimaru.
• Gnyuki Torimaru started out as an architect before becoming a textile engineer and then a designer. He worked for Louis Feraud, Pierre Cardin and Norman Norell before striking out on his own in 1972.
• Shortly after the launch of his couture label he teamed up with Rembrandt to produce a ready-to-wear line that had the feel of his couture pieces but was available at locations outside of his atelier. 
• His name became very well known around the globe after creating pieces for Princess Diana’s visit to Japan in 1986. 
• An entire exhibit was dedicated to him at the Kobe Fashion Museum "Gnyuki Torimaru: Legendary Fashion Designer" in 2019.
• This dress is amazing and it is also an incredible statement piece.
• The fabric is a light in weight ivory jersey that has a soft slinky feel to it.
• The dress is very easy to wear despite its dramatic presence. It is cut very loose and easy through the entire body and the sleeves are phenomenal.
• The neck line is high and then the entire front is gathered into a circle that sits at about the waist area. It is gathered into the circle from both the top and below.
• This gathering at the front is key to the design of the dress. It creates that beautiful draped feel that runs all the way to the hem at the front.
• The sleeves are created by extending out the jersey from the body of the dress. Each one starts incredibly wide as it comes out from below the waist area and then narrows down to a easy cuff.
• The extreme volume above the cuff is what helps them to billow up above the wrist more.
• This leaves it completely open on the sides in the bust area and it is very full and generous through the waist and hips.
• From there it swoops down to the hem to create that unbelievably dramatic effect. It lets the fabric billow around you beautifully when you move.
• At the back it falls in one swoop of fabric to give an almost caped effect.
• The movement and boldness of the design is amazing to see. Everything about this dress has a feel of organic movement and drama. It is a remarkable dress and even more stunning on.
• The dress is unlined and it closes at the back with a zipper. There is a jersey covered elastic piece that you can wrap and hook around the waist if you wish. It could also be worn without that hooked if you need more room. The outer jersey layer is tremendously voluminous and its easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. On a smaller frame it will just drape more. The neck would not close on my dress form and I have included its measurements below. I see a couple of tiny minor very faint marks. Please see the photo after the label shot for an example.
• There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below.
• Excellent condition. 

Neck: 13" around
Sleeves: approximately 24" and they are full and open around the upper arm.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust-hips: open
Total length: 62" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD5788

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 Bates founded the Jean Varon label in 1960 and it quickly became known for the futuristic designs and innovative use of fabrics.
• He dressed Dianna Rigg portraying Emma Peel in the 1965 season of the action TV series "The Avengers" and that helped bring him more commercial success. 
• By the late sixties and into the seventies his work tended more towards more floating, feminine designs. Some of the very best pieces were made during this time period.
• His caftans in particular are fabulous and they are some of my favourites to find. This is the second time I have had this design in the shop.
• My client who bought the original one had sent me some shot shots of her and her daughter-in-law wearing hers and she graciously has allowed me to share them so that you can see how fantastic this is once on the body.
• This is one of the best caftans I have seen from this label and because of the voluminous and open cut it should fit just about anyone and any shape.
• It is made from a wash and wear jersey that has just enough weight to it to help hold the lines and make it drape correctly once you slip it on.
• It is seamed all around the edges so it is closed down each side.
• The neckline is cut into a wide squared off opening across the shoulders. It dips down and has an edging of crochet work that you can see a glimpse of skin through.
• At the centre of the front there are attached ties that curve up to tie behind the neck. You can also wear it off the shoulder and let the sides drop depending on how wide across the shoulder you are. This gives it another look again and is really fabulous.
• There are slits along the side to slip your hands through and then the entire body of the caftan is a simple loose and open cut.
• An elaborate crane and ocean design runs over the entire surface of caftan. The backdrop is a pale blue-grey colour and then the print is done in soft tones on top of that. As it nears the bottom of the caftan it turns to a solid black with cranes flying over the surface. The contrast between the two is spectacular.
• When it is on the body the black at the bottom helps to add to the drama and floating feeling the caftan has.
• Everything about this piece feels pretty and romantic while still managing to feel strong and bold. It is really an exceptional piece.
• The caftan is unlined and slips over the head to wear. It ties at the neck as described above. The edges of the cotton lace around the neck have softened a touch and there is a tiny faint scuff of mark here and there on the white part. Two tiny breaks in the fabric near the hem. It is very minor but mentioned for accuracy.  The open cut should fit a wide range of sizes.
• Excellent condition

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

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-XL OSFA

Item# DD5786

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

• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Spring 1976 YSL collection.
• It was made under the creative direction of Yves Saint Laurent.
• On the runway the skirt was pulled up more than how I have shot it here and I love that that shows you how versatile the dress is in terms of how you can wear the length.
• A similar dress was also used for the ad campaign.
• The dress is made out of a light floral printed pink silk jersey that has some stretch to it and drapes beautifully over the body while keeping light in weight.
• The neck line is set wide across so you can wear it off of the shoulder for a bare expanse of skin to show. An elastic is woven through the top of the neckline so you could also wear it up and on the shoulders if you wished.
• The sleeves extend out from there and are cut to just above the elbow. Their ends have elastic which allows you to change their length on your arm and how they sit.
• The bodice skims down to an elastic waist and this tops, a another panel of the same fabric that also has an elastic band that goes all the way around.
• The two bands of elastic are what let you choose how high to wear the dress around your waist and hips. You can dramatically change the length from a very long full length to something more like what you see on the runway. Bringing the dress up just allows the silk jersey to drape more over the layer underneath.
• The skirt is under the final band of elastic, flares out slightly as it reaches its hem. When the dress is laid out flat, it is extra long and then once on adjusting where the elastic band sit determines the final length.
  
• This is an absolutely stunning example of his work during this time period and one of my favourite pieces I have ever had in by him.
• The versatility and ability to style. The dress in multiple ways is just fantastic.
• The dress is unlined and slips over the head to wear with elastic as described above. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.
• Tagged a YSL 40
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: approximately 16" and they are very full around the upper arm
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 11-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Lower elastic band: 14-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approximately 15" from top of natural shoulder to elastic waist and there is 16" between the two elastic bands
Total length: 70" from top of natural shoulder to hem and then you can shorten the length by how much you adjust where you wear either elastic band

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD5776

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.